A Thrilling Adventure: Molly Waldo Young Man's First Voyage To The Grand Banks Of Newfoundland

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to embark on a perilous journey across the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean? Join Molly Waldo, a young man filled with determination and adventurous spirit, as he sets sail on his first voyage to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. In this adaptation of his gripping tale, we delve into the heart-pounding experiences, the breathtaking landscapes, and the tests of resilience faced by Molly on his remarkable seafaring expedition.

The Call of the Sea

From a young age, Molly Waldo dreamt of the sea. The tales of brave sailors and their daring escapades sparked a flame within him that could not be extinguished. Yearning for adventure and craving to explore the unknown, Molly decided to answer the call of the sea. Equipped with an unyielding spirit and an insatiable curiosity, he sought to conquer the majestic Grand Banks of Newfoundland, an area teeming with abundant marine life and renowned for its treacherous conditions.

The Journey Begins

As the young man set foot on the wooden deck of the vessel, a mixture of excitement and nervousness consumed him. The unforgiving waves crashed against the ship, serving as a reminder of the daunting challenges that lay ahead. The crew, a multicultural ensemble of experienced sailors, welcomed Molly warmly and imparted valuable knowledge of the sea, ensuring his inclusion into the tight-knit community aboard the ship.

Molly Waldo! A Young Man's First Voyage to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, Adapted from the Stories of Marblehead Fishermen of the 1800s

by Bethe Lee Moulton(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3148 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	126 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Sailing day and night, Molly soon found himself entranced by the endless horizon, where the sunsets painted the sky in hues of pink, orange, and gold. However, the alluring beauty of the ocean soon revealed its unpredictable nature. Storms would descend upon the ship with little warning, tossing it about like a small leaf at the mercy of the wind and waves.

A Battle against Nature

The ship sailed through treacherous waters infested with icebergs, threatening to crush the vessel at any moment. The crew, scarred by previous expeditions, constantly scanned the horizon for these icy behemoths. Guided by their experience and Molly's determination, they successfully maneuvered through the frozen labyrinth, narrowly escaping imminent danger.

But it wasn't just the ice that posed a threat. Ferocious storms whipped across the Atlantic, testing the crew's mettle and pushing their limits. Unforgiving winds battered the ship, forcing the crew to hold on for dear life and weather the turbulent onslaught. Molly, paired with a seasoned sailor, clutched the ship's rigging with white knuckles, his youthful strength bitterly tested against the wrath of the ocean.

Unveiling the Grand Banks

Days turned into weeks, and the relentless pursuit of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland continued. Finally, the ship reached its destination, and a breathtaking sight awaited them. The vastness of the ocean seemed to transform into a thriving ecosystem, as seagulls soared overhead and whales breached the surface, their powerful tails slapping against the water.

Molly's eyes widened as he witnessed the abundance of cod fish swarming beneath the surface. The seasoned fishermen on board taught him the art of catching these prized creatures. With skill and finesse, Molly cast his line into the depths, feeling the tug of a successful catch as the fish fought back with all its might.

A Tale to Remember

Molly Waldo's first voyage to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland was not simply a captivating adventure - it was a transformative experience. From the battles against nature to the camaraderie forged amongst the crew, every moment of Molly's journey was etched into his memory, shaping him into a more resilient and daring individual.

As Molly bid his companions farewell and set foot on solid ground once again, he carried with him the lessons taught by the unpredictable ocean. The challenges faced, the bonds formed, and the wonders witnessed would forever serve as a reminder of the daring spirit within him, urging him to seek out new adventures beyond the horizon.

So, are you ready to be swept away by the awe-inspiring tale of Molly Waldo's first voyage to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland? Prepare yourself for a mesmerizing journey, filled with adventure, resilience, and the unmatched beauty of the boundless ocean.

Molly Waldo! A Young Man's First Voyage to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, Adapted from the Stories of Marblehead Fishermen of the 1800s

by Bethe Lee Moulton(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3148 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	126 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Folk art and archival voices carry readers on a historical sea voyage with the self-reliant fishermen who lived and died in search of cod.

Sign-on to the fishing schooner Fides with Jon Bowen—age sixteen. Learn to fish with Old Orne who survived the Great Gale. Climb up the mast with daredevil Bart who fears nothing. Stand accused of stealing from a dead man before Captain Perry.

For adults, young and old, Molly Waldo! is a visual and verbal portrayal of a harsh reality that was early New England life – a reality lived with courage, trust and honor.

*****
Imagine leaving home at the age of 16 to earn your living on the tempestuous North Atlantic. Aboard a 60-foot schooner with a six-man crew, you will sail for 12 days to reach the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. On those distant fishing grounds, you must brave the sea alone in a 15-foot dory to search for the prize . . . cod! No engine, no electricity, no cell phone, no GPS. To survive, you must rely solely on your shipmates and yourself. Many fishermen from your town never return home. Will you, like your grandfather, drown in a storm? Get lost in the fog? Be run down by a steamship? Be swept overboard?

This is no imaginary life. This was the reality of many men and boys from New England seaports in the 1800s.

Molly Waldo! was inspired by the story-telling art of J.O.J. Frost, who went to the Grand Banks in 1868, at the age of 16. When he was 70, he painted his memories on odd pieces of wood. The Frost paintings featured in this book are in The Marblehead Museum and Historical Society (along with logs, letters, and newspaper clippings that preserve the accounts of Marblehead fishermen). The adventures of those seamen are adapted in this tale of a young man’s first voyage to the Banks.

“Molly Waldo” was the joyful shout exchanged when vessels from Marblehead met on the fishing grounds. Townsmen rejoiced to see familiar faces, swap yarns, and share messages from home. Now readers can join the courageous, self-reliant men who were the bedrock of one New England town.

Molly Waldo! Table of Contents

Foreword by Pam Peterson, Director of the Marblehead Museum and Historical Society

Map of the Grand Banks and North Atlantic
Who’s Who in Molly Waldo!

Chapter 1: Signing On (August 1868)
Chapter 2: The Gilt Rooster
Chapter 3: Readying the Fides
Chapter 4: Off for the Banks
Chapter 5: Ganging the Hooks
Chapter 6: Handlining with Old Orne
Chapter 7: Becoming a Blooded Banker
Chapter 8: September Gale
Chapter 9: The Day Nothing Would Bite
Chapter 10: Blizzard on the Banks
Chapter 11: For Home with a Full Fare

Glossary
Recipe for “Joe Froggers”
Bibliography
List of Paintings by J.O.J. Frost
Acknowledgments
About the Authors