I had another lifetime first last night--I went sailing. 'Twas a lot of work, but also a lot of fun.

My sister and I joined a group of seven others on Soma, the Wisconsin Union Hoofers' "cow boat". We got underway at sunset, and cruised until a little after 10.

The skill level on the boat ranged from very experienced to "well, I canoe" (this was pretty much just my sister and I). Never-the-less, everyone on board had some work to do. I helped to jump the mast and to tack a number of times, and I also spent some time as a trimmer. I decided not to take a turn riding in pulpit, and I also declined a chance to steer, though Gretchen took up both offers. When I was asked if I wanted to steer, it was during the first time in a while when I wasn't required to do anything but sit in the stern and enjoy the ride, and I wanted to savor the moment.

The hairiest moment for me was while I was taking a turn as the grinder on the port side and the boat heeled at such an angle that it almost felt like the deck was vertical. I held onto the winch and jammed my left foot onto the toe rail as lake water rushed up to meet my sock. I didn't like the idea of being the "man overboard", so I held fast until we leveled out.

The moon did not appear while we were out (though I did finally see it on my way home) but we did get a treat in the sky over Warner Park, with the post-Mallards-game fireworks. We also got a bit of a show from the "Anything but Clothes" party going on near the pier, and some sweet tunes from the jam band playing on the Terrace.

I may go again this summer, if I can get my schedule to allow it. However, I am now more committed to the idea that next summer I will actually sign up for lessons.