Triggered by a string of deaths in the family, a dark pattern of disharmony and events in circumstances had developed into a will of their own which could not be shaken off. It looked as if these circumstances would run their course to the bitter end before I could break free to taste what it was to live life again. The sail reached out, like a helping hand in that smothering void, an opportunity to place myself in a totally different environment with good company and the elements to contend with.
Now, in the healing, reflective calm that comes with the end of such a journey, before the flood waters of daily life churns back, a handful of memories comes to mind.
The sea and sky a study of a hundred shades of gray. A dividing sunburst of blue sky chases through turning the waters momentarily to a hundred shades of blues in the constant play of light and shadow.
Momentary calms of the valleys and rising forever back up over the foam streaked wave to watch the playful flight of gulls flying far below in the shadow of the next advancing mountain range of waves.
A sudden dry taste of fear as the boat drops from under while taking down the genoa and putting up the working jib in the black, spray drenched night.
Sailing into the night as we incrementally leave the northern latitudes of 24 hour sunlight. Hard naps after a shift and waking up in astonishment of the day.
The extremity of five gales kept me on my toes and feeling alive. The boat and captain's abilities far surpassed my expectations. It was bigger sailing than I had ever done making it one of the top adventures of my life. On top of that, the places visited were, to put it mildly, awe inspiring. I would do it again, without hesitation.
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