Road Scholar Day 1 of 6 day voyage – Anchoring in Dacatur Bay

June 26, 2011 - 

Submitted by Catherine Collins

Evening program has just ended, and the light on Mount Baker is golden red.  Four boys, ages 10-12, are creeping along the deck, walking like ninjas the way they were taught by crew member Dan Dan.  It’s the first day of the first Road Scholar (formerly Elder Hostel) Intergenerational trip of the season. 

I’m excited to be out of the office this week as “guest crew” and experiencing the magic of a program aboard Adventuress.  It’s sheer joy to have my mother, Ann, aboard.  She turned 75 this year, and is the real sailor in our family growing up on wooden boats on the coast of Maine.  My nephew, Ben, is aboard too, and quickly signed us up for anchor watch – enthusiastically jumping in at every turn.

We boarded yesterday afternoon, on a gorgeous Friday Harbor day.  Grandparents and grandkids – renewing and strengthening their relationships across generations, and of course, having fun.  Though most were a bit road-weary after traveling from all parts of the country, they were ready for adventure. 

After nearly 12 miles under sail, we settled down off Decatur Head, Decatur Island, which Ben helped the captain choose for our anchorage.  And a quiet night was had by all with much-needed rest and renewal – and delicious, healthy food from the galley.  Time to slow down, take in spectacular views of our Northwest waterways…and become part of the life of Puget Sound.  

Catherine