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Blake
Boatworks

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P.O. Box 91
Gloucester, North Carolina
(252) 729-8021
blake@blakeboatworks.com
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Notes from the Field - "Cherokee" Huckins Restoration Project
October 12, 2003
Smoldering bonfires from Hurricane Isabel debris are now drenched with Autumn rain, filling the air with the smell of wet
ash. The Cherokee crew rolls right along with interior woodworking. Tom Parker finished hanging doors in the stateroom, guest
rooms, and heads after installing locks.
Door Lock Installation
Tom also finished up the trimwork along the console and entryway to
the galley area. Just before the hurricane, Eamon Connelly - a Bostonian (love that accent) and
specialist from Vector Controls - flew in and worked out a few kinks
with the steering system. Then the crew went for a mini shake-down cruise along the Straits.
The Cherokee was amazingly smooth, cutting through the choppy water as if it were slick
ca'm, just like the Cedar Island ferry.
Coming in After Shake-Down Cruise #1
Entryway Trim to Galley, Console
Leonard and Chris installed the original hand rails to the Huckins. Chris glued up the wainscotting, and
installed air conditioning vents such as the one depicted below. Pretty!
Air Conditioning Vent below Loose Drawers
Ms. Syndey Jane Wise, age 8, agreed to model some of the new linens and bedspreads that were made up
in preparation of the Darden's first solo trip to Cape Lookout. Below left is the aft
guest stateroom, which of course has a matching bunk across the way and a head with toilet and
sink. To the right is the V-Berth.
Guest Stateroom and V-Berth Linens
Here's how the master stateroom is shaping up. This sofa converts
to two pilot berths (i.e. bunk beds), across from the double bed. Impressed with the color scheme? Thank interior decorator
Catherine Williams.
Master Stateroom
Here's Syndey relaxing after an exhausting modelling session (she was paid
in greek olives and humus - she said it was almost as tasty as
her favorite snack - pickled ocra.). Note the freshly cushioned deck bench. Yet to be installed is the wing door that will be to
Syndey's right, our left.
Deck Bench with Cushion
Milton and Ruby Styron of Davis had all their belongings that were somewhat salvageable
in boxes outside their home. The fisherman and his wife, who have lived in their modest house
on Croaker Street for forty some years with no flooding, had several inches of water in their
home from Hurricane Isabel, but were fortunate to move in with their son and family right
across the street in a raised house. They've had the Methodist Men's group come help, along
with various college students that volunteered their time to come to the coast for assistance.
"One of our children called after the storm and said, 'Now, Mama, when people offer to help
you, PLEASE accept!' laughed Ruby. "One student came down and he had pierced nipples. He
worked hard and was the nicest fellow. We certainly are meeting new people through this experience."
She also told about finding a spot of blood on her sock after removing her boots. She examined her
toes and could find no cut or scrape. The next day when she went to put her work clothes back on, she
discovered a poor tree frog that had been squished in the toe of her boot! All Milton Styron could say,
momentarily resting in a chair next to his gutted-out home beside boxes of old 78 rpm records, was
"We are blessed. We are blessed." Signing off for now, Barbara "Fish Doctor" Blake
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