Water

Wing on wing through Adolphus Reach

There’s something soothing about water. The sight of it appeases. I’m underway East on the boat. There’s not a breath of wind. The main is up ready to catch a breeze. High hopes. There’s a cat’s-paw in the distance so just maybe… Meanwhile the iron genie hammers away.

Most would be at their wits’ end on the water in these conditions. It’s hazy and hot. And yes there are flies but not as many as yesterday… and they’re not biting today. Still the sight of water soothes and makes it all worthwhile.

The boat is cutting through the cat’s-paw. The breeze is on the nose and the sail cuts through it remaining neutral, unable to catch an ounce of air. Adjust the sail. High hopes. Sit back down. The wind shifts ever so slightly. YES! The sail slowly fills and the boat responds but not enough to shut the engine off. Motor sailing it is. Waves are starting to build sending the boat rocking from side to side. Why do we do this to ourselves? Ah yes, the soothing effect of water melts all woes away and makes it all worthwhile.

It’s not all gloom and doom. Every now and then like stars aligning, perfect conditions come together gifting the sailor with a glorious day punctuated with a beautiful sunset.

Glen Island, Bay of Quinte