Red Solo Cup

Day 100 - 113 (Tues,  Feb  21 –  Sun, March 4 , 2012): Georgetown still. Not quite sure how to explain the phenomenon that is Georgetown. On the surface, you could be critical and self-righteous about the antics that go on… murmuring things like “RV Park” etc. But when you go a little deeper it is very interesting. The “filter principle” still applies. Everyone that got here has a level of skill and understanding of the sea. They have a zest about what they do. And, they stay young. Granted the ages range from -8.5 months to 90+. That said, everyone is a bit of a pirate. We have made some pretty amazing friends. My sincerest admiration goes to everyone here. However they got here…whatever kind of boat they are on and whatever age. There is a lot I have to learn from everyone… about sailing, life and fulfillment. Seems like I am in the right place.

Our time in Georgetown has revealed everything from the Pet Parade, the Old Fart synchronized swimming team, Red Solo Cup, to the Fun Volleyball tournament, and several sailboat races. Yes, they were majestic and while in good fun, they also make you appreciate the sheer beauty of what folks are sharing here. We still have one race left that Patrick and Van will participate in this week. The non-powered dinghy race and we have a secret weapon! On the serious side, we attended all of the Chris Parker seminars and Patrick passed his General HAM License.

Dobbie is doing fine. He bonded with Hue. And once again, what an amazing musician. He is tremendous. Voice, harmonica and guitar. I seriously have learned to love music on this trip. I don’t think I ever really listed before. Somehow it is different now. Parts of these people are in what they do. It speaks about them and you can hear it. Maybe not in recordings but live... you can feel it, hear it and better understand the person. And yes, Dobbie is a sailor whore. If you smell like a sailboat and you are a guy, he is ready to jump ship with you and check out a port town.

For the  next leg of our journey, the gloves are off. I have danced around topics that were a bit controversial. Maybe because I needed time to sort things out or maybe because I simply needed the natural beauty to help me “get my mind right.” Whatever the case, I will share some deeper thoughts and a bit more personal discovery topics. Oh boy… Awakenings for me. I hate or better yet have spent a good part of my life trying to avoid control. That is being controlled. What a place the world would be if we could only be honest about our intentions. It would make it so much easier. Those that want to be led could jump in line. Those that prefer a different path could quickly narrow in on a new course.

We are starting to investigate where we want to end up as a home base. Parameters are no further North than Georgetown/Charleston SC and possibly Florida. We will investigate Marathon Key and a marina on the west coast of FL between Ft. Myers and St. Pete. How we chart our trip home to the US will depend on where we end up. For this week, we are getting ready for a pretty serious storm. Sounds like it is going be gale force winds.

Oh, and in the honesty department, corporate America needs to take a long hard look at how they do business. It is not fair, not the best way to make money and by far not the most humane way to treat people. How did we get so far off? Where did our priorities shift? In my lifetime, I can remember when business was about making a better life for the families that worked for them and used their services. Now, it is self-serving and stagnant. A loop of selfishness.  I think the blue here made me thing about what is real.

And in reviewing this with Patrick, I guess I need to “explain” some of the “goings on” a bit better.

•  Red Solo Cup: a lively rendition done by 2 women in bikinis to the lovely country lyric.
• My Man: again a feisty country song that had something to do with sniffing underwear.
• Synchronized Swimming: check out the photo, it speaks for itself.
• The boat parade and taking hostages… check out the beauties. And Volleyball was played in full attire.

Patrick says there is more… these people are curious, intelligent and much like dolphins, 90%+ plus of their days are spent at play. Too much debauchery and craziness to share here.

Oh, Gerry O’ can you please persuade Patrick to put the check valve back in our bilge pump line. Following waves… only you can help.