ChipsNet.net

"A great night for a cruise," thought Chip, as he took the helm from Captain Brad, the clock striking midnight.  The moon showed bright on the glistening waters of the Mississippi River, as the M/V Margy Kelso was southbound with eight loaded sugar barges.  This night started Chip’s second week on the wheel of a tugboat, having just been promoted from Licensed Deckhand to Pilot. 

“Well Chipper,” said Captain Brad, “get you a cup of coffee and I will give you the lowdown on traffic.”  Chip poured some of the strong ‘tugboat’ coffee that he was required to acquire a taste for, remembering Brad’s statement, “if you are going to be a tugboat captain, you must drink tugboat coffee.” Taking a sip of the stout coffee, gaining the taste for the strong brew, Chip stated “Lay it on me.” 

“Ok, the stern lights you are looking at ahead of you are from the Dixie Renegade . . . He passed us just below Port Allen Lock forebay.” Brad continued “The Baton Rouge Gauge was reading 34-foot flood stage, so you are making about 14 miles an hour downstream . . . Don’t forget, on the canal we only made 3 miles an hour, so if you get in a bind, you will have to round-up and grab some bank to stop.”  “That’s comforting,” thought Chip.  “I heard a couple of large tows southbound ahead of you, down around Manchac and White Castle light.  You will have to plan your passing with them, as they will be flanking all points,” continued Brad.  “Remember, with your being new, I’m at location 3 on the intercom; holler if you need anything . . . and happy herding.”   

With that said, Captain Brad went down the stairs, leaving Chip herding the 8 loads of sugar down the boiling Mississippi.  “Dixie Renegade to the northbound tow taking the point-side at Plaquemine Point, I’m the southbound tow looking at you . . . one whistle,” boomed the VHF radio.  “Creole Lady is northbound, point-side at Plaquemine, one whistle works for me,” the radio once again echoed.  Grabbing the mic, “Margy Kelso is next in line behind the Dixie Renegade, 8 loads, southbound, I’ll be on the one also,” replied Chip.