Day 3. Today's story is more a series of facts about two of my Pop's greatest passions in life; the ocean and boats. For anyone that knew Pop, they were well aware of these passions. People from all over the world know of Pop for this. I'll digress slightly here but, Pop used to tell me a story about when he and Nan were trying to cross the Canadian/American border. They were in a massive line, and finally got to the front. The Marshall that was stamping their passports, took one look at Pop and said "I know you." Pop was a little confused until the man explained. He had watched a documentary on the Great Barrier Reef in which Pop had featured in, and had recognized him. Practically a celebrity right? Anyway, pop said they that sat talking to the Marshall about boats, and Australia for half an hour, while all these poor people were waiting in line behind them. The Marshall was just so very fascinated in Pops life.. As I, and a lot of other people are. Anyway, I'll get back on track shall I?
Long, long before I was even thought of Pop had boats; both personal boats and commercial tourist boats. The impact Pop made to the tourism industry in Mission Beach was so great, that they have recently named the brand new jetty after him. Unfortunately, he was not around to see this happen but he would have been so proud to have his name there representing all he stood for.
One of Pop's very first boats, was a speed boat name "Astra." And yes, every single boat was named. Pop used this boat to take friends, family and random strangers he met along the way, out to the islands or reef, to go fishing, snorkelling or water skiing. I've posted a photo below of this boat, with Pop and his catch for the day. I've also posted a photo of Poppy single skiing. Skiing was another one of Pop's endless list of talents; he once single skied with both my mum and my aunty on his shoulders. Impressive? I think so. He also featured in a magazine commercial for ______. He kept the magazine clipping all this time and I have shared it below. How good looking was he?!
Pop upgraded from his speed boat, to something slightly bigger. He invested in a boat which he named "MV Purtaboi" after the island just off the coast of Dunk Island. This boat was used for tourism purposes, but also for transporting cargo from mainland Australia to Dunk Island. Pop took everything from cars and machinery, to flocks of sheep. I kid you not, it was like Noah's ark (pictured below).
Then invested in another boat, "MV Purtaboi II," which he ran simultaneously with Purtaboi. He did not simply buy this boat, he built it too. In innisfail, Pop constructed the biggest boat that had ever been built at the time. It was a 90 foot, single hull, timber vessel. As Pop was now running two boats at once, he had a partner. They would often have both boats out at the reef at the same time, fully booked out. The owner of Dunk Island, who happened to also be the owner of P&O at the time, was very impressed with their business and wanted to buy it off them. Of course Pop didn't want to sell, but his partner did and they ended up selling.
This was when Pop bought "MV Friendship". He bought this vessel as a prawn trawler and he, and my mum, converted into a passenger friendly boat. this boat was a 60 footer, and was always fully booked; even with P&O running the other boats in competition. Soon enough, Pop realised he needed a faster boat in order to make the most out of his trips, and give the customers a better experience.
This was when he invested in "MV Friendship Flyer". This boat was a lot faster and therefore, was used for the Beaver Cay reef trips. The Friendship was kept solely for Dunk and Bowden Island trips.
As Pop skippered the boat out to the reef, they would tow fishing lines behind the boat. They would often catch Mackeral and Tuna. If they ever caught Marlins or other fish h owever, they would release them. The Mackeral would filleted and given to the passengers to take home and the Tuna would be served as lunch for the resident Groper. When Pop first started going to Beaver Cay regularly, he noticed a Groper that would always be there. He soon became a favourite of the passengers, and was named "Ulysses." Ulysses would like to spend his time underneath the boat when it was moored. Pop and Ulysses would put on a show for the passengers; Pop would lean right over the side of the boat and would hand feed tuna, to the Groper. The passengers loved it and it soon became one of the attractions that made Pop's trips stand out from others.
MV Friendship Flyer is the boat I remember from my childhood. I used to love headed out on the weekends, sitting on Pop's or Mum's laps as they skippered the boat; looking at the dolphins, whales, turtles or whatever other wildlife was out playing that day. I should also just mention here, because if I didn't pop would be mad, that my mum was the first girl in Queensland to get her skippers ticket. Ever. Pop was so incredibly proud of that fact, and used to tell everyone about it. Everytime I saw him, he would tell me... At least once. I think he was just so thrilled that his passion was passed onto one of his daughters. Speaking of my mum, and the friendship and the ocean, I have another story for you; but that will have to wait until tomorrow.
This is only the very tip of the iceberg of Pop's boats stories; there will be many more to come. One involving a dog and the Groper, one involved a baby's bottle and the Groper, and one involving Pop and the gropers mouth being a little too close for comfort. There's a cliff hanger for you...