At least they seemed like old friends even though we’ve really only know them a couple years.  One thing about cruising…you make long lasting and strong friendships.

Blue Rodeo Anne, Bright Angel Linda and Charisma Ann.

Charisma Bob, Bright Angel Bob and Blue Rodeo Mark.

Last night we had a “goodbye” dinner with Blue Rodeo Mark and Anne, and Bright Angel Bob and Linda.  We first met both couples a couple years ago in Mexico and have been fortunate enough to have “paralleled” each other across the Pacific and developed a strong friendship during this time.

Blue Rodeo is heading further west to Vanuatu and parts beyond, (maybe Indonesia, maybe Aussie), and a friendship that was forged way back in Mexico is moving on.  We doubt we’ll see them again, at least ‘as cruisers’, since we’re not going any further west than Fiji.  It was a bittersweet dinner but we know that we’ll stay in touch and see each other again someday – just not at an anchorage with a Charisma in hand.  Bye, bye Blue Rodeo and fair winds on your further adventures.  We’ll look forward to seeing you again when we’re all back, well… somewhere.  Maybe the ‘States, maybe Mexico…

Bright Angel Bob and Linda will be cruising in Fiji again this year and like us will go back to New Zealand for the cyclone season (starting in November) so we’ll save that goodbye for another time.

Cruising life makes amazing friendships.  Thank you to Blue Rodeo, Bright Angel and everyone else we have sailed with who is/are still following this blog!  It’s become a bit of an overused word  these days, but I have to say; “we are blessed” to have such great friends!