There are 176 islands in the San Juans, plus Eliza, Lummi, and the islands in Skagit County. I’m already learning a lot about the place we now call home. All of these islands are relatively close to where we live.

There is a difference between watching the sunrise from the deck of a ship and watching the sunrise from a kayak. You might not think that being 20 or 25 feet above the water would be a significant change in perspective, but it is very different.

If I had to make a choice, which I do not, I would choose my kayak. Sitting directly on the water makes it impossible to ignore the rising fish. I have to pay attention from the deck of the schooner to notice a passing seal.

It is interesting to me also that I prefer the solitude of a solo kayak. So much of my life is based in community that one might expect that I would prefer the company of the crew on the sailing ship. But we are all so close together. the 30 some people on board are all needed to make the ship operate. Raising sails requires the best of teamwork. You have to learn to work together. Although ti bean its life as a private yacht, the Schooner Zodiac was always a ship that required a crew. And we are quickly getting to know each other and are forming community.

I am genuinely grateful for this opportunity and experience. But I also know that despite years of practice with being with others, there is a part of me that is introverted. I long for solitude and quiet.

It is, of course, a matter of balance. I know I need both. And I have shared close quarters before. The ship is not unlike a cabin at camp or a hostel on a mission trip. There is quiet when other are sleeping. I can find solitude when I am in the midst of others. It just takes a bit of planning, work, and focus.

I think that there is a metaphor involving the ship and a kayak, but it isn’t yet fully developed in my mind. Maybe it takes more solitude and reflection to form it.