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Beaulieu River 11th May 2013
"Said the river: imagine everything you can imagine, then keep on going."
At the River Clarion by Mary Oliver
You know how it is when you've been thinking about doing something for a long time, and thinking how great it was going to be and all the new places and things you were going to see, then when it gets near, something makes you look back and all the ordinary things you have take on a treasured quality and want to pull you back.
Across the yard at Beaulieu things move slowly, the rusty lattice crane has gone, the working jetty has a new lease of life and on the hard there are late boats still laying out of the water.
When early morning we slip the mooring warps and drift back with the stream, clear the buoy and motor down river out past Synergy then Perseverance, stand away from the shallow bend where the seal sometimes pulls out to shrieks of delight from children and maybe we hoist the main along the deserted pebble gullery now empty since the peregrines moved in. Here we once watched fireworks in the fog, Diffused light discordantly flashing to apparent random detonations - how pointless yet special and so memorable.
I watch the bow wash fan astern, rolling along the river bank not wanting to let go, like a hand stroking the arm of the one you love, until the fingers touch, the finger tips meet, then part - farewell. Lepe Light among the conifers to Port, punctuating the river entrance with its sectored beam and there is that tightness in the back of my throat and I can't say if it's apprehension, sadness or what but inside me, something knows for sure. Out into The Solent, past Dolphin No.1 beacon and I sometimes think of the many boys and men who went to war from this very point - and how did they feel.
Read Nevil Shute "Requiem for a Wren" if you want to know more
- comments
Mike Hudson and Cerris Hudson Dear Clive, We are thinking of you both and also thinking what lucky people you are! We wish you well on this journey and thanks for keeping us informed. Mike and Cerris
Tony & Tessa AQUILO - we are sat on the boat in Lowestoft and hope to set out in the morning for Ijmuiden, gales permitting. Life has been hectic but at last we feel ready to go, trusting we have not overlooked anything. Hope you have a good trip, will be in touch.
Jenny Serjeant So glad to be able to know that you have started your voyage and that we can find you from time to time. Have a wonderful cruise and take care. With love and best wishes to you both from both of us.
Wendy and Richard Go on, get started! Thank you both for R's birthday card love the anteater! Look forward to your entries. First one now up for us on www.offexploring.com/rawatsea - will be monitoring for yours. Have a good cruise, keep in contact, love W & R
Helen Watson We're enjoying the atmospheric travellers' tales, thank you, and the sketches. Hoping for better weather, for us as well as you! Love to you both, Helen & David.