Monday, January 15, 2018

Marathon: unexpected crew; shredded; old food; Medicine Wheel


        I returned from biking to the supermarket to find the above creature on GANNET and a chihuahua who lives on a nearby boat barking furiously at him.  He is a big iguana, at least three feet long.  In a reasonable tone I told him that I sail alone.  He ignored me.  Hoping that when I stepped on board, he would abandon ship, I did.  The incensed dog couldn’t stand it any longer and jumped on too, causing the iguana to dive overboard and swim away.
        I hope he stays away.

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        This is the only boat in the yard still showing Irma damage.
        In addition to needing a new mainsail, she was blown from her stands during the storm and in falling over one of them pierced her hull, leaving a hole you can put your fist through.
        The home port is New Jersey.
        I do not know why the owner hasn’t had her attended to.

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        I am eating old food.
        Last night’s freeze dry lamb fettuccine was bought in New Zealand at least two years ago.
        My oatmeal this morning came from either New Zealand or Australia, at least a year and a half ago.
        The powered milk from South Africa a year ago.
        I’m not sure about the trail mix, but, it too must be at least a year old, if not more.
        It all still tastes just as good as ever, which is perhaps not a gourmet recommendation.

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          Kent, of Kent and Audrey, boat creators and restorers, as well as joint commodores of a fleet of small boats, numbering about twenty, is on the tribal rolls of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.   He is also a former Marine helicopter pilot.
        He painted this Potawatomi Medicine Wheel on the deck of their carriage house.  (I don’t believe I have ever before known anyone with a carriage house.)
        He explains here the meaning of the wheel which I find elegantly evocative of the natural cycles of life.
        I thank Kent for the image and permission to link to his site.