Since I live on the Atlantic Coast of Florida, I usually gravitate toward water somewhere.
I ended up on Crane Creek in Melbourne, Florida, where the creek runs into the Indian River Lagoon.
As I wandered around, I saw a big, gorgeous sailboat coming in, the pilot (or whatever you call a guy driving a boat) parking his yacht. It was interesting to watch him move the boat back and fort to get it into his spot.
I took a few pictures, a couple of which are in this post.
The sign on one side of his yacht said Single Handed Sailing - Atlantic Challenge.
Thinking this was a race of some sort, I looked it up on the internet when I got home and came across Keith White's web site.
It turns out that Mr. White lost use of his left arm in a car accident in the early 1990s and is now sailing to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in the U.K., as well as raising money to help restore Cutty Sark, the famous clipper ship.
Anyway, just took a few pics as he was trying to park.
I learned all of this about Mr. White after the fact. I wish I had know about it before hand.
I would have stayed nearby to see if I could talk to him for a few minutes. It is impressive that he has sailed across the Atlantic alone, and disabled.
I noticed on his web site, his last update was that he was headed toward Melbourne and had radioed ahead to let them know he was on his way to port here.
I've always wanted to go sailing, but never have. I've never been in a boat out on the ocean in deep water.
I've been in hot water plenty of times though. I've been married 23 years, you can't help but get in hot water now and then.
I'm sure being in hot water isn't nearly as fun as sailing on deep waters.
If you're one of the few readers of my Least Significant Bits blog, you don't have to bother going over there today, I'm putting this same post over there.
6 comments:
What in inspiring story! I can't help but think that you were fated to be there at that moment as he was pulling in.
Thanks for dropping by my site, John. I'm so sorry to hear about your back - yet at the same time I'm inspired by the fact that you're still getting out there and shooting. Most other people would simply use it as an excuse to stay in.
Every picture has a back story. Your photos these days are no exception, and it shows.
Sending you good health vibes...
This was such a great story. If went outside and took a picture today, the lens might crack from the c..cc...ccc.cccc...cold. Sorry I haven't been around in a while. I love your blogs.
One more thing, you need to check out THIS blog...
http://rosestarrphotos.blogspot.com/
I sent her a link to your site as well. You two will appreciate each other's work, I think.
Now what took you there, must be fate, that you would turn up there at that moment, didnt you feel the energy pull rush through your whole body at that moment.
You must be a photographer.
Dirty Duck Canal walk continues.
Serendipity? To remind you that we can do amazing things, despite our shortcomings?
Anyway, I've been on all kinds of boats and let me tell you - it is not always a fun experience ;-)
The worse was crossing the English Channel - I was hugging the "commode" for 3 days straight!
It is an amazing challenge to take on and reading www.singlehandeaychting.co.uk is amazing. Mr White is the first DISABLED SAILOR to cross the atlantic single handed and also SOLO. It just goes to show that we can all overcome our own short coming with persoanl determination.
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