Fleeton Virginia – A Short Film By Wray Sinclair

Some behind the scenes photos – 6AM

This past August I was fortunate enough to be able to work with a great film maker Wray Sinclair for the Boatress on this very sweet video, which is planned on becoming a series. The boat was built back in the early 60’s for Emory’s father by fellow Woody Boater George Butler’s father here in Reedville VA. HIAWATHA is a local favorite boat. She was used to go to Palm Beach Fla every winter and went on many a fishing trip here in Fleeton and Reedville. By the way, Reedville is the big town to Reedville.

Emory is an amazing guy

But slowly as we were developing the short film, we found that the boat became a metaphor for a larger story. A human truth, that true joy can be found where you are, not someplace else. The time you spend chasing happiness, is time you can’t get back.

Behind the scenes filming – FLEETON VA

Wray and Emory

Shooting in the AM for the best light

The sun gods were happy that day

Headed to Reedville VA

The tower in Reedville. We had an audience

Back from the shoot

A man outstanding in his field…Bay..Creek

Crab pots! land mines, Prop pullers, LUNCH!

Can I go?

The same can be said for our boats. It’s not really about the boat, but our relationship with the boats. Please enjoy this short film.

A huge thanks to Emory Lewis, Wray Sinclair, Picrow Films, Suzy Smith   And the wonderful Northern Neck community that embodies humanity and kindness.

 

13 replies
  1. Ronald
    Ronald says:

    What a cool video, What a life he has had, Beautiful area, I always wished my parents would have moved to somewhere like this when I was small. Thanks for sharing.

  2. Dave Bonacker
    Dave Bonacker says:

    Great story and film. Reminds me of how blessed I have been. Raised on a small family resort and have been able to to live on the lake for the last 60 years. Oh the boats I wish I still had ! They just didn’t seem that special at the l time, but boy did have fun.

  3. john
    john says:

    “A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” -George Augustus Moore

  4. Steve in the woods
    Steve in the woods says:

    Rural life. After I fertilize 16 rows of English peas, 2 of onions, hopefully will have enough left to work on plans built (in 1956) Playboy! Then, maybe go fishing.

  5. Mike VanMiddlesworth
    Mike VanMiddlesworth says:

    Doc Emory, thanks for putting into words what I (we) feel about the water. I enjoyed the film and am very impressed by Hiawatha! I have spent many years on the water in ships a lot bigger and have seen them tossed about like toys. Then I imagine being on Hiawatha on a trip down to Florida and can appreciate the adventure, thrill, and on the calm days the beauty and peacefulness. Thanks for sharing.

  6. Florida Kid Too
    Florida Kid Too says:

    Wow, this is terrific! I grew up in St Pete on Tampa Bay and moved to Clermont on the chain of lakes and live the Florida life style and feel blessed! Thanks for sharing.

  7. Mark in Ohio (sometimes da U P )
    Mark in Ohio (sometimes da U P ) says:

    What cool video and story. Having commuted to Cincinnati every day from a rural area. I was always happy to get home every night. Even happier to spent summers on the water. I can see where he is coming from. I am glad that I grew up in a different time. People used to look out for each other, and each others kids.

  8. Troy in ANE
    Troy in ANE says:

    The more time goes by the more grateful I am for the life I have lead.

    In my youth on the lake I too would leave in a 12′ open boat and be gone for hours on end. Exploring islands, picking wild blueberries, towing home floating debris, and of course flirting with pretty girls.

    Now I have raised my own family on the coast and have stepped into the cruising world.

    Some days I pinch myself just to see if it is real.

    Thanks for sharing this great video.

  9. floyd r turbo
    floyd r turbo says:

    Unfortunately, these kinds of places are quickly disappearing with over development and over population. As a kid I’d sneak downstairs to watch Johnny Carson around the corner from my parents sitting in the L/R. A frequent guest was Stanford professor and author Paul Ehrlich who wrote The Population Bomb. It was a little over the top with predictions of world famine (although that has happens in Africa) but something Carson obviously agreed with based on the number of times he had Ehrlich on the show. Reminds me of another recent prediction by some in the scientific community that has triggered worldwide hand wringing.

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