After meeting Gregg and Sue for coffee and then shopping we had a lovely surprise of a visit from Heidi, Jason and our two beautiful grandchildren, Maddie and Zac who came on board for last farewells. I know that this is going to be sad, but you get that.
I distracted myself with the myriad of last minute tasks: disconnecting the landline phone wire, preparing the ropes, taking down the TV antenna and unplugging us from the mains power supply. Oil checked, chartplotter and instruments on, decks cleared, fenders stowed, spring lines off, computers set, wifi enabled... The list is still endless but now is the hour.
Sad goodbyes on the dock; tears and hugs, love and nervous laughter and then it was time. Thanks to David for hanging on to the last line to shore. (Oh, and in case you're wondering... We do have your Bosuns hat! You left it in the cockpit. Never mind, it will get good use as our 'Wilson' on our travels!)
Margie took her position at the helm and expertly guided Moonshadow out of the pen that has been our home for the past 8 years. Time for forward gear and we headed down the runway towards the Harbour exit. Waving to the family forlorn on the dock was a bit tough and brought tears to our eyes yet again. We shall miss you guys so much.
We met with our fellow travellers, Mike and Karen in their newly christened yacht Aqua Vitae, and with Nick and Robin aboard Divided Sky. While Margie steered into the wind we hoisted the main and we were finally on our way.
Congrats on getting away. You might be interested to know your AIS transmitter is good and strong. I can see you (via the Marine Traffic website) just north of Wedge Island, Actually, I just rechecked and that plot is 52 minutes old, so maybe you're just out of range of the MT receiver. Are you guys still with Aqua Vitae and Divided Sky? From your track I'm guessing you're headed straight for Pelseart Island yes? Any breeze or is it all iron headsail stuff?
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