1000 Days

The cockpit/bridge [need a better term and consistency here] of Johnka’s floating sledge underslings the prow.  The driver [captain] enjoys most of the day in the sun.  For early morning and late afternoon sun the driver flies bright canopies.  Some models are equipped with a heliotracking curtain that does the work for the driver.  During light wind storms or gusty days a sand curtain is hung around the entire cockpit.

On brisker days drivers land the sledge, lower the balloons, and anchor the craft as best they can.  The kabs are drawn up on the windward side to protect the craft.  [could go either way on the logic here; maybe the kabs should be leeward]  With the sledge leeward of the kabs there is less digging to be done to get back underway.  I’ve seen 3/4 buried kabs stand and walk away with no more than a grunt to mark their effort.

Behind the cockpit, most modern sledges have a small kitchen: a cook stove, a sink and a low table.  On either side of that one room is a berth or two.  Larger sledges with a crew will have a long narrow hall running the length of the ship to a larger bunk room and small mess.

Clearly I need to decide what sort of vehicle this is: sled, ship, or wagon.  Nautical terms on the web here I come.

Word count: 228

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