“A ship is safe in harbor but that is not where a ship is meant to be.” By Liam Madden

On behalf of the nine IVAW members who made it to Key Largo, Florida for an unforgettable sailing expedition, I submit to the curious and adventurous among us a brief recap.

It started on an awkward foot, I announced to the entire membership that the trip offered by Outward Bound was free and had 20 positions available. Then I had the far from enviable task of informing many of the people whom I respect and hold dear that Outward Bound revised its offer and we would need to pay $375 and only 10 of us could go.

Fortunately, the trip recovered, and on January 8th nine veterans and two civilian instructors went underway for six days that replenished our spirits, tanned our bodies and imprinted our lives. Many of us were afraid of forced sing alongs and contrived talks about our “feelings.” Instead, those with reservations were astonished with Outward Bound’s extraordinary ability to allow us to create our own culture while borrowing from their rich tradition.

If I could bottle a day it would pop like champagne with laughter, the ocean’s beauty and community. On the first day we were welcomed by a pod of dolphins playing underneath and around our vessel.  Our instructors informed us that it was our duty to name the boat before the trip was over. In honor of one of the most underrated party foods ever served, and a serendipitous mis-hearing of Jeff Key’s suggestion, “Devil Dove”, we christened her the “Deviled Egg.”

From the official journal of the Deviled Egg, I present some captured memories:

Things we saw:

 “I saw an osprey nest, endurance rowing, patience and a shopping cart monument on a bald eagle infested island”

“I saw love, earth, fire, wind and water.” Ian LaVallee

“I saw a beautiful woman walking towards me through a tropical lagoon, two dolphin escorts, and Keith row the boat with no shirt.” Jeff Key

“I saw the sky and sea as a single curtain draping down from heaven.”

“I saw Noah darting like spiderman, barefoot, keeping to his cubs like a watchful lion.”

“I saw Ian with a single feather standing in his wild main.”

We saw shooting stars.

“I saw water as blue as Gatorade. “ Joshua Earle

 Things we heard:

 “I heard Maggie leading us to connect, share and to write like warrior poets.”

“I heard flapping sails, singing (not Kumbaya) snoring, and 180 seconds of silence at sunset.”

“I heard Joshua laugh like he meant it.”

“I heard fish jumping on anchor watch and tons of four letter words.” Keith Ott

“I heard wind, laughing, and waves”

“I heard kindness” Joe Wheeler

Things we felt:

“I felt mosquitoes

“I felt water, peace and struggle.”

 “I felt total appreciation.”

“I felt peaceful, humbled and proud.”

 “I felt like god – able to harness the wind!”

Things we learned:

                  “I learned to chart a course.”

                  “I learned to make some amazing Mac and cheese.”

                  “I learned how powerful a very simple design can be.”

                  “I learned that what I feared was something I was good at.”

                  “I learned to have friendship with men.”

Things we know.

                  “I know the Iraq war is bullshit.”

                  “I know there are eleven amazing people on this ship.”

                  “I know I’ve made great friends.”

For those interested in attending future expeditions, I am working to make this a reoccurring opportunity, so don’t be a stranger about expressing your interest.

Merrily,

Liam Madden