July 30, 2010 Back at Kodiak Harbor;

Snug as a bug in a rug, “that is for you Taylor girl.” A saying I always tell my grand-daughter when I have the privilege of tucking her in to bed. Not only was our stay in Kitoi Bay one of life’s rare opportunities, our passage back to Kodiak City we had a welcomed surprise.

The days we spent in Kitoi Bay were overcast hence some of the reason for the poor quality of photos. Not to mention my photography challenges that were addressed and inspired by Nancy (from the sv Tamara, go to www.krillroye@blogspot.com to see some of her photos she has taken from her past 10 year excursion around Cape Horn) and Steve’s loving ability to focus on detail have helped me immensely. So hopefully you will see better quality photo’s in my future blog postings.

The wildlife in the bay was spectacular we were entertained by several bears; a family of eagles as loons circled our boat and salmon skipped across the water.

Then there were the whales WOW!; this was our best whale adventure yet. Getting to Kitoi Bay we had 3 whale sightings, two

of Humpbacks/Fins (I am not sure, so if any of you Alaskan native’s can clue me in from this photo I would be grateful) and our first sighting of Orcas.

Our surprise; On the passage back to Kodiak was seeing whales broach twice. What a breath-taking site, WOW! The utter magnificence of these creatures is one that has to be experience to appreciate. No I didn’t get a photo, it happened so fast, I just wanted to bask in the moment!

Back in port Tue. the 27th; Steve rebuilt the generator and it is purring like a well fed kitten. The generator hasn’t worked right since it was worked on in Phuket Thailand in 2006. He has become quite the mechanic on diesel engines. So a little trip is in order and we are preparing to fly out of Kodiak on Sunday.

We will be spending next week on Orca Island, close to Seattle, WA for a reunion with fellow college mates from Steve's Yale school days. Then back to Kodiak to explore and travel the seas the till Sept. The plan to date is to leave Equus in Kodiak for another winter.

Lux at Veritas – Light and Truth.

Till next posting, be present, live large and laugh often!

July 24, 2010 leaving Afognak;

Taking in the warm sunshine, as I stretch and become one with nature and going to the place that brings me joy - yoga on the bow of Equus is one of those places for me.

After a good night’s blow of 20+knots, we leave in the mist of an overcast morning and in our wake new friends.

A couple we met, he Michael from Fargo N. Dakota and she Natura a California girl. They are holed up in the middle of this mostly uninhabited remote wilderness island. Their neighbors; many salmon, dolly vardens (another type of fish), a Kingfisher (bird) couple, a few bears, and a familiar fox.

They work for Alaska Department of Fish and Game, ADF&G, they live in a quaint cabin next to the Afognak River; the cabin supplies all the creature comfort one needs to be quite content.

They have an outbuilding, originally used as living quarters for a second warden, being Michael & Natura are a couple, it was available for others needs. As they are both creative and love quilting, they have converted this outbuilding into a quilting studio.

They also have a greenhouse for fresh veggies, a smoke house, a 4-wheeler to get around the island and a banya, (sic?), Russian for a type of sauna. It is a small out building with a 55 gal. drum as the stove, large pot of hot water for moisture and bathing, 2 buckets filled with cold river water to help one sustain the heat of the spa and a couple of benches on which to sit. Of course a run outside and dip in the cold stream is always a refreshing bonus!

However, the night got away from us and we had to forgo this Russian spa. I was so looking fwd to the cleansing experience. However after a bottle of wine and a few martinis, the cleansing may have been for naught anyway.

Our dinner consisted of baked salmon, rice, salad, and a fresh baked chocolate sourdough cake and they were kind enough to give us our first sourdough starter mixture.

By the time we had finished dinner and conversation it was close to midnight and we wanted to get to the dinghy before dark, because our route out of this wilderness home was to navigate through some very tall grass and we were worried that we may surprise a sleeping bear. We hope to return for a visit later this summer.

The next evening we had planned to leave however the weather convinced us to stay and midday another sailboat came blowing in with williwaws up to 30+ knots.

Tamara is a 44 ft steel hulled cutter rigged ketch, owned by Nancy and Mark a couple who were just completing a 10 year high latitude cruising expedition. They spent the first several years in Maine and arctic Canada (Labrodor & Newfoundland) then across to the Azores, Canaries and back to South America and Cape Horn. After several years in Patagonia, they sailed to Antarctica, then back to Patagonia and on up through the Pacific to the Galapagos and Hawaii on their way to their home berth for Tamara in Cordova AK. (www.krillroye@blogspot.com)

What grand adventures we shared, we look fwd to sharing more as we both hope to be cruising the Prince William Sound area in August.

I close now for we are rounding the point and into our next anchorage Izhut Bay and then into Kitoi Bay. This is the spot we saw our first bears last fall.

Happy 4th of July!

Kodiak, Alaska July 2010;

Reflecting as I look out at the setting sun illuminating the horizon really brought this years events home. The anchorage was so peaceful and serene. A little bay called Long Island just south of Kodiak, July 11th midnight. I write this with a grateful heart for a wonderful life.

A much-needed place for some R and R!

