June 16 09 - Palmer Creek to the Fredericton Yacht Club

35.6 km, 6 and a 1/2 hours

"Requiem" by Robert Lewis Stevenson has the line; "Home is the sailor, home from the sea, " and we were indeed home. 1002.9 nautical miles, one month and two pockets full of adventures.

Palmer Creek to the FYC is a beautiful pastoral river cruise. We saw cows, sheep and a donkey. Of course there were lots of bald eagles and even the illusive salmon jumping. It was our first hot day in a while and we even swam twice to cool off. I replaced a leaky window (it was a very calm motoring ride). We cleaned and packed up.

Linda has a book to write and I am going to get a bunch of things done on the boat that I did not have time for. I also want to paint some more water colours.

As we approached the FYC, our friend Adam came out to meet us in Blind Ambition. Dave arrived very shortly after with a can to help us take stuff to our house. Our car is down at mother-in-laws and so it will be buses and bikes for the next three or four weeks. Then, a trip by bus or something from Fredericton to near Harrisburg PA (Anybody going that way in the second week of July that has room for us two?)

It was a grand trip, it had its moments, but we got through them. Thanks to all of you who followed along - and special thanks to:

1 - Doug Houston - he took the bus to Baltimore and helped us get from Annapolis to this side of New York City. His experience, his wisdom and his companionship were invaluable. His cooking was ripper too! I owe you, mate!

2 - To Mike and Bonita for excellent advice as to where to anchor, where to take a mooring and to which routes were best.

3 - Thanks to Active Captain (Jeff and Karen) and to all of you "active captains" who posted your thoughts and ideas about everything from anchorages, local knowledge to marinas and yacht clubs. What a valuable resource!!!! (see http://www.activecaptain.com/index.php)

4 - Thanks to sailblogs.com for letting us share in this way.

5 - Greg - you sold us a good boat that got us home and you were a great friend as well. Cheers!

I know there are others, Jim and Chuck and the dock guys and launch drivers and all of the people we met and had fellowship with.

A BIG thank you.

Rik