What is it about that damn movie Forrest Gump that motivates and inspires people? I watched it just the other night and it motivated me to type up a long overdue blog entry. Why didn't I type one up sooner? In your best Forrest Gump voice say "I was Sailing!".
I've been a busy sailor since my last entry. January and February were a little slow but March came in strong and April blew me away. April was so busy I almost forgot to stop and look around where I was. I'm working hard on developing the life style know as 'Island Time'. "Its a household name"-Forrest Gump voice. Island Time affords you the right to throw on shorts in the morning and your favorite flip flops and head out into the world with the sun on your face and a smile between your ears. Years go back on instead of coming off. I feel alive.
Thank you to all who have sailed with me in recent months. I have met some amazing people with some amazing stories. I've been able to spread my love of sailing to so many. It never gets old when you have someone new to sailing, who wants so badly to gain every bit of knowledge they can from you. Thank You. I've enjoyed it as much as you. Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico is amazing.
I've sailed farther than before and to new destinations. I've seen such a variety of weather and seas. I've seen so many new things. Stingrays, turtles, dolphins, sharks, jelly fish to name a few. I've made many new friends. Marina life is awesome.
Most recently, we just returned from a 5 day trip to Key West (130 miles one way) aboard Star of Orion. On May 9 we departed at 10am and headed due south for Key West. We sailed straight through the night and arrived at the Galleon Marina and Resort in 24 hours. It was a two boat flotilla. Capt Paul, his wife Pat, and good friend Alex were aboard Panacea for the trip down. Dianne and I had another good friend of Paul and Pat's...Freddie. Freddie is what everyone needs in life. A person who can stand perfectly still, with no expression and make you laugh your ass off. Thank you for the awesome time Freddie. We departed Key West on Thursday May 13 at 9am and arrived back to Fort Myers after only 18 hours thanks to the 17-25 mph east winds. Seas were anywhere from 3-8 feet at times. We almost collided with each other twice in the first night, but I'll only say one word....Freddie. Amazing sail and Star of Orion shined. Dianne is now a true believer in the cruising lifestyle and looks forward to the next adventure.
Sailing at night is interesting. You are out of sight of land and the lights from the cities. Only the stars and the moon give you light enough to see around you. You have lots of time (when you're on watch) to contemplate life. Your mind wonders and you find yourself in a special place. My special place found me with the people of the past and of the present. I've always known that I am who I am today because of all the people in my life, both past and present. It may sound weird, but all of these people were with me there at the helm those nights. My late brother Bob was there...with a fishing pole and a tall drink. My late Uncle Mike was there, smiling and laughing with that infectious laugh he had when he just heard or told a dirty joke. My late grandfather was there eating Braunsweiger with a beer, tapping the barometer to see if any weather was on the horizon. My late grandmother was there ready to wipe my dirty face with a spit covered tissue, all the while scheming her next practical joke to play on us. My friends were there, and all the memories we have together. My father, who so badly wanted to do this trip with us, was there telling me stories of his days at sea while in the Navy. You were all there. Thanks for the company.
What's next? More sailing chartersI hope. May is looking good. I've got two overnight charters booked and a third in June. My parents are talking of coming down again in June/July to visit. Dianne and I are still enjoying the heck out of living here in Fort Myers. We're really looking forward to July 4th on the water. Allthough I could sell that date out, it's gonna be a personal sail. The weather is getting warm as is the sea. Sea life is popping up everywhere and the Gulf of Mexico is amazing. Lets keep our fingers crossed that this oil spill is fixed quickly with as little impact to nature as possible. Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico will continue. I'm not going anywhere.
Always remember:
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain
Lets Go Sailing!
Capt Dan
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