They'd named it Silver Birch, after the silverbirch trees that lined the creek.
She fitted the oars into the rowlocks.
'Don't forget your life jacket,' Mum reminded her.
'I know,' Jessie said, putting it on.
'It's too bad we don'thave any champagne,' Dad said.
'Why?' Jessie asked.
'To launch the boat. To celebrate the solo voyage of Jessie Haye son board the good ship Silver Birch.' 'Hold on,' Mum said. 'I have an idea.' She ran to the house, and returned with a plastic bottle. 'How about lemonade?' she said, shaking it.
'It's going to fizz and explode,' Jessie warned.
'That's the idea,' Mum said, unscrewing the top. The lemonade shot out over the boat. Some of it splashed over Jessie.
'This is a very odd custom, Mum,' Jessie laughed, wiping her face.
