Greetings from Tom

Greetings to friends of Wind River,

Some of you may not know me but I have been the one in the past that had been forwarding Susan and Kit's emails of their journey on Wind River. Now I have had a journey of my own to share.

Kit sailed his boat down the coast from Washington and shortly thereafter my wife Judy and I were invited to sail in San Francisco Bay by our good friend, Susan. I had sailed the bay in the past but I most remember my time aboard Wind River. The rush you get on a sailboat that's heeled over you just don't forget.

When Susan and Kit set out for their journey down to Mexico I was asked to serve as their go-between and ensure that their emails would be properly forwarded to you. As I read of their ventures I plotted their progress down the coast and became envious of their travels.

About a year ago, the subject of a Pacific Crossing that Kit was going to attempt had me yearning to participate. A year later, reality was achieved.

On March 20th, Kit and I said our goodbyes to Susan from the docks in Puerto Vallarta. After motorsailing out of Banderas Bay we were finally under sail. I couldn't believe it was happening! I would be sailing some 2700 miles across the ocean to paradise.

My memories have been too plenty to write but I will attempt to convey some of my most memorable. A sailboat is a constantly moving object. You are always holding onto things, bracing yourself and positioning your body in ways to keep you from falling. My hands at times were sore and have blisters I hadn't had before. I had Polio when I was young and have a handicap in my leg. My balance isn't that good even on solid ground. It was a challenge for me but it was something I overcame. I won't forget the fact that on a sailboat you have to be totally self sufficient. There are no stores, doctors, gas stations, water service, clothes washers or fast food places. You have to conserve and make things do. The memories of the dolphins escorting us, the mesmerizing biolumenescence on night watches, the amazing number of flying fish that bounce off the ocean like stones skipping over a pond dashing from our bow, and the booby bird who landed in the cockpit in need of a break from flying. Oh, and Kit's cooking. It's amazing what he can prepare in such a tight and constantly moving galley.

The night watches were tough at first but later became routine. The abundance of stars was incredible. More than I could imagine. It was what kept you going at night. Hoping for the next shooting star.

Probably the most enjoyable thing for me was to receive the emails from my wife, Judy. They made my day! It's amazing that one can be so far away in the middle of the Pacific and have contact with your loved ones.

Another thing that I won't forget is getting to know an incredible man, Kit Hanes. I hadn't known Kit for along time so it was a question of how we would get along in close quarters, especially with two Aries aboard. His birthday is April 18 and I'll be celebrating my 50th on April 19. We both shared many stories of our life and thoughts. I have to say I met a wonderful friend. I wish him well in his journey of life.

As I write this we are less than a day to our destination of Hiva Oa, Marquesas. I will meet Judy there and we will spend some time with Susan and Kit, say our goodbys, and venture to the island of Moorea for some reconnecting with society. It surely was an incredible journey. Far more than I had imagined. A life experience I will never forget. Would I do it again? I have to say this was a once in a lifetime experience.

So, enjoy Susan and Kit's continued journey. I will continue to forward future stories to you when I get back to the States.

Tom Tennies