As Big as Mount Holly

Entry # 22

This morning I began drafting a letter of introduction to submit with my sailing resume to the Great Lakes Singlehanded Society. Naturally as I gathered my thoughts I became inundated with memories. In a moment of enthusiasm, I just have to pause and share a related memory. It was my experience crossing the Gulf of Saint Lawrence from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia to Newfoundland. It was a beautiful day in August – warm with blue skies. The winds were blowing 30-35 mph. You could see a line of clouds on the extreme horizon and I can recall having heard that there was an Atlantic storm to the east. I was on deck standing on the bow of the vessel looking ahead and holding unto the handrails tightly as we headed in a northwesterly direction. I was the only one enjoying the deck, the wind and sea spray hitting against my face. The seas in front were like small mountains as the vessel drove down the trough of one wave then rise up the oncoming next wave. I’ve never experienced seas so big. It was awe inspiring. I couldn’t explain why, but in the moment, I sensed something. I turned looking upward over my shoulder towards the bridge only to meet the eyes of the captain. The captain was looking at me and we were both smiling. I felt a moment of jealousy. I thought about walking up to the bridge and offering my services right then and there. Obviously, I’ve never forgotten those feelings of exhilaration.

As a side note: For those of you who may be familiar, the seas appeared bigger than the Pine Knob or Mount Holly ski slopes! Honestly! I’ve raced in boats with the tops of spars 30+ feet disappear between waves and we would be no more than a couple of hundred feet apart! Those seas on my way to Newfoundland were a whole lot bigger. I currently have a smile on my face thinking about it.