Closing

I had been home for a few days and I was still struggling to write my last entry to our Facebook followers. Maybe I just didn’t want it to end. Everyone I had encountered since my return had asked me about the trip and I shared with them that it was more than I ever imagined. While we were writing the story we were challenged to find more words than magnificent, amazing, magical, beautiful, extraordinary and spectacular. Thanks to a friend I have a new word that sums it all up …. phenomenal!

We were gone for 57 days, ran the boat for 317 hours travelled 2,513 nautical miles, visited 12 new ports of call and anchored in lots of coves. We took 1,945 pictures and shot 280 videos. We saw countless whales, numerous seals and lots of soaring eagles. Many nights we ate from the sea and returned home with frozen chicken still in the freezer.

Before we left, I was so concerned that I was going to get bored, that I took 59 movies, 15 business books, 5 Suduko books, 2 knitting projects and a pile of Navigator project tasks. At the end of the trip, we had watch 0 movies (except the ones that we created), I only read 10 pages of one book, I barely finished 3 Suduko puzzles out of 1 book, I managed to knit 12 rows of an afghan and got about half way through the Navigator projects.

Every day was a new adventure. I learned so much life and business related stuff that it would be weeks, maybe months before I would have everything compiled. I didn’t experience a single moment of boredom. Instead everyday was a new adventure and the classroom was always open. Seven others were brave enough to join us on our adventure. Together we created daily float plans, recapped our days into the story that we posted so folks could follow along and laughed until our cheeks and bellies were sore.

Even though we were joined by friends and loved ones along the way, Dad and I were a common dominator. For 57 days we had breakfast, lunch and dinner together. It totally touched my heart to spend time with him and remind myself of what a terrific guy Dad truly is.  Some were concerned that it was going to be a challenge but instead it was PRICELESS!  All of us that participated will have memories that we will cherish forever.