BITTER END /NEW BEGINNING
There is a place in the BVI's called the Bitter End Yacht Club, which we actually visited in the mid 2000's. The title of this final blog seemed to be appropriate, however , not in terms of being bitter, but rather, how abrupt one's world and dreams can come to a earth shaking realization where priorities and focuses change.
Be clear that we have absolutely no regrets, we have had a terrific ride. The fact that we got to do what we wanted, complete our journey and earn our Gold AGLCA flag and get home.
We set out on this adventure with the understanding that if we didn't do it this year, we probably would never do it. The planning, the risks, costs etc., we were aware of. In fact, we were more prepared, than our trip in 2014-15, as we had better skills, knowledge and understanding of what we were undertaking. We started this journey with the mindset that regardless what happens, whether we only get 100 miles into the trip, 500, 1000 miles.... or if in fact at any point of our journey, we had to stop, no matter, we both agreed to, no regrets and wherever we ended, it was a success.
By this time , you probably recognize that something has happened, grave enough to shake us up. The boat is in Florida and we are home.
Jo had been experiencing some physical difficulties over the last 3 weeks of our journey. In the last blog we agreed to come home as we had to deal with the flood at the house. Jo's arthritic wrist was not recovering. She was a bit lethargic, balance issues, strength etc. and I was concerned over her safety and ours as we still had several hundred miles to get the boat to Indiantown for haul out. I heavily rely on her to catch/throw lines, drive the boat, fend off docks etc..
Jo also developed a bit of a tickle/cough in her throat. Well, to make a long story shorter ( at least this part of the blog). These conditions got significantly worse, to the point, that after we hauled the boat, and visited friends in Vero Beach, I drove 20 hours straight to Royal Victoria Hospital (at home) where they immediately admitted her with a diagnosis of cancer. As I started to write this , that's less than 2 weeks ago.
We certainly didn't consider this the problem... Jo thought that she had a perforated ulcer (reminiscent of 2012) and I was thinking MS raising its ugly head after a 20 odd year remission.
SOOOOO, here we are, great news is that it was caught fast and she starts chemo tomorrow. Although not curable it is treatable with a 60-80 % success rate.
So as you see, this journey is over, our next is just beginning. It's a journey that both of us are up to take and one that we will go through together, day by day, just as we have for the past 25 years, when Jo was struck with MS and her blepharospasm( eyes).
As in all our previous journeys, there will be good days and bad days and "No Regrets" . We are blessed with family, we are home and close to treatment ( 5 miles) . The boat will be shipped home in the spring/summer, once I make arrangements. The house repairs will be made when the ground thaws, already had a couple of contractors in. All damaged drywall/insulation and carpets have been removed. Mould has been removed and killed and air quality is good, so not an issue to Jo in her recovery from treatment, she will be home.
Did I say we are "BLESSED". I must again say... that whatever Angel has been following us for the past year... if I could, I'd give you a raise.... As in the Christmas movie "ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE" , our Angel (like Clarence), has certainly earned their wings . If our Angel is listening, just say the word and I'll recite all the times that we sensed and felt your guidance.. If there is the opportunity, we hope that our Angel stays with us a bit longer as we certainly could use your support.
This all said, I will continue with the final days of this journey and bring us all up to date getting the boat to Indiantown. True to form, this short trip did not go entirely wrinkle free ... perhaps toughening us both up for what we would be facing days and weeks ahead..
Saturday Feb 23, 2019 - Peck Lake - 47 miles
We left Delray Beach and made the 7:15am bridge opening. Under sun and cloud we made it through 15 bridges, most of them coordinated for a 6 knot an average speed. Due to current changes after a few ocean inlets, we were unable to maintain the 6 knots and had to hang out 15-20 minutes at a few bridges to wait for the opening. The SE Ave Bridge that was broken, opened only the east span, enough for us to get through. We traveled through Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Lake Worth , Hobe Sound, Jupiter. We anchored at Peck Lake at 4:30pm The anchorage was full but we managed to hook up and settle in for a windy night.
Sunday Feb. 24, 2019 - Indiantown - 35 miles
Hauled anchor at 7:25am entered the St Lucie River, at 8:30, through Stuart to the St Lucie Lock and the canal on Okeechobee Waterway. Once through the lock at mile 15, it was 13 miles to Indiantown. We arrived at 1:30pm. Started prepping boat for haul out on Tuesday morning at 9am. - changed oil and lifted dinghy onto the deck. 80 plus degrees and bugs/insects. Forgot, being in the interior that we were now in bug country.(mosquitos) Lots of iguanas, geckos.. watched the Oscars that night.
Monday February 25, 2019 - Indiantown
Continued prepping boat ...sails, canvas, clean barnacles off, packed car , tires low in air.... ready to roll tomorrow
Tuesday February 26, 2019 Vero Beach/Georgia.
Boat was hauled, power washed for algae growth and barnacles. Came off pretty clean. Could now see the damage on the keel from the few groundings or things the keel hit , coming down the river system.. packed car with food, clothes, and stuff going home. Left at noon, and drove up to Vero Beach to see Jack Bently. We had a pleasant afternoon, went out for dinner then we headed off in the car (north) to Georgia.
Jo was in a bit of distress, but managing the pain. She managed to drive for 2 - 1 hour sessions, but she struggled. This was the last time for that. Next morning we left at 6:30am and I drove the 20 hours to Barrie and RVH. Arrived at 2:30am in the morning at Emergency and Jo was admitted at 11am. The rest is what I've already reported.
