That Moon

I am back from the sailing trip down south.  It was a good time for the most part. The trip down was uneventful on the ICW.  I've traveled that bit of waterway many times.  But the friendly waves of those who travel the blue highway is something that I like.  We look at each other and smile, knowing that we have a special bond.

That moon on Saturday night was spectacular.  I took a bit of video from the boat.  It was getting dark so the quality isn't great.  I had rowed back to my boat from  the host boat's party.  And I watched as that super moon rose in the sky.

I had a nice time at the party, although rowing against the tide to get to the host boat was something else.  I had hoped that those people who had motor powered dinghies would stop by and give me a lift.  But I could see that wasn't going to happen.

I had rowed our dog to shore which seemed like it was about a mile away, come back to the boat, caught my breath, and for a few minutes thought about not going to the party.  I was late and going to have to row against the tide again to get to the party.  The idea of isolating was strong.  What I heard was, "No one will miss you.  They are having a good time.  You are always the odd man out."
But what I did was discard the negative thoughts, got in the dinghy and rowed as hard as I could to get to the other boat.

A number of people were taking photos as I rowed over.  I tossed a fellow my painter line, clambered on board and had a great time.  A few folks commented that I was "hard core".   We talked about boats, super moons, and the places we have been.  I met some new folks who were super nice.  And when it was time to leave, several people asked if I needed a tow back to my boat.  I would be going with the strong tide, so declined their offer telling them to come get me though if I over shot my boat!

Yesterday,  I decided to sail back in the ocean.  The wind was favorable for it, until the cold front came through.  Then the wind shifted, the seas built, and it was tough going.  I came through the jetties into the harbor around 10:30 last night.  And as I was anchoring for the evening, I saw that moon again, rising red  on the horizon.

I was glad to be off the ocean.  After rowing the dog to shore, I cooked some snow crab legs, sat on deck, watching the moon rise and listening to the wind.  I had gotten in at the right time.  The tide was coming in, the wind was picking up, and I was dead tired.

This was another adventure.  My wife was glad to hear from me.  She knew that I was okay because she knows the boat is sturdy and capable.  I'm glad that I didn't miss out on seeing that moon shining on the water.  And I'm glad that those negative thoughts that come to me can be supplanted by a positive action.