Simple Pleasures
by Wild Goose crew Lisa Goodwin
Written on monday 5/28/12
Atlantic Ocean - 380 nm to Horta, Azores
I woke to sunshine spilling through the small rectangular port hole over my bunk. The light radiating off the mahogany paneling, making it seem alive, and making the whole cabin glow. Basking in the warmth, my senses could tell that our steadfast vessel, Wild Goose, although cutting a good clip through the ocean was sailing on a relatively level keel. No wonder I felt so rested after finishing my 1 - 4am watch .......four solid hours of sleep with out being pitched back and forth in my bunk.
Freshly brewed coffee wafted in from the galley. I could hear Hugh animatingly talking on the VHF radio with S/V's First Edition and Sage about the upcoming weather. Linda and Mike were in the cockpit, where the sudden call rang "dolphins off the starboard" and "look, there are lots of them". Peeking out from the top of the companion way stairs, I could see dolphins fanning in towards our boat in rows of small groups. These dolphins, and all the ones we have seen since Bermuda have been the smaller Atlantic spotted dolphin. They are just as curious, but appear less daring and acrobatic, in general, then their bottle nosed cousins, though quite capable of skylarking leaps as one show off demonstrated. On an ocean passage, any sighting of life, be it another ship on the distant horizon or a lone seabird scouting for its next meal is a welcome diversion and instant friend. A pod of playful dolphins has been a favorite sighting since I was young, and even now never ceases to fill me with child like wonder and glee.
Popping back down into the galley, I took advantage of the calm ride and the fact the whole crew was up, and treated us to an endless batch of blueberry pancakes. Big thick pancakes, bursting with fruit, and slathered with melted butter and maple syrup.......yummmmm. What a perfect morning, filled with simple pleasures, any of which on their own would satisfying enough. When I am out at sea, away from the distractions of my busy life at home, my senses are much more cogniscent of the simple things that surround me and the beauty or pleasure that can be found in their appreciation. A lesson I need to take with me a shore and practice more at home.
As the rhythm of this day continues it is time to close the doors of interspection and focus on the chores at hand: washing breakfast dishes, dressing for watch, and preparing to reef the sails. So to all our friends and family back home, although your morning may not have included frolicking dolphins or blueberry pancakes shared with friends, I hope you will all take time to delight and be grateful for all the simple pleasures that come your way.
IMG_0759 watchin dolphins