Harmony (haibun)

 

 

Nacra.com

Years ago we had a summer camp, a trailer and catamaran by the lake. Nothing fancy…just the bare necessities but what I call luxury camping in a trailer; so we could sail off (when the wind was right) all day and have a place to perch.  It happened to be a location where many competitive sailors camped, so we had good teachers. Although I loved the water, having been raised by the water, I was also aware of the dangers…the wind and water are in charge and a sailor has to respect that.  So I was a slow and hesitant learner.  It did not help that we flipped on a stormy day with our son on board…he kept floating away with his life jacket finding this such an adventure. Sure!!  The children and I would normally go with their father when the wind blew South or North…good steady winds although the first was nice and warm, we were still equipped with warmer gear for North winds.

My mother would often spend the day with us since she lived only a 30 minute drive and she was certainly a sun worshiper…so she would set her sun chair, dip her feet in the water and bake in the sunshine.  That first year when our daughter was three and son five, so there were times they just wanted to swim or float on the sailboard by the shore, so she could watch them; and Mommy and Daddy could go off for an hour or so.  These helpful moments allowed me to get a bit better managing the jib and practicing going out on trapeze to keep the hull up just enough and nice and steady. 

 

One weekend my mother took the children to her place and we had non-stop sailing.  When you have young children, it is like a second honeymoon having two whole days to yourself.  That weekend the sun was hot, it was end of July and our summers at that time here are hot and humid.  It is the construction break/vacation as well, so it is quiet everywhere…so many take off to Maine or Atlantic City.  Why go so far when we had all we needed right here with the forest in the background and the lake in the front.  For a Pisces I have to say, I felt in heaven here.

I remember that Saturday; we sailed for about 4 hours in the afternoon. I had plastered my body with sunscreen (40 was the highest then, I think).   The wind came from the South and it was about 10 to 12 knots…not too strong but just enough to not scare me and allow me to sit comfortably high up on the hull.  I will never forget that day…my husband and I, rarely spoke once we picked up a bit of speed and we just became one with the wind floating over the water.

Sun kissed sails,

ripples on the lake,

i am the wind
&
i am the wind,
maritime communion
 bliss  

 

© Tournesol '14

 

 

Posted by Cheryl-Lynn Roberts, 2014/08/20

 

Submitted for: Carpe Diem Tackle it Tuesday - Absence of Vanity