Thursday, February 25, 2010

A View from the Cockpit


Cruising in a Motor home.

When you are on a boat and the wind is up your aft, it is downwind.  Quiet steals over you and there is the feeling that you are barely moving.  In a motor home it is called a tailwind.  Again it is a quieter ride and it saves on the gas mileage.

If you are headed into the wind it is pounding into it, a bone in the teeth, or a head wind.  Whether you are in a boat or on land it is most uncomfortable.  By-the-by if on land your gas mileage will suck with a headwind.

On the boat we watch the weather like a hawk.  We want some wind to sail and quiet to anchor in.  It isn’t much different on land.  I really don’t want much wind while driving a moving billboard.  I can do the tailwind, but a broad-reach will send you all over the road.  It is especially fun driving in the canyons and mountains.  I can feel myself tensing up when I see signs like:
1.     Strong cross winds for the next __ miles
2.     Gusty conditions ahead
3.     Dust storms may cause zero visibility

You get the idea.  Wind and weather control both situations.  Right now we have a forecast for SNOW!  I want palm trees, NOT snow!

 Okay, if I am honest it is nice to be able to pull over if there is a problem.  I am enjoying not sweating every minute of the day.  I no longer feel claustrophobic in long pants, long sleeve shirts, jackets, socks and shoes.  I do miss my shorts and sandals.

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