And here is the tale from the pen of Joseph Schable
Confined to solid Ground and under doctors’ orders, the three weeks away from the elements felt like a lifetime, but at last, I am free again, my soul unchained, and that very first sail could not have come at a better time, it was all that I needed and it was the best medicine to sort me out and restore my sanity.
After a beautiful warm summer’s day with the light westerly breeze still holding as the sun neared the horizon, I could not resist the temptation to throw off the lines and take my old soul mate for a walk in the park, so to say.
A few birds circled around and checked us out, as we glided more, then we sailed out the harbour. The usual city noises were slowly drifting into obliviousness and solitude could be felt as Il’silencio took over.
By the time we passed the break wall a distance off, what more could I be, but be captured by a stunning sunset over our northern suburbs as we get closer to the winter solstice and the shortest day the suns declination is approaching its most northerly limit if my memory is not letting me down it should be 22 ½ degree.
The Radio, the occasional fishing vessel and at that time of the evening the air traffic was the only thing breaking the silence, and that I treasure as much as the ever changing colours that turn the day into night.
What do I hear now? That could not have been the slosh of a wake from one of those fishing vessels. Not finished with my thoughts yet, here they were, my friendly Dolphins. I could see them better in the water, as they were slicing through the phosphorus water, leaving a slick trail behind them as they were speeding around in display.
It was time to wear something warmer as the chill was getting a little uncomfortable in the apparent breeze as we were sailing close hauled towards our city skyline. Our Friendly city looks pretty friendly and attractive, and pleasing to the eye, when the night takes over and it gets lit up by a multitude of different lights.
But they’re not quite as many and as beautiful as the ones, way far above them in heaven, the stars, the half-moon and my favourite constellation the southern star and the moon was competing with the city lights throwing millions of twinkles in to the elements ripples.
Near our Shark Rock pier, the dolphins paid us another visit and they got my undivided attention for a while. I was more than blessed with the weather God as the breeze lasted till I dropped sail near our berth, and for a change there was not one shipping movement the entire evening that held me up as it often happens this time of the evening.
Slowly, slowly, I remembered as I approached the mooring, the doctor said, take it easy, and easy I took it. I made sure and double checked everything before I left my bird to her self, yes you haven’t done it for a while.
Supper was enjoyed and now it is time to say good night, a few thoughts on that rehabilitation therapy, I wonder if my doctor could have prescribed a better medicine?
Good night and God bless
