Fellowship
For you Tolkien fans.
One morning last week at 1030 ship’s time, I served what I told the crew was “not lunch but a second breakfast” because, you know, we had turned our clocks back and thanks to Hobbits, such a thing exists! It was then I began to see the symmetry between our journey and the journey of that infamous Hobbit and his pals.
To begin with, our crew. Which of the characters in the novels do I see onboard with us?
Bernie: our Frodo, not only the reason for our journey but as the boat owner, our carrier of the biggest burden.
Steve: our Gandalf, with the greatest sailing wisdom of us all, currently working on the gray beard.
Barry: our Meri, whose name matches his optimistic disposition and who comes from our same shire.
Dave: our Gimli, with a mental acuity as sharp as an axe.
And me, Julie? Well I envision myself as Galadriel, for it is my voice our Frodo hears in his head, full of guidance, encouragement and support. But it could also be argued that I am Samwise, for isn’t it Sam that carries the food and the pots and pans and is generally in charge of feeding Frodo?
Like our Tolkien adventurers, we each packed everything we needed in one bag, slung it over our shoulders and embarked on a journey that held an element of danger.
And like our Hobbits leaving the shire for the first time, we, too, are traversing new ground as we head for our destination across the waters of dragons (see earlier Amongst Dragons blog!).
Also like Tolkien’s fellowship, our crew sits together sharing meals and stories, laughing, toasting, singing and yes, even dancing a little jig.
And I swear, didn’t those Hobbits, humans, dwarves and elves also wear the same clothes for days on end? A definite similarity - just how much I’ll never tell!
Our destination to the west? Saint Lucia - island of light, our Mount Doom, where fire weds water in sunsets awash in reds, oranges and yellows, the colors of molten lava burning hot enough to forge the one ring to rule them all.
It takes a crew to complete a journey such as theirs and ours. Like them, we have relied upon each other for help, support, and knowledge.
Most definitely - our crew has created a sailing synergy unique to our personalities and capabilities and together, we make Circe’s sails sing a song of fellowship all our own.
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