What an amazing year! 2009 was a year of memorable experiences that we will spend much time reflecting on. We turned some dreams into reality. There were many "firsts" for us as we voyaged from one hemisphere to another. Although we travel alone on a huge ocean, we travel in the paths of many before us, leaving a wake for the adventurous to follow. We also carry on board advice and knowledge kindly passed on to us along with the dreams of many people who join us vicariously.

We are truly not alone nor could we leave the shore without others to guide, encourage, or lend their support along the way. When I grumble about the accuracy of a chart, I think about Captain Cook, who did this voyage without a chart, and made them along the way for others to follow. When the weather takes a turn for the worse, I think of Captain Bligh, who traveled over 2000 miles on this ocean dotted with hostile inhabitants, in an open launch without a well stocked galley or hope from an EPIRB.

We are incredibly grateful to the ham radio operators of the Pacific Seafarer's net. Checking in every day as we cross an ocean to hear friendly cheerful voices is a comforting thing, not just the safety factor, but the fact that we are truly not alone, a speck of life on a very big ocean.

We are continually impressed by the fact that so many folks read our blog, make comments and send us emails. We eagerly look forward to reading them. This really encourages us. It is enjoyable to be able to share our experiences, and hopefully help others with their cruising plans.

We are a member of the fluid and often complex cruising community. Complex, because we originate from all walks of life, all nationalities, and all classes of society traveling by boat sharing a common camaraderie of cruising. This is a group of people with no borders, and no limits on courage, generosity, or kindness.

We will be posting an article how our cruising gear fared and our humble opinions on what worked and what did not work out as we had envisioned it. I hope to publish it here in the next couple of weeks.