No person will be a sailor who has contrivance enough to get themself into a jail; for being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of being drowned… a person in a jail has more room, better food, and commonly better company.
—Samuel Johnson
Happy Mother’s Day everyone! Although I’m missing Colleen on this Mother’s Day and remembering all the breakfasts-in-bed and dinners to celebrate, I’m also happy to say that we completed our 1,050 mile passage home by entering the Hillsboro Inlet at 4:45 AM this morning and hailing the bridge tender on the radio to request an opening of its span for us. Between exiting the West End, Tortola, BVI harbor and entering Hillsboro Inlet, we did not use our diesel engine “Ox” once, that was a goal of mine achieved.
More to follow as I think through the passage and put it all in context—10 1/2 days of single handed sailing takes a lot out of you to say the least. For now, I just want you to know that we are in the safe harbor of home and I’m looking forward to my first sleep off of Hazel in more than 100 nights.
Thanks as always for your emotional, spiritual and—sometimes—meteorological support of the voyage.
Wow amazing Dan. Thanks for the ride. You are one awesome guy. Love you and sleep Well. I know Col and lately Suzie were watching over you.
Misssy: Thanks and yes…I thought a lot about Colleen and Suz on Mother’s Day. I slept really soundly as well.
Woo hoo! Congratulations on an amazing achievement Dan. We’re remembering Colleen today along with you, and we can’t wait to hear about your voyage back. Enjoy sleeping in a bed tonight!
Craig: Yeah, 100+ days on HJ. I don’t take my bed for granted.
Congrats Dan!! So glad you are back, and had such a wonderful adventure. Not many of us would attempt what you did. Sleep well and enjoy the company of Jack, Jessica and your three lovable dogs. I’m sure they missed you.
Welcome home Dan! Everything you wrote sounds amazing, what an experience. I look forward to getting together soon and hearing all about it firsthand. Stay well.
Jeffery: Absolutely. I hope you and yours are well.
Welcome back, Dan! Glad to hear that you have arrived safely home. It was fun and also enlightening reading your writings. I wish you and your family peace within and happier days to come as you continue to navigate through life positively to see what it has to offer each of you. Thanks to Sara and Mike, and ultimately you….for allowing me to be a part of your travels.
Kathy: Thanks so much for the note and thanks for following along. I’m going to talk to Mike and Sarah this week. So happy they are in the same city now.
Welcome home buddy. Glad you made it home safe and sound. Hope to see you soon.
Welcome home. I am looking forward to your next adventure.
Burt: Thanks. I’m looking forward to it as well!
Welcome back home!
Kathy: Thanks so much and thanks for following along.
Glad you are home Brother Dan – but I guess you realized (and allowed us along) that home is truly where you make it. Now how about sailing north up the coast? We could meet up on the C&D canal and play some tunes!
Tim: Yes the C&D canal may just be in the cards, especially if international borders remain closed.
A remarkable accomplishment, Dan!!! We have enjoyed taking this voyage with you … although it was a lot easier for us to just sit back and read your wonderful posts. What you have done is nothing less than amazing … you should be very proud of your preparation and your many skills – physical, mental, emotional, academic, and others – that were needed to accomplish this.
Tom: Thanks so much. I’m already thinking about a next voyage.
Welcome home Dan! I bet Jack and the puppies are glad you are back! 🙂 Glad you are home safe and sound.
Lisa: Yesterday they were. I was so happy to see them too.
Congratulations Dan. So glad you’re home safely. Looking forward to hearing more about the adventure home. I’m sure it was as adventurous as the rest of your journey has been.
Shawna: Yes, it was a great passage. Trying to get some other things sorted out so I can write more about it.
Thanks for taking us on this journey with you. Your updates have been an education and a virtual adventure. So glad you’re home safe.
Wecome home safe and sound!
T
So happy you’re home safe, Dan! I almost texted Jack yesterday to check on you and because I was thinking of him and Emma. Beautiful photos as always and what a journey! Welcome home! Can’t wait to hear your voice again. Until then, enjoy the comforts of home ❤️
Dawn: Thanks so much and I’ll call you at some point or call me anytime.
Welcome home Dan and many thanks for sharing your thoughts and adventure. Ron Boersma
Ron: Thanks for the note and best to Gail and your family. I hope all are safe.
‘So hoist up the HJ’s sail
See how the main sail sets
Call for the Captain ashore
You want to go home, welcome home
Glad you’re home safely, Dan C.”
Looking forward to catching up soon, Dan. What a great voyage and a lifetime of memories! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Daniel: Thanks so much. I actually played The Sloop John B. for several people on a borrowed guitar when I was invited for dinner on another yacht…funny.
WELCOME HOME DAN!! FANTASTIC TRIP WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT IN PERSON!!!!!!! XOXOO
Kathy: Thanks for the note and look forward to seeing you and Andy when this craziness has calmed down a bit.
Awesome. Congratulations Dan on a successful adventure. Loved reading all of the details and following your journey. Thank you for including us.
Jeff: Thanks so much for the note. Trying to plow through some land-based-life catch-up (painful as it may be) and then compose a more-complete account of the passage.
So glad you made it home safely. Thank you so much for taking us on the amazing journey. Look forward to catching up, Mike B.
Thanks for the note Mike B.! I’ll call you at some point.