Our First Snow on our Hatteras: A Lesson in Letting Go

January 7, 2025 –

Living on a boat has been a dream come true in many ways. The salty air, the serene rhythm of water lapping against the hull, and the mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets offer unparalleled beauty. But as the forecast hinted at snow, I felt an unexpected wave of apprehension. Snow? Here? On our dock? How would we manage?

I’ll admit, my mind quickly spun into a tangle of worries. Would the dock become too slick to navigate? I kept telling myself, Don’t borrow trouble, Ashley. It’s easier said than done when your imagination loves to paint worst-case scenarios. But as the snowflakes began to fall, I tried to focus on the present and let go of the fear of the unknown.

And what a gift that was.

The snow arrived like a gentle whisper, a sweet, light blanket that kissed the ground with a soft, unassuming grace. It didn’t come with blizzards or chaos, just a quiet magic that transformed our familiar surroundings into something almost ethereal. Our dock, the source of my initial anxiety, looked like something out of a winter postcard.

Schuyler, our sweet dog, wasn’t as enchanted. Her reluctance to venture out into the cold was comical—nose upturned and a very clear expression of, “You’ve got to be kidding me.” I couldn’t blame her. While the snow brought a certain charm, it also brought a chill that made me rethink my own courage. Yet, as I coaxed Schuyler to at least dip a paw outside, I couldn’t help but smile. It’s in these small, unexpected moments that we’re reminded of what it means to feel alive.

Walking carefully along the dock, I realized how much the snow mirrored life itself. At first, it can feel intimidating—something new, something unknown. But when you step into it, allowing yourself to experience it fully, there’s a profound beauty that reveals itself. The crisp air, the satisfying crunch underfoot, and the quietude that only snow can bring—it all reminded me that sometimes, it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone.

As the snow tapered off and the sun peeked through the clouds, I found myself feeling grateful. Grateful for the small, still moments that slow us down. Grateful for the beauty that surprises us. And grateful for the reminder to trust, to breathe, and to simply take one step at a time—even on a snowy dock.

Aqua Terra, you’ve given us so many gifts already, but this first snow might just be one of the most memorable. Here’s to embracing the unexpected and finding magic in the everyday.