Dawn finds the Agusan peacefully flowing to sea-basking in the quiet mirth a successful weekend surrounded by friends and family. The Agusan prepared herself gloriously and her conduct in accommodating an ancient relative by suddenly calming her ferocity allowed for a safe receiving of the ancient one.
In some places around the world, the past few days have been the holiday of Thanksgiving. This holiday celebrates the meeting of cultures symbolized by a feast for all, and the welcoming of family and old friends.
And so it was on Saturday, that a long lost loved one appeared out of the sunlit haze from far asea. As her brightly colored sunlit sails paralleled the coast, we wondered if she would pass us by in a rebuke for keeping her away from the remains of her forefathers home for so long. Alas, she tacked to port and headed into the loving and welcoming arms of a people starved for a touch of her most valuable cargo-heroes who brought the message of nationalistic pride borne out of hard work, persistence and faith, with every wave and smile. As she glided along toward the PPA in the center of town, brightly decorated vessels of every size motored of paddled along side, and those on shore waved flags of wonderment and pride. Upon approaching the pier, hats were waved, tears flowed and eyes were wide. Countrymen, who had voyaged to the top of the world, brought a long lost child back to the womb.
The Balanghai will rest and repair for a while in Bading, where a sister ship is under construction. Today the crew will put her in the dry to inspect and prepare for her next journey. As you may know, the intent is to sail throughout Asia and eventually the world. ‘Sail the world’ and ‘climb Mt Everest’-two phrases of three simple words!!
After witnessing the reception in Butuan, and given the current economic/cultural/humanistic climate in this country, I wonder if the significance brought is better served in her circumnavigating this country prior to attempting a global first. I certainly understand the reasoning, but perhaps the cargo of inspiration has its highest value in the Philippines.
Our next yardsale is Dec. 19 and we are loading up with new stuff. All is on display inside the restaurant building at Riverside. The restaurant is closed to the public for the month of December as we transition to a membership clientele while emphasizing charters, marina biz and private gatherings. We always enjoy and appreciate visitors, but please text prior to entering the facility. We expect one or two boat launchings next month, floodwaters being the determining factor, so I hope all will come by for those celebrations.
Have you visited the landslides on the Mt. Mayapay road? This is a road our Expat motorbike club has frequented often. The Mt. Mayapay environmental watchdog group has been critical of the conduct of some local politicos for allowing operations involving heavy equipment in that clime, and it now seems that the group’s fears are coming to fruition. One wonders of the happenings there as rain season approaches.
See you at Café Caliente at 11am this Wednesday!
Peace to all!
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