The day began early, as usual, and the crew started tackling the tasks at hand: completion of the Windancer IV painting and cleaning the vessel in preparation for the arrival of our first mate Ziggy, our dinghy captain Connor, and cruise director Jennifer.

While our resident author and artist, Jim, completed the painting of the Windancer IV painting on the infamous Horta "walk of fame", John, Bob and Steve attacked the task of cleaning the vessel after 2 months of "guy living". Not more than a couple of hours later, the boat was spotless (OK, not spotless but pretty close).

Captain John jumped in the shower, pulled out the best (cleanest) Windancer IV t-shirt that could be found and off to the airport to meet the family. Forgot to mention that Ziggy sent a note reminding to "Rent the biggest car on the island because we have sooooo much luggage". Well, needless to say, Europe, and the Azores are part of Portugal and very European, do not have large cars. Actually, their cars are very, very small. The rental car of choice, the only one readily available, is a Renault CLIO. Think of a SMART car with just enough room for a tiny back seat. We'll make it work, and I bring along towels as roof protection and rope just in case we have to lash some bags to to the roof.

Off to the airport, the flight arrives early, and after what seemed like an eternity waiting for the new crew to get their luggage, Connor and Jenny rush though the arrival gate and into their anxious Dad's arms. Ziggy follows closely behind, orders the two kids, who she's been single parenting for two months, to "Keep pushing the luggage carts so you don't block the arrival gate" and into the welcome arms of a lonely husband no more.

The family was reunited. Non-stop stories from all, "Dad, did you hear about the Hamburg Zoo?"(Connor), "Dad, did you hear I rode my bike to school in Germany?"(Jenny), "John, look at Jenny's new haircut - hey, your haircut doesn't look bad, thank goodness it's had a chance to grow for a month since you shaved your head!", and on and on.

Off to the car park, and we all laugh when we see the three luggage carts full of bags and this "matchbox" size vehicle. But no worries, and three bags into the truck (can't believe all that fit in their, and two bags stacked between the kids in the back seat and off we go to the boat.

A short drive later, and the MacKenzie family are officially on board Windancer IV.