Crescent Moon Reflecting over the Harbor

I journeyed to Santa Cruz a few days ago to drop off the key to my boat as it has come time to upgrade to a larger vessel. Calypso, my 27′ sailboat, served me well as my first boat in three decades. I refreshed my sailing skills and spent many enjoyable weekends dock sailing with my first mate Pam. As I arrived after a busy Monday, I was greeted by this great blue heron waiting next to Calypso.

Dining at the Crow’s Nest that evening, pondering my good fortune when I glanced out the window to see a classic autumnal crescent moon reflecting over the Santa Cruz Harbor. My mid week hiatus suddenly took on a added dimension. As the crescent moon slowly set into Lighthouse Point on the horizon it started to shimmer into a faint, gold, glimmering sliver that sent a shiver up my spine.

At lunch the next day I met with the broker and signed the papers to put Calypso up for sale. Sitting in his office overlooking the harbor, the fog magically rolled in giant puffs that enveloped the harbor within minutes. As my mind wondered to thoughts of a bigger, newer sailboat I was struck that this might be my last stay on Calypso. The serendipity of the fog rolling in as I signed papers seemed to symbolize a transition, to something better perhaps, but certainly a time for reflecting on the wonderful experiences aboard Calypso.

As dusk approached I went for a walk along the beach. The tide was low and the beach was askew with seaweed that crunched under my feet as I strolled along the breaking surf. The point that typically has waves crashing against the rocks was high and dry with a stretch of beach exposed in front of the rocks. I extended my walk to this private little cove east of the harbor. Since I lived close to that beach in the late 70s the scene filled me with warm memories of youthful visits to the beach watching the boats set sail out the harbor.

I dream some day of setting sail out that harbor to cross the immense Pacific Ocean. Selling Calypso may be the next step towards that dream but she will always hold a special place in my heart.

Bon Voyage, Jay