Coddiwomple

 

                                                    Sunrise in St Augustine June 2925

Coddiwomple – to travel purposefully toward an unknown destination.  The brave, slightly chaotic journey of moving forward even when the final goal is unclear, trusting that the meaning will reveal itself along the way. 

Except for the brave part, I feel this word accurately describes the beginning of our bluewater life.  We have started each season with vague ideas about destination that are only cemented days, sometimes hours before depending on the weather.  Each journey has started with its challenges and delays that have given us time to reflect and adapt.  The goal was always the journey, not the specific destination.  The journey of learning.  Learning about ourselves, our relationship, our strengths and weaknesses.  Learning to conquer fears and become comfortable outside the “box”.   Learning to take each challenge as it comes and rejoice in each day and each success.  Learning to enjoy what the day has to offer.  Learning about this amazing world we live in and the many different people.  Learning to be still while anchored and just BE.

Our destination this year – the Florida Keys.  Which Keys?  How far south?  We don’t know.  Will it change?  Maybe.  We will see "how the wind blows".  

Brave?  I don’t feel brave.  I alternately feel overwhelmed, trepidatious, awed, gleeful, calm and inspired. 

With our departure just a few days away, I am getting excited to settle again on the boat and revisit familiar anchorages while heading south on the ICW.  To visit friends and family.  To be warm!  To witness sunrises and sunsets against the watery horizon.  To watch dolphins frolic. 

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