Sunday, 9/27/15

We’re in another beautiful spot at Sand Beach, NY. We crossed Long Island Sound today. Now why did David and Nancy cross the Sound? To get to the other side and maybe to NY sooner. TaDa!  We’re now officially in NY.

Last night we wrestled with the dinghy hoist (a small cargo net for us budget sailors who can’t afford real davits on the back of their boat) which, this morning, looked much better and functional than it did last eve in the dark after a couple of hours of stressing it and us.

Not much happening today – left a little later (around 9 am), calm-ish seas. I left David to his electronic navigating and took a look at the paper charts, my favorites.  While he decided upon a course I did some reading, staying beside Amelia who seems to enjoy contact with human thighs when the boat is rolling.

From the book I’m reading, Being Mortal, an additional definition of home was offered…a place where you are in charge of your schedule, what you do and when, who you invite in and who you keep out, where you keep your stuff regardless of its usefulness.  Unlike even the best of nursing homes was the point being made and some information about how “assisted living”, home-like environments were developed and continue to develop. Hmmm, more “home” thoughts. How do we negotiate with our mates or our roommates the various values we place on who we invite relative to what we keep and our personal schedules. And when the space becomes smaller - an apt for older loved ones, a boat for us - how much more complex.

I took over as helmsperson about mid way across the Sound. Course was set. I’m comfortable w/several of the gps controls now and know to do a 360degree check regularly as well as keep an eye on several engine gauges.

Rest Break - Amelia and David 

I was about to wonder if I was bored when the wind shifted a bit, seas picked up and a corner of our fake davit turned loose dragging a pontoon in the water. All hands on deck and slow the boat down. We pulled, we tightened lines, we lifted, we rocked, we pushed and finally got the dinghy (inflatable) secured again. Inside Amelia was panicking – no humans in sight and the boat was rocking and rolling. Where to go? What to do? I took the helm and David took cat care duty. Amelia settled in next to his thigh.

Some noticings today: my organizational system is not all I crack it up to be – I found my wool socks packed with my bathing suits. David loves tape measurers. They must be a version of security blanket.  Single lobster buoys at 79’ or 65’. Really” In the middle of the sound?

DCW security - count those tape measures

Again, I’m appreciating David, his skill, his flexibility, his attention to our safety and comfort and his taking so much responsibility of all sorts in order to make this journey work for us. Loving him bunches.

As sun is setting, fish are swimming just under the surface beside our boat. I'm sitting on the fore deck. A man name Kevin O’Neill stopped to chat and wonder if we need help, having noticed we were wrestling the dinghy when he passed before. A ketch under full sail ghosts by in the distance, maybe to anchor near us. The full MOON plays "peek" through scattered clouds. Joyful, grateful sigh.