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Crazy Horse - Nov.10-Richard's Bay



The whole fleet has made it here to Richard's Bay safely. There were many people praying for us all to have a safe trip here and I appreciate that it came to pass. We all have our tales of near knockdowns, knockdowns, torn sails, adverse currents, and wild waves. It has been a challenge and we have now according to Maggie and several others, "made it across the Indian Ocean!" What a bear of an ocean to cross and I don't want to do that again in my lifetime! Let's just say it is not on my bucket list now! As we all gathered on various boats last night to congratulate ourselves for a thrilling arrival the spirit of excitement was unbelievable. Just don't believe any of the pictures they took of me last night. We are in Africa! It is just so hard to believe we have come so far.

I think we have actually come far on many levels. Watch out! There is a philosophical moment coming on. On a personal level many of us have confronted our fears of the open ocean and done it anyway. Some of us have become better, more confident sailors, and some have become more respectful of what nature can throw at us. Many of us have developed such deep friendships with people we would never had the honor to meet had we not come on this rally. This friendships have certainly taught us many lessons about people from all over the world. The support of all the ARC participants from the net, to the SSB net controllers have helped to insure we all made a safe arrival here across the last challenges that we have faced. There is such power in people when we all come together for one cause and support each other.

The people we have met so far in South Africa have been so kind and welcoming. They are proud of their country and want us to learn and see everything while we are here. Since we have postponed our tickets home for one week we may actually be able to see some things. There is a safari tour company here that you can go and see all kinds of animals in a park. They have a lodge that you can stay in overnight. Not sure if we will have the time after the repair work that needs to be done to go on this but it does sound wonderful.

Tonight there is a welcoming party hosted by the Zululand Yacht Club. I am sure the spirit of relief will extend through tonight. It was an exhausting trip but an exhilarating one. Next challenge is getting around to Capetown. That will be a big one but one I think we can accomplish it.

Got to go now and finish defrosting the refrig and freezer. Back to reality.

Rosemary, Bill and Matt


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