We Have Arrived!

Brad, Me, Kait, Leila, Neil - the crew escorting me to Anacortes

On July 24th, my 50th birthday, I was able to set sail from Portland and realize a dream I had been dreaming for just about 20 years. Little did I know that it would actually happen!

77 hours after leaving Portland my crew and I arrived in Anacortes. Casting off lines to sail away from all things comfortable and people dear to my heart was torturous! Regardless of all the excitement of finally acting on this dream making the decision to actually step into it when the day came was not so fun yet it was still what was meant for me. 

After a nice and easy cruise to where the Columbia meets the Pacific we waited for a favorable tide for crossing the Columbia River Bar, a notoriously dangerous bit of water. When the time came we left to make our approach. The closer we got the waters started kicking up an uncomfortable washing machine experience that continued out into the ocean. As the boat rocked and rolled in the swell crew members began getting sick. No one was enjoying the ride. Okay, I totally was at first but then it got OLD, real old. 

After 18 or so hours of fighting our way up the coast of Washington our way finally started to smooth out. With calmer seas, a starry night and wind in our sails we began to really enjoy ourselves. “This is what It’s all about”, I thought. 

The rest of the journey was fantastic. We spotted whales, even got a wave of the fluke by one. Then there were porpoises that came to escort us up the Straits of Juan de Fuca for a brief time. Of course the scenery was glorious. All was right in the world. 

We made it to Anacortes and celebrated! Then two of my dear friends, of course I’m speaking of Kait again, had to make their way home I was filled with sadness once more as I said my goodbyes. Again I struggled with a heavy heart. 

But today... this day, I am reminded why I’ve done what I’ve done.

With you on the journey…