But this is why it's great hiking & kayaking there, ... there's always surprises from wildlife to interesting artifacts that drift ashore, including faux-wildlife -- often as a result of Kyra's natural disposition to sniff out ... trouble. :/ In fact, since January, we found 2 decoy hunting docks floating - picked up a Mallard, ... but the Ring-Necked duck got away.
While fetching her sacred Sycamore branch (note: it grew since January), ...
Kyra spooked this goose away she stoodby this bottle that drifted onto the banks.
It contained a 'message in a bottle'.
It was in a rather large bottle with a screw-capped top, possibly malt liquor. Inside was a damp illegible handwritten note that stuck to the sides. So I brought it home and attempted air dry it o/n, but it stuck drying to the side even more. So I considered 2 other options; 1. break the bottle or 2. dislodge it by filling/flushing it with water. This next method worked. After some gentle shaking, the note sloughed off, then curled up. After slowly inverting the bottle a few times, the note evventually flushed towards the neck; and was easily removed from the opening.
Anyway, it's not a particularly remarkable note, although the writer had very neat and meticulous handwriting. While it was not dated, he signed it with an address/phone contact number (hidden). I pasted the message on the image. From what I can profile from the note, the writer is likely in his late 60s-70's and probably tossed it into the Potomac River a few weeks ago, while fishing near his home in Martinsburg, VA ~40miles north of Great Falls. MD. He's probably retired, who's certainly proud of his service, but nostalgic for his 'brothers' who served with him during "Viet Nam", ... as he spelled it.
Care to join us in a letter writing campaign?
I have no plans of calling him, but may actually reseal the message and put it past Great Falls , where it would have most likely been destroyed, given the rough currents, high flooding and debris flowing through this region recent days and weeks. After some thought on how best to approach this 'find'. Imo, it would be nice for some of us to write this sender (Sgt. C.L. Rice) a short handwritten letter or postcard, thanking him for his service to this country (US). With just a postage stamp and only 10 minutes of your time, it could make his day.
You're welcome to include the printed image of his 'message in a bottle' below with your own personal thoughtful message, but please don't mention this site, other than state that a 'friend' had found it. Truthfully, Kyra had first sniffed it out anyway,.. but she can't read,... yet.
In my "handwritten' letter, I'll write something like this:
To Sgt. C.L. Rice. (US First Infantry Division, Ret.)
408 Virginia Av
City, State
Martinsburg, WV 2540
I read your 'message in a bottle' that was recently discovered along the Potomac near Great Falls, Maryland on April 24, 2011. I wish to thank you for your service to our country during Viet Nam. Your service and the service of your 'brothers' are greatly appreciated. Together, you each made America a great nation.
Forever grateful,
Name
City, State
No comments:
Post a Comment