the reverse curve of time

~ From Julia ~

Happy Birthday Boo!

Coop and Nate were up in the dark with their headlamps on getting the stern untied and ready to start up Crow’s chug chug chugging engine. Cooper woke me a bit later to say the sun would be coming over the mountains and that we were soon going to see the first waterfall. I popped out of my bunk and Nate asked me “How does it feel to be “Seventy One Derful” … couldn’t be better I reply. Oceanna was rising too. We were all excited to see the sunrise and enjoy Toba Inlet. Off we go.

It was very windy and wild. Perfect spot for the willawas… the water was a silty beautiful blue green color. As we continued Coop and Nate were deciding the best course taking into mind that the wind could change and become super wild. We turned around, saw the sunrise and passed the waterfall a second time. Good call. Farewell to Toba Inlet for this trip.

There is so much to appreciate each day. Being immersed in this place and traveling by boat amazes me. If a day gets hard because we’re low on water and need to pay attention to that… you can turn your attention to the SEA, AIR, BIRDS, WIND SAILING, SUNSETS AND STARS as well as the many books and stories we have along with us that tell us about these places. It is fairly simple. Although our minds still return to other things, worries, commitments, being back home, friends and family, work and elections we are here and will return to those things soon enough.

Oceanna asked me how many days we were in Grace Harbor… this is the beauty of many days … I had to check in my journal! Time out here is like that.

We headed to Von Donop Inlet with lots of space for boats to spread out. Coop and Oceanna rigged and took off in Sweetpea. They returned as Nate and I were ready to nap on deck. It was an early day for all and naps were welcome. I do need to say again how kind Coop and Nate are and how they watch out for me and help me… in a million ways. I am grateful to them. After nap time… Coop, Oceanna and Nate went into the back of the inlet having heard about a trail to the store at Squirrel Cove. I stayed behind. It was hours before they returned. The walk was longer than expected, total of 6 miles. Through the woods to the road, wolves being known in these areas, and mosquitos when they stopped to drink some water. But they made it back to the Inlet.

Nate shared a moment he had when he got back on his paddle board and was easing his back in the pose of a child. He said that it was a very special moment as he was present and gifted with a conversation with Oma and Grandad, just as it used to be when he would talk with them.

While they were gone I had a brief text exchange with Kim and she was so looking forward to Casey, Peter, Riley and Sawyer arriving that afternoon. Happy times for them all. We hate to miss them but will look forward to when we can all be together.

I also want to post a huge appreciation to my friends and neighbors for helping keep my gardens watered and lawn mowed. A special shout out to Emma and Milo Kilbey for taking on the summer job of being there for us. Thank you. Others: Perry, Lori, Chuck and Riley, Lynne, Kim, Josh and Stacy, Jenny and others. You are lovely friends and neighbors!

Dinner was hamburgers, a first on the Crow for this trip and they were delish. They were garnished with huge leaves of lettuce, really beautiful tomatoes, cheese and spicy pickles. Thank you kindly again Oceanna for the beautiful meal. Dinner was followed by a long game of Catan. Nate won this one. Oceanna has a rich game mind. She is aware of many strategies. She’s also been playing for a long time with her family. Brian focused on strategies too. Last time we played Mexican Train Oceanna looked at her tiles and said, “I get this game.” Amazing mind for sure.

Nate and I slept on deck and I saw many shooting stars. The breeze was lovely and temperature was perfect.