PEOPLE PEARLS

Between venturing off to do the America’s Great Loop and now continuing our cruising life beyond, I’ve gotten to thinking. What, exactly, have we gained from the experience? Here’s just a short list:

• Jeff and I have gotten to explore States and territories in both the U.S. and Canada we would never would have even though considered seeing otherwise. From north to south, east to west, we’ve witnessed unfathomable beauty. And yes, we’ve also seen a few places that seem to have been left behind to wither. The tapestry of life.

• It’s been especially cool to have engaged up close and personal with America’s vibrant transportation system – from encountering massive container ships and barges towering over us (and communicating with them in order to stay well out of their way!) ~ to being mesmerized by miles of cargo and passenger trains whooshing by us on the banks of some of our greatest waterways. It’s a bustling world out there!

• The surprising thing is that we’ve also discovered just how content we are to simply enjoy our everyday existence aboard our beloved Oyster. We cook, we clean, we read, maintain all systems, go online, listen to audiobooks  ~ all the while while cruising along, being anchored out or docked at a marina. Life is definitely life no matter where you are.

• Obviously, we’ve had plenty of opportunity to strengthen our boating skills. Jeff is a master Captain at this point, and I guess you could say that I’m not too shabby at being his First Mate. Okay, so I wouldn’t dare to call myself his Co-Captain until I learn to dock the boat in my own…but that’s coming 😉!

• And of course, there’s no doubt about it ~ Jeff and I are all about embracing all adventures great and small. We definitely plan to keep this going for as long as our health and bodies allow us.

So, YES! Life on the water has truly gifted us with all of those treasures and more. But when we really get down to it, this odyssey wouldn’t have been nearly as joyful without the greatest gem of all: every fabulous person who has contributed by becoming a part of it along the way. They’ve been our Cheerleaders, Onboard Comedy Acts, Tour guides, vital Crew and more. They’re people we’ve known and loved all of our lives to others who made us feel that way through instant connections. All have had one thing in common: generosity, loving, and fun-seeking spirits. What more could one ask?

So who have been our PEOPLE PEARLS? Let’s take a look. Feel free to get to know them from previous blogs and vlogs, too!

THE THREE F’s: FABULOUS FRIENDS & FAMILY

Jeff and I believe that we’re the luckiest people in the world. We’ve had the incredible fortune of coming from great families ~ open, loving, people who aren’t afraid to have a little fun. Scratch that. A LOT of fun. Between them and our wealth of dear and crazy friends old and new, it’s an honor when any of them choose to come along for the ride with us. It’s like having “home” aboard, and nothing makes us happier. Check out the Home Waters videos I’ll be posting right here along with my past ones ~ you’ll see my point!

INSTANT CONNECTIONS 

The next set of “people pearls” are the instantaneous friends that seemed to have magically come into our lives. One minute we were having “docktails” at a marina with a “Looper” group, and the next we were traveling together – or at least keeping in touch to meet up somewhere down the way. We’ve also met some couples who weren’t  boating at all and yet serendipitous roadside or dockside chats led to our being invited to their personal parties or even very homes! “Who does that?”, we think. It’s people who are also caring, generous, fun-seeking people, that’s who. And Jeff and I have been immensely grateful for those who have filled our cups so immensely.

This past week, the threat of the Nor’Easter coming up the coast held us back on the upper Chesapeake Bay. So what happened? Our buddy Bill whom we had met on last years Loop with his brother Pete (now also a dear personal friend) lived nearby, so he & his lovely wife loaned us a car to get around. Oh, yes ~ and then Bill played “tour guide extraordinaire” and took us to Baltimore, Wilmington and more. Again, Who DOES that? We had such a wonderful time!

WHIRLWIND WONDERS

The last ~ (but certainly not least!) ~ group of people are those who happened to  scoop us into their orbit and left us whirling. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve laughed with and enjoyed heartily perfect strangers who we’d likely never see again. And that’s exactly what happened this weekend. After a few offhand greetings and chats with boaters at the Sassafras Harbor Marina dock where we were held up, suddenly we were being invited to a birthday party ~ full homemade dinner buffet and all. They were such a great group – and the perfect example of the warm camaraderie and friendships found so often among boaters. Jeff and I will make a point of returning on our way north again next year ~ if they’ll have us!

So there it is. Jeff and I feel truly blessed with our treasure trove of “People Pearls”. Consider this a very personal Thank You! if you are one of them!