Point in time…..

Sometimes we feel it coming. Other times we notice it looking back. Rarely are we aware at that particular point in time when our thinking about life – ours in particular – shifts.  But, if we’re paying attention at all, we eventually do notice. And, it does happen whether we notice or not – sometimes more than once.

Much of what is written about the cycle of life and dying has become trite and repetitive. Characters change, circumstances change but the message is constant. No one gets out alive. What interests me are the answers to the “so what?” question and how those answers change. What do we do with the time allotted to us?  I was prompted again to think about it, and capture those thoughts, by an internet friend’s posting …

“The worst that could happen to us is that we have to die, and since that is already our unalterable fate, we are free; those who have lost everything no longer have anything to fear.” Don Juan Matus

A good reminder. Don Juan’s creator, author Carlos Casteneda, is a favorite of mine. Much of what he teaches resonates with my own views of life and living. The above quote sums it up succinctly. And for those who have faced dying up close, it carries even more relevance.

Others have observed that things come to us when we need them. Or at least we notice and give them currency at important junctures in time. I discovered Casteneda and Don Juan’s teachings at one of those junctions. In retrospect, it was arguably my ‘point in time’ when I began looking at life differently. The consequences of such a shift are not trivial, nor are they instantaneous. It takes time to internalize such a change and make it real in our daily lives. It is a cascading process, one change leads to another and then we notice we are not the same person we were – sometimes a pleasant acknowledgment, other times a rude awakening, occasionally frightening. I see this process as my mission in life. “Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished. If you’re alive, it isn’t” – Richard Bach.

The best we can do is to live our lives consciously, thoughtfully, and aware that the time we have is uncertain.  Don Miguel Ruiz (‘The Four Agreements’) offers good counsel, “Always do your best.Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstances, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgement, self-abuse and regret.”

Early Successes!

Don’t ya love it when you turn on something that hasn’t been run in a long time, and it works – first time?!

Starting a diesel engine after a long, cold winter is one of those surprises awaiting us in the Spring. Well maybe not the very first try, but on the second turn of the key my diesel fired yesterday, and ran smoothly as it warmed up. Small victories……

For me, firing the engine is approaching the last item on my Spring re-commissioning list.

The cabin got a thorough cleaning last week. Gear and supplies have been sorted and organized in the various storage areas. Instrumentation and all lights have been checked to be in working order. Got a rigging inspection done and will have the rigging tuned this week. Outboard has been re-mounted on stern rail and the dink re-inflated.  Main sail and cover bent on – just waiting on a new head sail due this week.

Now just finalizing the ‘to do’ list of small tasks, and waiting for water to be turned back on at the slip so hull and deck can be cleaned.

Need to make a trip up the mast for a small repair …… looking for volunteer to crank the winch 🙂

At least it’s a great view from up there……

27 days and counting….

The sun may be shinning, but there’s still a bite to the cold wind – a reminder that winter isn’t done with us just yet.  On the other hand, crocuses and daffodils are poking green leaves up through the leaf litter.  Official Spring is now just 27 days away, and long range weather forecasts have fewer below freezing temps!  While a late season storm crosses the country, as an optimist, I choose to believe the worst is behind us and sailing season is almost here………. Those who were fortunate enough to have sailed south for the winter may begin thinking about the return trip.

Winter seminars are giving way to boat-centric events, planning meetings and crew parties. The calendar is filling up with all such gatherings. Firm dates are set for boat preparation:  re-fitting sails, servicing the engine, general cleaning and organizing.  Slipping dock lines and raising sails isn’t far off now – and the cycle repeats……..

Watching the weather to take advantage of those first warm days!

DelMarVa Off Shore

A pleasant day heading down the DelMarVa coast June of 2011 …..

Sadly, a steady headwind prevented a quieter sail. None-the-less, it was a great ride and looking forward to another trip around this year. We’re expecting more boats, and hoping for more cooperative winds! Information meetings are underway and boats are already registering. Info about the Sailstice DelMarVa Rally can be found at http://www.delmarvarally.com/

Off shore from Ocean City

So , sign up and join us for a great experience – a bit over 400nm of terrific sailing experience and camaraderie with fellow sailors!

Did I mention great parties too?!

Bay Progress

The Chesapeake Bay Program released the Bay Barometer report the end of January giving a mixed review.  Progress needs to be recognized while understanding that persistence and new efforts will be needed to stay on a positive restoration track. The report is a science-based snapshot of a range of health indicators. Bay Barometer: Bay impaired, but signs of resilience abound

For more information on the Bay and restoration programs follow the link… http://www.chesapeakebay.net/

Off Season Fun!

