"Anyhow, a philosophical turn of thought now was not amiss, else one's patience would have given out almost at the harbour entrance. The term of her probation was eight days"

This quote by Joshua Slocum is referring to the perseverance required to embark on a journey. He is suggesting that a person must have a philosophical outlook in order to endure the challenges of a journey. He is likewise recommending that the journey itself is a test of one's persistence and perseverance. The 8 days pointed out in the quote is likely referring to the length of the journey, which is a substantial quantity of time to be far from home. Slocum is recommending that a person should have a philosophical outlook in order to withstand the difficulties of a journey and to make it through the 8 days of the journey. He is stressing the significance of having a favorable attitude and the need to stay patient and determined in order to complete the journey. This quote is a suggestion that journeys can be challenging and require a great deal of patience and perseverance, but that with the ideal mindset, anything is possible.