So-we finally had to face the moment of truth. We were all looking forward to going home. This adventure always had an ending date. When something like that exists, you simply come to expect it and move toward it. Well, I have to say I was completely fine with the whole deal until about 2 minutes before I walked off the boat. Everyone was outside and I was grabbing the last few pillows to toss in the truck. Suddenly, I just started to bawl. In fact, just reliving this is making my eyes water. I didn't want to go, I was suddenly unprepared for this all to end. The whole trip was rushing through my mind. The many, many good times, the people, the extraordinary places, plus the bad times, the boredom, the fights and frustration of living so close for 12 months. I didn't care - I just wanted to go back. I tried to compose myself and took a long look around. Then I walked off Dilly Dally and joined my family. Oh great - Wyatt was bawling too. Then Dale Starts sniffing. I think Madeline maintained control the best! Part of me was upset that we were all separating. I had always envisioned us sailing in to Duluth to a bit of fanfare - all together, waving from the bow. Ok, so that part of the dream isn't going to work out. We left in stages, we return in stages. I guess that's as it should be.
We took pictures, hugged a lot and finally we climbed in the truck and set off. Dale, Lora, Wayne and Jerry went back aboard to start moving Dilly Dally home.

The adventure has not ended - it has just started a new phase.