We people are called 'CRUISERS'.

We are just learning how to be a Cruiser. We have met some of these sea-going vagabonds who have been at it for years. They see us coming, watch us and know we get it. Sailing is not a game it is not for the faint at heart. This lifestyle is for the adventurer in all of us, but only a few actually have the huevos to do it. Every cruiser has their story. We all sit around after immediately bonding and we patiently wait to be the next to tell our incredible sea story. The nice thing is, that everyone wants to share which makes for truly a fun time of conversation and bonding. We are not talking cruise ship cruising passengers. That's another group all together. We're talking the Ole Salty Dog cruisers that we have had the pleasure of running into.

We all have an unimaginable story to tell and to be able to sit around and tell our incredible sea story means that we survived it. All of these sailing experiences seem to have something to do with running aground, dodging something at the last minute or the last great storm which came up out of nowhere. As Fernando would say, "complete boredom interrupted by instant drama."

We are sure there are many people who would think, 'yea sure, you guys are out there in your bikinis soaking up the sun, enjoying life.' Yes we are! We are also responsible (oh no!) for staying alive. Ahh shucks! Tradewinds is a seaworthy vessel perfectly safe and big enough to handle the great waves and huge open seas we have been in, but we don't want to be in anything bigger. We have been tossed and turned enough to understand the power of Mother Nature. It is called 'blue water sailing' and is not for sissies.

Would we change anything? Not on your life. We knew this would present its challenges. We have encountered many different fabulous stories to bring to the table and we Believe our story is just as dramatic, if not more so, than the Cruiser sitting on the other side of the conversation. Did I mention everything is covered in salt?