It was a huge accomplishment to sail to Bermuda from Mystic, CT. The reality of all this is still settling in! We are anchored in a serene harbor with other sailboats adding to our number every day. Two solo sailors who have made friends with one another came by Gypsy to visit. We shared snacks, beverages and knowledge. Every sailor we meet is eager to share knowledge and to assist with problem solving.
The arrival in Bermuda is only the beginning of our adjustment. As we sorted, cleaned and repaired over these past three days we have frequently paused, one, perhaps first, then the other, giggling, dancing – sort of in disbelief, exuberance, confusion… who are we now?
Besides the need to dry Gypsy out and make the necessary repairs, I see our sorting and rearranging as part or our process of establishing ourselves as explorers, travelers; not the nine-to-fivers who left Connecticut. Oh, we read a lot of books on how to prepare for such an expedition, but until you are here, some decisions remain illusive. We are equipped for endless situations. This morning as Dan was getting a tool, he saw that the drawer was coming apart. The necessary glue was aboard and once the drawer was emptied the repair began. There is a feeling of self-mastery in handling what comes your way. And making that way… finding the simplest interest in the color of the houses or the history of this tiny speck of the world… our world is suddenly narrower and broadened – in making that sail across the Gulf Stream.
As part of my process I wanted to make cookies today. Finding some of the ingredients required that we consult our spreadsheet as our supplies are stashed in numerous places all over Gypsy. The smell of warm chocolate and vanilla made our cabin smell like “home”. Our provisioning seems to be more than adequate and we have supplemented only with fresh foods. Making meals with the food on hand requires a new kind of creativity. I don’t want to admit how many trips to the store I made in one week – or how many different stores I would go to when I lived in Connecticut!
The “student” of life status is a welcomed level. We both seem to need a list to keep us focused on the necessities. I suspect there will be some areas that will become smoother; but may the curiosity never stop.
