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Guests who visited
Over dinner that evening, I spent a fair bit of time chatting with the new group at their table. Jo, the daughter of the Australian woman, worked in the film industry. A few years earlier she had worked on the production of “The Man from
Over dinner, I drew him into the conversation. He’d not long turned nineteen years of age and was taking a year’s “sabbatical” before going to college. During the following week of the group’s stay, I continued my attempt to draw Jamie “out of himself” at every opportunity. I realized it must have been a bit difficult for him being on holidays with his mother, her best friend and Jo, the daughter, who was in her late twenties. Not an ideal age group with whom a young man should be spending his holidays. On top of the obvious, Jo appeared to be in “recovery” from some unspoken malady, broken-heart or both, so she wasn’t the brightest of company for anyone, let alone a lad of nineteen. The day of their departure arrived. I took Jamie aside and told him if he ever wanted a job during his stay in
A pleasant surprise awaited me on the end of the telephone line a couple of weeks or so later when I received a telephone call from Jamie asking me if my job offer still stood.
“Of course it does!” I answered. “I’m so glad you made the decision. When can you get here?”
Within a few days, Jamie arrived to the island. At first, my staff was wary. Bronnie, for one, said to me when I announced that he would be joining them, “You mean that guy who was holidaying here a couple of weeks ago…the good-looking one?”
“Yep..that’s him,” I told her.
“But, he’s stuck-up!” Bronnie retorted petulantly.
“How would you know that, Bronnie? You don’t know him. Just because he’s a handsome young man, it doesn’t make him “stuck up!” I said, more than a little agitated by her prejudicial attitude. “Give the boy a chance when he gets here. I expect…I want you and the rest of the crew to give him a “fair go”. Don’t judge a book by its cover. I got to know Jamie when he stayed here, you didn’t! He's a lovely young fellow...you'll see!”
In no time at all, the staff, both male and female fell in love with Jamie. He was such a fine young man one couldn’t help but fall under his spell. He had absolutely no airs or graces about him whatsoever. David, my wild, cleaver-swinging chef and Jamie became great mates. It was the best thing that Jamie could have done, come to work at the island resort. It certainly made his visit to
Late one afternoon as I approached the restaurant area after changing into my evening attire (smart-casual), I heard a lot of ruckus and much loud laughter. There in the pool in front of me, David and Jamie, dressed up as pirates, were sailing one of the island’s small (tiny) catamarans. They were smaller than a Hobie cat! I blew a fuse, even though inside I could see the funny side, but at the precise moment I kept a lid on it. I ordered them out of the pool and to take the craft back down to the beach where it belonged. I’ll never forget the look on their faces. They were like two little boys being harshly reprimanded by their mother! To this day, I laugh about it, each time I recall that afternoon.
It wasn’t really about them that made me angry. Only a couple of days before their innocent hi-jinx, a guest, unbeknown by me, had sailed one of the small wind-riders out far beyond the island’s permitted perimeters. Restrictions had to be put on to the area guests could sail. I didn’t have the necessary safety and rescue teams in case of emergencies. The small craft were really only suitable for playing around in close to the resort beach.
Bob, the skipper of the powered Reef Cat that was contracted to the resort to deliver guests, provisions etc., to the island and who also took the island guests for day trips to Ramsay Bay, the Brook Islands, Garden and Goold Island, and when the winds permitted, Zoe Bay, was coming back to Hinchinbrook from a day out with guests at the Brook Islands around 3.30 pm one afternoon when he passed the guest heading out to sea. Bob hailed the lone sailor asking if he’d like a tow back. The errant sailor shook his head and said he didn’t need any assistance. Bob continued back to the resort where he reported his sighting to me. I growled. I couldn’t believe anyone could be so stupid, but on second thought, I knew I should never be surprised by what some people will do!
I scanned the ocean, but could only see the outline of the Brook Islands on the distant, eastern horizon. There was no sign of the lone sailor. Dusk fell, followed quickly by the darkness of night. Ted jumped aboard “Lady of the
Around
So when I spotted David and Jamie in the pool with the sailing craft so soon after that incident, I saw “red”. Their actions made my words to the foolish guest redundant. Anyway, my anger didn’t last for long. We laughed about it once they returned the boat back down to where it belonged. Jamie’s time on the island was good for everyone. He won the hearts of my staff, both male and female. Also, I think it served an important time in his growing up.
It was a Saturday. A journalist from the “Townsville Bulletin” was expected on the Reef Cat, which was arriving around
That evening the staff got together and a small party “for” Jamie eventuated. We toasted Jamie's future and in his absence, we wished him well.
Some of the staff and I heard from him a couple of times after he returned to the States, but as life has a habit of interfering, contact was eventually lost.
(I don't know why a portion of my post came up in smaller font...I've tried to correct it, but for reasons known only to blogger, I'm unable to rectify the situation!)
Thanks for writing the story of this young man whom you briefly mentioned the other day at my blog. I can see why you remember him so well.
ReplyDeleteregards
jmb
It was your post that triggered this off, jmb...brought all those fond memories of Jamie back to me. I wish my scanner was working, then I could have posted a couple of pics of him.
