We've been back from our adventures a couple of days now. The things that seem most prominent in my mind are rarely things that are the most outwardly impressive. Then again, being out on a small watercraft isn't anything new for me, so I'm surprised at the affect it had on me.
My father grew up on the bay. His backyard wasn't grass, but the sand and water of Mission Bay. His life has always included the water and various watercraft (sabot sailboats, windsurfers and more recently kayaks). He's built a couple of wooden kayaks from kits and now is experimenting with his own designs. They are so beautiful on the water. One he made has 3 seats and he specifically made it so he could take his 4 grandchildren out in turn. Needless to say, I'm a landlubber and generally haven't liked the motion of water in the past. For some reason this time was different.
We set out from Coronado which is an island accessible generally by bridge form San Diego. It is amazing the speed that can be generated with 2 people paddling. At least it seems a good speed, being so close to the water. Places that are inaccessible in most watercraft can be explored in a kayak. We paddled by restaurants on the seafront and diners waved to us.
On the shore I had my light summer reading "Jesus for President" by Shane Claiborne which directly contrasts the systems of the world ("empire") to the very different "kingdom" of God. So when we paddled by a decommissioned aircraft carrier (docked for tourists to explore), all these thoughts were fresh in my mind as we floated just a few feet from the hull. Close enough to check out the barnacles. The awesome size and magnitude of this ship was overwhelming. It dwarfed the massive cruise ship in the next dock. Even the gray color spoke of it's power. My fluctuating feelings towards military aside, I know one day these things won't be needed anymore. If swords will be turned into plowshares, imagine what aircraft carriers will become?
I loved being out in the kayak and gliding along (when not crashing into wakes from large ships). I didn't even mind the ache in my arms which were unaccustomed to using an oar. I didn't want it to end.
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