My boat already beached, I sat in the warm sand and watched my friends’ boats sail toward me, an easy breeze rippling the water. As they landed, skippers and crews hopped overboard and walked ashore, anchors and rodes in hand, dragging the vessels a little farther up the beach and setting temporary hooks.
The years keep going by, it seems they do that faster and faster as they add up.
I live in hope that I'll get to have a second childhood, but being out in the boat with a group of "the guys" is as close as I'll get, and on reflection, thats reward enough.
Of course....I was changed that day at the lake, so long ago. It was a family gathering picnic and my parents brought their daysailor. I was knee high to a grasshopper, a bitty toe-headed girl that climbed up onto the sail stuffed up in the cuddy, for a sweet afternoon nap. While the rest partied on shore, I was dreaming of setting a course to adventure.....and I have, the rest of my days, smitten by a wild breeze and comforted by the sound of water lapping against the hull~ _/)°
So True!…our small boats are our “Magic Time Machines”….some of the most fun in my youth and in “Geezerhood” have been in small boats with a few friends….
Very well said. Despite age and experience, we always yearn to go back to simpler times. Hence, our boats are just bridges into the halcyon, dream days of our youth
The years keep going by, it seems they do that faster and faster as they add up.
I live in hope that I'll get to have a second childhood, but being out in the boat with a group of "the guys" is as close as I'll get, and on reflection, thats reward enough.
My name is Richard and I'm a small boater. "Hi, Richard, welcome." So begins the meeting.....
Of course....I was changed that day at the lake, so long ago. It was a family gathering picnic and my parents brought their daysailor. I was knee high to a grasshopper, a bitty toe-headed girl that climbed up onto the sail stuffed up in the cuddy, for a sweet afternoon nap. While the rest partied on shore, I was dreaming of setting a course to adventure.....and I have, the rest of my days, smitten by a wild breeze and comforted by the sound of water lapping against the hull~ _/)°
(Thank you for the reminisce)
This reflects on my childhood as well as my 86 year old self. Very enjoyable article, thanks for the memories.
Yes - I did have a log raft with a bedsheet sail!
Perfectly put
Wonderful story! Love that boy & the man.
Josh…well put!
So True!…our small boats are our “Magic Time Machines”….some of the most fun in my youth and in “Geezerhood” have been in small boats with a few friends….
Second childhood----hell, I never got out of the first one!
Nicely done. You have put us all in perspective.
Thanks for the musings. All well and truly of the life we enjoy...
spot on!
Very well said. Despite age and experience, we always yearn to go back to simpler times. Hence, our boats are just bridges into the halcyon, dream days of our youth
Totally agree!
Put a bunch of us “ole lads” sailing small boats and bombing around in our dingys… as close to childhood fun as we will get.
God made small boats for young boys and old men
I can relate