Linda
10/21/2009, Bundaberg, Australia

This is probably one of the longest periods of time that has passed between blog postings for me and it is one of the most difficult to write. Since arriving in Australia and placing Wyntersea in the hands of a broker we forged on and began preparations for another chapter of our lives: life ashore.

Our memories, experiences and friendships made over these past 4 1/2 years are treasures that will long remain a part of our lives. When we left Canada, after sailing to Alaska in 2005, we thought we would only sail to Peru and Chile, in South America, and back to Canada. What we have accomplished has far exceeded our wildest dreams. We have miles and miles of video cassettes recorded of our adventures through out the South Pacific which we will edit into travel documentaries, now that we are land bound. My journal entries are bound into 10 books that will always remain at my side for those nostalgic moments that are certain to surface from time to time.

We have chosen to reside on the east coast of Canada where the sea is but a short walk from our doorstep. Now the sea conditions, winds amd weather can be viewed in a much different way and when it becomes a bit ugly a simple flick of the wrist to the blinds has them drawn and one's chair simply moved a bit closer to the fire. Life is easier ashore and one does not have to worry so much about water consumption with the luxury of a bath tub but a few steps away. Repairs can be done much easier as there are no more tight quarters to crawl into and one can even indulge in the assistance of the repair man.

But I digress as what I really intended to tell you about is the passing of the torch to the new owners whom we hope will enjoy Wyntersea as we have. After the long importation process, to allow Wyntersea to be sold in Australia, which included the "dog" sniffing to check for termites and the packing of the 40 boxes that we shipped to Canada, Wyntersea was ready for showing. We have now closed the sale of Wyntersea to Rob and Mark and the transfer of ownership is finalized.

There are many adventures ahead for Wyntesea and the new owners with many seas yet to cross. May the wind always be at their backs and the seas calm.

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08/01/2009

The Canadian Prairies is a land to be either loved, for its vast openness, or disliked. Survey lines mark this territory with square plots which is similiar to that of a checkerboard. Patches of yellow canola fields provide a luxuriant contrast to the forest of spruce and pines that stretch on endlessly. Rivers snake through the landscape carving the easiest route whereas it often wraps back upon itself. Lakes of the deepest blue are swathed in curtains of woodlands. The haze in the air is not from pollution as there is little industry on these prairies, other than oilfield exploration, but instead it is from the intense heat of this summer day. Far on the horizon enormous cumulus clouds hover which ensures another fair weather day.

Surprisingly we found that Australia bears a geographical resemblance to this enormous varied land that we love.

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07/24/2009

As my flight touched down in Vancouver the preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games could be seen at every turn. Even the International Airport has been spruced up for the upcoming event.

Wow it is great to be back on Canadian soil. Even the "nutty" salad that I ate for dinner had that unique taste that can only be had in Canada. Oh yes, the bath, the bath was oh so luxurious. I cannot recall the last time I indulged in such opulence.

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07/23/2009

As our flight took us through Taiwan we are reminded of the year in which Wyntersea was built. Wyntersea's hull was manufactured in the United States and oddly enough the hull was shipped to Taiwan to be contractred out for the interior finishing.
A Taiwanese family was allowed to live aboard while they completed the work and provided with a basic outline to finish the inside. Therefore all the Peterson/Formosa yachts are the same with some very different unique characteristics in each yacht.
All of the cabinetry was finished with solid teak as well as the deck work; which is not seen today in new yachts. Upon completion the yacht was shipped back to the States for the installation of the technical works where she was launched and first sailed.
Taiwan's airport is one of the most beautiful airports that we have visited. Would have loved to have actually seen Taiwan!!!

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07/20/2009

This homeward journey was not at all in our plans when we left New Zealand. We had plans for Christmas Island, Cocos Keeling, Rodrigues, Mauritius, Reunion, Madagascar and South Africa; with waypoints set for each.
There are so many things that we cruisers forget about when living like sea nomads; the illness and mortality of our loved ones now tugs at our heart strings to call us home. Some call it fate, destiny, providence or divine intervention but at the end of the day we are going home to be with the ones we love.
This year when we make the eastward journey we will leave Wyntersea behind in the waters of Australia trusting Neptune to ensure she will remain safe.

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07/19/2009

There are many choices in marinas along this east coast of Australia. Our intention was to clear customs in Brisbane, specifically Scarborough Marina, until we were advised that Scarborough is no longer a port of entry. So it was a perfect guiding light that directed us to Bundaberg Port Marina. There are so many reasons why one would want to clear customs in this port and even more reasons why one would want to stay here.
Since our arrival we have enjoyed the "free" shuttle in Bundaberg, employed the services of many of the marine outlets, supported the local chandlery and dined in the seaside restaurant. And beyond all of that it has a nice feel here.
No stay can be too long.

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