May 18, 2009

Ahoy from Namaste in Charleston,

Yes, we are still here in Charleston and plan to be here for another week. I probably would not write, except for a friends urging, as there is not much news. I think we must just be catching up with ourselves. So here we be.

We rested the first few days. We are enjoying Chappell and Betsy’s company. We ordered the new fluxgate compass, sent the 2 autopilot hydraulic pumps off to be rebuilt and found a new WiFi system that is compatible with my Macbook. I am able to walk to the art store, and there found some new brushes and white gouache. I also found some great books on watercolor. Generally speaking, we are back in the world of availability.

My senses are electrified with so much stimulation. There are the many sights of city life on the water: the store fronts, restaurants, streets, cars, bikes, horse and carriage, electric lines, container ships, tugboats, docks, throngs of people. A constant cacophony of horns, sirens, marina partying in the form of music and laughter, the Carolina Belle’s engine, folks coming to fill their tanks with diesel, a multitude of birds, high winds, waves lapping at the dock fills the air. The fragrance of Carolina jasmine and privet permeates my every breath.

It did not take long to return to a nature infused state of being when I arrived in the Bahamas. With one long exhale I was able to let go of the vast array of human made stimuli in return for a breath of simplicity. I am really glad to be closer to family and friends and the conveniences offered here. I am also acutely aware of the challenge presented to the senses through constant stimulation. I must continue to seek stillness through other paths.

I found a great book called the Tao of Watercolor by Jeanne Carbonetti. She incorporates her practice of Tai Chi and her understanding of The Tao-te Ching into her practice of painting. Using the principles of beginner’s mind, centering, balance, deliberateness, playfulness, flow and effortlessness she introduces the practitioner to the work that is play of watercolor. I am having fun! I am reminded of the Montessori guiding principle that through the play of the child is found the work of the child. I am in my element.

Chris and I have taken time to walk the beautiful and historic streets of downtown Charleston. We have visited many of the local art galleries and the vibrant city market. Chappell, Chris and I drove out to see Angel Oak, a 1500-year-old live oak tree just outside of Charleston. It is reportedly the oldest thing, living or man-made, east of the Rockies. It is 65 feet tall and has an overall diameter of 160 feet. It was an honor to stand before this bearded giant.

We continue to love being here at the Charleston Maritime Center Marina. We have a beautiful view of the Charleston Harbor and all the coming and goings of cruise ships, container ships and the huge car carriers. I love watching as the tugboats guide these behemoths to and from port. The Carolina Belle takes parties of people on harbor tours, the Spirit of Charleston introduces students to the experience of sailing. We are meeting many folks who are also just returning from the Bahamas and heading north for the summer.

We still hope to make our stack pack for the mainsail this week. We are not sure whether we will take the waterway up the coast or go “outside”. Outside is our preference at this time so we will be watching for a weather window early next week. We have also not decided whether we will get to New York via The Bay or on the outside. We shall see.

Until later

Peace and Love