I arrived in Kodiak on June 17th, Steve had arrived the end of May. Both in need of a break from house hunting and re-entering a land-lubbers life again. Fellow sailors will know exactly what I am talking about. He was working diligently on getting our floating home up and running and I was back in Florida closing up our home there.

My daughter Olivia came and spent some time with me and stayed on to finish closing up our home (and enjoy the pool!). I have forgotten just how much work a home is. However I wouldn’t change a thing, I feel Steve and I are settling in to this new sea/land life well.

We have made several new friends who have been wonderful, they really helped in the transition and made leaving our new home with a calm heart possible. Thank you!

At times we felt a bit overwhelmed making this adjustment. Because as one knows the burdens increase as one accumulates stuff. Living on board Equus we have come to appreciate how liberating a nomad’s life can be.

So on to our next adventure.

Alaska “Wow”! From the people to the vistas what a fulfilling experience. Our time in Kodiak Marina, even though tied to a dock (waiting on generator parts) gives one a bird’s eye view and sense of awe as we experience what a fisherman’s life is like (living vicariously of course) in this wild and changing environment we know as Alaska.

The hard work from morning till night as they mend nets, tune gear, provision, say good-bye the tasks seem never ending. Then you see the big fishing trawler heading out, rain and mist in its wake as the crew scurry to secure the lines and head below till the next job calls them on deck.

I love to see the women fisher people as well, it makes no difference if you are man or women the qualification’s are the same. Not afraid of hard work, love the outdoors and have a testosterone filled sense for adventure.

The nature here is different and some of the best marine nature we have experienced in our 10 years of travel. From the jungles of Borneo, Swimming with sea turtles in Philippines, hiking the Forest of Yakushima, an elephant ride’s in Thailand, a camel ride in Jordan deserts, diving the Red Sea, the many trails we have hiked through the Mediterranean country sides etc… Alaska is different a very unique experience that cannot be explained, it must be experienced.

So the invitation is extended, come and see for yourself and experience what some call the” final frontier” one of our great treasures to behold, ALASKA.

We closed on a house!

March 31st 2010

Light, Love, and Laughter our new home by the sea. Well we did it, after much emotional deliberation we have become responsible land-lubbers (well the responsible part is debatable) and will now reside not far from the ocean breezes. I guess once the ocean is in your blood it becomes part of who you are.

When we walked into the home we both loved the open flow of space, inside and out, hence the name. Now we will work on building a home that will not only be our private oasis on land it will also be a home built with love and laughter to share with our family and friends for years to come.

For we have come to fully appreciate the true joy in life is not the things we accumulate it is the people who have graced our life along the way and now we have two homes to share.

Our new home is located in Palm Beach Fl.

House Hunting Saga may be over????

February to March 2010;

Well we found a home with a great location that we have put a bid on so we shall see?

February was a full month of celebrations with family and friends isn't that is what life is all about!!

We arrived in Ft. Lauderdale where we were reunited with old friends who we met in Italy some 7 years ago, my how time flies. Julia and Vincenzo invited us to share over a week of reminiscing, laughter and creating new memories in their condo (which they may end up buying?). We even made a quick trip to Key West what a blast.

Next we headed North to see Tom (Steve's brother) as we celebrated his 70^th birthday, hosted by Hal and Ginger at their Melbourne property in Florida. A spectacular condo on the ocean. It was a great gathering of family and the 3 brothers got to spend some quality time together. Happy Birthday Tom.

Then on to see other sailor friends we cruised with From Turkey to Israel in 2005, Jacquelin and Bill who were gracious enough to invite us into their home in the middle of a huge renovation project. They have a grand home in downtown Charleston. What a fun time catching up.

Then on to Oriental NC to hang out with grandchildren, Abe and Ruby while their parents slipped off to the British Virgin Island for some fun and sun. We had a great time sharing and learning what intriguing individuals Abe and Ruby are. I know it has been said many times before however when it is true it is worth repeating “If we knew grandchildren were this much fun we would have had them first”. Thank you Abe and Ruby for the memories.

They excepted our offer and we close on March 31, 2010 !!

Then on to Ohio where I got to spend two weekends and a few one on one days with my grandchildren. Grandchildren fill your heart with a love like non I have known till them. We both have been blessed with great grandchildren! See photos!

Ya know I always said I was never going to be one of those obsessed grandparents that could go on about their grandchildren and all I can say is never say never.

This has also been a great visit for Steve and Tom, it is sad in a way because Tom has not only housed our belongings for years he has graciously taken us in to live in his log cabin, it has become a home away from Equus and now we say good bye to it and look fwd to what adventures lie ahead for us. Thank you Tom, you are a great brother.

I also have had one of the best visits ever, catching up with all my family and friends. It made packing up and moving to Florida bittersweet, having to say goodbye with my heart so filled with love and memories shared while I was home. Thank you all!

Back to House Hunting January 2010

House hunting saga continues:

I write this on route to Florida having just left Bret, Jamie, Sheldon and Landon in Atlanta Ga.My (Patricia’s) nephew and his family. It is grand to re-establish family ties again.

