We have been living aboard Swingin' on a Star for almost six months. We have done day trips and I have even had to fly to California for a week, but Hideko or I have always been aboard to look after her.

Hideko's brother Hiroatsu was getting married and neither of us were about to miss the occasion. Unfortunately it was just too far for us to sail in time for the wedding. My parents generously offered to watch the boat and Roq while we were gone.

Fred and Cindy have lived aboard Kelp Fiction I and II for years so I felt extra comforted knowing that if either my Mom or Dad had any problems they could call on Fred and Cindy for help.

We spent a crazy morning putting the finishing touches on the boat set up for my parents and then packed in a mad frenzy. The North Sound shuttle picked us up at the end of the dock and off we went on a 7 day excursion to the other side of the planet.