If there’s one thing I’ve learned since moving aboard our 48-foot Kadey-Krogen Whaleback,
it’s this—life on the water can change faster than the tide.
Photo @ciaraknightJust a day ago, the ocean felt like paradise. A dozen dolphins played in our “backyard,”
racing alongside the hull and leaping through the wake like they were putting on a show just
for us. Later, we dropped anchor near a sandbar, where the water shimmered turquoise and the
world felt still.
We swam, laughed, and let the salt air soak into our bones. That evening, I went for a walk
along the shore—miles of calm seas and soft golden light, the kind of day that makes you
believe you’ve figured life out.
And then came the reminder.
Within twenty-four hours, our tranquil harbor transformed. The temperature dropped, the
wind picked up, and the peaceful horizon turned steel gray. A front blew through
the next morning at 5:45 a.m., with 30+ knot gusts that howled across the decks, shaking the
rigging and slapping waves against the hull. We scrambled to double-check lines, secure hatches,
and brace for the blow.
Cue the chaos: both of us scrambling out of bed to tighten lines, stow loose gear, and move the dinghy
before it got completely smashed by wind and waves. 🌬️🌊
Now, those who know me well also know that graceful isn’t exactly my middle name—especially post–
spinal fusion. So, picture me on a floating finger dock, wind howling, trying to help my husband wrestle
a dinghy around a few corners while the water’s doing its best impression of a washing machine.
Let’s just say there was a moment when my footing… decided to take a break. 😅 I made what I thought
was a controlled descent onto the dock—very poised, very intentional (in my head, anyway).
Until one of our neighbors shouted over, “Did you just fall?”
So yeah… turns out graceful is in the eye of the beholder. 😂
One moment you’re barefoot on a sun-warmed deck, and the next you’re in three layers,
gripping railings as the wind roars around you.
That’s boat life.
It’s beautiful and brutal, thrilling and humbling—all in the same breath. It’s dolphins at
sunrise and storm clouds by sunset. It’s learning to trust your boat, your instincts, and each other
when the ocean reminds you who’s really in charge.
Some days, it’s easy to forget that we sold almost everything we owned, hugged our kids
goodbye as they started their next chapters, and traded comfort for adventure. But moments like
these—the calm and the chaos—remind me exactly why we did.
We didn’t choose this life for ease. We chose it to feel alive.
Next up: our first overnight anchor in open water (if the weather cooperates 😉), a few more
projects before the big haul-out, and then…the Bahamas.
Every sunrise feels like the start of another chapter, and I can’t wait to see where the tide takes
us next. 🌊⚓️🐬
P.S. This marina and life was a huge inspiration for my new series, Harbor Secrets!
About the Author
Ciara Knight is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author who writes heart-tugging, faith-filled romance with a dash of hope and a whole lot of love. When she's not wrangling swoon-worthy cowboys or crafting small-town drama, she's navigating life as a proud mom of three spirited (and now grown!) boys.
In a major plot twist no one saw coming, Ciara and her tech-savvy husband recently traded in their empty nest for open waters—purchasing a boat to live aboard full-time. Together, they’re setting sail on the greatest adventure yet: the next chapter of life, love, and a few waves of inspiration. Anchors aweigh!
Ciara Knight on the web:
Christmas Harbor Secrets
Isobel Lane plans to sell her estranged father’s old trawler after her ex leaves her penniless—until she uncovers evidence pointing to his murder.
Haunted by the partner he couldn’t save, Rone Archer has spent years trying to outrun his guilt. Protecting Isobel from a danger that mirrors his past feels like his one chance at redemption.
But when a criminal organization tries to silence them, will they survive through Christmas, or will the tide claim more than her father’s secrets?
And get this book free:
This short story prequel offers a glimpse into
Rone Archer’s past—the man at the heart of
Christmas Harbor Secrets, the first book in the
Harbor Secrets series.
He faced down the storm—and his—enemies and walked away alive. But not whole. Some wounds don’t bleed. They linger in the silence…waiting for the next tide to rise.
Click here...
Watch this video for Nas Dean's review of this book:
Looks like an interesting series!
ReplyDeleteThe series look very good! Your photos are beautiful! I also love your blog background.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos and the book sounds good -Christine cmlk79. Blogspot.com
ReplyDelete