There wasn’t a complete lack of hygiene. I did once wash my hair in a bucket of saltwater. Other than that, we just had to keep layering on the deodorant. We included Kirk, my mom Heidi, Christina and Nathalie (my friends from Sydney) and myself. A bunch of scruffy sea dogs we were. Though, ask any of us, and each would tell you the same: it was utterly worth it.

Here’s a photomovie of the trip:

Do you know the disappointment you feel at the end of a vacation? Usually bittersweetness. The time is up, now only the memory remains. This particular sailing charter was not just a vacation. (Or, ‘holiday’ as the Aussies say). This week was a big stepping stone. A ‘we could do this for real’ preview of the future. After this trip, I am absolutely delighted. I really feel cruising could be a big part of my life.

Back on solid ground, I turn on the faucets in the shower. Before I step in, I run my fingers through my hair. It’s stiff and caked with time spent on the ocean. Under the shower head the sterile water douses away the last of the salt, sweat and sun. It’s odd to feel squeaky clean. I wonder how long it will be until I’m back on the ocean, on a sailboat once more.

It was a short two-hour jaunt from Chicago around the southern edge of the big lake. After reaching St. Joseph, we headed toward its tiny downtown and then crossed a high bridge to reach Marina Island. There awaited Rubicon, floating in a slip.

Rubicon, a Pearson 40′, belongs to Walt Bartkowiak. Walt is Kirk’s dad’s cousin Marilyn’s husband. I know, confusing. Tim, Walt and Marilyn’s son, usually travels from Detroit every weekend to accompany his dad on the boat. The two of them were nice enough to extend an invitation to us. (And happy to order a pair of newbie crew members around.)

What follows is a photo story of the day. Because, to be frank, right now words are boring me. Pictures are more fun. Also, after our sail, we explored the boat yard. An old wooden pirate boat caught my aesthetic interest.

Like the proverbial cliff jump, after your foot leaves the edge, will enough water sit far below to allay the effects of gravity? Is there even a pool down there at all, or just jagged rocks? Parachute anyone? Maybe a hang glider?

Buying any sort of vehicle off ebay is fairly risky business, and with rehabbing the condo, our reserves are going to be stretched in the upcoming months. Financially, even with a quarter-share investor secured (my Dad), we’d be jumping off that nautical precipice clutching a plastic garbage bag, at best.

Ah well, not this time. There will be more boats. Considering that worldwide oil reserves deficit thing going on, I surmise only more and more boats on the horizon. Particularly with sails.