We motored South down the Inter Costal Waterway about 24 miles to Clearwater yesterday. There is a lot of activity here because of the Super Bowl being played close by in Tamp
a this Sunday. A lot of big yachts are starting to arrive here for the rich & famous. The largest we have seen so far is the "Big City" a new Trinity 140 foot motor vessel that charters for $195,0
00 a week. The delivery crew was working on it all day (cleaning & polishing) and we are anxious to see who the special guests will be tomorrow. Weather is warm (high 70's) and very pleasant. We enjoyed a morning walk on the beautiful white sand beach of Clearwater and a fun dingy ride to town to do some needed provisioning. We will be staying here for a few days while our wives (Susan & Linda) are traveling from the North country to join us. We miss them a lot and are looking forward to our reunion with them this Friday.
Today our dear friend and Poet Laureate sailor, Gary Gaudreau departed Northern Light and is heading back home to Michigan. We are sad to see him go. Before he left, he was inspired to write another great poem about our perfect night crossing of the Gulf of Mexico a few days ago. We would like to share it with you and hope you enjoy as much as we did!
Night Crossing
On a warm winter morn in St Joe Bay
Northern Light caught the tide running out for the day.
She fetched her marks on the rollers with ease,
Gently turning to course, softly kissing the seas.
We three that sailed her, she knew of our dream,
Of a swift sea voyage, fifteen knots on the beam.
So she served up a ride, the best I think now,
With dolphins and sea birds swiftly passing our bow.
Now light fading fast, we’ve sailed well all day,
Crossing the Gulf toward Anclote Island’s bay.
Northern Light knows our needs, she coaches us on
Thru a sea of stars, brilliant sunrise at dawn.
We’re tired and damp but our spirits renew
Over praise for the yacht and her love for the crew.
Sailing on to the docks, we’ve seen many great things.
Raising our Margaritas, three embrace Tarpon Springs.
Gary T. Gaudreau
1/27/2009 1500 Hours
Gulf of Mexico at Tarpon Springs, FL aboard Northern Light
2 comments:
Brad, Please tell Susan we were so happy to spend time with her and Andy when Susan was visiting Denver. Blessings on your journey. We enjoy reading the blogs and can't wait to see you....til then
Brad & Jay,
Ahoy! What a thrill it was to spend time with you (and Gary) and meet Northern Light. Since day one of your journey I told myself I was going to get on that boat somehow. I may not have had the pleasure of sailing, but the pleasure was still great just hanging out with you at Tarpon Springs - helping you with your Greek food-feast. Steve's macaroons did make it back to Mom & Dad's house, but once that bag was opened, I couldn't resist. Steve unwillingly shared one with me.
May God continue to richly bless your voyage.
P.S. Steve and I were both very depressed yesterday when we returned to a blustery winter day here in Michigan! UGH.
Thank you so much for a wonderful visit. (I'm already working on how to hook up with you again)
Hi to Sue and Linda.
Love,
Denise
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