ReplyDeleteA nice story Lee of a very nice sounding young man.
ReplyDeleteHi Lee ~~ Another nice story
ReplyDeleteabout a young man you got to meet and
help. So sad he had to leave in such a hurry. I think Hinchinbrook was your favourite place. How long were you there Lee ?
Thanks for your comments, glad you don't need to drink bottled water
but not everyone is so lucky. Glad you have enjoyed my post. Made your meatloaf today - very tasty -thanks
for the recipe. Take care my friend, Love, Merle.
Blogger is getting younger it doesn't need the bigger font with it's reading glasses. That must be why the smaller font. :) I love reading your stories.
ReplyDeleteI saw the picture of those two sailing craft and immediately thought, "Now that's what I want to do some day." But not like that fool you talked about. Aren't there sharks in the waters there? Big ones too? That's what I keep hearing.
ReplyDeletelee
ReplyDeleteYou write so well that I am forever in sprit with you as you tell those stories. I could even feel the wath of a breeze at times. What a lovely youngman to remember.
Peter and Merle...there you go again...in tandem! I'm sure you two are joined at the hip! ;) Two years almost, Merle.
ReplyDeleteIs that what it is, Sandra? I thought perhaps my fingers were getting smaller! ;)
Yep, Dave...if you want to go out further, a larger craft would be advisable!
Hi Lady Di...Jamie was unique...I hope he has done well in his life.
Thanks for your comments, everyone. :)
Lee, you are a greater weaver of stories...Jamie sounds a lovely young man and your portrayal of him is a picture in words. Lovely story.
ReplyDeleteHey, Robyn...glad you enjoyed it. :)
ReplyDeleteHe sounds a lovely young man in all ways, Lee and it's interesting how people prejudged him because they felt threatened by his looks. I'd have had no time for that inconsiderate guest either! How awful for you having had to break the bad news to JAmie.
ReplyDeleteI meant to say I like John Nettles, too, and it's good to hear he's a nice guy in real life. Also meant to say those are stunning photographs.
ReplyDeleteYes...the staff soon learned the error of their prejudicial ways when Jamie entered their domain, Welsh. It was good for them, I believe...as they had created their own little world on the island and then along came Jamie, who shattered all their preconceived notions. ;)
ReplyDeleteNicely done Lee. Great read as per normal for you.
ReplyDeleteYou spoke of a lad at one of the hardest points in his life. That age is surrounded by so much uncertainty. At the age it's "What am I going to do, believe, act like and the list goes on and on."
And of course the ever constant search to insure his gene pool lives on. I suspect that part went okay for him owing to his looks./
Hi Cliff...yes, it is a difficult time in a young person's life. I think as far as his progress in the "genes' pool"...I think, with Jamie, that would have come a lot later than some of his peers. He was a shy lad. I think his short time on the island did help him come out of himself a lot. I think it was probably one of the best things that could have happened to him. Unfortunately, his time on the island was cut short.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you, Cliff. :)
Good one Lee.
ReplyDeleteAt 19, I would have been estatic to be in Australia. I was into SCUBA with the old WW II style gear that was really cheap then.
It was a dream come true in 1990, a whole lot of years later, when we spent our 10th aniv. there. I am ready to come back again. I met a lot of great folks. Lost track of all of them. Time does that.
BTW, the font size looks ok to me.
ReplyDeleteYou must have forgotten your specs.
Hi Marc...no, not forgotten my specs...impossible for me to do so as I have a million pairs laying around (slight exaggeration)...one paragraph is in small font than the others...the paragraph that starts with "A group of four arrived by seaplane one Saturday."
ReplyDeleteYou would have loved diving out at the Brook Islands...next time you come this way you'll have to go out for a look, at least...and of course, you and Stormy have to knock upon my door! ;)
Lee, an enjoyable read. Pirates in the pool, that's good.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Steve...good to see you. :)
ReplyDeleteSurely there must be someone out there somewhere that knows where Jamie is now...what a sad ending to a wonderful working summer....
ReplyDeleteI would hope so, Rebecca...I'm going to do a search on the net for him, I think...just out of curiosity. Thanks for your comment. :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting story about the Island guests and the young man. Despite the annoyances of unreasonable guests it’s appears your stay was a memorable and an enjoyable period of your life. A relatively smaller Island I think has its own unique flavour which is distinct from the mainland; Hinchinbrook obviously was very agreeable.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
I'm so glad you offered the Jamie a job. I know it was a time he will always remember fondly. Another great story, Lee.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was a wonderful time of my life, Lindsay and one I'm glad I had the chance to experience. I'm not sure what you mean by "a relatively smaller island" as Hinchinbrook is a large island, 245sq miles in area...although, I must admit, the resort is only small...taking up only 22 acres of the greater expanse. I guess, that's what you mean. Island life is unique, completely from mainland life, you are so right. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Corn Dog...that was one of my rare good decisions, offering Jamie a job! It was good for all of us. :)
Thanks to you both for your comments. :)