RE:Another story was that they would go ashore
with an oar over their shoulder and walk inland until somebody asked what it was.


i heard (Read) that phrase earlier this year, in a book called "the Songcatcher" --(Jackie, who is the author?)

sailing and seamen bring to mind how tough life was on a farm in 18th and 19 centuries. Going to sea was thought to be a better life!

i suppose if you didn't own your own farm, going to see was better than going to work in a mine, or any of the other unskilled work that was available.