Day Four

We finally found a convenient port today and I stepped onto solid ground once again. It feels strange being around other people, even if only to buy supplies. We are in Vineyard Haven Harbor and the whole island is beautiful, very green and everything seems to be linked to the ocean which I love. We sailed in through the wide harbour mouth. West Chop lighthouse to our right, a small white tower of a building with a black top and white, red roofed buildings surrounding it. On our left was East Chop lighthouse, very similar in appearance but standing alone in a garden of green, large smooth stones along the shore. We are going to sail back out at night just to see their lights shining. After being at sea for a few days I can understand the hope that they often picture. Am I starting to get soppy?

We sold some fish at the Net Result fish market and even though it was lunch time I passed up the opportunity for sushi, and stuck to the staple hotdog and salad. My captain, so he likes to call himself, made no such objection and now smells like he's been working with fish his whole life. I joked I wouldn't kiss him unless he brushed his teeth, upon which he immediately went and bought a toothbrush (we did need one anyway).

From selling the fish we made enough for me to buy some clothes. We settled on a red bikini, some denim shorts and a couple of summer tops. We being the operative word as he was very involved in choosing what I was to wear. I've never spent so long clothes shopping, I felt like a real girl!

One of the best parts of the day was having a real shower at the marina services, putting on some clean clothes and going out for a drink. We found a nice quiet place called the Pilot House. It reminds me very much of the Ice House, simple bar and tall wooden chairs, but with a blue trim counter and waiting staff that actually seem to enjoy their job. We sipped and talked until the sun had long gone and the stars lit our way back to True Love.

Day Five

I came to this morning wondering where I was, but when I felt his strong protective arms around me I knew I was home, the home we have made for ourselves on this weekend cruiser. But as I slowly awoke I realised that he had bunked up with me. If he thought he was going to pull a fast one on me, after not finding a hammock yesterday, then he was very much mistaken. A glass of cold water over his sleeping head soon found reason. Even though I was furious I couldn't help laughing at his surprised and shocked expression. He said he was only protecting me seen as we were docked and anyone could carry me off into the night. I said guard dogs don't sleep in the bed, especially when they drool, which he took offense to and stormed off. Note to self: he needs waking gently or is prone to ill humour.

After having freshened up I stepped out for a walk around the marina to clear my head. I found him sitting next to a sign for the Mink Meadows golf course and he politely asked whether I would like to play a round. I asked if he would trust me with a golf club within striking distance of him after this morning and recalled our last golfing adventure when we all ended up in jail. Then he apologised once again for that night, as if he hasn't done it enough already. He said he had been frustrated at the thought that he could never be with me and so we just held each other, a look being all that was needed to soothe heartaches of the past and forgive more recent quarrels.

The rest of the day has been spent preparing for departure. We have filled up with drinking water and other supplies and are ready to leave the harbour, which we will do as soon as the sun goes down. It may not be the most practical way to leave, but it is romantic to be guided by the stars.

I have never felt so sure about running away this summer. I have everything that I could possibly need: a basic, but comfortable home; a summer of possibilities and exploration; and the love of the person I cannot live without.