"Sail out like someone born into color. Do it now." Rumi
This photo shows Piper cruising down the Rio Dulce River in Guatemala. Lashed down on deck is the cayuco Charlie had built for me for my birthday. It was carved from a single tree and made entirely by hand. He asked what I planned to do with it and I never had an answer. Little did I know that within a year the cayuco would find it's usefulness as the vessel for Charlie's ashes at a huge gathering back in Maine. This week I saw a dugout at the Museum which had been painted blue and white like a china plate. I am inspired to make something beautiful of the cauyco, something colorful and vivacious. Thank you, Rumi.
Now eight years have passed and today the mast was stepped on Piper. Tomorrow she comes down the Royal River and back into her home waters of Casco Bay. Before the mast was stepped, Eric placed some of Charlie's ashes at the foot assuring that Charlie's sailing days with Piper will not end. I am looking forward to a weekend at the Goslings and some time in Penobscot Bay this summer. Weekends at North Haven and some special time on Isle au Haut.
