Coffee in the Cockpit at 0430

May 20, 2011
Since Phase IV started, just three weeks ago, we have been making little progress toward the Chesapeake. Mostly due to some routine repairs to fend off the effects of salt water and constant human pressure on the boat, we have taken our time moving north. As anyone with cruising experience will tell you, it is not all about beautiful sunsets and exotic adult beverages with little umbrellas. Cubic feet wise, there is way more work on a boat than at home even with yard work. It is a small, constantly moving world that sits in the universal solvent on the planet. We get caught up in the maintenance and repair efforts and sometimes forget to just look around or watch what’s going on. Typically, the entire day is spent on “the list” and when the sun is below the yard, we might sit for a short while in the cockpit or we meet some other cruisers for dinner either aboard or on land. I spent three days in the anchor locker, mostly fighting cramps and limited space to do a thirty minute job. I don’t remember even looking around to speak to someone or watch the marina activities.
Just about the time when working on the list starts to consume the whole day, something happens to redirect attention. It might be hearing of a friend or loved one having some health issue. It might be some national event. It might be an unexpected splash nearby or some loud noise that makes one look up. Or, it might just be a spectacular sunset with a beautiful voice singing “We are sailin’” at a nearby outdoor bar as it was yesterday. Whatever it is, it is something that resets priorities and causes one to appreciate this beautiful water world. It is not the size of the boat, the stuff thereon, or where it sits, it is what happens to the mind as a result that is why we do this. Regular “busted” knuckles or unexplained bruises are just part of the price for the ticket to ride. Those old enough might just say it is an E ticket ride. The beauty of having no schedule is that one can sit in the cockpit at 0430 and simply absorb the moment. We are thankful that life has given us the chance. Now, do I replace that noisy, new blower or not? Think we will leave it alone today and go to the next item on the list- or not.

The picture is of the Halifax Harbor Marina at Beginning Morning Nautical Twilight (BMNT)