Sailing Along

The most fun I had this summer came to me as a very pleasant surprise. Our office had a little retreat for an afternoon at Lake Tahoe a couple of weeks ago. I thought I was going up there for a sort of picnic or barbecue at the home of one of our advisory board members. Turned out that he had a couple of boats moored in the lake, and offered to let us take a little ride. Eight people opted to take out the big power boat, and six of us went out with our host John and his house guest Isabella on the sailboat, leaving about as many people ashore to prepare the barbecue.














Our host John proved to be a very kind and generous man. As we got underway, with John at the helm and Isabella acting as first mate, they directed us patiently in how to handle the lines, and deploy the sails. As soon as we were squared away, John offered to let someone take the helm. Standing by and offering calm and patient guidance, and an occasional hand on the wheel, he would instruct us each in turn, and then let us have the helm. Three of us got the opportunity, and I was allowed to handle the wheel for nearly an hour. Wow what a treat that was.












This boat, for a few minutes sailing very nearby, was very similar in size and design to the 36 foot vessel we were on.










Standing at the helm, feeling the wind in the sails, the waves, the feel of the vessel underfoot, it was truly a transcendent experience. What an unexpected joy for me! I had no idea. I can still close my eyes and experience that serene feeling. At one with all that is.

Now I really understand what it means to be "sailing along".

When we got back to shore, near dusk, the barbecue had pretty much been cooked and eaten, but I would much rather have still been out on the lake.