Saturday, May 19, 2012

Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Scott & I wanted to do a blog dedicated to all of the cruiser friends we've met this past year who helped us fufill the first leg of our life dream. As newbies in this world of cruising...we had MUCH to learn. Still do. The help we recieved from other cruisers can not be measured on any type of scale. The fact is...we would not be where we are without the help & kindness of others. We are forever grateful to those who helped us along the way.
Dan & Cheri on s/v Curieuse
 I can't find the words to say what Dan & Cheri did for us for the 1st 5 months we lived on Malaika. They taught us so much. They spent hours/days/weeks/months guiding us into this new world of being live aboards. They helped us get down the ICW with our minimal knowledge & helped us learn how to live & sail safely on Malaika. They were there when we went aground the 1st time, the 1st time we put sails up, the first time we anchored, the 1st time our engine died. They taught us how to LIVE on a sailboat. They were there when Jesse died. They held our hands from Connecticut to Florida & we will never forget it. Nor can we ever express in words how much it meant to us.
Richard & Carole on s/v Kilissa
We had the great fortune of meeting Richard & Carole (along with the entire Solomon's crew) when we were in Lake Worth, Florida waiting for a weather window to cross the gulf stream to the Bahamas. Scott & I were VERY nervous about making that huge passage. What a relief to meet such experienced sailors who were so gracious & let us tag along. Richard & Carole stuck right by our side the entire 18hrs of that crossing. It was such a comfort.
Patrick & Marilyn from p/v Jawbone
What great times we had with Patrick & Marilyn!! They both are Captains & know so much about boating. They have also both traveled the world & had such wonderful stories & advice about how to live in new & different cultures. Not to mention, they host the BEST parties in any anchorage. Marilyn is a fabulous cook & Patrick is a world class Irish bartender. :)
Bob & Chel from s/v Bella Sera
Awe..Bob & Chel !! Another awesome couple who quickly befriended us &  invited us in their circle of friends. You two gave us the confidence to leave Abaco & travel to the Exumas. We would have never done it if you hadn't been there. Having you sail beside us through North Providence Channel with 10 foot waves was more comfort than you'll ever know. We learned so much about sailing from you.
Andy. Aka Horatio Hornblower
Andy. Our travel buddy. What adventures we shared together!!  We pushed our limits together & it was very comforting to have you with us to help make decisions about what route to go, where to anchor, how to interpret different weather reports. You also taught us much about sailing. We would never have bought our most awesome Manson anchor if we hadn't met you! Your knowledge of sailing & everything that it entails is priceless, as is your friendship. Next year...the Caribbean!!
Matt & Mary Elizabeth from s/v KoKoi
Thanks so much guys for your hospitality since we returned to Hidden Harbor!! We LOVE our new air conditioner so much. AND our new car...which we would not have if you hadn't handed over the keys to your truck & let us drive all over Jacksonville. Not to mention the roll of webbing, the discount at West Marine last time we were here, etc. We are so happy for you that your sailing dream is starting in just a couple of weeks!! Hope to see you guys in the islands this winter!!
  
  There are sooo many people we have to thank...our families, our friends back home,  other cruisers. I could go on & on with this list. Dave & Haila for the loan of your truck & West Marine discount the 1st time we were at Hidden Harbor Marina. We wouldn't have our sweet Jib if you hadn't let us use your truck to go get him a couple hours north of St. Augustine.  To Heinz & Roberta...thank you for selling our Hummer & dealing with that hassel while we were sailing off to the Bahamas. So nice of you!! To Melissa & Aaron, thank you for letting us forward all our mail to your house & for storing so much of our junk in your home! We are so blessed to have such great friends.
 
  Also, a SPECIAL THANKS to our loyal blog followers. Your messages over the past year literally MAKE OUR DAY. We LOVE hearing from you. The fact that you care enough about us to follow our blog means more to us than you'll ever know. I hope you stay tuned for all the adventures that are in our future. Caribbean...here we come!

We love & appreciate you ALL so much. Thank You for supporting us in our dream to live our most full life. It would not be possible without you.
XXXXOOOO
Michelle, Scott & Jib

4 comments:

lylaine said...

There's just nothing better than people! Life works so exquisitely when we open ourselves up both to give and receive from those who show up! :>) You two are some of the most amazing people I know. It will be so good to see you in person! And meet Jib!! :>)

Curieuse said...

It was our great pleaure and fortune to have met you both and Jesse! You have enriched our lives as well. We have come to care deeply for you all and feel rewarded for it. Your adventure became our adventure! As I say it is a steep learning curve and you both were up to the task! We will see you this fall for the start of a new adventure!

Love Cheri and Dan

Bobby Fry said...

Michelle, we have never met but Scott was my wife's Dr for many years. My wife, also Michelle, and I were both a little heartbroken when we got the letter saying that he was leaving. Scott was helping us to become pregnent, in fact he paved the way for us. Today we are sitting in Phoenix Baptist being induced, Dr Figueroa is our new Dr. It is wonderful to hear that you both will be back in Phoenix soon, hopefully we will get the opportunity to meet you and introduce Scott to our new addition.

Safe travels,
Bobby and Michelle Fry

Marianne said...

Safe travels back to AZ ! It will be so good to see you ! love you guys.