During the 2002 off season Pedro took on a project to build a boat that would help the club members retrieve deer that run across the creek after being shot. A canoe had been used in years past but they just didn't seem to have enough room...hence the boat idea. Pedro got the idea for a Mudbrook Boat from his Uncle Lloyd who told him that back in the old days they used to make their own boats for drifting on the Mudbrook. After drawing up some crude plans and buying the necessary lumber Pedro was on his way. He would work on it whenever he had a spare moment and sometimes would take his three little kids out in the garage and let them "help". His daughter Bailee even had green hair one day to show her mom how much she had helped (she actually sat on the ground and dipped her hair in the paint can on purpose). After many trial and error building experiences the "boat" was finally completed in mid-August. It was quite a site.
Pedro had kept it a secret all summer, but after completion, he started showing it to people, including the other Mudbrook boys. The sight of it caused a chuckle from just about everyone who looked at it and many comments were made regarding the "seaworthiness" of the vessel. One of the most notable remarks was that it would make a really nice fish crib when it sank. Ouch! When it came time for the initial launching of the boat, Pedro decided that it might be best to do it alone. So, on a Saturday morning in August he loaded the boat in his truck and drove to Mudbrook. Once there, he cleared an opening in the thick brush, backed his truck to the creeks edge, and pulled the boat into the water. To Pedro's relief (and disbelief)...the boat floated! It was a great moment in nautical history! Pedro was so proud of himself. Now, to see if the oars would work. Nope, they didn't work all that great...needed a little adjustment. Pedro proceeded to paddle the boat around the Birch Point to the place he had chosen as a strategic landing spot...only having to portage it around one big beaver dam.
During the next visit to Mudbrook, Lefty came along with Pedro and his newly adjusted oars. They went for a ride down the creek and Lefty mentioned that he had an old 5 horsepower motor at his house that might work well on the boat. Are you serious? A motor on this thing...what a great idea! The following week the same two guys headed to Mudbrook again, but this time with the 5 horse motor and Barnacle in tow. Barnacle was badmouthing the whole idea of the boat floating and the motor actually working. Well, after some "enhancements" to the boat (to allow the motor to be attached) everything was ready and it was time to start the motor. It didn't run well at first but once it got warmed up it purred like a kitty drinking warm milk. It was beautiful! The motor pushed the boat wonderfully through the tight winding curves of the Mudbrook. The only setback of the day was when Barnacle and Pedro were sitting on the middle seat and it broke, sending Barnacle to the floor of the boat with a thud. After recovering from hysterical laughter, the trip continued and the seat was totally removed after the boat was up on shore. The Mudbrook Boat was a success and whether or not it will ever be used to transport a deer is trivial. The fun, laughter, and enjoyment it brought to Pedro and the other boys make it a special part of Highbanks Hunting Club History.
THE MUDBROOK BOAT
A Pedro Project
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