Rosemary Nissen-Wade #27: Once, on a 16-foot Trailer-Sailor

Once, on a 16-foot Trailer-Sailor

It was Broome to Darwin –

but we skipped 

part of the Sound,

and cut across

the top of the Gulf.

Not enough time

to hug and explore

those long, intricate shores.

It was 40 degrees plus 

(Celsius); only warm salt water 

to tip on ourselves 

from a bucket dipped over the side.

Fresh was rationed for drinking –

couldn't always find

pool or stream  

up the inlets.

It was clear nights 

lounging on deck;

uncountable stars

crowding the vast black dome overhead;

and one tiny, quick white satellite.

It was crocodiles sunning.

Waterfalls. Four-storey tides.

Beach sand inland, impossibly high.

Responding to a prompt at 'imaginary garden with real toads', to write on sailing in 100 words max (excluding title).