Mortality

Last Sunday. My mate and I decided.

The weather and tide were good, so we moved
our yacht down to the harbour to place it on its mooring.


I let the yacht down the slip via a long rope and a vehicle and with my mate on board,
who started the engine as it entered the water and made his way out to the mooring after tying up and locking up the cabin, he waited for me to pick him up in our rubber dinghy, the sea state was calm.

I approached the aft step ladders to pick Peter up,and as I arrived, I passed him the pendant and moved to the rear to allow him to climb aboard , Suddenly the dinghy up-ended pouring me out over the back, I rolled straight in the water and was shocked by the cold, which tightened my chest, winding me and also debilitating me, I half expected this to happen! but was completely shocked by the weight increase as my clothes absorbed water, I was unable to swim.

For that moment I came face to face with my own mortality and I felt completely debilitated, some how! I made a grab for the step ladder, and got it, but I was unable or strong enough to do anything else.
My mate Peter leaned over and grabbed me , pulling me up the ladder ( thank the Lord he's as strong as a donkey)
I just stood on the steps with the water draining off of me? I still had my hat and glasses on.

It was so crazy! we usually always wear our life jackets on the water and are very aware of the danger! But can't give a reason for getting caught like this?
This was a wake-up call! that I heard loud and clear.

So my advice to all you reading this? is " Be careful out there" your mortality! walks with you everywhere and always.

Agman.