Wow! A year ago today we pulled away from the dock in Berkeley. The year has flown by. We have been to places that I was unaware existed before our departure. Probably most of you were unaware of small countries like Niue too! We have encountered glorious vistas, enchanting local residents and made some incredible friends over the year. There were moments of fear (for Ann more than Bob) and moments of elation as we sighted land after long passages. No one has been required to walk the plank. Many incredible memories have been stored for us to enjoy in our old age (when we finally settle back on land!).
I thought it would be fun (being the accountant that I am) to review the year by numbers. (How many of you are asking why Bob hangs out with someone who thinks numbers are fun? – Wait and see!)
The Year by Number:
7,745 miles traveled! I really wish there was some kind of frequent sailor program that allowed us to redeem these miles for airfare home!
7 countries/island groups visited (Mexico, Marquesas, Tuamotus, Society Islands, Cook Islands, Niue, Kingdom of Tonga)
57 days on passage
42 Mooring balls versus anchoring
3 Mediterranean style moorings (all in Rarotonga)
2 side-tie anchoring (thank you Orcinius!)
21 books read by Ann during our passages
10 fish caught (does not include the whale that got away or the lost lures)
4 hats lost overboard and one given to an island chief
14 batches of cookies inhaled
24 games of cribbage played, 13 won by Ann
3 times grounded (going into Aitutaki, at anchor in Aitutaki and leaving Aitutaki) But the really amazing part of this statistic is that we would love to go back to Aitutaki! Put it on your travel list.
9 cases of wine consumed
6 cases of rum consumed (we entertain a lot and that means treating our friends to a Charisma)
518 seashells collected (including the lovely “Environmental Elements” gifted at Christmas)
9,623 photos taken/collected. Seriously – there has been a lot to document. Please let us know if you are interested in the full slide show or an abbreviated version.
332 blog posts
Not able to quantify – the cases of beer purchased (it disappears too quickly)
Not able to quantify – the number of times we’ve counted ourselves fantastically fortunate to be able to make this trip.
So there you have it, a year of sailing on Charisma. The adventure continues……
And how to number your followers/groupies that log on to check what the latest adventure has been? And how do you count the zillions of smiles you have spread and shared across these almost 8,000 miles!! Thank you! xxoo
And remember, you’ve got some of us in tow. Reading your adventures is my reminder that we’re getting ever closer to following you. The Channel Is cruise was postponed this year due to a nasty car accident. That provided more time to get the projects (windvane, new sails, new Yanmar, etc) complete. From you I’ve learned where to keep the rum (blue water jug) and so much more.
Hi Guys,
Congratulations on the 1st anniversary. John and I are shopping for a sailboat – half dreaming and half serious. But then most of my best adventures have been half assed so who knows. Best to you both.
Michele
Congratulations on your anniversary! I was thinking of you and Bob, while watching the A’s capture game 3 from the Tigers last evening.
I agree with Joan and the innumerable smiles and emotions the blogs have been for us ‘left behind’. Those in Spin class get at least weekly updates as we ride into Irma’s mental headwinds.