04/12/2025
Since we've been back, I'm often asked how I like being home again. "I'm trying to get used to it," is my usual answer.
I guess a more honest answer would be "I don't know ... I feel more like I'm waiting to go home again".
I'm always nervous before heading out to see. When leaving an anchorage or place I really like, I'll drag my feet a little. Eventhough I know there are new discoveries waiting.
But when the anchor is up and Nalu is clearly in her element, I relax. Even when the winds pick up and the waves break in the cockpit. You have no choice but to accept and deal with it, so you do.
My whole world is reduced to about 60m² surrounded by water, as far as the eye can see. Nalu's clever features and seakindly behaviour form an 18 ton security blanket.
She really is as Henri Amel said: "vrai à la mer" - "true at sea".
Over the last seven months, we've learned a lot from our experiences.
From Nalu, the sea, dealing with crew and the Iberian orca who were never far away.
From being ruled by the weather 24/7, finding shelter from Storm Gabrielle and having to make major changes to our plans again and again.
From sharing food, drinks, experiences and laughs (and a few years) with other cruisers.
From feeling at home and making friends to the inevitable - and never easy - goodbyes and "See you out there somewhere again, some day!"
I guess that's what we've learned. We feel at home at sea, wondering into new anchorages and meeting new people. Figuring out how to repair whatever broke on the way, forgetting our lowest lows after a hug and a few hours of sleep.
We've set ourselves another goal.
Two winters, one summer to get Nalu and ourselves ready.
Two winters, one summer to save money while spending a small fortune.
Two winters, one summer to transition to working remotely / online.
Two winters, one summer before we slip the lines and go home, back to the sea, sun and far away anchorages where the boats fly the colors of the world.
We hope we'll see you out there, somewhere, some day!
