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The kids were getting a bit restless today. This week has been filled with a myriad of projects and I think everyone was ready for something new to do. I was busy on my computer booking South Pacific Holidays for a few clients while the rest of the kids were enjoying a warm day outside on the deck. As they were wandering around the boat they discovered the bosun’s chair that was tucked away in a locker under some miscellaneous sailing gear.

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They had heard about the bosun’s chair and how it could be hoisted up to the top of the mast. What more adventurous could one get than to be hoisted over 100 feet above the deck of the boat into the air? I wasn’t paying much attention to what was going on outside but my wife was outside on deck keeping an eye on things so I just ignored what was going on. With all the squeals and excitement coming from outside however, I couldn’t resist going above deck.

After a short while of working I heard Eli screaming, let me down, let me down to the snickers of Jaeden laughing his head off. As I went outside onto the sunny deck I saw Eli dangling about 30 feet in the air pleading with his brother for some compassion regarding a fear of heights. Jaeden was all too excited to see his reaction as he slowly lifted him up about one foot at a time to the shrieks of his brother.

I think our boat that is located across from the shore, must have been quite the sight to the other boaters in the marina.

Jaeden didn’t play the game for too long as he gently let his brother back down to the top deck of our sailboat following a little prodding from his parents… but Eli came back down with a giggle and some wobbly legs from the experience.

Of course Orin then Jaeden and then Dailin all had to take their own turns up along the mast to “practice” for when they are out at sea and need to do some emergency work on the mast or check out the horizon from a taller vantage point. Orin and Jaeden made it half way up the mast while Dailin was not given any such sympathy from Jaeden as the last one up. He was hoisted all the way to the top.

The older boys enjoyed swinging around a little bit as they sat in the canvas seated harness while being pulled up. Jaeden of course taunted Dailin as he brought him down with a few bumps and jolts… but they all made it back down safe and sound with big grins on their faces.

Later that afternoon the kids told us that the Harbour Master came by to say that someone had complained about their afternoon activities. It was probably the man on shore that was taking photos of the kids climbing up the mast. The visit just had to be while Kirsten and I were gone following the events for an early Valentines Day dinner out! They advised us however that he was great about the entire exercise and just wanted to warn them to be careful. They were sure to explain that their parents were around earlier… I just hope that he believed that we were.

When cooped up on a boat there are all sorts of excitement going on. I imagine we turn a few more heads than most with what we have going on!