The Cruising World is A Small One After All
18 December 2008 | Rodney Bay, St. Lucia
By Capts. David and Desiree
The actuality of arriving across the Atlantic was beginning to sink in, and definitely ready to change to island time. However, there were a few initial tasks to complete. After three weeks at sea, the boat needed a thorough cleaning, followed by the required stop through the maze and particulars of the customs' office. The departure of David and Matthew Hantke, Emma Gustaffson, and Robin Eliasson would leave the Harris family to move westward for the next chapter to Curacao.
In the cruising world, you never know when paths unexpectedly cross. I was in the galley of the Gone Native, and heard a voice calling from outside. I stepped outside, and a young man introduced himself as Craig Norton. He had just finished a passage to St. Lucia, and while walking the docks recognized our boat name. He informed me that at the age of fifteen, he and his family sailed the Gone Native on its maiden voyage in1999 from South Africa. What was the chance of meeting him nearly ten years later??!!! He said, aside from a short stop in St. Helena off the coast of Africa, it took them fifty-six days to cross. Wow, was all I could say. Dave, bringing back the filled propane tasks, joined us on board, and enjoyed a cold one with Craig.
As we have written over the years, cruising involves so many unique experiences and encounters. Meeting up with Craig, talk about being at the right place and the right time. We're always ready and excited for what comes our way.