This has been a hell of a time.
We put the boat back in the water the day before my sailing hero, life mentor, and just to get to the point, my dad, passed away 4/24. He was one of the really good ones.
A few days later my sister organized an amazing and thoughtful going away party with some friends and family, it was really good to be with those people. Some special Canadian guests came as well, thanks for coming down and all your help guys.
The next day was the Riptide Rendezvous, 8 Bieker designs had an open house/boat on the guest dock. The first owner of Rocket Science and the third owner who brought her back to life as we know her both came from far off, amazing to have them on board at the same time. Getting to see all the boats together and then hearing Paul’s talk at CYC was really special. Photos here, link to talk here.
The next day we started moving on board, renters were moving into our house in 2 days and there was a lot to do. As the house got cleaner the boat got messier.
Griffin got his last set of aligners that he only has to wear at night, the cats got their health certificates, we checked off a bunch of little stuff on the boat, and then because we were starting to get caught up and our passports hadn’t arrived yet we went ahead and got that much improved dinghy that from all available measurements would fit just fine in the dinghy garage. HA.
I spent a good part of the last 3 days installing a dinghy garage extension so the new dinghy would fit, Greg says that I should remind him every time we get in it how grateful we are to be able to do projects like that.
A few days ago we scattered dads ashes out on Puget Sound as the Vashon Island racers with chutes up were finishing to the South of us, Dahl’s porpoises were doing their thing all around, and the sound, mountains, and clouds were as beautiful as ever. Dad is getting ahead of us on oceanic adventures, go Dad, go.
No passports or word from the embassy. Paul’s time to come with us is running out, he needs to be back in early June for work on the foiling ferry. C’mon France! Maybe we’ll hear today that passports will be here tomorrow and we’ll leave ASAP. Fingers crossed.
My prayers are with you for the loss of your father. Your post drew strong memories for me, as I was crewing for the Durnans on their 2016 Transatlantic passage aboard Rocket Science when my own father passed away. Bless TJ and Jenny for putting up with my unconsolable spirit for another 6 days until we made landfall in Ireland. I hope your travels are more memorable for the good times, and thanks to Mr. Bieker for a fast boat that allowed me to make it to the funeral.
Oh man Mara, sending big condolences for your dad. I’m sure he’ll be with you out there.