April 29 - Some thoughts as we wind down

Sunday PM, April 28, Almost to Papeete, Tahiti

READY FOR LAND, HOME, FRIENDS AND FAMILY, AND COOL, DRY AIR
Jan and I are probably not going to sail a long ocean passage again in our lifetime.  This trip, combined with the other sailing adventures we've had, are probably sufficient voyaging experience for us.  That being said I am so thankful to have had this experience.  It's been a stretch, for sure.  A real "adventure of a lifetime".  Now we both are SO ready for the total luxury of our three days at our oceanfront bungalow at the InterContinental Resort in Moorea (with the generous gift from our children), followed by our day-long long trip home to Colorado on May 5.  We are so excited with the successful completion of our cruise, and the anticipation of getting home, that the thoughts bring tears to our eyes.  It has been an overwhelming experience!!!

And we're ready for it to end.

Oyster Celebration Party - Papeete

MY PERFECT CREWMATE
I feel truly blessed to have shared this adventure with my wife. It is a rare female companion who enjoys sailing and an even rarer one who will risk three months at sea under these conditions, especially with me. I have treasured our time together and admired her stamina and ability to cheerfully chat or play scrabble with others even though being home would be more comfortable. I knew that it was a good omen that we met on a chair lift skiing at Winter Park 42 years ago - that she loved a good outdoor adventure!  And this surely has been one to remember.  Just the act of passing watches with a squeeze of her hand in the middle of the night has been reassuring to me. And counting down the days before our stay in luxury in Moorea together has gotten us through many rolly, hot, sweaty, uncomfortable sleepless nights.

Both of us treasure all of you who have read this and followed our adventure!  We are so blessed to have so many wonderful family members and friends.  We can't wait to see all of you and share some stories.

We have tomorrow and Tuesday for a thorough scrub down of Quester at the dock (dare I wish for the AC to be turned on?) and to remove all our gear and luggage on Wednesday for the 16mi ferry ride over to the beautiful island of Moorea.  There's an Oyster party Tuesday night we're looking forward to as well.