My mother often informs me that Harry has “brainwashed” me into believing the life of cruising is for us. She will also state that I must really be “in love” with him to have agreed to downsize, move aboard a sailing boat, live in a marina, and plan to go cruising. Sometimes I too wonder what on earth I signed up for and agreed to. Harry reminds me that this is a plan that will enable us to spend more time doing things together, at an earlier age, when our bodies and minds will still enable us to take on the challenge of the adventure. It will be a time of trying to prioritize doing things for ourselves and each other, away from the materialistic hub-bub of society. I could pursue some creative endeavors and Harry might get to fish a little. Some of my peers even deem the notion “romantic”. It seems as though nothing comes to us free, without some hard toil, sacrifice, or ups and downs. What rewards we reap remains to be seen.
WE ESCAPE NOT TO ESCAPE LIFE, BUT FOR LIFE NOT TO ESCAPE US. [Anonymous]
When we went sailing at the end of May I was not feeling the best. Despite having taken some travel sickness medication, the rolling swell had my inner ears unbalanced, creating feelings of queasiness . I had succumbed to the spell of seasickness. When I was busy learning how to keep Flapdoodle on course at the helm, my mind could be distracted from thinking about the uncomfortable feeling of being on the brink of offering my days meals to the ocean. Harry experimented trimming the sails and testing the position of the lines. We travelled about 32 nautical miles in seven hours before anchoring for the night. One of the rewards for this discomfort was a hug from the captain as we sat in the cockpit at anchor, and my cooking duties being handed over to the captain for the evening meal. After eating we hit the v-berth for a night of rocking and rolling.
I was not concerned about the anchor moving , Harry had set the anchor alarm with our trusty Simrad GPS instrument. The image on its screen portrays that all night Flapdoodle swung around the anchor, as the tides changed; but the anchor itself remained stationary. The circle depicted represents a 100 feet diameter around the anchor. If the anchor had dragged outside of this range then an alarm would have alerted us.
Despite this anchorage security, I awoke frequently through out the night with heightened sensitivity to the motion of the boat. Fortunately, lying down I did not feel sick. Never the less, it was a restless sleep, but I was able to go back to sleep quickly after each stirring. By morning the rocking had subsided to a gentle lapping and I rose seasickness free.
When the wind picked up again we set sail to experiment some more and return to the marina.
That evening we were tied up in our slip in the safe confines of the marina slip. I looked forward to an uninterrupted night’s sleep however I was surprised to embark on another restless evening. This time as I stirred, I would wonder each time why the boat was NOT rocking and was thinking it didn’t seem natural.
I guess it is not only my husband trying to brainwash me, it may also be the ocean itself that is succeeding in hypnotizing me as I succumb to feeling more and more at home and at ease with the motion of the sea.
It was interesting reading about your experience and I loved the pictures. I’m glad your doing well.
I admire you both for your brave venture. You will gain your sea legs as time goes on. I never have been able too.
Lovely words and pictures of your adventure. Thanks for sharing.
I have no knowledge whether seasickness is overcome with exposure but certainly hope it does for you. I would be surprised that if you go cruising and are sick most of the time that the captain wouldn’t have a plan to attend to that and if there is none to change the life plan to keep you included somehow. One thing I do know is that the cruising life will be eye opening, keep you in touch with nature and its cycles, let you see and experience beautiful creatures/land and seascapes/weather induced cloud patterns and lighting that changes through the day and night. Ugly things will be evident as well like pollution and animals impacted by plastic but by golly gosh you will be so fascinating to talk to/follow on social media. Us living vicariously through you could be thought as a gift to others. The adventures, I feel, will fill out your life to an extent you could not imagine. You never really want to ‘challenge’ the Lord but your religious faith (I assume you still believe strongly?) may be tested somewhat and it could strengthen you beyong all expectations or provide you with a different outlook. Either way you will be a stronger person.
I love your stories Leticia. What a beautiful record of an amazing time of your life. And I am glad you ended up feeling better!!!
Bon voyages friend!
<3 Nancy
I’ve been seasick several times…it’s awful. I have to take a dramamine when I go asea. Having our 70th birthday celebration at church tonight. Wish you were here. (Though it’s pretty hot)
Audrey
I enjoyed this post tremendously, Leticia. It reminded me of nights spent sleeping on my father’s sailboat on Cayuga Lake. We do adjust. It’s a lovely hypnosis. I like all that your friend Graeme said. Being in touch with nature in particular. Much love to you both from the Novaks.
I really like the featured picture! Beautiful!
I am enjoying your blog Leticia and reading about your adventures. So much awaits you as you and Harry explore together. I am looking forward to reading about more of your experiences on the high seas. Love Sandra