A few days ago I went out sailing for the first time this year! It’s been many months since I took out my girl, in fact the last time I ventured out with her was for a “race” at the end of October of 2011. I say “race” because there was barely any wind, so really it was a contest of whose boat traveled the current faster. Since then Libby has been docked and charged with 30 amps of shore power, providing her grateful captain with electric heat and refrigeration. But over the weekend, when the unseasonably warm April sun was shining, it was time to cut the dock lines and head out.
First Sail of 2012
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It’s nearly nine pm, the sun has already set, and the sky is dusky pink fading into blue. Mount Rainier is still visible, but disappearing into dusk. Though a still day, the wind has picked up a little, rippling the water. Seagulls fly overhead, probably looking for a free meal, and the seals are heading in for the night, though they’ve been cruising around all day. They have cubs this time of year, small little fat baby seals the size of Riley with tiny heads and football shaped bodies. There’s a splash every now and then, but by the time I turn my head, I cannot see who caused it. Last night, late when it was dark, I heard so much splashing I came out to investigate to find dogfish, lots of them, circling and prowling in the night. The beam of my flashlight turned their dark eyes to a glowing green, and the tiny shark like fish looked menacing.