Twenty years ago today, my mom passed away. It was very sudden, it was only ten weeks after her father (96 at the time) passed on, and Derek and I had been married that spring.

The first long cruising under sail we undertook was a direct result of that event: I was depressed as a result of the double loss (Grandad had lived with me and Mom for years before I went off to college, and lived with Mom until his passing) and had lost my zest for what I was doing in science. Derek saw taking a two-year break and going to sea together as a healing experience for me, and he was right -- I know Mom (and Grandad) would have approved.

We had such wonderful, funny, annoying, amazing experiences on that cruise (on S/V Paradox, our 1978 Allied Princess ketch, resold after returning) that when our son was born, we began planning Cruising Under Sail Part Deux. And my father, who grew closer with the family after my mother's death and the birth of Grant, was excited about this new cruise; he was looking forward to following it vicariously through this blog. I hope he's somehow aware of it now, that he shares in the beautiful moments that have already happened and the "more" that is to come.

And to everyone reading this: I hope you enjoy sharing in this, too! If you are a sailor and find our blog in a Google search for some useful piece of advice, or a friend from our travels or longer, or a family member, we love the idea that we can keep you up-to-date this way, and we treasure your informative "comment" posts and/or emails!

May the winds blow fair and not too hard for you, may the gentle rain bring you flowers, fruit, and flourishing life, and may you share the love in your heart with people who love you as well!