We arrived to Kingston ahead of schedule, 10:30 a.m. Sunday. This concerned us because we had planned for a rental car and we were told none were available until the afternoon. A phone call to Enterprise Rent-A-Car and “Voila!” I would be picked up in 15 minutes!
My ride, John, was a 70 year old native of the area, supplementing his retirement income, and he did an excellent job of orienting me to the layout of the city. At the rental car office, I was greeted by the most cheerful of office staff. I reached for my drivers license… I mean, I searched for my drivers license… before I called Pete in a panic.
“Look on the lower helm console, check yesterday’s pockets, look on the floor where I generally lay my purse…” <Think, Susan! When did you last see it!>
Pete reminded me of my previous day’s walking tour of Gananoque. <Brilliant!> Check the backpack! ..and Bingo! (I breathed a huge sigh of relief.)
The Enterprise staff drove me round trip, to the boat to retrieve my license, and back to the office. I was provided with a brand new Toyota Camry, luxury edition.
Our first priority was a visit to Kingston General Hospital for a look at Pete’s knee. Not the infamous left knee of last year’s struggles, but his right knee. Pete had already diagnosed his meniscus tear and was hoping for a simple (and fast) repair.
In Canada, an “elective procedure” would be at least six to eight months out. The emergency doctor and the consulting trauma orthopedic specialist suggested we return to the US, to our known doctors and healthcare systems, for expedited care.
So, with a little research, we found a spot near Rochester, NY, to leave the boat while we return to California. It was a two-day trip by boat, with a layover in Oswego.
We arrived to the Oswego municipal marina (Monday) just before closing and fueled up. As we did, I noticed an adorable Ranger Tug with a Looper burgee. I was eager to meet the crew but we had to settle in, eat dinner and chart our course for the next day. I also switched out our Canadian courtesy flag for the burgee of the United States Power Squadron, Sacramento Chapter #4890.
Once chores were done, and seeing a light on in the Ranger Tug salon, I headed around the long narrow marina to visit the crew of “Alittle Loopy.”
A tap on the window got the attention of the first mate. Janice (“Jan”) was on her computer, blogging (as most first mates do) and though I may have startled her, she rose quickly to greet me at the cockpit. Her Captain had retired, so we were free to chat about all things that first mates should.
“Who’s idea was this Great Loop?” “Where did you start?” “How/why did you chose this boat?” “What life did you leave behind?” (…not asked in these exact words…)
We fought off the evening mosquitos and boat spiders for a long while as we enjoyed each other’s knowledge and revelations.
I shared our predicament, and that, despite the challenges of our Loop, we were “all in” and we were enjoying life, one day at a time. Our one-year Loop might become three or four years, but this does not matter. What matters is that we, as a crew (and a committed couple), are enjoying the journey, the adventure, the ups and downs, and the closeness that such an adventure engenders and requires. We know, as former first responders, that “tomorrow is not promised” and we must make the most of every day.
Jan and I closed our encounter only due to nightfall and those damn bugs, with a promise to stay in touch. I wish we had more time… I found a soul sister in Oswego!
We left Oswego Marina early Tuesday, with the fishermen, about 6:00 a.m. Our trip to Rochester was uneventful. We connected with Shumway Marine on Tuesday afternoon, in what was recently an underwater marina. Slip #16 was precarious, to say the least.
We spent three days unloading goods and supplies, gifting to the local charities and cleaning up the boat. By Friday morning we were ready for the boat lift.
We opted to spoil ourselves Friday evening at the Hyatt Regency Rochester and Morton’s Steak House. It was a nice ending to this brief boating season.
I will close this post with an image from my favorite “signature” boutique winery in Acampo, CA. “Acquiesce, <verb> to surrender, to become quiet.” Also “to accept something reluctantly, but without protest.”
Maybe life isn’t about avoiding the bruises. Maybe it’s about collecting the scars to prove we showed up for it.
I love your perspective! What grace to be able to surrender the plan and move forward to what is needed in the moment. Inspiring.
You need “Bite no more”.
Add to “Maybe life isn’t about avoiding the bruises. Maybe it’s about collecting the scars to prove we showed up for it.” and to be able to tell entertaining stories about it!