From the Editor
Whirr…whirr… the engine roared, spitting up sand as the boat stopped moving. The waterways seemed to narrow, or was that my imagination? Bob hopped out, sinking nearly waist-deep in muck, and pushed us until we were moving again. It was our first outing on the boat and not the stress-free afternoon we had planned.
“Why didn’t you check the depth finder gauge?” I lamented. “It was 17 feet at that buoy just 50 feet away. How could it change so fast?” Bob exclaimed in frustration.
It was our second outing, the day after Night in Venice. We had hoped to check out the houses that were decorated in the lagoons. This time the boat wouldn’t budge. Luckily, another boater pulled us out with a rope. He couldn’t get too close to us though for fear of getting stuck himself. He threw a line out and Bob shuffled through the muck to retrieve it, then tied it to the stern. We were on our way again and made a beeline to the channel where we knew it was a safe depth. Afterwards, we vowed to only venture into the bay again when the tide is rising.
While we often imagine the ocean’s depths teeming with creatures like sharks, crabs, and octopuses, the real menace is the sand! In the world of boating, tide tables are crucial. The rise and fall of tides can cause water levels to fluctuate by several feet and generate strong currents.
Our venture into boating began last Christmas when my husband gifted me a yearly boating club membership. Recognizing our love for the water but our lack of time for maintaining a boat, it seemed like the perfect solution. In preparation, Bob attended boating school and earned his captain’s license. We celebrated with a captain’s hat and a toast. We were ready…or so we thought.
Even with these trials though, I love boating on the back bays. Viewing the shoreline from the water offers a refreshing shift in perspective. The salt air always revitalizes my spirit. The opportunity to jump off the boat to take a swim, dock at our favorite outdoor eateries, and explore new waters (within the channel) adds to the adventure.
Nothing says summer like the smell of salt air. Wishing you a wonderful week, and remember to visit the beach and dip your toes in the ocean before summer slips away. Whether you’re an experienced boater or just enjoy the seaside, the ocean has a way of refreshing our spirits and providing endless adventures.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
