My cousin Molly and I just embarked on a journey, one for which we were not entirely prepared. Although my cousin had spent many summers at sailing school as well as on her father's mighty sail boat, venturing out into the water on our own was a different story. The mini sailboat, only large enough for two people, was no match for the ride it took on the shores of Lake Erie.

1. "Sailing is going to be so fun!"

This was my initial thought as we strapped on our life-vests and headed down towards the water. Sailing with my cousin was something I had done once or twice before, but only under the heavy supervision of my uncle, an experienced sailor. Going out on our own was the perfect way to spend some time before dinner. Just us, the boat, and the lake.

2. "Wow, getting the boat out has to be the most difficult part. Right?"

My second thought on our journey into the big blue. As we pushed our boat out into the lake, we were having some trouble with the sail. This should have been the red flag for what was to come. However, determined to sail, we pushed on.

3. "We're gonna do it! We're actually sailing!"

This premature thought crossed my mind as the wind caught our sails, and we began to make our way out to deeper waters. I was confident in the ability Molly had. Today would be a successful sailing day.

4. "OK, these waves are much bigger than I anticipated."

As we sailed, it seemed that the waves grew. (They had not.) The wind took our sail and our boat started tipping. It was at this point I began to fear for my life. We shifted ourselves and managed to return the boat upright. At this point our boat was mostly filled with water.

5. "I have no idea what the heck I'm doing!"

Unlike my cousin, I had not gone to sailing school and had only spent a few times on any sort of sailboat. I did not understand the dynamics of getting on the right side of the wind or where to put the rudder. The only job I was qualified for was bailing water. Lots and lots of water.

6. "Thank God! Michael is getting help."

As I looked to shore with eyes pleading for help of any kind my cousin Michael saw that we were struggling. After taking a few pictures, he proceeded to hop into a kayak to provide some assistance. Molly, aggravated that he had used a kayak over the much larger motorboat, was still attempting to maneuver the sail as I was still bailing water.

7. "We are definitely going to hit those large rocks right now."

As Michael made his way toward our capsizing travesty of a boat, the current and wind pushed us further down shore and closer to huge rock barriers. It was at this moment Molly said, "I'm actually afraid right now." I looked to the horizon, and I swear I saw the face of sweet baby Jesus. Then miraculously Molly managed to catch the wind, and our sail took us back out into the lake, thanking my lucky stars as Michael paddled right next to us. He then has the nerve to ask if we need help. Between my bailing and lack of skill it was pretty obvious help was needed.

8. "How many people does it take to get the motorboat into the lake?"

Michael made his way back to shore to help get our rescue boat out. At this point there were about eight people moving it to get us out of the lake. They seemed to move as slow as possible as if Molly and I were not being swept down the shore. Molly was trying to understand the hand motions her dad was giving us from the beach, and I was still bailing water. Our rescue was on it's way, and I could not have been move relieved.

9. "Thank You, Jesus! #Blessed #Survivor."

As my uncle made it to our boat I could not be more grateful. We pulled the sail in and latched onto the motorboat. Our journey back to shore was uneventful. Back on shore we began to laugh and joke about our near-death experience.

The reality of our boating adventure was we were only a couple hundred yards down shore and about a hundred yards out. The biggest lesson of the day was: I am a terrible first-mate; I can only bail water and panic. Hopefully, after a little more preparation and a little less wind Molly and I will be able to master sailing on the shores of Lake Erie.