One of the things that full time cruisers have to get used to is good friends sailing away. While there is little doubt that we are now full time cruisers, we as yet have had very few good friends sail away. Our list of boats that we have sailed with from Seattle, around Canada, and down the length of the west coast of the United States is certainly lengthy, and distinguished. Several of them have left for other ports of call, but with the knowledge that their wakes will cross ours sooner than later.

There are a few of the boats that have set off on longer adventures, like the El Salvador Rally, where Aaron and Nichole of SV Bella Star hopes to explore some of Central America. Terry and Heidi on SV Cetus are bound for the Galapagos islands. Several boats have gone over to the Mexican mainland, but will return to the north end of the Sea of Cortez later this summer, so in time we will run across many of them. Kathy and C.J. On SV Shannon are currently sailing around in the north part of the Sea of Cortez, as they plan on putting their boat on the hard, and going home to Canada for the heat of the summer before returning this fall to sail some more.

While all of these friends sailing away to their own personal destinations leaves us sad to see them go, none has been so bitter sweet as today's departure of SV Estrellita. With Carol and Livia's departure for the the “Puddle Jump” (A semi organized group of boats heading off to the south Pacific, via the Marquesas) we are left in a very bitter sweet mood. Our head tells us that this is a fantastic thing for them, and the next big step in their dream. But our hearts will truly miss two amazing people who we consider to be great friends. They are in the first day of a trip to visit the white sand of the south pacific, the coral strewn beaches and possibly a visit to Australia and New Zealand



So, this morning at 7:00 AM Estrellita and her intrepid crew pulled anchor in La Pas for what will be the last time for a considerable amount of time. Eagle, and her crew were just a few minutes later, and were able to catch up to them for one last round of waves, best wishes and photographs. No tears were shed, as we know that it is not a matter of if....but when Estrellita will soon end up with us meeting again in some other distant harbor.

God Speed Estrellita, may you always see fair winds, smooth seas, and beautiful places to rival even your dreams!!