Before retiring, Rick used to take customers, friends and family members salmon fishing in Alaska and British Columbia. Before heading out in small boats, he and/or his companion always checked the gear, such as nets, gaff, compass and map.
On his most memorable trip, he took our eldest son, Trevor, with him. They were so excited, they jumped in the boat and headed out. They fished, mostly catch-and-release, and cruised up and down, in and out of dozens of small inlets and bays. When they turned around and headed back, a dense fog bank fell upon them. Rick said it was so thick he could barely see our son at the other end of the boat. Not to worry, just get out the compass, right? For the first time in 5 trips north and times three checks every day, Rick had forgotten to check for compass and map this trip. They were not there.
If he put in toward shore, they could end up on the rocks. If he put out into...