Sailing is like life

Like life, our cruises are totally unpredictable. We woke up yesterday at DeSoto Point to cannons going off, people in costume on horseback and in a boat. They were re-enacting the invasion of Florida by Hernando DeSoto in the 1500s. Fun to watch and totally unexpected. A dolphin swam by which we always take to be a good omen for our journey.
We sailed to Longboat Key and after lunch and a nap, jumped into our kayak for a 20 minute trip over to Coquina Key for a walk on the beach. We were surprised to see a large gathering of people doing a one mile walk to benefit homeless children. There were many families picnicking and enjoying a beautiful day. The surf was a bit rough and I decided to take a dip and ride the waves which was fun. Eric chose to be a spectator and I later learned he didn't like how close the jettys were to the narrow swimming areas. After returning and while making our happy hour drinks we were surrounded by helicopters, police boats, police jet skis and announcements on the radio. A 5 year old boy got caught on the surf and was missing. He was swimming on the beach where we had come from. He was possibly one of the little boys we said hello to while on our walk. Our mood changed instantly and we both silently prayed he would be found but the skies grew dark and the sun set without any good news. The police boats continued to patrol around our anchorage as the current would bring the boy our way. The police looked discouraged and sad.
We woke this morning to the sounds of dolphins blowing air. Our boat was surrounded by 6 dolphins feeding, jumping and playing. A patrol boat came by. No body found.
We are off to Venice now under blue skies and praying for the family that lost their 5 year precious boy yesterday in the surf.