And the seasons, they go ‘round and ‘round….

 Although Harry Belafonte made it famous, it was Joni Mitchell who penned the song “The Circle Game”.  You know the words: “ …and the seasons, they go ‘round and ‘round, and the painted ponies go up and down, we’re captive on a carousel of time….”  I heard that song on the radio the other day and it got me thinking as the boat show season comes around again, marking the start of yet another year.
            Each December as we put the finishing touches on our Boat Show issue – the first issue of the new year - I get very excited – I just can’t wait for the boat shows to arrive what with all the new announcements and models and products.  It’s exciting!  I look forward to seeing it all in person – the stuff we’ve read about in media-only press releases for months now, and put into the pages of this issue for you, (but can’t talk with anyone about until now) is finally all out there and open for discussion. 
            And I get excited to see some of my old friends. Each year we make a point of gathering at the boat shows to meet up, wander the show together, and go out for a long relaxing dinner to catch up on each others lives.  We also make plans for our upcoming boating season. 
            And that gets me excited all over again for the next season.  Some people call it summer.  I call it boating season.  See for Canadian boaters there are only two seasons: boating season and dry-dock season.  And so goes the circle game, as one season comes ‘round to the next…..I can’t wait for summer!
             In this first issue of the new season of 2009, we’ve included some great reading to help you get through the rest of your dry-dock season.  In Lifeline, Mark King shares the urgency of a deadline.  Dusty Miller’s tips on handling at the Big Chute just may get you planning a cruise on the Trent.  Of course there’s Stephen’s Horsfall’s Ask the Expert Q-n-A, and our popular Field Test column (cool product that Drill Blender!). 
            Our newest columnist, Cam McRae, gazes into his Technology crystal ball and gives us a hint of what very well may be to come in the story behind the story.  Bill Jennings shares his family’s trip from last summer and encourages your family to grab your boat and plan to Runabout the Rideau this year.  In the first of six special Captain’s Log reports, Lake Simcoe, Ontario resident Melanie Wood shares her and her husbands experiences of doing what every boater dreams of: cruising the Great Circle Loop.
            And finally, we close out this issue with our Life Afloat column in which we reflect on how you can give the ‘gift of boating’ to someone who would perhaps never get to experience it, were it not for you.
            So cuddle up with a hot drink, a cozy fire, and us.  Read, dream, plan, and hopefully we’ll get you excited to the point that you too can’t wait for summer. 

             See you at the Boat Shows and out on the water!

             Bill Taylor