Pre-launch...savouring!

Below the ancient sandstone cliffs of the village of Auchmithie.

It's been 4 months, almost to the day, that we left our two kayaks with a special friend back in Canada. Living here, just 30 minutes from the North Sea and only a three and a half hours from Scotland's west coast has been a tease. We've lingered in paddling shops, just to be near kayaks. We've tried renting. We participated in "demo days" - just to get some time in the cockpit. A kind friend here, who writes an excellent blog that covers explorations on both "mountain and sea", generously offered us boats and equipment. We needed, however, to be independent. Available time and good paddling weather are not always predictable.

Preparing to launch within the ruins of the Auchmithie harbour.

For four months, the dry suits, the PFDs, the paddling gloves...the only equipment we could fit into our three suitcases, plus the paddle leashes that a friend had brought with her...have looked longingly out from a closet in the manse - and we have looked longingly back.

The time had definitely come, a decision had to be made. Just as back home on Vancouver Island, Scotland offers world class sea kayaking possibilities. Here, there's lots and lots of ocean, offshore islands, sea lochs, lochs amidst mountains. There could be no more waiting.

I often reflect on the words of Annie Dillard, always posted at the top of the sidebar of this blog: "We are here on the planet only once, and might as well get a feel for the place." For those inclined to take to the sea in a narrow boat, there's hardly a better way to do it. We are here on this delicate sphere, racing through space, for just a short time. I have always loved theologian John Wesley's words:

“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. 

In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. 

At all the times you can. To all the people you can. 

As long as ever you can.”

To those words, I would add, "...and continue to explore and discover, with child-like curiosity...and celebrate the gift of life in every way that you can". Getting back on the water will be a means to that end.

Taking some time for reflection and gratitude -
for each day, and every new experience on this extraordinary planet.

There is always so much to learn. The characteristics of the new boats are slightly different from the familiar personalities of the kayaks back home. They will test us. 

The sea boils around the once-impenetrable harbour wall.

Lifelong learning, however, is good...and it is important at every age.

Savouring this first launch in a long time, into a long-deserted fishing harbour, is marvellous.