Floating for Independence.

Independence Day weekend and I'm working Sunday and Monday. Thank goodness for Saturday ha. Long time no see, so we hooked up with our buddies Phil and Vicki, their lovely kids, and hit the water. 88 degrees, a pretty constant cool breeze off the water, no humidity, no clouds and boats as far as the eye can see.

As opposed to getting onto the highway and having cars as far as the eyes can see, which is terrible, this is quite the fortunate alternative. Organized chaos ensues on the way to our mini-beach of choice, everyone on infinitely random paths yet obliging right of way in an unspoken yet understood manner. Mind the wake.

Harsh sun slowed early progress, but things got going once we anchored for a bit. While I've had plenty cockpit hours doing so, shooting while wading or @ 25 knots is always a challenge with sweet rewards. In the end I'm glad I took the time to thoroughly clean my sensor mirror a few weeks ago...9 out of 10 ospreys agree. When natural light is this clean I feel like a kid in a candy store, if only for a couple of hours.

The previous several years of guest boating paid dividends as with all the boats and ski-doo's dartin' around, the boat was rockin'. I used to get seasick quick, but now I can simply enjoy floating along it for what it is; it's a good way to clear your head, throw off the responsibility from shore and just take in the sights and sounds. It also lets you take in some sun and time with friends and family. There is something about that perfect weather sunny day; the last 4 days or so here in Maryland have been like this. Being a little bit closer to nature and further away from civilization does a body and mind good. While I don't like to admit it, I think Phil has more of the right idea, hobby-wise.

I hope everyone had a safe Holiday weekend.

Vacation.

Mhmmm. I look forward to vacations every year and always plan to go some place new. If I can't afford to go to the 'some place new' I want, which happens often strangely enough, I stick with winners from the past. In a couple weeks I'll be going back to San Diego (and even more importantly Las Vegas) for the first time since 07'. It's been long over due, but well worth the wait; what's the thrill if you can do it any time you want, right?

There's something about travelling that appeals to me. Now don't get me wrong, I appreciate time off from work in all it's lovely forms; laying around the house doing nothing but napping...catching up on DVR'd television shows...BBQ with friends over and a brew or two...but what's even better is changing your whole field of view; you close your eyes, snore on a plane for a couple hours, open em' and nothing is familiar; well familiarity in the form of sun, warmth and or beach is alright ha. I learned how important variety is to a happy mind a long time ago. Change can be trying depending on the circumstances, but eventually we all seek it in some form or fashion to break up the annual grind.

Stay tuned...