Open Water Approach

I taxied through the courtyard gate and crossed the sidewalk to the neighborhood park fountain. A wide sheet of runoff was gliding across a flat granite curb. Novel conditions. A steady breeze kicked up distinct surface ripples across the shallow water, creating far more resistance than indoor saucers. I eased forward until the pontoons took the current. Water parted cleanly along both hulls. I held position against the flow, steadying my nose toward a brass drain grate where a yellow bottle cap rested like a navigation buoy. The entire fountain basin opened up ahead. Solid anchorage established.