And so it was. We journeyed up to Friday Harbor on Friday night and found Aeolus safe but cold in her berth. I had left a circulation fan running but not an actual heater, so the boat was a frigid 43 degrees or so when we got there at 0 dark hundred. Never mind, our sleeping bags were warm and we were so very happy to be back on Aeolus that the trip already felt worthwhile!
Our new routine was followed on Saturday morning as we went to Cafe Demeter and ate delicious treats while visiting with friends. Can you say "Yum"? After gorging ourselves on tasty things, we were back on Aeolus to depart.
The weather was gentle and moderate. No wind to speak of. We motored to the south side of Jones as there was a NW wind forecast for the evening and Sunday. A quick lunch and we were off to explore. No matter how many times we go to Jones, there is always a new view, a new smell, a new mood to the island. It is endlessly beautiful and fascinating. We had a bet on whether we would have the island to ourselves, with Amy thinking we would, and the boys and I thinking there would be someone else in the busier north cove. But Amy won. The whole place to ourselves, once again!
We walked the west side. We laid down on soft mossy slopes in bright sunshine and soaked up the deep warmth. We were stunned by the variety of views and light as we turned each corner. It was, as usual, like we had never been there before, and yet intimately familiar.
After our walk, we had the most beautiful fire on the gorgeous south facing point. It was so wonderful, and warmed our bones in the most satisfying way. I wandered off one moment, toward where the dinghy was tied on the rocks, and found myself frozen in space as I looked out over the water toward Aeolus. My shoulders relaxed and fell. My jaw softened, and my eyes. My entire body assumed a state of full relaxation and focus while I felt a profound awareness of perfection in my world. Perfection. There was not a single thing that was not perfect in that moment. It was the best, clearest, and most precious thing I have experienced in a while.
Amy said she had the exact same experience when she was rowing the dinghy back from Aeolus with some food. She paused, and recognized a perfect moment.
The entire weekend was shades of perfection. Above all else, we were together. No, TOGETHER. Elliott was in his element as he climbed every rock and jumped athletically off every object around. Owen climbed every tree and was every bit the young apprentice to whatever Elliott could accomplish. We talked and walked, talked and ate, talked and sat by the fire. It is the best family time in our lives.
As is often said, cruising is "boat maintenance in exotic locations" and I consider Jones Island fairly exotic compared to the lifestyles of most Americans, and so I took this opportunity to finish up a few things on Aeolus. I finished the starboard chainplate and now that project is 95% done. I cleaned and used lemon oil on the wood. It was wonderful, and so deeply satisfying to work on the old girl.
We are back home, and yet we will be on Jones Island for many days to come. We are immeasurably fortunate to have a sailboat and to be able to sail her around the Salish Sea as we do. It is a gift in our lives beyond any other thing we do or possess.
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