The ocean current and a strong paddler

A few months ago Malia and I went to Georgetown Islands and stayed at the Coveside B&B.

We decided to take the B&B's canoe for a trip to the cove next to the Inn. However, we had to pass through an area with a strong current. The innkeeper and two guests convinced us that it was only 100 yards or so and that we could make it through by just paddling hard. Afterwards we would be rewarded with a placid cove to explore.

Sure enough, we did have to paddle very hard to get through the narrow passage, but, as predicted we came upon a lovely cove with lobster boats and fishermen actively retrieving the morning catch.

Not long after entering the cove, however, the wind picked up, and we realized a storm was heading our way. We paddled as fast as we could, and by the time we returned to the narrows, the current was extremely strong. It was then that I realized that our situation might be quite dangerous because, even with the life jackets, the temperature of the water and then lack of a good place to go to shore meant that if we capsized, we might not make it.

Malia climbs mountains weekly and maintains a consistent exercise regimen. She was paddling and steering in the back of the canoe. Due mostly to her effort, as well as me giving it all I had, we arrived safely back into our home cove.

The unexpected will happen. That is a given. At that time it is important to remember to discern what is the situation and what we can do to get through it. It would have been dangerous for us, as we were paddling through the narrows, to have complained about the size of the waves or the coming storm. It would not have served us well to dwell on our own mistaken judgment about the safety of the situation. We had to deal with the situation immediately in order to reach safe ground.

Other difficulties in life may not be so easily understood. But determining what we can do with what life hands us seems to be a good idea.

And one more thing. When life throws us a curve, it sure helps to have a strong support in the back to help us paddle through the difficult times.

Thank you, Malia, for your consistent strength.

Denise