It was always there. Wasn't it?

The realization came to me tonight as I watched a 2010 Netflix movie starring Ewan McGregor, "The Ghost Writer," that is shot primarily at a seaside house.

I love the sea.

I spent many hours standing on the forward passenger observation deck of the Alaskan ship, SS Malaspina, on one of my many voyages on the Alaska Marine Highway System. The cold sea splashing against my face, the rolling of the ship in the waves - sometimes rather violent waves - and the faces of the other travelers inside, looking a me. Wondering what crazy person was sharing the boat with them. It reminded me of the few months I spent on a ship at sea in the Navy long ago.

I love the sea.

Why did the realization take so long?