2 minute read
5 Editor's Note
I’ve been out of sorts lately. Tired, overworked, unorganized, forgetting simple things, and with a tendency to feel aggravated about things that don’t normally set me off . For a while I chalked it up to cold weather, which never makes me very happy, but we’ve had a lot of warm days and the feeling is still hanging on. I considered age and the approach of my 50th birthday, but that doesn’t really upset me. It’s just a number, right? Right?
I think I have it fi gured out though. As I’ve worked through this month’s layout, I’ve realized I haven’t gotten any time on the water lately.
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That cover photo was taken in 2010 when I helped deliver a boat from Bonaire, Netherland Antilles, to Grenada. That was the last time I was properly “at sea.” Meaning further than 100 miles from land, and for longer than a few hours. There’s something about being out there for days at a time that rearranges your priorities and puts things in perspective. Life gets simpler, your mind follows diff erent paths, you let go of things you have no control over and focus on the basics – the job at hand, the elements, the boat, and sustaining your body with fuel and sleep. I miss that.
I had a chance to get reacquainted with old friends, Kenny and Rhonda Thayer, a couple weeks ago (see Sailing for a Dream, page 14). They’ve bought their fi rst boat and are getting it ready to go do some exploring. Their excitement was contagious and brought back memories of fi xing up an older boat and the thrill of adventure that stirs your blood when leaving the dock is imminent. I miss that, too.
But going to sea for a couple weeks or buying an old boat and fi xing it up aren’t in the cards for me in the foreseeable future. I have a magazine to run and obligations to uphold.
I do need that time on the water though, and soon, for the safety of those around me on a daily basis! So this is an offi cial request for feature article ideas that will get me out there. I’ve been talking with one of the tug companies about riding along on one of their boats for an article and hopefully we can make that happen soon. DNR activities in both Georgia and South Carolina are ramping up with the season so hopefully we’ll have more fi eld trip logs coming up. But what else? I need salt air and current running under the hull. Any ideas?
If anyone needs help with a delivery lasting a week or less, do look me up. I’m a great crew member – good cook, love those middle of the night watches, pull my weight, and you’ll never hear a word of complaint from me!
I hope you enjoy this issue and that you each get your own time on the water.
See you out there!
Amy Thurman Editor in Chief amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
What I want to see when I look behind me. Photo by Amy Thurman
