Part 1: Black Rock (Observatory) Invitation“Peter! I think there’s a real opportunity for you.” Cress was staring at me—what was he referring to? “I'll send you an email.” A sailor, Cress had motorbiked to Burning Man after an around-the-world sailing trip with his partner, Irene. We’d met them on their voyage home. Taking us sailing, we watched Cress keep the sails full while steering out into the Mexican Pacific. When he offered me the wheel, I immediately lost the breeze. Entering the harbour seven hours later, the sun was setting behind us. A full moon rose as we glided to our berth, the spectacle quieting everyone—ocean lightly swashing the hull as we cut through the channel. Conversation resumed on docking: Cress was also a writer. Starting with marinas full of moored vessels that rarely ventured out to sea, he used their circumnavigational story to illustrate that getting out of the harbour is motivated by purpose—theirs was to circumnavigate the world—and purpose gives meaning to our lives by motivating us. Curious adventurers, Cress and Irene’s boat was constantly at sea. As Captain Kirk might say, “seeking out new lives and civilizations, to boldly sail where few couples have gone before.” Sailing the 7C’s (from his book title*) was a challenging endeavor, certainly beyond my capability. Others might ask, “Why risk the dangers lurking beyond the harbour?” A valid concern, but Isn’t boredom a fate worse than death? Imagine a life without curiosity—the need to explore breeds adventure and renewal. ‘New and exciting’ becomes less so with time. We shift jobs, change careers, move neighbourhoods, try different holidays to escape. Road Trips are a start--getting away, seeing changing vistas. Going beyond comfort zones is rewarding. Escaping daily routine generates excitement: different places, subjects worth pursuing—not so much a ‘bucket list’ as curiosity-empowered enlightenment seeking answers to life’s situations. OK, you’re wondering about Cress’ message to me, mentioned at the top of the page. “Peter, there should be tickets available for Burning Man. Think it over. Let me know.” Wasn’t I going to be fully occupied with a ton of shit to do for my new book**? I considered what I had to prepare for the upcoming publishing date. Maybe I could work around a road trip, arranging everything in advance? I mean, this was Burning Man. I needed to lose my anal self-control. Opportunity is often elusive or infrequent, at best. If not now, when? I did some research on the event and looked at Google Maps: 2 days to northern Nevada, 2 days back—and 1 day to see my son and his wife in Reno, where they’d moved over the summer. How long at the event? Assuming 3 extra days to help setup (BUILD) and takedown (STRIKE) the camp. Participants had to bring EVERYTHING. Food, yeah, but what else? How much water for 10 days in the desert? I texted Cress. Tell me more. He got back to me. The theme this year is curiouser and curiouser. How appropriate! I camp with BRO, Black Desert Observatory; send a letter to Zoom for a spot. He’s in charge of the camp. Once we get confirmation from him, I’ll sell you a ticket. I guess I was going. *A Voyage of Uncommon Sense: Sail 7Cs to Purpose, Passion and Power; by Cresswell Walker
**Return to Pamplona: A Lover’s Quest in post-War Spain; by Peter J. Meehan
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AuthorPeter J. Meehan is the author of Return to Pamplona (available through FriesenPress) and That Weekend in Albania! Check back for more blog posts soon! ArchivesCategories |