Very few people that I know have the ability to be bored without regret. Almost everyone, at one time or another, states how “bored to death” they are. Of course, they avoided death by immediately running off to escape that unfathomable, and evidently irreversible situation. They find solutions to avoid the vision of their imminent demise with activities that must be completed, with plans that must be made, with interactions with others that must be initiated, by phone calls the must be placed, and maybe with fantasies that must be dreamt.
We panic when our children proclaim their boredom and feel compelled to alleviate their suffering. When adults state their displeasure at the slack state of affairs, to be “bored stiff”, and feel rigor mortis setting in, we feel guilty of our excessive defense of the status quo. Wars have started this way
It is true that boredom seldom results in the advancement of civilization. Avoiding boredom, certainly is a major impetus to adventure and discovery. Although I always wondered if that apple didn’t fall on Newton’s head, would he still be sitting under that tree? But the state of boredom itself rarely results in discovering a new world.
And so, we are anchored in Rodney Bay, St. Lucia. Been here for 20 days, but who’s counting? A few days after arrival we took a slip in Rodney Bay Marina for some M&R (mostly M). Our generator needed some preventive maintenance along with minor fixes, our life raft was recertified, water tanks filled, engine fluids changed, laundry washed, and decks washed. We also had some personal M&R at the local dentist. We then went back to anchor in the bay where we are now. Keeping an eye out for the passing light tropical showers we plan to move on when the winds and feelings are right; we busy ourselves in daily routines.
Other cruisers that we know have, had or are here now and have enjoyed their company. Recently a long day tour down island with a hired driver and van with three other cruisers (RAVEN, PANDORA, MOMENTUM 2, LOGOS, KALUNAMOO) was enjoyed by all. The mountainous twisty roads of St. Lucia can only be truly appreciated as a passenger. The driver is too worn out from the ordeal to say anything positive about the experience. Hence, we hired Eddie, our driver and guide, and he was more than gracious. The lunch at the impressive Ladera Resort and the spectacular views of the Pitons is always memorable. We also stopped off at the gardens and a nearby waterfall. Due to the ongoing local volcanic activity, the waters are very rich in minerals that streaks the rocks in bright colors. Definitely not your typical waterfall.
On another day, the Ocean Cruising Club held a gathering for sundown cocktails at the marina pool and later a dinner at Spinnakers Restaurant in Rodney Bay. This organization is based in England and has worldwide members (which we are). The Salty Dawgs were also here and also had sundowners (we are members also)
We also got together for a couple of jam sessions with RAVEN and MOMENTUM 2
A well attended afternoon beach party in Rodney Bay hosted by Simon for long time cruisers Evelyn and Terry took up a nice afternoon.
At this point, you may be wondering why I wrote about boredom at the beginning of the post. There seems to be little time to be bored. Well, the fact is that I don’t find being bored a particularly negative attribute. So, when the activities or demands of living on a boat in tropical splendor distract me from boredom, sometimes I miss it. I think I have that rare ability to be bored without panicking into doing something rash. Or anything at all. At the end of the day, when the sky becomes a glorious amalgam of red, orange, gray, blue, yellow colors of the setting sun, can no one appreciate the boredom of another sunset? “Stop and smell the roses” so the saying goes. Maybe just stopping is sufficient.
Kalunamoo 