Article by Curtis Pack
It was late October as I sailed towards my day’s goal on the Ohio River. Cruise- camping in my faithful 14 foot Peep Hen, I was exploring the river’s beauty. Darkness was falling and so were the finicky winds. Sailing up river on these long stretches of the Ohio can be quite desolate, and with no moon and cloudy skies the light was fading fast. There is heavy barge traffic on the Ohio River and while the 1000-foot long string of barges and boats normally stay in the center of the river, occasionally, they drift off and brush a riverbank a bit too close. It is therefore prudent when anchoring or camping to find a small creek or wash to anchor in with some protection.
By the time I found a small creek entrance it was very dark. I ghosted into the narrow opening, swept the water surface in front of me with my flashlight to ensure it was clear, and turned my bow 180 degrees to face the river entrance. The area was no more than 25-feet wide, but more than enough for my 14 foot Peep Hen. Releasing the anchor, I could just make out the river surface in front of me. Tired from the day, I climbed into the cabin, put some calming music on, and quickly felt the pull of sleep.
I believe that all sailors sleep somewhat hyper-aware, tuned to the motion and feel of their boat. The first sensation that awoke me was a slight but growing vibration. Not a roll or pitch, but a shaking of the whole boat—growing each second. Next, a rough, roaring low pitch sound—a guttural growl growing louder and louder. Then bright white lights flashing at a fast, irregular rhythm. I struggled out of my bag and berth popping up out of the open hatch to see, hear and feel this alien’s arrival! This was it! Either the rapture or a close encounter, my heart racing it took a few long seconds to put things into perspective.
It was a train! Although I had visually swept the surface of the water behind me I had not looked up. Forty feet behind me and 20 feet up was a railroad trestle bridge across the narrow creek. The lights were flashing as the headlight of the engine showed through the trees. The mighty roar of horsepower pulling 100 coal filled rail cars and the thunderous vibrations of the mechanical cacophony were a bit overwhelming.
After the train passed and my nerves settled, the power of sleep once again returned and I fell into a tumultuous sleep after my first alien encounter. •SCA•
It’s October, so time for a few spooky sailing stories! Tell us about your scary moments afloat. Was it a thick fog, an encounter with a passing ship at night, a reckless jet skier, or just a sinking feeling? Send your horror stories—fictional or not— (any length) to josh@smallcraftadvisor.com and we’ll share some of our favorites with readers. —Eds
This reminded me of our apocalyptic encounter with an airboat on the Texas 200. Takes a while to know what's happening!
https://smallcraftadvisor.substack.com/p/texas-200-the-wrong-way?utm_source=publication-search
This was a very well written story. I'm often impressed with the quality of writing i find in SCA. Would be interested in finding out if Curtis has published other boating stories.