E27 The first Voyage in Roxanne (Part 4)

The second day was clear with light winds and blue skies. On reaching shore the plan was to do more exploring. I did a fair amount of walking, from the heights round the isthmus to the end of the Cat Harbor road. I spent most of the day on the boat though. Still worn out, I slept the afternoon away. That evening I canoed ashore and walked towards the bar through palms which were lit with strings of lights. I ordered a Buffalo Milk and a burger. A Buffalo Milk is a very... I am at a loss, here is a link to the history and the recipe It was invented at the Two Harbors bar otherwise know as the Harbor Reef Restaurant. Drinking one there is like having a Bellini at Harry's, or a Long Island Iced Tea at the, now defunct, Oak Beach Inn. https://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/blog/post/buffalo-milk-the-official-drink-of-catalina-island/
That night was spent looking at a bright moon, the stars and the lights on shore and then the other way, towards the dark ocean, with the glow of the mainland on the horizon.

Morning came and with it the multitude of unfamiliar tasks. Leaving takes a little planning depending of the wind direction. The side tied canoe likes to pull Roxanne to the right. I picked a course that took me in front of J row through an area of empty moorings and then out past bird rock where getting the canoe set and raising the sails could be done with a limited audience.
"Two Harbors this is Roxanne checking out, thanks for a great stay." I radioed as I left.
"Thank you Roxanne, have a safe crossing and we'll see you soon." Came the cheerful reply.

The sail home was fun but hectic. Locked to the tiller I was trying to surf every wave wondering if, in fact, it was a good idea. The waves were 2-3 feet and once in a while I would get ahold of one and go speeding along alive in the fullness of each moment. The attention of all of your senses running in the background, listening, measuring, feeling, for me this is the heart of the experience. After I returned to home port I went to visit my parents. As I sat talking about the trip I felt as though the entire room was moving, I had to walk with a wide gait. I felt like I was drunk. I tried to explain to everyone what it felt like but to no avail. Later that night as I lay in bed the exact motion that Roxanne was doing at the mooring was happening to me. Left, left more, then up and down, then right, then right more, repeating over and over. As I was rocked to sleep I thought about how lucky and blessed a fellow could be.

"Andar par mar su na barcheta a vela
farse portar da una bavexela.
poder sognar desmentegando el resto,
Senza pensar xe gia tardi o presto.
Poder scoltar la vose de le onde,
come un parlar, che dulce xe confonde"

A waypoint at sea upon a little sailboat
Brings the touch of a light breeze
The power to dream and forget the rest
without worrying about being late or on time.
Listen to the power of the voice of the sea,
its like a language, such sweet confusion.

From "Andar Par Mar" by Sandri/Morgante