This past weekend, Travis and I ran away to Florida for a couple days. April is not the best time for this type of trip, because the weather in Indiana is usually fairly nice, so what are we running away from? But for this trip, I found a place on Anna Maria Island that rents Hobie Cat sailing catamarans. Travis loves to sail. Me, not so much. So, I really booked this weekend so Travis could sail. We actually own a tiny sailboat. It’s more of a dressed up piece of styrofoam. I think it’s called a Sea Snark. I’m pretty sure it’s made for small kids to learn how to sail. Thirty years ago, Travis and I went out on the very same Sea Snark at my Dad’s cabin up in Northern Wisconsin. Dad had a substantial island across from his cabin with several homes and a large unpopulated area. We decided to sail around the island. At this time, there was no weather app to check. We just looked around and decided it would be a good day. But it wasn’t. 

While on the other side of the island, in the wide open lake, a thunder storm blew in out of nowhere. We were surrounded by white caps, our mast a beacon for the lightning. And it poured. The wind was no longer moving in a direction that would push us towards shore. Several times I threatened to jump out and swim back, although that would have been a long miserable swim, since the island was a good size. So, I used my ice cold hands to try to scoop water out of the quickly filling boat, while Travis did his best to get us back to shore. It was cold, wet, and scary. Words were exchanged. I wasn’t sure if we would eventually capsize in the waves, or get struck by lightning, but one of those options seemed likely. 

Obviously, we made it back, and our marriage survived, although I am certain I threatened his life several times out on the lake. After that sailing disaster, I told Travis that I would never sail with him again. And up until this past weekend, I held to that statement, even though we now own that Sea Snark (it was his parents), and we live on a lake. But last weekend, as we stood before the Hobie Cat rental people, I decided to go. I even told the nice family that runs the rental place my harrowing story. The lady, who was about our age, looked at Travis and said, “Are you sure that today, with white caps and 20-30 mph wind gusts, is the day to take her out?” I was already nervous, but after hearing her say that, I actually started shaking a little. The guy asked Travis three times if he was comfortable with his sailing skills. That didn’t help! At least there was no storm on the horizon. But I got on that boat with him. I was determined to prove my mettle. And Travis seemed so excited. He was like a little kid with a new toy. Perhaps that should have scared me, because he obviously wasn’t thinking clearly, blinded by sailing desire. 

It was awesome! The wind gusts and waves made for an exciting ride, but I never thought my life was in danger. Maybe it was because I had an exit plan. I would swim to shore and leave Travis to figure out things. Of course, I would use the excuse of getting help, but really, it was just my exit strategy. It was so much fun that we sailed the next day too. That day seemed a little dull in comparison, but I actually sailed the boat for 15 minutes. I will still not seek out sailing, but I have tapped down my terror. 

So maybe this week, we face something that scares us. I’ve checked that box.