Transition Time (Again)

Spring is a transition time for the world, and doubly so for me this year. In fact, the past nine months have been a series of transitions…from dirt to boat, then back to dirt, repeat. (“Dirt” is the word many boaters use for land; i.e., “my dirt home.”)

Unless you’ve lived long-term on a moving boat, it’s probably hard to imagine these transitions. The lifestyles are so different…from how you bathe and shop to how you make decisions and plan your day. But somehow, it works. If you want it to work, that is. Isn’t that the case with with most things? Intention and desire are so important.

Now I’m back at my home in Arlington, Va. while Jeff remains on board Many Moons at Calvert Marina in Solomons, Md. I’m immersed in taxes and preparing for Egypt while he keeps his options open. He may stay put until I get back – the marina manager has noticed his practical skills and may hire him for awhile – or he may find someone to join him to continue The Great Loop northward while I’m gone. It’s a good thing we’re both flexible, isn’t it? It sure keeps things interesting.

Speaking of flexibility. I’ve been watching documentaries about Ancient Egypt, to prepare for my upcoming trip, and something has struck me. This is Holy Week in the Christian world, and many Christians are reflecting on an afterlife and final judgment. The ancient Egyptians also believed in those things, while worshipping many gods. When Pharaoh Akhenaten tried to force a change, from worship of many gods to worship of just one (the Sun God), the people went along with the change for awhile but rejected it soon after he died. It seems he was asking for too much flexibility. Neither belief nor flexibility can be forced — but both can evolve over time. I have certainly learned increased flexibility while traveling the country on Many Moons. And I thought I was flexible already!

Photos and captions from our leisurely stop in Solomons, below. (FYI, I expect to blog from Egypt but will post those under “Reflection” on the blog menu. All posts about the journey of Many Moons are posted under “The Boat.”)