Alan Long

A Sail Aboard Walkabout Alan Long

Since moving aboard Walkabout, I am truly amazed at how beautiful the mornings are. The adventure has begun... As with any one of a thousand early mornings, I poured a cup of fresh black coffee and made my way up the companionway into the center cockpit, this has become my "living" room. The comfort of a new day aboard was elevated by watching the golden glow of the morning sun starting at the top of the palm trees along Las Olas Blvd and slowly working its way down the trees as the sun rose. It is always a thrill to watch and feel the world awaken and come to colorful life. It didn't seem to matter what anchorage or marina I was in, or mountain I was on. There are some very good reasons why so many boats are named after women. It's kind of like snuggling up with your lover, and she snuggles back in the soft way that only a woman can. The slight tug of the dock lines as she reaches her limit in the gentle breezes giving assurance that all is well and you are still secure at the docks or at anchor. If she doesn't snuggle you back, you know you could be in trouble. You have to know her in a way that what she is telling you, by her movements, is that you are in heaven or will soon be going to hell if you don't listen. She will never tell you in words, so pay attention to her movement.