The couple welcomed us warmly and, as transient boaters, we were both surprised and pleased.
Being a transient boater is always unpredictable. You are probably in an unfamiliar marina where everything and everyone is an unknown. Marinas are very much like neighborhoods where newcomers and new boats stand out as if a neon sign is hanging above the craft. The regulars may be friendly and cordial, especially if the itinerant boat is a large one.
This couple didn't care about the size of our boat and greeted us warmly as dock mates. Over the years, the past four as slip holders, we've spent great evenings together with delicious food and lively conversation.
Recently the couple decided it was the time in their lives to stop boating and their boat was sold to out-of-state owners. We had heard the boat would be in Minnesota by this time so it was with surprise that, on our first dock walk of the season, we discovered the same boat in our marina, but with its new owners, working hard at getting the boat ready to sail away later this summer.
Tonight the tradition of welcoming continued, only in reverse. We invited the new owners to our boat for conversation and snacks. Just as the original owners extended the hand of friendship to us years ago, we extended our hand of hospitality to the new owners. The conversation was lively and the time slipped by quickly.
Bon voyage and happy sailing to the new owners.
Ancora imparo