I think it fair to say that, among other characteristics, sailors are fun-loving creatures – maybe a bit of a cross between pirates and otters. In any event, we’re never inclined to pass up a good party.  That’s especially the case during the off-season when those of us confined to land by the cold look for like-minded company to at least talk about sailing and plans for the coming season.

A party is what we got over the weekend, organized by the Annapolis Sailing Club  – good fun, good company, and great music provided by Pint & Dale. As their press release says – “If you can’t hear the wind in the rigging when William Pint and Felicia Dale break out in song, then you’re not listening.” It was a great program of sea shanties, and even a bit of sing along. 

Go here to read more about the duo, hear their music http://www.pintndale.com/ .  And that rather odd looking instrument is a hurdy-gurdy – you have to hear to appreciate!   Try here for a sample……… http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/wpintfdale3

The evening provided opportunity to visit with old friends and make new ones. Skippers looking for crew and crew looking for boats – always in the background and the makings for a fun time!

Plenty of food and ‘grog’ to go around, all brought by the 70 or so folks that gatherd for the evening.

Mid-winter blues

January 21 – Awoke to a cold and gloomy weather report for the next week or so ….. hardly a surprise for mid-January. Then, we’ve had only one significant snow fall, though there’s still time for more.

It’s the sub-freezing temps (teens) in this week’s forecast that sends me to the calendar trying to imagine Spring.

The Spring solstice, March 20^th, is a significant marker on the calendar. That’s the day when daylight hours equal the night And, going forward, days that are now becoming longer do so at a much quicker pace – and get warmer!  The Spring solstice is also my target date to re-commission the boat – the formal beginning of my sailing season.

Just two days ago the loft called to say my mainsail was ready having been cleaned and minor repairs made.  The new head sail being built should be ready soon. Bimini and dodger were re-installed a week ago, and now the sails will go back on very soon. Only the engine and fresh water system to de-winterize – just waiting to get past any serious threat of extended freezing temps.

So, forgetting for the moment the cold air descending on us, I check the calendar and count days – just 50 to the solstice!  Spring is just around the corner.  counting ..49..48..47……

…even Washington, DC may soon take on a more sunny appearance……… he says optimistically.

A New Game in Town . .

A New Game in Town Promises

More Effective Conservation

Earlier this week, a diverse group of dedicated conservationists from business, non-profit conservation and environmental groups and other natural resource professionals gathered at the Fleet Reserve Club on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The gathering was organized by the Conservation Leadership Council (CLC) whose mission is to –

“advance innovative approaches to America’s environmental challenges through policies rooted in fiscal responsibility, limited government, market entrepreneurship, community leadership, and public-private partnerships.”

Politically conservative-minded leaders have been at the forefront of innovative conservation since the early days of President Teddy Roosevelt. They have led and supported efforts in land and species conservation and restoration. They firmly support the objectives of the high profile efforts under the Endangered Species, Clean Water and Clean Air Acts. It is equally critical to understand that they firmly believe there are more effective ways, as we go forward, to accomplish those goals than the top-down, regulatory-heavy approach represented in those acts and supported by their politically liberal colleagues. While there are sharp and significant differences in policies and approaches to resource conservation, there is immense common ground for those willing to explore it.

Conservation need not be partisan. While progress has been achieved under current legislation and regulation, the most effective conservation actions nearly always grow from the bottom up with on-the-ground efforts in communities and local areas. This will be increasingly true as we move past the easier to the more difficult challenges and solutions, and public funding shrinks. Innovative ideas are tested, results are measured, partnerships are built, often against a background of contentious issues and conflicting beliefs and policies. Solutions grow out of the honest exchange of information, the development of mutual respect and trust among all the interested parties. Processes are transparent. These efforts do not always come easily, but results are universally supported and lasting. Progress is measureable – a critical element to continuing support.

The Conservation Leadership Council is a group whose efforts promise to advance conservation across the Country, and diminish the harsh partisan battling that is counter-productive to sustainable progress. They provide a beacon to follow through the challenging waters of resource conservation in the coming years. They are personal  friends and professional colleagues, and have my full support.  For more, visit www.leadingwithconservation.org .

Think Spring…..

On these cold days, with the holidays behind us, here’s a thought to warm you (even if only in your mind)…. there are places where the sun shines and the sand is warm on your feet ……

Orient Bay – St Maartens

….and Spring is only eleven weeks away  🙂