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With just one more week in the class Judith created a new prompt. We had shared our big documents and some pictures she had asked us to bring. During our discussion we all realised we needed time and place. This led to our assignment. In fact we could see the wheels turning as she said it. We were to pick one of our pictures and create a scene including date. We could make up a date if we did not know it but the scene was to be one day. It was interesting as I worked on mine how it did help to have a context. The exercise also made a big difference in how I edited my major story. Below is my scene. I choose not to include the picture so your mind could draw it. At least I hope your mind can.
 
  It was a warm spring day in May when we left Puerto Villarta on a 4 day trip heading north. Our plan was to spend some time in the Sea of Cortez before leaving Reaching Deep in La Paz for the 2005 hurricane season. May 5 found us in the rhythm of over night sailing. Dinner time was before dark. With just enough wind to sail we had a peaceful dinner in the cockpit while Auto pilot steered our coarse.

 Following our usual routine Dave participated in the evening radio group, called a net, on the single sideband radio while I stayed at the wheel. Sometimes Auto did not like it when we broadcast so I gave him a break and hand steered. The net always started with vessels under way. Each vessel gave their position and current weather information. One frequency was used at night at a set time and another in the morning. Real time weather was very useful along with the prediction. Also it was always fun to see if there was anyone else nearby.

 Then the night routine started. One of us would put on light weight all weather gear, inflatable life jacket, sailing gloves, hat and harness while the other prepared for bed. This started our watch routine of 4 hours on and 4 hours off.

 Dave knew that I would often stretch my watch so I could see the sunrise. It is magnificent during a new moon and tonight with a sliver of moon and no clouds should be a good one. I took the first watch starting about7:30 thinking it should work out perfectly. About midnight we switched places. It took a few minutes to take off the gear but well worth it because of the dampness settling in as the temperature dropped.

 Back on watch about 4 I knew it would be a magnificate sunrise. First the stars in the east start to fade. Beind the fading stars the sky starts to change from black to navy blue. Gradually the deep blue gets lighter until it is almost white. Then a glow appears at the horizon. As the glow increases it becomes orange and I know the sun will soon pop up above the horizon. A blink and there it is. Now a line of light glows across the water.

 Joyfully I start the morning routine as Dave wakes up. As the sun starts to warm the air and dry the dew as we enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Auto does not object to the morning frequency so we join the morning net while clearing up from breakfast. Feeling content with the start of May 6th, I settle in for my morning nap.