Transitions, Painting Preparations and Reflections

A cup of aromatic Supreme Ceylon tea with peanut butter toast was an early morning prelude to a hot shower and brunch (Eggs Benedict) at the Cafe.  

A visit to Caters to pick up the paint and accoutrements for the next few days labour, then back to the boat for a good scrub down with marine wash and scrubbing brushes to prepare the deck for sanding and painting over the next few days.  It looks like this fine spell will last until Tuesday late, so that's my deadline to get it all done.

I sadly farewelled my fellow companion for the past ten days, as Brian shouldered his duffel bag and ascended the hill to catch the bus home - a great expedition of over 330kms of sailing in idyllic conditions - On yer, mate!

Today was also a day to connect with a number of the 'characters' and delightful inhabitants I've been privileged to get to know these past couple of years.  

I've long been intrigued with George Clarke's TV series about the "Amazing spaces" people construct to house themselves and their hobbies. Kevin McLeod's series about his 'manspace' shed construction using recycled materials and innovative ideas has been inspirational and aspirational.

Most of us who are introverts by nature, crave isolation of some sort, to find a place where we can 'get away from it all' and discover some space to reflect, unwind and recharge.  I guess for me, Kalai has become my  primary 'micrspace'; a place of retreat and endeavour, a mixture of opportunity to be creative (see previous references to obsession with gadgets!) and also the chance to test myself in the learning of new skills and competencies.  

But perhaps in many ways this has become my most valued 'Sacred space' - a place where the beauty of this waters and the sheer satisfaction of slicing sweetly through the waves connects at a deeper soul level and evokes an appreciation of Yahweh's handiwork... as a Psalmist once wrote:

Your way was through the sea, and your path through mighty waters, but your footprints cannot be traced... Psalm 77:19

It has been in the tenuous and indeterminate tracing of these 'unseen paths' that I have found new connections within and without.  Each voyage forges a fresh path, a path that is not predetermined or confined, a path that resonates of both liberation and freedom, of unexplored opportunities that open every day as I seek to tune my sails to the wind of the Spirit...

This place continually surprises - whether it is in the sometimes achingly beautiful vistas that greet you at dawn...



































or in the sense of camaraderie -of moments shared, adventures enjoyed, challenges overcome and just time spent in the company of good friends, on land as well as at sea.  People like:

• Bob the ever helpful and gracious American behind the Chandlers counter
• Diane whose coffee and good cheer brightens my morning
• James whose generous provision of storage and sound mechanical advice has proven a Godsend
• Marie whose warm welcome at the Club is only matched by her humour and grace
• Brian, whose company and long term friendship has blessed my soul
• Webb, whose artistry and wordsmithing are second only to his resilience, daring and reflective wisdom

These are just a few of the blessings of inhabiting my nautical microspace here on E63, Opua Marina.