In the early morning watch I finished reading Darwin’s Voyage of the Beagle. It was interesting if only for the fact that they sailed round the world 180 years ago, following almost the exact path we are taking from Galapagos onward. We thought it would be a good read because of going to Galapagos, but both Captain and I found it to be very boring and dry. After I came very happily to the end of that book, still having two hours left on my watch, I opened Paul Gauguin’s Noa Noa, about his sojourn in Tahiti. How refreshing! It has been said that Darwin possessed keen powers of observation. Well, be that as it may, Darwin’s observations come off every bit as interesting as the dry dust left in the chalkboard tray at the end of the day. Gauguin’s observations, on the other hand, are vibrant and sweet, and alive! Perhaps because Darwin focused on geology and zoology, almost to the exclusion of humanity, his works feel like they have no soul. Gauguin’s story, on the other hand, is overflowing with spirit, emotion, and feeling, all about humanity. What an interesting contrast! Gauguin opens you up to what is beyond what the eye can see and the ear can hear, and takes you into the realm of the heart. Ah, and what has this to do with sailing? Sailing affords us the incredible luxury and richness of time to read! Not only time to read, but then also, time to ruminate on what has been read, absorb it, discuss it, enjoy it, allow it to enlarge our thinking. Lars and I love reading the same books, then discussing them. It really enriches the experience. It is very lovely to have sails properly set, enough wind to power them, and to sit snuggled up on the sheepskins in the cockpit with the autopilot driving the boat, the full moonpeeping over your shoulder, a cup of tea to hand, and a great book on the kindle! Just another aspect of living the Sweet Dream!
image2.