Teenage boys and Jones

 After too long, I finally stole a weekend away and had Owen and his friend along. There is nothing like a get away to the islands and the boat. The long journey is instantly rewarded once you arrive. The disconnection from syphilization does wonders. I've written repeatedly here on this boat blog about this necessary component of my life. 

The boys

On this particular trip I had reason to reflect on how we have raised our boys on this boat, doing these trips, and letting them be feral. Even as teenagers, it is so deep in their bones, they just drop their phones and disappear into playful wild places. Amy and I met doing environmental education, and there has never been any doubt that getting your kids into wilderness as much as possible pays priceless dividends to their well being. 

This was a garden variety trip to Jones in winter. For us, routine. And yet, there was no one around. As usual. The island is wonderfully abandoned and wearing it's winter coat of fallen branches and trails hard to find from debris. But we know them blindfolded. 

Sky and Sea

The weather was benign. The boat performed flawlessly. The food was yummy, the conversation lovely, and the boat sleep as special as ever. 

Heaven on Earth-with Garry Oaks 

To Jones we go on the map. To bliss we go in our mindhearts. 

A happy me