Neptune Ash Scattering
The estuary was quiet - it was just Osprey in the mellow morning sunshine on the whole of the bay. The container ships were docked, the loading cranes were still, and it seemed like the marina was sleeping in for Martin Luther King holiday.
But
Osprey was on an important mission - we were out for a San Francisco Bay ash scattering. Everyone gathered on the front deck near the bow of the ship, enjoying the fresh breezes and bay bridge views on the horizon. No one spoke, no one stirred, it was more of a meditation than a cruise. We took care to come up to the lighthouse on Yerba Buena Island, enjoying impressive coastline views of the foaming breaker waves and lighthouse on the hilltop.
We motored under the Bay bridge, listening to the hum and roar of the cars passing overhead. Then bursting out on the bay water with crystal clear views of the Ferry Building and the San Francisco waterfront ahead and lovely treasure island behind us, the memorial started.
Our guests stood and lined up at the rail, holding red and yellow roses. The petals floated away with the scattering ceremony, bright dashes of color floating out to sea in the gentle water.
-Crewmember Heather
