There is nothing quite as lovely as a boat lying at anchor. She floats, self-contained, tethered to the seabed below. There is a quiet, unassuming sturdiness as wind and wave have her tugging at the anchor. It is a working, complementary relationship between security and freedom; the elasticity of the rode holding her in balance. She dances on the surface according to length, beam, and depth; ever- grounded.

Within the respite of an anchorage, I love looking forward across the water at the cove or island that protects us. I love looking astern at the open water that beckons. The boat gently rocks, awaiting the next leg of the journey.

Clarity exists in the space between the safety of a boat at anchor and the dangers of the  unseen hazards ahead.

Sunset at Michipicoten Island, Lake Superior

Sailboat anchored in the fog at Michipicoten Island, Lake Superior

The narrow entrance to Otter Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Superior

Arkansas Traveler at Simons Harbour on the eastern shore of Lake Superior

Sunset at Simons Harbour

at anchor; western Otter Cove, Lake Superior