I am in love with the sea.
My fondest memories of this entire voyage are my time in Normandy and my time in Portsmouth. It could be argued, I suppose, that what I really value about those two places in particular of all the places I’ve been are their calm relative to the big cities (Paris, Rome, London) in which I have been spending my time. But I think it’s the sea. I loved Tuscany, up high in the mountains with the hot summer sun and the cool valley breeze. I loved the people and the colors. I have intensely fond memories of that short weekend. But my time with the sea has been the crowning highlight of the entire voyage.
I wonder…can a man still sign on to a merchantman for a year’s or more sea voyage? Could I do a Herman Melville? A Nelson? I’ve figured out fore, main and mizzen masts. I know where to hoist the main, top, togallant and royal sails. I haven’t the foggiest idea what the bewildering maze of blocks and rigging do in the grand scheme of things. I am a quick learner.
What a sad world we live in. There’s nowhere to escape to anymore. No place a rootless man can make his rootless existence worthwhile.
Hurrah for the days of sail. Guess I’ll just wait for the EMP to wipe out modern surface fleets and I’ll get my chance.