So Close!

We have had to struggle with bad weather ever since we crossed into North Carolina.  We are in Swansboro, and it is a nasty nasty day outside with driving rain and blustery wind.  We feel fortunate to be tied up at Casper's Marina where it looks like we will be staying until Monday. We had hoped to be home and in church for Easter, but alas, it is not to be. We are one long day away from home base, so if all goes well we will arrive there late Monday.  

That has a bittersweet sound to it.  We will be sad to see this cruise end as we have had a great adventure and made many fine memories.  However, as aging cruisers the trip was ever more demanding and at times a bit of a struggle. Since all good things take effort, we accepted the inherent trials for the great payoff that is cruising, but I think our days on the water are numbered. 

I am particularly proud of my 27 year career as a sailor.  The dream was planted as a kid growing up near Long Island Sound watching the boats go by. When I was 37, my family bought me a sailing book for Christmas and the fulfillment of that dream and the resulting adventure began.  We studied (you can learn anything from books) and trained and in 1987 we purchased our first boat, a 28 ft. Irwin sloop named Grendel. We learned our trade on Lake Ontario, terrified at first but gradually earning our wings.  Soon we were accomplished sailors and began a 12 year run on the Great Lakes with our 35ft. Hunter sloop, Windy Topp.  Finally in 2003, we bought good ole CrossRoads and it has been a terrific 11 year run!  Overall I would say we have put close to 10K miles under our keel and experienced many wonderful things.  I for one can say that I was never more alive than when we were cruising!

And of course I must thank my wonderful wife, Joanna, who has come along for the ride and shared the adventure.  Without her support, this would never have happened.

Yes, we will be glad to reach the finish line and become CLODS: Cruisers Living On Dirt!   But we will greatly miss the blessed life we have had on the water.