Chugs

 Chugs are the common name given to boats that cross from Haiti or Cuba with desperate people seeking a new home.  I have to admit, once you see a chug you realize how utterly desperate these people are to risk making such a long and possibly stormy crossing.  It's sad to think that their governments are so broken that terror and extreme poverty are the rule.  In Cuba, if you're caught building a chug or trying to escape, you'll be charged with treason and imprisioned.  We had planned to go to the Dry Tortugas during our stay in Boot Key but it was closed to private boats due to a massive influx of immigrants needing to be processed and given medical care.  I don't know what the answer is but I will surely be praying for one that benefits us all.

This chug was brought to Boot Key marina for processing

so we had an opportunity to see it up close.  This is an old, old car

engine used to power the chug.

The empty oil drums give it flotation.  The big black

tank is the fuel tank.

Not much room for the 20-50 people making the trip.

Another chug.  All the ones we've seen have names invoking

God's help.

Long name with lots of hope behind it.

This chug looks almost spacious compared to others.

The chug at our marina.