只剩二個星期就要啟程了。
在電腦上顯示尚待做的準備工作清單仍然冗長：太陽能發電版尚未裝設完成、甲板還需要上防滑漆、我們的電爐也需要裝個通風口、新出爐的小前帆需要給它一個專用的絞盤。
就在我們即將起程的前夕，原先願意在夏天租下我們船位的人意外的告知我們不願意租了，留下我們滿心的錯愕。即將出航，這五個月的船位怎麼辦？
天氣也不和我們配合。原本應該逐漸暖活的天氣卻仍然維持在0-10度，這幾天居然還下起罕見的 冰雹與雪片，還有震地的春雷。我們需要可以工作的好天氣，什麼時候才會開始呢？
我驚訝的發現，居然大多時候可以平靜面對這些不預期的插曲。我想像這只是我們旅行前的淺酌。旅程中可能更考驗我們的耐心、遇到更多無可避免的挫折。若是如Rob說，帆船航行的目的不是到達，而是過程，那麼我們的旅程應該早就已經開始了吧！
就在寫文章的同時，Rob的電話響起，手機另一頭是另一個願意夏天租下我們船位的人，我們見面，驚喜的認識了一對熱愛帆船的年輕情侶和他們的愛狗。我們聊天，談天說地，度過了愉快的一個鐘頭。我們或許多了二個朋友，而且我們的船位也再次有了著落。
是啊！這也是過程中不經意的驚喜。
(Translation)
Only two weeks until departure.
Our computer list of preparatory tasks is still long: Our solar panel is not installed yet. We still need to put down new non-skid paint. Our diesel stove needs its exhaust re-routed. And our newly sewn jib needs a port-side sheeting point, winch, and cleat installed.
In the midst of all of this, on the eve of our departure, the man who was going to sublet our slip while we went out traveling called and said he was no longer willing to rent it. Our hearts were filled with frustration. What are we going to do to cover the rent for five months?
The weather has not cooperated with us either. It should be getting warmer by now, but temperatures have been from freezing to the low forties. During these spring days, with the flowers all in bloom, it has snowed, hailed, and doused us with freezing rain. We need good weather to get our work done and a renter for our slip. When will we finally be able to depart?
Surprisingly I've found that I am able to face most of these challenges peacefully. I imagine that this is only a small taste of the challenges we will face on this journey. This trip is certain to test our patience and greet us with many unavoidable frustrations. If it's like Rob said that the point of sailing is not getting somewhere, but the conscious process of sailing, then our journey has already begun.
Just as I was writing this, Rob got a phone call. On the other end of the line was a possible new renter for our slip. They came over and we met a young couple and their dog. We had an enjoyable hour together talking about sailing and the sailing life, and we maybe even made a couple of new friends.
Yes! This is another unexpected surprise on our journey.
