We are back home now, having travelled overland from Lagos by train, overnight sleeper, cars and ferry, all necessary as Toby is not able to fly into the UK. Its been an awesome 4 months, we sailed over 1500 miles in three countries at a leisurely pace, visited places we had never heard of and loved and some we had, experienced different people, languages and fiestas and were joined on the way by some great friends and family from Australia, USA, Germany, UK and Padbury. Thank you all for joining us, writing your blogs and helping to make the last four months truly memorable!
The past four months has been very different in many ways … It took a good month before we really started to disengage from the hum-drum of day to day 21st century living and we did get to see, feel and touch that world eventually, but there is so much more … whales, oceans, more cultures … we met people that were on their way to or from The Americas, Polynesia, South America and beyond; some in bigger boats and some in smaller boats than Sea Star. Its just a question of mindset and which direction you sail. The wind that took Columbus and Vasco still blows in the same way and takes those with the will to the same destinations today. Sailing from France to Spain is the same as sailing from Portugal to The Galapagos; it is just a question of getting your head in the right place and how much time it takes (plus a few more gadgets),
There were a few things that were different about our ives over the past 4 months …
Last but not least … Sea Star has performed beautifully; a few niggles with temperamental water pumps and speed and distance logs, toilet systems that you need to get used to, but a boat that kept everybody safe and delivered moments of adventure, fun, awe, escape and peace.
Although we have been at sea and in somewhat remote places, the modern world allows you to stay connected. Ageing parents are still within reach, friends and family that could not join us are still in contact and a GPS system that lets us know where we are to the nearest foot. The world’s oceans cover 71% or the surface of the earth and can be peaceful and beautiful or wild and dangerous; always watch the weather!!
So its back to work, re-energised and raring to go. It may sound strange, and we have had a really great time, but not ready to stop and make it a lifestyle just yet.
Sea Star goes South 