Helen: Day 20

Two years ago I was packing the content of our house into boxes. We’d sold our house. We’d both given in our resignation at work. Our youngest son Sam was about to turn eighteen. We were about to start our much planned for and dreamed of adventure. I remember packing a book on the Pacific Crossing and thinking ‘No way! I know our plan was to circumnavigate but I wanted to blank out the part about spending weeks on an immense ocean, vulnerable to the whims of the elements. At the time I half seriously suggested to Steve that for the Pacific crossings he should get a crew and I would fly out and meet him at the other end. The thought of an ocean crossing scared me to death.

A year ago my thoughts about doing an ocean crossing were a little more open. We’d been living and traveling on our boat for a few months by then. But I was still reluctant. I still didn’t want to think about it. I’d only done a few over night crossings which I hadn’t enjoyed at all. The thought of days out at sea was too daunting.

Here I am now, almost at landfall after weeks at sea. Three and half thousand miles of water crossed from the American continent. Having survived days and days of pounding waves during strong wind sailing. Delighted in calmer days when we glided smoothly over gentle swells. Curbed frustration when the wind died. Coped with the day to day monotony. Endured night watches. Content to meditate and think for hours staring out at the never ending, ever changing sea. Awed again and again by the variety and beauty of dawn and sun set over the ocean each day. Thrilled by passing visits from whales, dolphins and turtles. Enjoyed and savored the companionship of John and Steve. Felt completely overwhelmed with the vastness, power and beauty of the ocean. Been a little crazy.
So how did I find my first ocean crossing?
It was a piece of cake!