I think the last time I saw Landon he was a babe in arms and now he’s a energetic 4 yr old full of personal characteristics that would make Jim Carey proud. He is so cute and Sheldon his brother is almost as tall as his father, they say he is going to be 6.2 or better and being basketball is his passion he is well on his way to a future with the stars.

Before that we stopped in Athens GA to visit the Epting’s. A great southern family who are always on our list of best people/places to visit. Impressed once again with the Southern Hospitality, Thank you Lee and Ashley. Please check out the Epting’s link; Emtings.com Not only are they world class caterers they have been involved to help two fantastic films come to fruition. Check em out! Not Since You and Darius Goes West. Not Since You was largely filmed on location at the Epting homestead or better known as The Hill.

And Asheville before that; 2 great properties were found and we are still working to bring one to a close. So time will tell if it is meant to be all will work out, till then we are Florida bound to see how this area appeals to us and visit family and friends there. Thanks for your time, love and support. Patricia

December in Ohio and the East Coast 2009

My Christmas with family was fine, like always I cram so much into such a short time and I lost some of the joy of the season. I have come to realize my time away from all the commercialism has served me well and I need to honor that next year. Christmas is about family, love and being together and it seems many have lost that understanding along the way. So much stress and hurriedness.

I did love to bask in the presence of my loved ones. We saw reindeer, had a hayride, took long walks and played in the snow and ice, saw Santa and Mrs. Clause, drove around and saw the lights and I spent one day at my girlfriends baking cookies. Tried to go light on the sugar and that is hard to do around an American made Christmas!

Steve spent time with his family and met up with me for a family gathering in Columbus Ohio before he flew off to be with his daughter and their family for a Hockey Christmas on the East Coast.

Part II of the House Hunting Saga.

December 2nd 2010;

I write this up date on Canadian Route 401 heading East toward Detroit MI. Our goings on for the last month are as follows.

House hunting saga continues: leaving the eastern shore of NC, traveling north through, VA, Maryland, West VA, Del Pennsylvania and Connecticut. House hunting the whole way, realtor’s, many home showings, long hours in the car, hotels and on the internet.

We left Stephen and Christies (Steve’s eldest son and his family) after a short visit and arriving in Canton Ct. at Laura’s (Steve’s eldest daughter and family) the 19^th of November. We celebrated Laura’s birthday and had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Erich (Steve’s youngest son from LA) and Rosalie (Erich’s girlfriend from Chicago) stopped in for a visit as well.

We watched several hockey games staring, Sam and Ben, Laura and Jeff’s boys, looked at many properties and fell in love with two of them. We may place a bid on one of them later this month, if we decide we want to commit to months of snow and cold for our landlubber life.

Having had a nice visit with one of Steve’s classmates and dear friends in Toronto, Steve Otto. An avid historian who shared his love of Toronto with us as we toured his beautiful city.

A brief stop in Toledo to check on a dear loved one and then back to Sandusky, Ohio. I will stay on with my family and Steve will travel to see his family. It has been 5 years since my last Christmas with my family I am really looking fwd to this time.

In conclusion of this segment of the house-hunting saga: Connecticut is diffidently on the list, Leesburg/Shepardstown VA(??) and still an old favorite being the western end of NC, the Asheville area. So time will tell as we realize our dream, we’ll keep you posted.

Canada and back to the House Hunting in the lower 48

I write this as we drive north on a beautiful tree-lined highways complete with mountain views from Asheville to Blowing Rock NC.

First we would like to extend a huge thank you to those in Kodiak for the loving care of Equus. They have successfully moved her into her resting winter home slip C-6 in the Small Boat Harbor, Kodiak Ak. Our main caretaker is Tom and Laura, thank you both!! You too Ian and Tucker. Also thank you Shanna, Russ, Keaton for your efforts, looking fwd to spending time with beautiful Isabel, who was just weeks old when we left also to the great staff of the marina! Thank you all! You have put our minds at ease.

Back to NC and house hunting: “Freedom is absences of choice” a Sufi saying that really hits home these days (no pun intended-hee hee). Not only are we contemplating a landlubber existence the choices that are bomb-barding us is surreal to say the least. Between spreadsheets/realtors/internet surfing we are working our way to critique a criteria list and find a location that suits both of us well. We feel so blessed to have this opportunity to have a fresh start as we build our landlubber’s life together.

Grateful for our life at sea and all the people we have the privilege to now call friends. We look fwd to the future of sharing with them, our old and new friends our life on land as well as sea. We would welcome thoughts, ideas and suggestions of others that have traveled this home hunting path.

Our favorite locations this far is Asheville, Blowing Rock-Boone, NC areas. After spending a few weeks on the west coast of NC we are now traveling east to the coast to see Steve’s eldest son and his family (Stephen, Christie, Abraham and Ruby) then up north following the coast to see what we find on route. Steve promised me no farther north than CT. Our plan is to spend thanksgiving with Steve’s daughter and her family (Laura, Jeff, Sam and Ben) in CT. So Happy Thanksgiving to our American friends and family and may we all prosper and feel the benefit of being surrounded by loving family and friends. Please drop us a line to keep us current on what is new with you all!