Latitudes With Attitude, Chapter 2
Monday, June 19 Outside Boot Key Harbor
It’s a gorgeous morning off Boot Key. Capt. Charlie is awake below decks, something I know from the luscious aroma of coffee brewing rather than from any noise he has made. Faith is in the V-berth, Matt is on a canvas berth in the main salon, while Mike, Brian and Spaz are arranged on cushions in the cockpit.
Meanwhile Todd and Greg are stretched out on the forward deck. There is a moderate wind this morning giving a slight chill to the air, but nothing uncomfortable. I sit here writing with just swim trunks on and I’m quite comfortable. The cooler temps of the mornings will be a great way to start each day, as I know we’ll get hot as the afternoons approach.
I’ve been sitting here for about half an hour now, watching the sun climb gradually higher, feeling the gentle rocking of the boat in the current, and listening to the morning sounds on the water.
From a great distance, I hear a constant drone from a small powerboat and listen as the sound grows. I can pick out the boat as it nears, passes and makes its way out to the reefs.
Half a dozen other boats are anchored nearby, including at least three BSA boats, recognizable by the Jolly Roger pirate flags and smaller BSA ensigns. The crew of the nearest boat also seems to consist of older Scouts, all up and engaged in lively conversation. A couple of the guys on Wyvern are stirring, but no one seems too eager to rush into the day. We’re all adjusting to life on island time.
I am extremely happy to be on this trip, something of a repeat of Ben’s and my trip in 2003, yet it’s already completely different, from the members of the crew to the boat and its captain—even the marina.
Leading a high adventure trip with our troop is one of the best things I’ve been able to do in Scouting. The young men selected for these trips are the best in the troop, usually highest in rank and more experienced than younger Scouts. They have all camped, been on other high adventure trips and led the troop in one role or another.
I recognize the dynamics of this crew are completely different, so I need to exercise caution by not expecting to relive the 2003 cruise. For Faith and the guys, it’s all new, which is generally good.
There are a couple of weaker swimmers in this group—and one who is somewhat afraid of being in the water with fish. I’ll have to watch the guys carefully when we snorkel, as I don’t want them to drift away from the boat. They’re not accustomed to ocean currents and don’t realize how easy it is to become separated from their buddies or the boat.
I need to work with them on snorkeling techniques. All six of them swam yesterday without snorkels, even though most of them used masks and fins.
Greg appears not to enjoy the water much, so perhaps helping him improve his technique will give him more confidence so he will enjoy the trip.
The breeze is picking up nicely, so I’m hopeful we will be able to do some nice sailing today.
It’s a gorgeous morning off Boot Key. Capt. Charlie is awake below decks, something I know from the luscious aroma of coffee brewing rather than from any noise he has made. Faith is in the V-berth, Matt is on a canvas berth in the main salon, while Mike, Brian and Spaz are arranged on cushions in the cockpit.
Meanwhile Todd and Greg are stretched out on the forward deck. There is a moderate wind this morning giving a slight chill to the air, but nothing uncomfortable. I sit here writing with just swim trunks on and I’m quite comfortable. The cooler temps of the mornings will be a great way to start each day, as I know we’ll get hot as the afternoons approach.
I’ve been sitting here for about half an hour now, watching the sun climb gradually higher, feeling the gentle rocking of the boat in the current, and listening to the morning sounds on the water.
From a great distance, I hear a constant drone from a small powerboat and listen as the sound grows. I can pick out the boat as it nears, passes and makes its way out to the reefs.
Half a dozen other boats are anchored nearby, including at least three BSA boats, recognizable by the Jolly Roger pirate flags and smaller BSA ensigns. The crew of the nearest boat also seems to consist of older Scouts, all up and engaged in lively conversation. A couple of the guys on Wyvern are stirring, but no one seems too eager to rush into the day. We’re all adjusting to life on island time.
I am extremely happy to be on this trip, something of a repeat of Ben’s and my trip in 2003, yet it’s already completely different, from the members of the crew to the boat and its captain—even the marina.
Leading a high adventure trip with our troop is one of the best things I’ve been able to do in Scouting. The young men selected for these trips are the best in the troop, usually highest in rank and more experienced than younger Scouts. They have all camped, been on other high adventure trips and led the troop in one role or another.
I recognize the dynamics of this crew are completely different, so I need to exercise caution by not expecting to relive the 2003 cruise. For Faith and the guys, it’s all new, which is generally good.
There are a couple of weaker swimmers in this group—and one who is somewhat afraid of being in the water with fish. I’ll have to watch the guys carefully when we snorkel, as I don’t want them to drift away from the boat. They’re not accustomed to ocean currents and don’t realize how easy it is to become separated from their buddies or the boat.
I need to work with them on snorkeling techniques. All six of them swam yesterday without snorkels, even though most of them used masks and fins.
Greg appears not to enjoy the water much, so perhaps helping him improve his technique will give him more confidence so he will enjoy the trip.
The breeze is picking up nicely, so I’m hopeful we will be able to do some nice sailing today.
posted by Joe Wollet at 8:33 AM
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