A Message in a Bottle

Last October we went on an adventure, a cruise to Bermuda. The adventure part was Steven and I sharing small cabin with three boys, Noah, Christina and Jonathan. We had a great time! While on the cruise, Steven and Noah sent a message in a bottle overboard. I helped by drinking the wine so that they can use the bottle.

It was a well thought out plan that began back home a month before. They typed up the letter on the computer that included Steven's email address so whomever found it can contact us.  We timed throwing the bottle overboard while we were in the gulf stream, hoping the bottle would ride the current to a far off and exotic place.

The Good News: The bottle was found and someone reached out to us! 

The Bad News: The bottle leaked and the letter was damaged.

Nigel, our new friend who found our message, was clever enough to Google what little information he could make out and found Steven and Cristina Schoeck listed on the Gilead Congregational Church website. He contacted the church via email which was then forward to us. As it turned out, the bottle followed us to Bermuda.

Hey Schoeck Family,

I apologize for my response taking so long.

I came across your bottle on a beach called Mangrove Bay. The beach is on the western side of Bermuda which means your bottle navigated its way through roughly 10 miles of Bermudas reef!! A feat that many sailors have failed at!!

I was on a walk with my dog and saw the bottle at the waters edge. I must admit that I did not notice anything in it so I picked it up and threw it towards the trash. My aim was not far from terrible and the bottle smashed. It was then that I saw something had fallen out and I could make out some writing. As you can see from the pictures it was very weathered and all I was able to get from your message was the important info!!! 

I am very happy to have been able to get in touch with you. Growing up as a kid here in Bermuda it is a dream to find a message in a bottle and it has taken me over 30 years.

If you or any family are ever back in Bermuda, please send me an email. I work for a company called Fantasea Watersports as a yacht captain and would love to have you guys on board.

I will try and attach the photos to this email. If it does not work I will send them separately.

Yours,

Nigel