One Step Closer

Driving down the road in South Carolina on the way to our boat I am delighted by the remaining fall color still in view. I have always loved the many pine trees that line the roads in North and South Carolina and really enjoy the contrast of the greens to the orange, red and yellow leaves that are still clinging to their branches here. South Carolina today is much nicer than the stark trees and 30 degrees we left at home but winter is catching up to us here too. The forecast for the coming week is colder and wetter.

For reasons I have mentioned in my earlier posts we have been delayed past our October departure date. I do not mind since it meant I was able to enjoy the seasons color, the crisp smells of cooler weather and drying leaves. Shawn was able to finish his big jobs and do some last minute small add-ons for his customers and Jaxson was able to go trick-or-treating. We even made time to visit Santa. Jax wanted to make sure Santa knew he would be living on a sailboat this year and what cabin he would be in, to avoid any confusion.

As we drove out of our driveway for the last time today, a lot of things were going through my mind. What did I forget? Did I bring too much? (yes) Will my father and brother sustain themselves on something besides fried fish and coffee while I’m gone? (no) Our poor dog Pumpkin, I hope he will forgive us for leaving him behind for 8 months. Pumpkin, you have my permission to chase that ornery rooster as much as you want. But most of all, elation. It feels really good that a culmination of hard work, sacrifice, time and sweat equity has finally paid off. We are literally almost sailing off into the wild blue yonder.