What’s In A Name

What’s In A Name

Everything on a boat has a very particular name, usually obtuse and bound up in nautical history. That said, I’ve de decided to officially name the contraption that I use to collect rainwater.

Introducing….

The Russian RainCatcher 2000 Extreme, High Seas Model.

And if you order right now, we’ll send you a second RainCatcher absolutely free! Just pay shipping and handling!

And why the Russian RainCatcher and not say, the Canadian or Sailor’s? Space pens made me name it thus.

Back in the 60’s when the Americans and Russians where locked in the space race, both countries were trying to solve problems that had never even been imagined before. Time was of the essence and the whole world watching.

Among the many things an astro or cosmonaut needs is something to write with. Sounds simple enough, but how does one take some notes or make a re-entry calculation in zero-G. Inverted. At 25,000 miles per hour?

NASA put it out to contract and the Space Pen was created specifically for use in the hyper extreme environment of space. It will write underwater (if after splash-down you have to hurriedly pen something to a loved one), it’s pressurized so zero-G is not a problem, and it is almost entirely stainless steel so it will not rust or corrode. Great stuff that and it only cost a small rather than a large fortune by NASA standards.

The Russians, facing the exact same problem, simply supplied their cosmonauts a pencil. Problem solved.

I was feeling pretty smart about my rainwater collection system when I realized I had reinvented the bucket. People have been collecting water in buckets for centuries. To boot, I already have two collapsible buckets aboard. So much for inventive firsts…

You can hop down to your nearest marine chandlery and pick a Russian RainCatcher 2000 Extreme – High Seas Version for $79.95. Or, go to camping store and pick something similar up for a paltry $11.95. Better yet, how about getting a bucket at the DollarRama for a buck?

For a buck, you will make the cosmonaut in you proud.

Follow my tracks in real-time:
https://bit.ly/svseaburban