If you go aground, work yourself off. Cast off all self-pity and beat to windward again and again, so that in the fullness of your years, you can come about and run downwind free and easy with the tide.
A Doryman’s Day by R. Berry Fisher
My good friend Ron Gilson and I had a long conversation this morning. Even though Ron is in his eighties we have a strong connection and I appreciate his wisdom and advice.
As Ron was leaving he turned back to me, pointed his finger in my direction and recited the above quote word for word exactly how it was written in A Doryman’s Day by R. Berry Fisher.
Ever since high school, 1985 my favorite quote was one from Alexander Pope- “For Fools Rush In Where Angels Fear To Tread” It had meaning to me for all these years and still does.
But when Ron uttered the quote from A Doryman’s Day I immediately knew this was my new favorite quote.
I’m beating to windward Ron. Beating to windward.
Thank you for your words of inspiration.

So wise Al. Get yourself off the rocks and back on course.
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A fine philosophy and a lovely quote — thanks.
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Good one, Al. You and Ron represent a whole lot of life experience and wisdom. I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall during that conversation.
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Al provided the photo, Ron provided the quote.
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Love that quote, I think it’s my new favorite as well!
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I came about this page out of the blue…it is not much of a reach to find the quote from A Doryman’s Day, will be a new found favorite of mine, too! Thank you for sharing. Tracy Oyarzabal Eugene, Oregon
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