There’s still lots to do before we shove-off, mostly mundane stuff like packing gear and provisioning. Kate’s agreed to ride the bosun’s chair up to the spreaders tomorrow–it’s easier for me to crank her up the mast than the other way around–to replace a bulb in the steaming light. There’ll be a quick run to the courthouse at some point and passports need to be secured from the bank vault, that kind of thing, all of which should be manageable in time to hold to our planned departure on / about 20 May…weather permitting. So…
Saturday seemed like a good day to bring together a few friends, bid farewell and celebrate. Once most folks were here, good friend and former colleague The Rev. Ray Inscoe led the assemblage down the bank and out on the pier for a blessing of “the fleet,” i.e., Steadfast and the dinghy. Ray performed a similar pre-departure ceremony in June of ’12 and that trip went pretty well so it seemed a good idea to have him repeat the process.
On board with the crew, Ray prepares to lead the blessing and a reading of the Sailor’s 23rd Psalm.
Saying good-bye’s the toughest part of the trip. No, really. Polishing, painting, packing, schlepping, unpacking, packing again. Those chores are easy compared to saying good-bye to those one holds dear. But as has been noted elsewhere and often, you can’t sail without casting off the dock lines.
Thanks to all for a wonderful send-off. Be well!
The Sailor’s 23rd Psalm
The Lord is my pilot, I shall not drift.
He lighteth me across the dark waters.
He steereth me in the deep channels.
He keepeth my log.
He guideth me beneath stars of his holiness for his name’s sake.
Yea though I sail ‘mid the thunders and tempest of life, I shall dread no anger, for thou art with me.
Thy love and thy care, they shelter me.
Thou preparest a harbor for me in the homeland of eternity.
Thou anoints the waves with oil. My ship rideth calmly.
Surely sunlight and starlight shall favor me on the voyage I take and I shall rest in the port of God forever.
At Sea with Steadfast 
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