We, like all of you, experienced a year of ups and downs, an ocean filled with emotions reaching from calm waters to stormy seas.
Our journey south was everything we were hoping for and with the arrival in Santa Barbara we could finally leave the long johns in the drawers. The Californian sun was gentle and we explored the craziness of Venice Beach and the solitude of the Channel Islands, caught up with old friends along the way, and met new companions on the water. It was in Pelican Bay on Santa Cruz Island where we had the entire place to ourselves – for one night only – and it was delightful. A night later we hosted an impromptu potluck on board Fortitude X for the crews of neighboring boats and enjoyed some inspiring conversations with strangers.
We welcomed every day with gratitude and cherished moments of pure bliss watching dozens of dolphins playing around the boat.
Dolphins everywhere
I felt brief hints of melancholy arriving in San Diego, our last stop in the United States before starting our rally into Mexico as part of the Baja Haha fleet. We spent our days with last minute boat projects, associating with HaHa cruisers, exploring the city, and picking up our new dinghy. The countdown was on.
And then there is the fine line and life turns out differently than you think. The space between utterly happiness and tremendous sorrow is very narrow and the gap can close in a second.
We abandoned our plans and flew back to Germany and Thailand to be with our family during times of loss and grief.
Sunrise, San Diego
Returning to San Diego mid-December we are now looking after some boat repairs and maintenance before we continue our journey south, hoping to have crossed the border into Mexico before Christmas.
Have a peaceful and merry Christmas; we hope 2023 brings you lots of laughter, and joy.
“Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.’
Van Morrison
Coronado Cays
Safe Harbor, Shelter Island
3 Comments
Jennifer & Stephen
So happy you are back! Merry Christmas and stay safe. We will be in touch. Xoxo
Lars
hello you two, life can be so beautiful and at the same time so devastating, but: it goes on and you should enjoy the good times every day and that’s exactly what you do. We wish you continued wonderful experiences, a merry Christmas and the best of health and maximum experiences for the new year. feel depressed
Steffi
True words, Lars. Hope to catching up with you next year.