Hello. it is the ocean calling

My mom and dad in the late 1970's somewhere in the middle of Lake Ontario.

We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back from whence we came.

That was John F. Kennedy. In a way I think I understand. It may be a JFK metaphor but in my case it is quite literal. I've been asked what my favourite part of cruising is. The adventures as we explore other countries and cultures? Is it the food? The history? What is it?

For me it is the ocean. My favourite place is in the middle of the ocean, no shore to be found, rolling over waves, the sound of the water bashing against the ship and flying fish flying through the waves. Walking the decks with fresh sea air. It really is a mystery how I settled in Edmonton, a far cry (and I highlight the word cry) from an ocean or even a decent lake. Admit it Alberta. We have crappy lakes.

My fascination with water started as a kid when my parents had a sailboat at Ontario Place. We'd go there and sleep over on the boat every weekend. I could rock to sleep, and during the day we would sail into the middle of nowhere. My dad always knew where he was. I'm not sure how he knew but he had a natural ability to sail.

In just a few days we will be making our way back to the ocean. In fact we'll be away from land for six entire days.  Returning from whence I came...

---