Category: Sailboat Adventures

  • We’re Alive!

    Ever experience a day or maybe even week that you really hadn’t planned on? You might be in a phase of life right now you never expected to be in thinking … This or that only happens to other people, but not me. Right? Wrong.

    I’m in the middle of that phase right now. I’m on a “new” boat in a marina I’ve never visited before, and cruising in uncharted waters. We’re among total strangers. Yet, in the midst of all this newness, God shows up in many ways.

    Let me take you back about 16 days. My husband and I recently purchased a new boat … new to us anyway. Actually, the boat’s about 34 years old. But she’s ours, and we’ll eventually become more used to her and the way she operates. Yesterday, while attempting to locate an anchoring spot for the evening, we ran aground. Big time stuck. Placing our first call ever to the Coast Guard put us in touch with a towing service. The tow service arrived in record time. They were efficient in what they did and put us at ease. The guys even asked how we were doing and how we were handling the disaster.

    Our response was that we are so thankful that no one was injured, no fire transpired from the engine room smoke, and the boat didn’t sink. The tow boat dislodged us from our stuck position and towed us safely to a marina complete with haul-out and mechanics. Is this an inconvenience? Yes. Will it be costly? I am sure it will be. Was God there in the middle of this? Yes, He was. He never slumbers or sleeps. Was this our plan for the week? Of course, not, but apparently God had another itinerary in mind.

    The situation could have been far worse. For some reason God wanted us to be there in a strange marina. He didn’t want us venturing forward toward home. Will I ever know why? Maybe. Maybe not. At this point, my responsibility is to trust Him fully. He has our best interests in mind even though it might not be comfortable. A young couple took us with them to a grocery and boat store for supplies. Many others from the marina asked if they could give us a ride to wherever we wanted to go. Kindness of strangers seems to abound. We are blessed.

    • Are you in a tough spot right now? Someplace you didn’t intend or choose to be?
    • Can you look past your circumstance and see the positives?

    “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts,” Isaiah 56:8–9.

    Dear God, thank You for working behind the scenes in my life. Even though I hadn’t planned on certain situations coming into my life, You knew ahead of time exactly what we’d experience. I can look back and say what a mighty God you are! Amen. 

    *****

  • Safe and Secure

    Thunder booms in the distance
    Safe & secure from all alarms

    storm is brewing (Copy)
    Storm is a’brewing

    Lightening surrounds
    Rain crashes down

    Fire truck sirens blare
    Secure within my sailboat shell
    No worry; no cares

    My Father says:
    Do not be afraid
    Nor let my heart be troubled

    He gives me Peace
    Freely

  • Beauty and Majesty on Mackinac Island

    I just returned from a dream-come-true mini vacation. Three days on Mackinac Island, located in the State of Michigan between the states’s upper and Lower Peninsula.

    The island is a national historic landmark and a motor-free environment since 1898. Only walkers, bicycles, and horses are permitted. The experience is truly stepping back in time. To top it all off, the 3.8 square miles in land (eight miles in circumference), the island is totally surrounded by water accessible only by boat or airplane. In the winter, snowmobiles are allowed if Lake Huron is frozen. More than 80% of the island remains preserved as Mackinac Island State Park.     purple flowers on Mackinaw Island (Copy)

    Whenever I visit the Island, it’s a brand-new experience for me. Riding the ferry over, I still marvel at the majestic landscape, hotels, and homes as we approach the dock. The distinct smell of horses hits my nose first. Followed by sweet smells of fudge, candy, and popcorn. Clothing and trinket shops abound.

    It’s only natural for me to get caught up in the pursuit of finding just the right souvenir. Will it be a shirt, hat, jacket or other item? Would this fit my grandchild? Or, so & so would love this!

    I see this/that and I either say out loud or to myself, Liberty, Elijah, and Ezekiel would have fun riding on a horse-drawn carriage. My daughter, sister, and nieces would love shopping in this jewelry or clothing shop. Look at those beautiful flowers — wouldn’t my Mom love to see those? And, she’d known exactly what they are called.  

    But there’s always a problem. Actually two problems.

    1. I want to bring back some token of the trip for everyone I know! And it’s difficult to know where to draw the line.
    2. I also would like family members and my friends to be there with me. Is that crazy or what?

    Whenever I see beauty or experience something unique or out-of-the-ordinary, this is where my mind goes. If only given enough time and money.

    Am I odd to wish my loved ones were there with me? Does anyone else ever think like this?

    Mackinaw Island Marina
    Mackinaw Island Marina

  • Unplugged for 15 days

    St. Bart's

    You’ve probably wondered where I’ve been the last couple of weeks — 15 days of being “unplugged” from Internet and cell phones. Yes, I said 15 days & I must say except for the first 2-3 days of nervous withdrawal, it’s been great! I am here today to tell you it can be done and with a large degree of satisfaction.

    My location necessitated this decision to be totally unplugged. My husband and I and three other couples boarded a 40-foot Leopard catamaran in Marigot Bay, St. Martin. We successfully circumnavigated nine different islands and bays in the West Indies including St. Marteen (Dutch & French side), St. Barts, Nevis, St. Kitts, Statia, Anguilla, Ilet Pinel & Tintamarre and back to St. Marteen.

    Botanical Gardens - Nevis
    Botanical Gardens – Nevis

    I experienced a wide spectrum of emotions during the two weeks including (but not limited to):

    • Joy (beauty in nature, delightful foods, camaraderie with friends, lasting picture memories)
    • Fear (wind and waves)
    • Amazement (God’s creation – colorful fish, flowers, plants, trees, mountains)
    • Pain (received a bite of some kind which caused swelling, intense heat)
    • Ecstasy (color of waters, majestic mountains, birds, flying fish and turtles)
    • Regret (family members & friends not there with us to experience this beauty)

    Now I can bask in memories as I peruse our numerous pictures. You, too, can come along as I share the photos here & on Facebook.

    Flower on St. Barts
    Flower on St. Barts