I’ve just come in from standing my watch on the Portuguese bridge, mesmerized by the horizon and the stars as Mystic glides gracefully across the water. This should be the last night before we make landfall tomorrow afternoon, and my last night watch for this journey. I don’t usually spend most of my watch out there, but tonight, well tonight is special and my thoughts and emotions almost overwhelm me.
The night couldn’t be more perfect. The seas are kindly, just a slight roll from time to time as the waves continue to rush from behind us, pushing us gently across the water. We have about 12 knots of breeze, and the air is warm and feels like ever-so-soft caresses against my skin, as I watch what seems like millions of stars above me. Orion lies off our bow, the Big Dipper is to starboard, and off our port side is the Southern Cross. And there’s a certain sense of wistfulness that comes over me…..
Honestly, I can’t believe this is almost over. Ironically, of course, now it feels like the time has been but the blink of an eye, and all I want to do is absorb this moment, this time right here, right now, and capture it……and always remember it. So many feelings run through my heart and my head, but in the breath of the wind and the depth of the night sky, I know what it is I want to remember most……
I want to remember how grateful and blessed I feel to have been allowed to make this journey and be right here, right now, in this moment, with the stunning beauty and serenity that envelop me.
Making landfall tomorrow will be truly exciting, and I’m sure will bring its own emotions and probably chaotic thoughts, but right now, there’s no place I’d rather be than right here….
Awwww Kathy… You put tears in my eyes! Following your journey has been amazing, and through it all I thought wow – I don’t think I could do that… But you have and it really is an amazing accomplishment! Congrats to the whole crew, and enjoy that Champagne and wine – you all deserve it!!!
OK…you got me crying now. Kathy you really do need to publish, not just a travel cruising book, but a book that encompasses all these wonderful lyrical observations. I think you need a wider audience. I am thinking along the lines of one of my favorite books, “Gifts from the Sea”. It’s been such fun to read all four points of view these past weeks – all of you are great story tellers and we’ve grown from your experience. The Dramamine Queen here has not envied you this voyage…except maybe those first two days….and these last two. The excitementl of setting out (and yeah, the abililty to turn around again 🙂 ) and these with the thrill of accomplishment… I just wish I could be waiting on the dock with a bottle of tequila and shot glasses as is our tradition after harrowing passages. John has told us that you have champagne and wine on ice. Congratulations All. jojo and zz
Kathy. Mom and I agree. Your writing is fantastic. Wish we could have been there for the celebration. Well done to the four of you and MM. All is well here
Living the dream, mine as well as yours, wish I was there. Way to go guys
Kathy, you are making me cry happy tears.
I am so happy for you!
Pr. J
Well, my goodness – what can I add to the above? Only that I am so pleased that you are about to make landfall, that the last days seem to have been pretty comfortable. So nice that you could live your dream.
I am sure John will post tomorrow so we all know you made it. Big YAY!