Pinking Shears copyright 2008 TAS
One fine fall, I decided to go sailing with three men. Our plan was to cross from South Miami Beach to Bimini, Bahamas overnight. Our strategy was to arrive in the shallow waters near the island at dawn to prevent running aground.
The sky blue, the waters calm, we cruised down the intracoastal waterway to the open waters. Early on our journey, we spotted ancient manatees and lounged on the sunny deck of our 44 foot wooden sloop with a 30 year veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard at the helm.
As the sun began to set, we said good bye to the Miami skyline. The radio broadcaster said four to six foot waves and to watch for swells. A hurricane hurled through the week before.
What? A hurricane? We saw tiny ripples and small swells. It was a bit later, when we felt big swells and capping waves. Captain Ira instructed us to trim the sails a bit.
Swells reached 10 feet, then 20 feet and began to cap. Ira yelled in rapid session, tether yourself, take the jib down and let's take a vote.
You guessed it. We voted to turn around. Down came the sails, on came the motor. We succeed in turning around after three tries and made our way to the harbor before midnight.
It was time for bed. . . we thought. Our cabin was the forward cabin with the skylight to the deck. IT LEAKED. Like all over our gear and bedding. Yes, the bed we planned on sleeping in for 4 nights.
I said, let's VOTE. . . and one phone call and a flight change and we were 3 states away, enjoying the fall foliage of the Appalachians.
So to keep your travels happy, take off - senses wide open and VOTE ON IT.
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