Walking on dry land, after being used to constant boat rocking, is similar to when you where little and spun around as fast as you could then tried to walk in a straight line. At first the land in front of you seems to be moving, and your knees don't work right. In my experience the longer your on the boat the longer the vertigo lasts.
Recently we were anchored in a very ritzy residential area. I'm talking the big Spanish style mansions, with the gates, and gatehouses, blocking almost your entire view of the courtyard fountain, and grand staircase leading up to the main entrance. Safe to say whenever we went to shore we stuck out like a sore thumb. After eight days straight on the boat I needed a walk. I was pretty wobbly the whole way to the grocery store, but only got a few funny looks. While I was inside it rained, no biggie I live on a boat my feet get wet.
Walking back, with my wobbly knees, and carrying a case of Black n' Tans, my feet start feeling slimy. I stopped, checked my sandals to see what I stepped in, and saw suds. (I had wore those flip flops while cleaning the deck, and they were still soapy.) So there I am walking down the street, with my wobbly knees, carrying a case of Black n' Tans, and my feet slipping around in my sandals, past all these mega mansions. I was getting a lot of looks from the other "walkers". (Similar to the ladies who walk around Lake Calhoun with matching walking skirts and stretchy tops in neon colors.) Finally one judgemental couple actually made a comment. I know that some sailors fit the stereotype, but not me, and after graciously taking the dirty looks for the last mile I felt justified in replying, "I'm not a drunken sailor, I just have soapy sandals."
These are great, BFF! I love your recollections, and anxiously await some more! Heart you!
ReplyDeletePS...I would never look at you like that, because I would be the ACTUAL drunk person next to you walking. LOL!