First Docking on April 22, 2011

I am an avid reader. The last year and a half or so I have been reading mostly nautically themed books.
I am currently reading Seaworthy: Adrift with William Willis in the Golden Age of Rafting by T.R Pearson. It is a fascinating read about his adventures crossing the Pacific on rafts of his own design. Even more fascinating is that he was in his 60’s when he made his first trip. I can relate, that is to being that age but I assure all family and friends that I will not be inspired to seek a similar adventure. While reading one evening I came across this line, “He suspected that a Pacific crossing would serve as a similar test of his mettle.” Mettle caught my attention. I could not recall seeing that term before. Well, mettle is defined as spirited determination. Synonyms being courage, bravery, guts, grit, nerve, pluck, resolve, valor, vigor and cojones. Cojones sounds like more of a breakfast food but I like those terms. These terms describe members of SSAPS. Boating enthusiasts test their mettle everytime they venture out. I had my first docking experience a couple of weeks ago and believe me I drew on my guts, grit, pluck, resolve, etc. and then relished the success!!! My dock steps were in danger for a time but it ended up that I was able to push them back into place, I had pulled them half over the water, as I brought the boat in. Well, it wasn’t planned that I was going to be able to reposition them but it worked out.