Today was my first boat ride of the season, one of those simple island days that reminds me why life on the water feels so special.  My sweetheart and I packed a lunch, rowed out to our Boston Whaler in Carver's Harbor, and headed to a quiet  cove to enjoy the sunshine, fresh ocean air, and incredible beauty of the surrounding area.  What a treat!

We passed this wooden pleasure boat along the way--a beautiful old lobster boat much like those I remember seeing in Carver's Harbor as a kid. The simple design is so elegant.  

How many of you recognize this "Watch your Wake" sign hanging on the Lane's Island Bridge?  My grandkids and I love to yell out a loud "wahoo!" when we cross under it.

Some of the island homes, boathouses, and working waterfront along Indian Creek. Postcard perfect.  

The best surprise of the afternoon came when we happened upon my daughter and her family out on their boat.  Here are photos of my granddaughter Isla and grandson Cy (named for my dad) who enthusiastically jumped out of their parent's boat into ours. Big smiles all around!

 

It's fun to cruise around the harbor and see what's going on. No harbor seals were sighted today, but there were plenty of seagulls and one very cute dog ( Isla and Cy's dog Jack) who enjoys a good boat ride as much as the rest of us. Man's best friend on land and water.

All of our children have chosen to make their homes here on the island, and our sixth grandchild will be arriving soon. To see the next generation growing up in the same waters and landscapes that have shaped our family for nine generations is something I never take for granted. 

The islands, the boats, and the generations that share them all weave together into a way of life that is increasingly rare. Today's ride was a gentle reminder that some of life's greatest pleasures are the simplest: a boat ride, a packed lunch, an unexpected reunion on the water, and the enduring beauty of the sea that surrounds us.

Nine generations. Six grandchildren. One remarkable life and island home.