Wreckless

I just gave my son a copy of Shadow Divers, a fantastic book about the quest to identify a sunken German U-boat off the coast of New Jersey.  I didn’t do it because it’s such a good read, though.  I did it because I think his underwater future (sigh) may be that of a wreck diver.

I have little interest in wrecks myself.  I graduated from Mass Maritime Academy and spent years shipping out, first as a mate, then as a captain, and the last thing I want to do is spend my time looking at yet another ship – even one underwater. 

Some of this disinterest may also be due to a dearth of good wrecks around here.  I always enjoy diving the U-853.  Ditto for its neighbor, the Bass.  But the PT Teti, the Poling, the Pinthis, others of this ilk … eh.  I’m just more interested in marine life.

Which brings us back to the boy.  I have a feeling that he’s a whole ‘nother story.  When we dive in Eastport, with incredible marine life all around, his focus is on digging though the muck for old bottles (thanks a lot, Alan Shepard!).   A torpedo bottle he pulled up last summer was the highlight of the trip, and I know that any girl he brings home is sure to get a showing.   Old plates, silverware, portholes, et cetera, just seem like the next logical step.  

So if Shadow Divers indeed triggers an interest, I’m probably looking at a summer with at least some wreck diving mixed in.   The boy is only 15 so we’ll probably stick to a few of the shallower fresh water wrecks.  I’m thinking the OJ Walker in Lake Champlain (you know, I actually enjoyed that one), the Weetamoo in Lake Sunapee (hey, I enjoyed that one, too), and the Lady of the Lake in Winnipesaukee (okay, that one, not so much). 

And maybe it won’t be so bad.  I could probably use a change of pace.  But hopefully, at some point, he’ll find at least a little interest in marine life, too.