Wow, it doesn't seem that long ago that we were in Grenada and I discovered Sailblogs and started up this blog. That was five years ago. And since that time our family found our way across the Caribbean sea, through the Panama Canal and across the Pacific. Our oldest daughter, Victoria, who was 11 when we left to go cruising, is now a sophomore at university. Our youngest daughter, Alison, who was just 9 when we started out is now a high school senior. Would I have done any of it differently? Not a chance. Giving up the "security" of a land-based existence and choosing to live aboard, homeschool (at least until high school started) and travel was the very best idea that Sam and I had. If you have kids and are debating what to do, just go! Although our kids (especially a certain oldest daughter) gave us grief for about a year after moving aboard, she and her sister now both agree that it was a great decision and they are both looking at careers that will allow them to travel and work. They are clearly citizens of the world, not just of one country -- putting passports aside, of course.

Purrrfection has now been sold in Australia to a new family. She was a wonderful boat and took care of my family well in all conditions. I will miss her. But, I am sure that she is ready for some Australian adverntures with her new owners.

All of the family is now back in Florida. As for Sam and me, as we approach life without any daughters at home, we are planning our next adventure. Yes, we have a new boat, a 43' Endeavour and Sam is working hard to get her all fixed up and ready for us to depart Florida. Why not a catamaran? Simple answer --- with kids in college we couldn't afford one again! But, I still do love cats. But, I also love monohulls. These boats can be a terrible addiction, right?

So, be sure to follow our travels aboard s/v Florida Girl. I don't have the blog set up yet, but will soon.

Bon Voyage,
Purrrfection Out.