My favorite mode of travel was on our 36-foot Catalina sailboat. Following is an excerpt from my sailing journal.
Land Ho! 23 days of sailing White Dove over 2,000 nautical miles from Mexico found us in the Marquesas—our first South Pacific island. That’s a miracle plus some good navigational skills!
Last night wind carried a scent of change across the water. Just as winter transforms to spring, so our deprived senses awakened with an explosion of smells and colors at dawn. We sail 2 miles off-shore along Hiva Oa’s southern coast headed toward Traitor Bay.
Lacy waterfalls tumble and rugged mountains clothed in jungle, palms, and pines clamber from the sea, peaks shrouded in misty clouds. The hollows of their bays beckon us, hiding secrets in dark verdant valleys. Fragrances of tropical flowers mingle with citrus, mango, decaying breadfruit, and campfires, overwhelming yet inviting us to draw closer.
Out of nowhere a hundred or more round-nosed dolphins surround our sailboat, leaping, somersaulting, and squeaking. They seem as excited as my husband, Jerry, and I are. This welcoming committee accompanies us around the final point, then races off as we enter the harbor of Atuona.
Our seven-year dream, sacrifices, and hard work have led us to this joyous moment. I feel the urge to shout out loud, but within the balmy breeze floats a hushed reverence, like entering a beautiful church. I savor the peace, knowing we will soon be caught up in the whirlwind of landfall—anchoring; checking in with customs, immigration, and the gendarme; laundry; replenishing supplies, and so much more.
For now, I surrender to the splendor of this exotic location, thanking God who created it all; for our safe voyage thus far; and for the gift of this path. All part of His plan and purpose.
You answer us with awesome & righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth & of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of the waves, & the turmoil of the nations. The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. Psalm 65: 5-8
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