The Kindness of Strangers
Updated: Nov 8, 2020
What a week full of adventure! It was refreshing to see the kindness of strangers and feel the warmth of a genuine welcome. We met great fellow loopers as we waited for the Illinois River locks to open, and we soon developed some neat friendships through our shared adventures. We experienced the 4:30 am departure from the marina in the dark of night, going through multiple locks with only the lock lights for guidance, following fellow loopers in a long line of boats into a marina on a pitch-black evening. We also witnessed a call to the coast guard for a grounded fellow traveler whose boat was in obvious distress. Wow. That was just the first few days.
We met some great people, including Tom and his dog Hank, who uses this trip to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. His four-year-old nephew is bravely battling cancer, and Tom has been so moved by the free resources his family has experienced that he dedicates his time and energy to raise money to help other families in need. If you would like to donate go to @tomandhankoffthehook on Instagram.
I have noticed that traveling by boat is a great equalizer; there is little discussion about careers, occupations, politics, or possessions. Nearly all are willing to help a stranger with no expectations in return. Everyone looks out for each other. We have met people sailing alone, couples, parents with kids, and working adults. What brings them together is a love of the water, boats, and each other. In a time of deep division, it is refreshing, uplifting, and very, very appreciated.
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