This five-year-old photo popped up in our Facebook Memories yesterday and brought back such a sweet moment. Our cousin and her family were visiting, so we took them out on
Mai Thai for a relaxing boat ride. We tied up at Shellmound Picnic Area, where they took the kayaks out for a paddle while we set up a simple picnic on the boat. A perfect day on the water, with plenty of sunshine, laughter and great company. Just a simple, happy memory we’ll always cherish.
The last time we took Mai Thai out for a spin was in late September of last year. It was a calm weekday afternoon, and the river was almost entirely ours — hardly another boat in sight. |
| Leaving the marina |
The weather was perfect — warm but not hot, with that hint of early autumn in the air. The hills surrounding the river were just beginning to show a touch of fall color.
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| A hint of fall colors |
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Heading up river towards the TN River Gorge
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| View from inside the boat |
Usually, by this time of year, flocks of coots would be arriving from the north, their chattering calls echoing across the water. But we didn’t see any that day. Instead, a few cormorants stood sentinel on the riverside rocks, one with wings outstretched in the sun.
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| cormorants |
It’s moments like these that remind us why we fell in love with boating in the first place. No schedule. Just us, the river, and nature putting on a quiet show. We snapped a few photos to remember the day — not knowing it would be our last ride on
Mai Thai.
Life gets busy. Boats change hands. Seasons come and go. But the memories stay with us.
Looking back, we’re just grateful for all the good times Mai Thai gave us — the laughter, the sunsets, the solitude at anchor, and the camaraderie at the marinas. The shared moments on the water.
She was more than just a boat. She was part of our story.
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an artist reflects ~ Mai Thai is a great name for your boat and wonderful memory photos of your time on the water ~ I too have fond boating memories ~ Time just flies by ~ thanks for sharing and commenting on my blog ~ hugs
ReplyDeleteWe are so happy to have been part of your Mai Thai cruising experience. We too relish the times, people and places encountered in our cruising. Years…….the most important being the friendships made along the way! We treasure you both! Love, Bill and Joy.
ReplyDeleteI love those memories that pop up on FB and also on Google photos.
ReplyDeleteWorth a Thousand Words
Nice memories of boating. I had a bass boat years ago and got a lot of good use out of it.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to catch up before the next T Tuesday starts. It's great to have those memories of the Mai Thai. Thanks for sharing your drinks on the boat, too for T Tuesday.
ReplyDelete