Today I ran 13.1 miles at a reasonably slow gait,
to raise money for the Ocean Conservancy. It is not a secret that I love and
respect the ocean. I have been surfing, boogie boarding and body surfing since
6th grade. I have done a fair amount of sailing too. I grew up in Southern
California, during the rise of the surf culture. I embraced it with passion.
The Beach Boys songs still bring back many happy memories and I know the words
to most of the songs!
In my early twenties, I had the opportunity to crew a 50-foot racing sloop from Hawaii back to Newport Beach. To consider it a pleasure cruise would be hokum. It was a very arduous task that took three weeks of toil. This trip was where I reckoned with the power of the ocean (I have almost drowned twice in the surf) and gained a respect (even fear) that has never left.
As we left Kauai, I watched the little island disappear into the distance and not until the 20th day did we see land again. Of the 21 days we were on the water, at least twelve of those days were in 10-12 foot breaking swells and horrible squalls that made it difficult to eat or sleep. Our 50ft Lapworth, the Nefertiti, and our tanned bodies, were beaten and bruised by tons of water washing over the entire boat. We were always leashed to the boat, (and in rain gear) just in case we were ever sweep overboard. Frankly, I am not sure the line would have held and I am sure we would have been dragged to our death in the violent ocean if we had gone overboard.
In my early twenties, I had the opportunity to crew a 50-foot racing sloop from Hawaii back to Newport Beach. To consider it a pleasure cruise would be hokum. It was a very arduous task that took three weeks of toil. This trip was where I reckoned with the power of the ocean (I have almost drowned twice in the surf) and gained a respect (even fear) that has never left.
As we left Kauai, I watched the little island disappear into the distance and not until the 20th day did we see land again. Of the 21 days we were on the water, at least twelve of those days were in 10-12 foot breaking swells and horrible squalls that made it difficult to eat or sleep. Our 50ft Lapworth, the Nefertiti, and our tanned bodies, were beaten and bruised by tons of water washing over the entire boat. We were always leashed to the boat, (and in rain gear) just in case we were ever sweep overboard. Frankly, I am not sure the line would have held and I am sure we would have been dragged to our death in the violent ocean if we had gone overboard.
I learned a lot about myself
on that voyage. I learned (again) what it meant to me to have an indefatigable
mother who loved me and encouraged me. I will explain.
About
midway in the trip, we had experienced a violent storm during the night. I was
emotionally spent. Frankly, I wanted off the boat. I asked Mark, the captain
and my high school friend, if I could use the ship-to-shore radio to call home.
My Mom’s voice always touched my heart but this time it soothed my struggling
soul. Her encouragement made the next 10 days so much more bearable. I can
imagine that many of you can relate to these words. I so miss hearing her
voice. Always cherish your moments with your parents.Well, Number 70, in California, is in two weeks! Pray that my body holds up. My sweet Holly has been my champion and encourager over the years and especially the last few months as I have been pressing to run #70 on my 70th birthday weekend. Another bucket list item soon to be history!
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| The Message in a Bottle Medal for this Race! |
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