Coastline Treasures

While on a trip to Tybee Island in Georgia, we went on a boat trip taking us through the bay and up the river.  The waters were clear and the sun made each wave sparkle in its light.  We could see many birds; I was especially delighted by the pelicans.  They were fun to watch as they circled then drove to catch their prey.  We could see the occasional fish jumping up into the air and the dolphins playing in the wake of the boat.

What was the most surprising to me where the numerous lighthouses, day beacon and buoys.  At every turn there they were marking the path keeping us safe and leading the way.  I was intrigued by the different lighthouse figurines; some were on the shoreline and some were in the waters.  I was told that the tides make the travel treacherous without their guidance.  What I did not realize was that the lighthouses in water were on dry land at low tide.  I was glad to know that these sea markers were there to safely guide our way.

While taking a drive down the California coast to San Diego I could see the large Mission Bay Harbor.  What a gorgeous day, clear skies, winds blowing, and the harbor filled with sailboats.  It was breath taking, as I don’t remember ever seeing that many sailboats in one place.  We pulled over just to get a better view. The bay was filled with these beautiful boats just gliding across the waters, or so it appeared.

Mesmerized by these small sailing vessels, we drove to the docks where there were dozens of boats.  Some were smaller, some taller, some with simple furnishings and others well decorated with nautical décor.  I couldn’t keep my eyes off them while walking among all the different kinds of vessels in awe as I have never experienced the open waters.  I dreamed of what it would feel like with the wind blowing in my face and being in the vastness of the ocean.  As I kept dreaming, I was planning on when I could make it a reality.

I love ships and the open sea; the sky that goes forever, the smells of salt water, the spray of the ocean, and the sounds of the lapping water along its edge.  Ships have been a part of history since time began and a recent trip introduced me to the schooner.  This multi-masted sailing vessel has two of more sails that are parallel to the body of the ship.  They were popular with trades that required speed; slaving, privateering, blockade running, fishing and pirating.

Schooners were most popular in the United States and Essex, Massachusetts was their most significant shipbuilding center.  Essex built more than 4,000 schooners and most were used for the fishing industry along the Massachusetts coast.  These fabulous ships of the 1800’s can be preserved as a wooden model ship; I brought one home and enjoy it every day.

Several years ago we vacationed on the east coast in North Carolina.  We stayed in the Outer Banks which is a fabulous place to visit with ongoing lengthy sandy beaches seeming to be endless.  I remember the blue skies with white puffy clouds and warm waters.  The west coast waters are so cold; it was a delight to be able to jump right in and not turn blue!

As we drove the entire length and visited site seeing spots, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Cape Hatteras, I was amused that I could take in the sites on the sea and in the bay at the same time!  The bay was filled with wind surfers, jet skies, sail boats and canoes.  Everyone was enjoying themselves as was I.  I didn’t want the trip to end so I bought myself a nautical décor souvenir that I enjoy each day.  Every day I am fondly reminded of our trip.