Change of Plans

We had planned to leave St. Augustine yesterday as the sun rose with plans to head up to Cumberland Island, GA. Just before leaving, we listened to the weather forecast one more time and decided that with the stormy weather due here on Thursday, we would be better served by being on a mooring rather than at anchor with the risk of dragging or, worse yet, some other boat dragging into us. So here we sit still in St. Augustine with our plans disrupted by weather and the potential of three days of frustration at not being able to do what we'd planned.

However, I prefer to see this last minute change as an opportunity for new and unplanned experiences, and sure enough, they come to those who seek them.

We had to check into the marina again to extend our stay on the mooring for the extra days. While there, we learned that this might be a safe place to leave the boat next fall as we head back north for a family reunion. We'd struggled with not knowing how to deal with this issue up till now.

Second, while there we learned that The Sailors Exchange still exists, and so we visited it. This is a large store that sells used boat equipment – lots of it. While we don't need anything at the moment, it could be an important resource for us during future trips.

Then yesterday evening, a young couple stopped by the boat in a dinghy to introduce themselves. They live on a boat just like ours, and they had a great interest in comparing notes with us about the boat. It turned out to be an enjoyable meeting, and they invited to their boat tonight. They also told us about their marina which sounds like an attractive spot to stay when we next travel south.

And we'll be here for two more days – what a fortunate change of plans with the possibility for more happy experiences! I find this to have been a great example of why one should look at unexpected, forced changes in plans as great opportunities for surprise experiences.

So if our plans don't change again, we'll move on to Cumberland Island, GA on Friday. We'll look forward to visiting with the wild horses there and enjoying the miles of empty beach. Life is good!

Captain Bob

Carpe Diem