Here’s a little ditty sure to bring a BIG SMILE to the face of all regular SSECN visitors. And, it’s a good example of why a professionally moderated nautical web site is a good idea!
This all began when we received the note and photo below:

As many of us know, the Albemarle can be a handful. A lazy cruise through the Alligator-Pungo Canal makes it all worthwhile.
Clyde Lee & Diane Willis
Aboard Friendship 1987 Grand Banks 42

I took one look at this pic, and dispatched the following e-mail to Captains Clyde and Diane:

Hello Clyde and Diane:
Your photo looks an awfully lot like the Dismal Swamp Canal to me, and not the Alligator – Pungo Canal. Am I wrong?
Claiborne

And, just this morning, received this reply:

Oh My. The next-to-the last editor let one pass. Diane was organizing pixes and sent this one over to me mislabeled. I — yes– I must take full responsibility given the number of times I have done the “North Carolina Loop” from our base @ Atlantic Yacht Basin. I shoulda recognized it. Hope you won’t think too little of thus retired newsman.
Clyde Lee

Well, Clyde, trust us, we do NOT think “too little” of you, particularly having made similar mistakes myself more times than I can count. One incident that comes to mind occurred in the first edition of my “Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida,” in which, somehow, Jupiter Seasport Marina was located a couple of miles from where it actually resides. Boy, did I have egg on my face for an entire year about that one, until a new edition of CGEF was released!
Oh well, when any of us find the perfect person, be sure to let me know. Until that occasion, let’s all just keep on doing the best we can!

And, reaction from Captains Diane and Lee after we published the above:

Claiborne,
Thanks for the posting. I am sending the link to our cruising (and non-cruising) friends…especially some former fellow co-workers. Diane and I spent many years –too many to admit to–as television news anchors. Some of our fellow journalists sometimes gave us “front liners” a little friendly ribbing from time to time…claiming that anchors sure can read, but don’t know how to write! (Don’t you believe it. Diane has 7 Emmy Awards for her global documentary work, of course, I have none!)
We enjoyed your response to our posting!
Keep up the great, great work. I check out your website nearly every day! It keeps me afloat when I can’t feed my cruising addiction. And when we are cruising, we take copious notes gleaned from your website regarding problem areas, fuel prices, marina and dining suggestions. And of course, we have your books.
Regards,
Clyde Lee
Diane Willis
“Friendship”
1987 GB42

Words to live by,
“Trust But Verify”
Thanks for the inclusion,
Despite my confusion.
We will make sure to say Hi the next time we attend one of your presentations, which we always enjoy.
Clyde Lee
Diane Willis
“Friendship”
1987 GB42