Turns out, we'd met them before: in 2003, at this big raft-up.
Puget Sound Cruising Club, Oro Bay
Barbara and Jim made an impression on us then, and not just because their boat Complexity was a shinier, bigger sistership to our Hallberg Rassy 352, Mau Ke Mana. They were a fun couple who had put a lot of careful thought into outfitting their boat, and seemed the closest of the bunch to realizing the cruising dream...at that time in our lives, with babies and busy jobs, it all seemed far away for us.
Here in Port Stephens, they've welcomed us with open arms as members of the cruising family. We were treated to a beautiful dinner, and joy of joy for the kids- a BATH. Oh, the things you miss, living on a boat! It's so nice to feel so very well understood by someone you met once, nearly a decade ago.
And meanwhile, I've loved my walk down memory lane. I've even got a picture of Barbara hanging out in the hammock with then four year old Niall, and one year old Mairen.
Good times, in the shadow of the beautiful Mt Rainier. In the middle of a period of transition, it's a great reminder that we'll see many of our friends again. Goodbye in the cruising world is really just until that future anchorage you'll share again someday.
In the shadow of Mount Rainier