Wow, December already?
And what a summer it was. Despite the madness of moving
our base of operations from Singapore to Istanbul, we still had time for four
cruises this summer. We didn’t go very far, because when you are sailing out of
Marmaris, you have basically arrived! We puttered around the Southern Turkish coast enjoying the water, the winds, the anchorages and the towns.
But most of all, we enojoyed our friends an family on board. Let the photos tell the story.
First there was the “Sage’s Cruise”. Not sure where we stood
on the old vs. wise continuum, but we had a very fine time. Our dear friend Al pulled it all
together, and arrived early to help with the haul-out (= CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN the boat top to bottom!) before we set sail. Quite
possibly the most generous act of all time. And sailing, it was a
wonderful time to be with such wise and wonderful men. All different. All rich with
ideas and experience. Barry, Willy, Al, Brian, and John – hope we can do it
again next year!
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| Looking like they have been here for ever! |
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Second the “Three Couples” cruise – David and Sandy, Al and Leona, and Cress and Irena. Best of friends for another glorious week just puttering about between Marmaris and Fethiye. We had time at anchor, ashore shopping and eating and just generally messing about talking about life and couple-dumb!
Next came the “Three generations” cruise. Aboard were my Mom
and Dad (Don & Nancy), daughter Breanna, and Cress & Irena, for another 10 days
shared between seeing the sights of Istanbul, and sailing about. It was amazing
to have a mid-eighties crew, supported by ever willing Breanna and Irena. To have the good
fortune and joy of being together as daughter, father and parents this
way is treasured.
And last but definitely not least - the “Sisters Cruise”. Irena’s three sisters Helen, Barb and Wanda - together with Wanda's daughter Anastasia, flocked in from Canada and the US to sail for the last spin of the season. It was end of September and the best sailing of the season. A little cool near the end of the week, but 30 Knots of Mediterranean breeze to sail home in!
I must confess, that I got so close to what was happening in
my life this summer, I failed to fully appreciate my forest for the trees. With so much stress in our less than smooth move from Singapore
to Istanbul, I think looking back, I was not as fully present to the treasured
time as I think I might like to have been. Oh well, we do the best we can. And
the summer rests in my memory, a warming experience. Irena and I have held tight
to the vision to have our family sail with us as much as possible, and this
summer was our bonanza. It was why we bought such a big boat, after all!
So now Conversations tugs alone again at her moorings, safe
at harbour in Marmaris Yacht Marine. Irena and I are pre-occupied with life and
work ashore. I go back and forth between Singapore and Istanbul to be with clients,
and Irena works hard on a large hospital project in Istanbul. Though we are in Canada over Christmas,
January will see us back in the harness for the winter.
Next summer is yet to be written even in our imaginations.
The call to move on with the circumnavigation is strong in one ear let us say. An in the other, I hear the call to make a
contribution to civilization and the planet as well. I have so many things
I want to do that require my focus. Somehow we will do both. How, exactly, is
yet to present itself!
And finally, a word to recognize the recent passing of our friend, Dominique. Irena and I met Dominique and her husband Michael in Rodriquez two years ago as we sailed our separate boats across the South Indian Ocean. Dominique, thank you for your passion for life. You are an inspiration to us, both in your life, and even now, to live each day and week as fully as we can. Thank you. We love you.
Irena and Cress
Irena and Cress