Be clear that we have absolutely no regrets, we have had a terrific ride. The fact that we got to do what we wanted, complete our journey and earn our Gold AGLCA flag and get home.
We set out on this adventure with the understanding that if we didn't do it this year, we probably would never do it. The planning, the risks, costs etc., we were aware of. In fact, we were more prepared, than our trip in 2014-15, as we had better skills, knowledge and understanding of what we were undertaking. We started this journey with the mindset that regardless what happens, whether we only get 100 miles into the trip, 500, 1000 miles.... or if in fact at any point of our journey, we had to stop, no matter, we both agreed to, no regrets and wherever we ended, it was a success.
By this time , you probably recognize that something has happened, grave enough to shake us up. The boat is in Florida and we are home.
Jo had been experiencing some physical difficulties over the last 3 weeks of our journey. In the last blog we agreed to come home as we had to deal with the flood at the house. Jo's arthritic wrist was not recovering. She was a bit lethargic, balance issues, strength etc. and I was concerned over her safety and ours as we still had several hundred miles to get the boat to Indiantown for haul out. I heavily rely on her to catch/throw lines, drive the boat, fend off docks etc..
Jo also developed a bit of a tickle/cough in her throat. Well, to make a long story shorter ( at least this part of the blog). These conditions got significantly worse, to the point, that after we hauled the boat, and visited friends in Vero Beach, I drove 20 hours straight to Royal Victoria Hospital (at home) where they immediately admitted her with a diagnosis of cancer. As I started to write this , that's less than 2 weeks ago.
We certainly didn't consider this the problem... Jo thought that she had a perforated ulcer (reminiscent of 2012) and I was thinking MS raising its ugly head after a 20 odd year remission.
SOOOOO, here we are, great news is that it was caught fast and she starts chemo tomorrow. Although not curable it is treatable with a 60-80 % success rate.
So as you see, this journey is over, our next is just beginning. It's a journey that both of us are up to take and one that we will go through together, day by day, just as we have for the past 25 years, when Jo was struck with MS and her blepharospasm( eyes).
As in all our previous journeys, there will be good days and bad days and "No Regrets" . We are blessed with family, we are home and close to treatment ( 5 miles) . The boat will be shipped home in the spring/summer, once I make arrangements. The house repairs will be made when the ground thaws, already had a couple of contractors in. All damaged drywall/insulation and carpets have been removed. Mould has been removed and killed and air quality is good, so not an issue to Jo in her recovery from treatment, she will be home.
Did I say we are "BLESSED". I must again say... that whatever Angel has been following us for the past year... if I could, I'd give you a raise.... As in the Christmas movie "ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE" , our Angel (like Clarence), has certainly earned their wings . If our Angel is listening, just say the word and I'll recite all the times that we sensed and felt your guidance.. If there is the opportunity, we hope that our Angel stays with us a bit longer as we certainly could use your support.
This all said, I will continue with the final days of this journey and bring us all up to date getting the boat to Indiantown. True to form, this short trip did not go entirely wrinkle free ... perhaps toughening us both up for what we would be facing days and weeks ahead..
Saturday Feb 23, 2019 - Peck Lake - 47 miles
We left Delray Beach and made the 7:15am bridge opening. Under sun and cloud we made it through 15 bridges, most of them coordinated for a 6 knot an average speed. Due to current changes after a few ocean inlets, we were unable to maintain the 6 knots and had to hang out 15-20 minutes at a few bridges to wait for the opening. The SE Ave Bridge that was broken, opened only the east span, enough for us to get through. We traveled through Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Lake Worth , Hobe Sound, Jupiter. We anchored at Peck Lake at 4:30pm The anchorage was full but we managed to hook up and settle in for a windy night.
Delray Beach
Ridiculous wealthy Palm Beach
Massive sailing yachts
Sunday Feb. 24, 2019 - Indiantown - 35 miles
Hauled anchor at 7:25am entered the St Lucie River, at 8:30, through Stuart to the St Lucie Lock and the canal on Okeechobee Waterway. Once through the lock at mile 15, it was 13 miles to Indiantown. We arrived at 1:30pm. Started prepping boat for haul out on Tuesday morning at 9am. - changed oil and lifted dinghy onto the deck. 80 plus degrees and bugs/insects. Forgot, being in the interior that we were now in bug country.(mosquitos) Lots of iguanas, geckos.. watched the Oscars that night.
Monday February 25, 2019 - Indiantown
Continued prepping boat ...sails, canvas, clean barnacles off, packed car , tires low in air.... ready to roll tomorrow
Indiantown
Tuesday February 26, 2019 Vero Beach/Georgia.
Boat was hauled, power washed for algae growth and barnacles. Came off pretty clean. Could now see the damage on the keel from the few groundings or things the keel hit , coming down the river system.. packed car with food, clothes, and stuff going home. Left at noon, and drove up to Vero Beach to see Jack Bently. We had a pleasant afternoon, went out for dinner then we headed off in the car (north) to Georgia.
Jo was in a bit of distress, but managing the pain. She managed to drive for 2 - 1 hour sessions, but she struggled. This was the last time for that. Next morning we left at 6:30am and I drove the 20 hours to Barrie and RVH. Arrived at 2:30am in the morning at Emergency and Jo was admitted at 11am. The rest is what I've already reported.
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