Capt. Mark East’s Advice to the Careworn, Confused, Lovelorn and Other Outdoor People

Captain Mark,
Since my only daughter, our only child, was 7 years old, I have been showing her how to shoot both pistols and rifles, then later, shotguns and taking her on several hunting trips. She’s probably not as gung-ho as a boy might be, but the three of us have had a lot of fun together (her mother also enjoys the outdoors). Now that she’s going off to college next year, she’s asked to take a few guns along. What would be your advice?
Signed, Arming a Daughter

Dear Arming a Daughter,
Guess I would have to ask which college first. Some seem to warrant carrying a weapon to classes these days. On the more serious side, and I’m sure from your letter you trust your daughter explicitly, you would need to find out the school’s rules. Some have a lockup area for guns, etc. where they can be checked out. In my checkered college career, I also used to do some hunting and this worked well.

Dear Capt. East,
Several friends in our Yacht Club have gotten together and leased two sailboats in the Carribean. These are crewed boats. They are trying to get enough members together to fill the cabins for a combined ten-day cruise. I’m really wondering if I like some of our members well enough to be cooped up for ten days, no matter how big the boats are.
Signed, Close Sailing Quandry

Dear Close Sailing Quandry,
You’ve made a good point. Good friendships can go to pieces quickly in situations such as you describe. I’ve captained good charters and some I’d rather forget. I’ve seen seemingly good friends almost come to blows over something as simple as who’d been drinking the most alcohol. (Rum being frightfully cheap and always available in the Carribean). Pick your mates carefully and tread lightly.

Write: capmarke@gmail.com