The Dinghy Run
By Kathy Becher
Friday evening of the River Heights Marina sail away (Sep 5-7), and it is time for our annual dinghy run
to the Nauti Hawg. This year we decided to start the dinghy run earlier, hoping to beat the sunset and the
onset of cold air. We had ten people with only two dinghies. This required our two dinghy owners (Mark
and John) to make multiple trips from Treasure Island to the Nauti Hawg and return. Needless to say, with
multiple trips in a dinghy, we all barely arrived at the Nauti Hawg before sunset. The first trip by both
Mark and John went off without any issues. John’s second run began with Julie and Kathy leaning over
the front of the dinghy, picture two dogs resting their front legs on the boat and leaning over the front
looking at the river, all in an attempt to get John’s dinghy on plane which didn’t happen. John was very
concerned and commented that he didn’t understand why he couldn’t get up on plane as he had with Dan
and Sheila Cole. John was very polite to tell us that he was sure that there was something wrong with the
engine and nothing to do with our weight. We hadn’t gotten far when John decided to investigate,
switching fuel tanks, stopping and restarting, all to no avail. We floated for some time, almost returning
where we started. Finally we got underway, still putting along, but enjoying the view. As we entered the
main channel the dinghy hit two sets of rocks dinging the prop. Mark finally came back to see if all was
ok, and helped by taking Kathy from John’s dinghy, yes John’s dinghy finally got up on plane. Now for
the trip back to TI. Sheila and Julie took the first trip with John. As they started out they came up on the
barge/tow that just passed us. John elected to pass the tow on its starboard side, eventually running
aground on a sand bar. Keep in mind it is totally dark and the second dinghy taking off has no idea what
just happened. Mark’s first trip back was with Kathy, and Melissa and Joe Harms. Of course we couldn’t
get up on plane. I know your thinking the common person here is Kathy. As we enter the back channel,
John and his group come from nowhere to join us. We still have three people sitting at the Nauti Hawg
needing to be picked up. With Mark running low on fuel and John unable to get up on plane, the two of
them head back out together. Returning from the Nauti Hawg with all parties aboard, Mark runs out of
fuel just as they enter the back water. John comes to the rescue towing Mark and crew back with Ray
holding on to the tow rope. Ray loses his grip allowing John to speed away leaving Mark and his crew
dead in the back waters. After a few yells and laughs John returns to retrieve them, both dinghies return
to TI with all parties aboard safe and sound.