The last couple of days have been extremely ecstatic. The boats are all stationed along the dock and everyone files down the walk. As they pass by they notice the flags from the World ARC flying everywhere. They can't help but notice and ask about this group of boats and people. Our excitement fills every crack and crevice of this marina. The smiles on our faces can't be missed. I think there is a sense of accomplishment, pride, and relief. Many of the crews have already started to go home and many will leave tomorrow after the parades, speeches, food, music, and prizegiving. Some won't know what to expect going home and there will most certainly be a re-entry phase to our lives.
But all the people we have met over the past year just remind me that if you really want to do something bad enough you can accomplish anything. You don't always have to own the most expensive boat, equipment, or even the most experienced crew and captain. There was a man-made raft that was crossing the Atlantic on the cover of a sailing magazine. If you work together toward a common goal anything is possible. Those three words of Capt. Bill's keep haunting me. If you can: adapt, overcome, and improvise anything is possible.
Of course this trip has taken lots of planning and study. There was much to prepare for and fix and order and update and stock and remember to bring along. There are lots of questionnaires going around right now. This is very appropriate. After one has completed a goal there should be an inventory of what was done correctly and what needs change.
Would we do this again? I don't think Bill or I will ever attempt a trip like this. Matt is still young and filled with opportunities and options. Bill and I will remember this trip every day of our lives in some way. At least I hope we do for we have much to be thankful for. A trip like this has the possibility of making one more open, aware of other cultures, more respectful, and more appreciative of every moment of the day. We have slowed down the pace of our lives and had time to think, explore, and interact with people in a intimate way. There have been no TVs, no banks, sometimes no computer internet, no telephones. We have survived.
I think we are all glad that we have done this trip and have much to be thankful for. Thank you World ARC, Andrew and Jeremy, Staff and Rally control, Suzana, Paul, and Nick. Thank you to our family for supporting us and helping on the home front. Thank you to our fellow workers on the job for taking up the slack. Thank you to our friends for sending all the prayers and emails of support or just listening. Thank you for the people along the way who made us feel so welcome and became our friends. Thanks to Bill and Matt who worked so hard on every level to keep us going right to the end.
We still have quite a trip to get back to home and to the Chesapeake Bay. But now we are confident that anything is possible so that will help. We have completed the circle as of today. But we will start a new one also. And so it is.
Love and appreciation from the crew of Crazy Horse
Bill, Rosemary, and Matthew