Until Next Time

When we started out on this trip nearly ten months ago we thought we were pretty smart. We carefully planned every detail from renting the house, preparing the boat, making a cruise plan, and studying charts, to learning about weather, and tides and currents. Yup, we were all wise...we were prepared for anything. I think it was about day two of the trip that we realized, heck, we know nothing. It was then that the learning began.

I, for one, learned that cooking a meal while standing on a 30 degree angle is no big deal, it is possible to wash dishes in a cup of water, hot water and fresh water are luxuries, and sleep is over rated. I also learned that my head and shins are much tougher than I thought, and I am way stronger than I could have imagined. I proved to myself that I can live for eleven months in something smaller than a jail cell. As well, I will never underestimate the power of salt, will always check the bottom of a tin can before I set it on unvarnished wood, and forever keep a firm hand on my wine glass. I learned these lessons first hand, and so many more like them, and if you asked me if I enjoyed myself I'd say "you betcha!"

If anything, what we both have learned is how important it is to work as a team and keep smiling. Attitude truly is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure. Sometimes it is the passing of time that turns the ordeal into an adventure. Like when we go to tell the story of the horrible squall we sailed through. At the time that was an ordeal but after, well, it's a great adventure story. Even the story about the toilet backing up is fun to tell, but let me tell you at the time that was no fun at all.

The knowledge that we are bringing home with us goes way beyond boat handling skills or weather predicting but, rather, has much more to do with learning about ourselves and what we can handle.

There were times before we set out on this trip that we would sit back and dream about what it would be like to wake up every morning surrounded by clear blue water and a warm breeze. Now, that's going to be our brightest memory. It's sad to see this all come to an end but we were prepared for this and therefore feel so fortunate to have had this opportunity. What an experience.....What an adventure.......When can we do this again?

Blue Blazes is being picked up on the 8th of June. We fly home on the 9th.

Ten months.....gone just like that.....but the memories.......they will last a lifetime.

It's been a blast.

THE END