We take turns at the helm, first steering
into the wind while the other group hoists the sails, and then focusing
on a compass bearing as we sail between navigational buoys. We hear
Peter singing an old navy song and the other team chanting in unison
as they pull on their ropes. I suddenly realize that the engine is
off and we are moving steadily upstream under the power of the wind.
It's so quiet and peaceful, and another thing strikes me: the city
sure looks different from here! We cruise for awhile, but before we
know it, the sails are dropped, the teams switch places, and it is
our turn to sing and hoist as we head back downstream for the dock.
Everyone is busy as we resume motoring and Penn's Landing comes
into view: tying down sails, organizing ropes, filling water bottles,
stowing gear, and collecting trash are all part of the deal. When
we reach the mooring, we gather around as Mark and Peter give a rundown
of the rest of the week. I can see the excitement on the faces of
my teammates as they make note of the food they are responsible for
bringing to the overnight trip. "We will have eggs and toast
for breakfast," says Peter, "does anyone have a problem
with eggs?"
The group will head upriver tomorrow, and while Captain Rick
and his crew will be there for guidance, the team of kids will be
responsible for plotting the course, trimming the sails, and getting
the North Wind safely to Burlington Island. The destination, between
the Burlington Bridge and Bristol, is "like a whole other world,"
says Lefevre. "Once you get past the bridges and beyond the reach
of the city, you enter a more natural world.
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"It's completely different upriver," says the Captain, "and
for kids who haven't really been on the water before, it helps connect
them to the environment and see how the river is affected by what
happens on land." There will be great blue herons and ospreys,
the water will be clearer, and there will be vegetation and nice houses,
not factories, lining the shore.
The kids will build rafts from driftwood, go fishing, and learn
how to swim. They will prepare meals together, and at night, they
will take turns on watch, becoming responsible for the safety of each
other and the fate of the boat.
It's two days later now, and once again, I'm aware of the heat. As
I write this, I think of my teammates, out there on the water, gaining
fresh insight into life. I can't turn back the clock, but I smile,
recalling my day as a kid. I just wish I could have stayed young for
the rest of the week...
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