Sail Training for Big Kids

Good morning everyone. We are anchored here in Pretty Marsh Harbor for the first time this year. I can hear the laughter of folks on deck from our little cabin in the fo’c’s’l. One of the things I love about this anchorage is that the stately old spruce that stand sentinel over this harbor toss the sounds back and forth across the harbor to each other. All night I could hear loons yodeling and calling in the stillness.

We have finished Day 2 of this Wooden Boat course. We picnicked in a nearby cove at days end. We have had two great days of learning without a whole lot of wind but just enough to give us a feel for tacking without too much stress. The navigators are putting together the pieces of the speed. distance, time calculations and course plotting. Steering by compass is not as easy as it looks. Tacking topsails is an exercise in timing and teamwork. The bow watch is keeping a watchful eye on the many lobster boats that keep crossing under our bow. This morning several folks were wandering the decks early studying their pinrail diagrams. Thankfully there are only 47 lines to memorize. It will all come to a head on Friday when the “crew” has the chance to take the reins and guide us back to Camden.

Have a great day. Be well. Do good.

Photo of Tom by Jessica with Tom's camera. See... it pays to bring your camera. And your sister in law!

Hail Mary

My heart is heavy with sadness as I write this particular blog. Since the beginning of August our dear friend and cook for the last 12 years, Mary Barney, had been struggling with cancer. I have intentionally respected Mary’s privacy and I apologize to you for not sharing any news about Mary’s health sooner. On Monday afternoon Mary passed away very peacefully at home, surrounded by friends and “family”. Her departure was as graceful as the rest of her life. Many people, including Jen, have been doing heroic work to support Mary these last few weeks. Oddly enough Mary was never very excited about transitions though this was about the fastest transition she ever made. And as I struggle to let go of Mary I realize I am terrible with transitions as well. We used to joke about how we liked things just the way they are, thank you very much, so why change what is working already even if it might be less labor intensive. Hard works is its own reward. I used to joke about getting Mary a Cui...

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