This is the first Gunk’holing reprint I’m preparing since Brian passed away in May. I thought it would be fitting to recall a moment he described as “The best vacation of my life.” Here scenery, atmosphere, and precious personal moments come together. – Kevin Shortsleeve (Brian’s brother, and editor of a work in progress, The Best of Gunk’holing.)

---

Sort Of A Working Vacation

Cape Cod LIFE October/November 1994

The beginnings of the day are reflected all over the still-sleeping har­bor. A slight fog clouds the entrance channel between Cuttyhunk and the cliffs of Nashawena. The morning-wet salt air muffles any sound. This hour of the day holds no end in sight. And Joshua is cozied under his white cotton blanket asleep in my lap. Josh was six weeks old the day he, Judy, and I set sail for our beloved Cuttyhunk and our month-long vacation aboard The Lady Carline. Emily, Josh’s best friend and nanny, helped us pack and push off for The Lady Carline. As Emily waved from the shore, I got a sinking feeling and said to Judy, ‘I’m afraid we’re about to find out what life is really like, with Josh, and without Emily.”

Getting to Cutty was no problem, a smooth sail for all concerned. However, the first few days were somewhat challenging, to put it mild­ly. Once we threw away the “First-Time-Parents Handbook” things went more smoothly. Also, it helped when we resigned ourselves to a few facts: yes, we’re aboard The Lady Carline but no, our daily sched­ule will not bear any resemblance to the way things used to be; just fig­ure that Josh seems to need something about every six...