Why am I hiking? I am a sailor. This is about sailing. So why the hiking? In my heart it is exploring and travel. When I am on the ocean on my way to destinations unknown I miss the mountains. When I am in the mountains I miss the sea. I think of both when I am cooking. A channel in my mind is always thinking about food. It is complicated, but it is me.
This year is poised for adventures epicurean and beyond. I have all of my food set for this years leg of the Appalacian Trail and all of the gear I need. Now I wait till the end of June to hop on trail. Do I have my hiking legs? No. Will I do it anyway? Yes.
What of the boat? Well… It is a mess as it normally is during the beginning of the season. All my favorite people have returned from winter hiding at the Marina and I missed them all dearly. One person did not return. Bob died over the winter and I am going to miss hitting the dock and having him grill me on the whole trip over a beer. One day after a tough slog home from a visit to Long Island he helped me tie up and said, “I saw the wind come up quite a bit and realized you were about half way back. I was worried about you.” Words like that are something so keep with me. I will hear them when the going is tough and I hope Bob takes some ethereal time to keep an eye on me.
Aeras is in the water though. I have been cleaning, scrubbing, worrying, repairing. All in between work and managing a food business. I am exhausted. My mind drifts to lazy days on the boat and exploring things to make in a small and limited kitchen.
The sails are up now and there is just a little more to clean. I am looking forward to sharing good food, fun little trips, and life with everyone. Be well.
Joe
Rebel Anchor 
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