Why Did This Happen and Where?
Learning good seamanship is a never-ending education as there always seems to be some new challenge for those who are active on the water. Perhaps that is one of the attractions of boating for many people: they like to test their ability to cope with new conditions in command of their vessel. The above picture was sent in by a member who was in an Asian country for a very special purpose and one we think is a meaningful one.
 Bill Stilwagen, a BoatTEST.com member, sent this picture in last week for your edification. He took it March 6, 2010. Can you guess where it is and why the ship is aground? |
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Reader Bill Stilwagen writes--
“Here's why it's better to be at sea and underway during a typhoon, rather than being at anchor and sipping coffee.
Place: Da Nang Bay, Vietnam.
Date: March 6, 2010.
Camera: Kodak Z612.
“Even though I'm a retired commercial boat builder, I've always been an advocate that, "If your cup is full, you can learn nothing." Someone who "knows everything" is a recipe for disaster.
William Stilwagen, Bush Guide
VIETNAM Battlefield Tours
Bill Stilwagen, is an unpaid volunteer for Vietnam Battlefield Tours, and so that is why he was in Da Nang last month and got the pictures. If you are a Vietnam vet or not, a trip to Vietnam to see its historical sites as well as the battlefields that made headlines in America for a decade will be an emotionally moving one, as it was for us when we were there a few years ago.
Today Vietnam is a vibrant, bustling country with hard-working and very friendly people – even to visiting Americans! -- and we heartily recommend a trip there for anyone.
A recent follow-up note from Bill Stilwagen said--
As you already know, Vietnam is a beautiful country full of pleasant surprises. The people are gracious and open --- especially those in the deep countryside.
It is truly healing and meaningful to come full circle in one's life. That's why we work so hard to bring veterans (and their family members) back to the exact spots where they lost friends, where they experienced the worst of times, and ironically, where some of their fondest memories are still held. In addition, we bring educational tours, escort documentary film expeditions, and provide Professional Military Education (PME) for active-duty military personnel on the exact sites where the battles occurred. Many private citizens come along as well --- makes for a riveting, fun, and unforgettable vacation --- and you certainly can't beat the all-inclusive price.
All of us here at Vietnam Battlefield Tours feel very fortunate to be in a position where we can do this work.
Following is an excerpt from the Vietnam Battlefield Tours website--
“VIETNAM Battlefield Tours was founded by a group of Vietnam Veterans dedicated to providing reasonable priced, quality and professionally staffed tours to the battlefields of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for veterans, their family members, historians, educators, active duty military and those interested in visiting the battlefields of Southeast Asia.
“The most difficult step of any journey is the first.
"Thought About Going Back?"
“Going back to the battlefields of your youth can be difficult, but it can also be a rewarding and settling experience. There are many reasons to return to Vietnam, they are as personal and individual as each of the veterans who have return.
“If you decide that you would like to return to Vietnam, this is an opportunity to join fellow veterans, some with whom you may have served in-country with and others with whom you have that common bond, the VIETNAM EXPERIENCE. Our tours not only cover the battlefields, but also Vietnam's historical sites.
“There will be ample time to experience Vietnamese culture and enjoy the country's beauty. Tours are planned around the individual and group schedules and are flexible.”