� Dogwatch 1 Dogwatch 2 Dogwatch 3 Dogwatch 5 Dogwatch 6

�

The bearded character in this strip, who we call "jonesy", is supposed to be modeled after the legendary cruising sailor Tristan Jones, whom I met many years ago at a boat show before I knew who he was. At the time, he was missing one leg and was at the boat show to raise funds for what would be his last voyage. It was obvious that he didn't want to be there. but as I learned much later, we sailors have an advantage over our land-locked siblings. We know that our epiphanies come at a price. Tristan was there to pay for one.       When I met him, I figured,'what the hell. I'll give this guy a shot. He looks more authentic than most of these potbellied, dock jockey, checkbook sailors who I normally see around.'. So I went to the table and searched for the cheapest of his books. I believe it was "ice". he autographed it for me and I went about my smug, merry way. I have been a huge fan ever since.       There is a british friend of mine who describes most of what Tristan Jones wrote as "balderdash". Even if my friend is right,I don't care. For every lie told in a sea story, there are many more events which, quite simply, defy description. How many times have I tried to describe a sunrise I saw in 1982 to a gaggle of barflys who wouldn't recognize God if he were sitting cross legged on an ice cube in thier rum and coke. in 1982, God winked at me.       Sea stories are probably the one area where lying is accepted, even expected, and maybe even noble. I for one, have never lied. As for tristan jones, I believe every word.

Tracy Wright