Today…It’s been two years that we have been gone.
Seems amazing and per the cliche it seems like forever and yet it also seems like only yesterday.
Just for the heck of it, or for the two years of it, we decided we would do a retrospective of “Bob and Ann” over the last two years.
So, with full apologies that this post is simply “about us”, here are Bob and Ann over the last two years:
The Baja HaHa. Here we are on the hill above Bahia Santa Maria.
Ahhh. Dock Three, La Paz. A magical place where we made many lasting friendships (and had not a few Charismas at sunset).
Fast forward to April, 2012 and The Crossing. Here we are leaving Mexico, heading to the Marquesas (23 days later).
Daniel's Bay, Nuka Hiva in the Marquesas. Tattoos now commemorate the voyage.
Into the Society Islands (Moorea, Tahitii). How much better can life get? (A lot we found-as you go west, it just gets better).
By the time we got to Bora Bora we found out it's all about the friends you meet along the way. We have been blessed to have sooo many great friends that we've met and shared adventures with.
Aitutaki (in the Cook Islands). A little island where we ran aground going in and out, but had a great time while we were there.
Rarotonga (once you've been here you can call it "Raro"), in the Cook Islands. We perfected our Med Mooring here (well, as much as you can call it "perfected")
Nuie. The biggest little island kingdom. One island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean that was its own kingdom.
Tonga. Wonderful people, beautiful islands.
Drinking a toast after 'surviving' the passage (and storm) from Tonga to New Zealand.
We eloped in New Zealand. What a wonderful wedding with great friends in a fantastic location. Just magical.
At first, after a tough passage up to Fiji we thought this was going to be a tough year. Were we ever wrong. Here enjoying some sunshine in Vianni Bay (Summer 2013).
This whole season has been about amazing adventures such as here in Nagelelevu (which I can only spell with my eyes closed).
If you've been following this blog, you'll know we were "adopted" at Nairai (shown here in September, 2013).
...and this morning in Musket Cove on Malolo Island, exactly two years after leaving Berkeley, California, USA
So, have we changed from two years at sea in the South Pacific. I can say that “inside” we’ve changed a lot. The people we’ve met-cruisers and locals alike-have made a huge impression on us. Seeing how simply yet happily people live “out here” has made us very optimistic. Seeing how little people can live with and yet be exceedingly satisfied gives us happiness for today and hope for the future.
Wow, two years. That’s a lot of Charismas! Your adventures have been fascinating to read about (although sometimes a little scary). Thanks for sharing all of your stories. They, too, reassure me that the world is not such a mean-spirited place. I’m sure that you leave all those you encounter with the same feeling — after the locals have been treated to your kindness, hospitality, and those amazing smiles! Looking forward to more adventures and stories to come. And, safe passage back to NZ.
Bob and Ann: Great pictures! You seem to be getting younger with time. What exactly do you put in the Charismas?
Just seeing these photos reminds me how much a like you two. Feeling blessed that we were a part of each others’ adventures and a bit jealous that we came back to the “real world” while you two are still exploring. Miss you!