A few summers ago, I experienced a redefining of my perception of three historic seafaring vessels. I’d heard the stories about these ships but had no real clue as to their true size . . . until I saw them in person.

 

How Small is “Small?”

 

 

On the small side were accurate replicas of Christopher Columbus’ Nina and Pinta.

 

 

 

 

 

The ships traveled up the Cumberland River and docked in Clarksville, TN. My niece and her family (who were visiting at the time) and I followed my neighbor and her family over to see them. We thought it would be a wonderful educational experience for the kids.

 

 

 

It turned out to be an eye-opening educational experience for me, too. I’d been on replicas of historic sailing ships before, but none as small as these two. I shudder to think of sailing across the Atlantic on either of them.

 

 

 

 

 

They were tiny, especially in relation to a ship we’d visited the summer before.

 

 

 

 

 

How Large is “Large?”

 

 

All my life, I’d heard the story of Noah and the Ark. I knew it was a large vessel, but until we visited The Ark Encounter in Kentucky, and I actually stood next to it, much less walked through it, I had no idea how large it was.

 

 

 

 

 

Massive, enormous, gigantic, and colossal all are more accurate terms than just large.

 

 

 

 

 

Does Size Matter?

Size is relative . . . and isn’t always easy to convey with just words. There’s a reason for the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words.” There are some things that, until you see them for yourself, or have something to compare them to, it’s impossible to comprehend their true size.

So, yes, size does matter . . . especially when it comes to ships.

The size of the Ark blows away all competitors until the modern era. Even with all the work that would have been required feeding and caring for the animals, traveling on the Ark would have been pure luxury. On the other hand, if discovering new lands depended on me crossing the ocean in the Nina or Pinta? Well, let’s just say we’d all still be living in Europe.

 

If you ever get the chance to visit either of them, take my advice and do it.

 

Nina & Pinta

The Ark Encounter (Williamstown, KY  41097)