Marion is a 55 foot Original Chris Craft. Stained wood with sea-foam green paint, she was truly breathtaking. The only thing more incredible than stepping aboard and standing on the deck with the wind blowing through my hair, was feeling her move at my touch when I took the wheel...and I'm sure you can only imagine my surprise when, while standing behind Dan watching the island pass us by, he turns to me and says, "Ok, your turn!" I didn't blink.
Think back for a moment, at some of your most memorable experiences. There are some that, at the time, you had no idea that they would make the impact on you which they did. Then, there are others that you knew from the moment it happened and every day after that, that you had experienced something unforgettable. Something you would carry with you in your head and on your heart for the rest of your life. Last night was that kind of experience for me. I don't have any other words for it. There were moments I felt as though I needed to remind myself to keep breathing, and to keep the mental snapshots in my head. It all went by so fast, but it was, so far, the best three hours of my life since I've gotten to this island.
Not only did Dan allow both me and H to drive the boat, he spent a lot of time chatting with us from the captains chair. Talking about boating, about Marion, about the hotel. One on one, eye to eye, face to face. Genuine, sincere and honestly just one of the most interesting people I've ever had the extreme pleasure of meeting. In him, I've recognized one of my biggest role models, whether he's aware of it or not. I'm hoping, though, that before I'll leave I will get a moment to thank him for everything he's done, and let him know how much he has changed my perspective on this business and on my role in it.
Oh...so I guess you guys want to know about the cruise part..huh. Almost forgot that part! The boat cruise started at 7, we all got on board and headed out. We drove east, and began heading around the island. We stopped at Arch Rock to eat dinner and chat, and then around 8:30 lifted anchor and continued eastward. We drove right around the shore of the island, and then when we got all the way around, headed for the bridge to watch the sunset. Although there were some low-lying clouds, we were lucky enough to catch the sun for the last 10-15 minutes of its setting, as it lowered below the clouds, shining light on the bridge. Although it was much too short, it was time to head back to the dock. After we were back and attached to the island, we stayed and hung out on the boat for another hour or so, and then it was time to go home. All I can say is praise God for memories, and for digital cameras. I never want to forget this night.
Oh- and I almost forgot!! Some of you may know that the Perseid Meteor showers were going on last night! I don't think we were out late enough to get the full effect, but I did see several of them streaking across the sky, once the sun went down. How do you beat a night like that?
No comments:
Post a Comment