9/19/18 Harraseeket River, Freeport, Maine
Our last night on Grace this year, this boating season. We scrambled to get enough groceries and clothes (for a chilly night) and bedding together, having little idea what was still on the boat for "living" even overnight. We'd planned to go to the Goslins or French Island or even Big Bustins but winds from the north changed our minds. So, just up river near the other Grace (power boat belongs to our friends, Jan and Al) and Surrender belonging to another friend, Ken. We're in good company tho' the humans attached to these boats aren't here, only the boats. Our Grace will keep them company tonight.
David and I planned dinner but the Brie and crackers on the aft deck took the need for dinner away. Music. Sunset. Clouds and fog rolling in. Lanterns and propane heater putting out light and heat. I shiver with gratitude and recaptured delight in being/living on Grace, the boat and Grace the spiritual support. I've missed this in my land-based life these past 3 months, as much as I've loved land-based living. But it is soooo busy with so many responsibilities and opportunities to be distracted and feel unworthy and ineffective. Somehow boat-based living shaves away the profusion of distractions. I miss the mental space that seems easily available on the boat but requires major discipline to achieve on land.
We'll strip the sails, take the booms off tomorrow and expect Carter and Kathy will take the masts down tomorrow or Friday. Saturday morning we'll take Grace farther up-river to Porter's Landing and have her hauled, delivered to our boat shed. How all this will get done on such a tight schedule will be miraculous. Then we'll have an entire week to close the shed with Grace tucked inside before we leave for a short visit to NC family and friends at the end of this month.
Neighbor, Kyra, is caring for Amelia tonight and tomorrow morning. It is a trial run for kitty care during the week we're in NC. I had a meltdown regarding Amelia and her future and care yesterday, pretty sunk all day with lots of tears. Amelia seems such a happy, very old cat. Even with her chronic illnesses she purrs, sits on my lap, takes morning walks to the pond, lifts her tail when petted and caterwauls when she can't find us. She likes our company. Thus, I regret leaving her for a week and will not stress her with a long trip away from her home. She doesn't seem in pain. It is me that is experiencing pain, separation pain (short term and long term) and we're not even separate yet. Well, except for tonight. Twelve hours. Ugh.
The other Grace next t us with her blue/white aft light is a mysterious sight.There are patio-type doors aft on this power boat with an additional long window on each side of the doors. Probably some sort of curtain coverings on all those windows. The effect is of these columns or multiple doors floating in dark space. As the boat swings in wind and current the configuration shifts slightly or the one light is reflected as 2 or 3 lights. Add the pale blue/white misty light. Magical. Mysterious. A great set for dance or theater. What happens in this environment? Something other-worldly.
David has headed for bed. I want to join him. I want to stay up, awake with the red chart table light, the music, the oil lantern, the warm hued wood....this supreme comfort, darkness outside with a few shore lights drifting by as we drift.
My joy is melancholy. Bittersweet. Endings and exits as the season turns.
Blessings, All.
