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There is something about life on these boats that makes me truly appreciate little luxuries. The people of Sambro Harbour have been so welcoming. The first night in Sambro a few from my watch were able to go ashore and have a shower (save Halsey, who graciously covered the watch). Nadia, Saphra, Seth and I went to Patty and his wife’s house. I had the best shower since I had been onboard. It felt so nice to sit on a plush couch, smell flowers, and use a roomy shower. They were so welcoming and friendly. They offered to let us check email. Seth politely declined, saying that it wouldn’t be right since none of his shipmates who stayed behind would have that opportunity. We all followed his lead and I was quite proud that he was thinking collectively in regards to his fellow crew.
The Coast Guard has also been quite welcoming. We had been using shore heads (toilets) to lessen the load (no pun intended) on our holding tanks. There is a port-a-potty on the dock, the “Royal Flush.” Though it is one of the cleanest I have ever seen, it is still a port-a-potty. The Coast Guard has been quite kind in letting us use their toilet when they are open. As odd a subject to write on, oh what a treat to use a beautifully clean and flushing toilet from time to time. The little things.
I just got the peace sign from a student on the helm. It is great to watch them learn (and learning with them). We lucked out with a great group for our first college program, the ship’s first transatlantic voyage. Great people onboard.
We left Sambro with two swords of swordfish from the Coast Guard. Saying good buy with an escort from our new friends we entered into the Scotian fog. “Hey, we’re sailing to England.” Someone said, just checking to see if it had sunk in. After roles and fog the sky turned blue and we sailed beautifully into the night. All four lowers, the JT and square tops’l were set, giving us good speed by the power of wind which gifted us with silenced engines.
B watch came on deck for the 3am – 7am dawn watch. I was quietly on the bow just as the light of morning began thinking of coming in when a whale surfaced and took a breath no more than 10 feet from the port bow. I was startled by the sight and sound of breath from one of my favorite ocean dwellers. Oh how magnificent is that sound of life, and the feeling that the whales are also coming to check us out. Curious, once creature to another. By the time I was able to tell everyone back aft the friend had disappeared. Life throws moments of beauty at you. They may last for hours, or be gone in the speed of a breath. The key is keeping ones eyes open to be able to catch the gifts of life as they are presented to us.
From heads to whales. The lotus flower grows out from the mud, needs the muck for nutrients, then blooms gorgeously. We are thrown long days of waiting in port, gifts of kindness and moments to catch a glimpse of tall ships in Halifax. And time at sea, to live and reflect and tie all the moments, ups and downs, together.
Off to bliss out in my bunk after watch.
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