Back on level ground

After 31 days, three crew changes, 1700 miles, two countries, breaking new sailing records (12.2 kts), seeing old friends and making new ones, sailing through hailstorms and gales, baking in the sun and freezing in the rain, soaking in warm natural hotsprings, breathing fresh air and feeling the ocean spray on our face, crossing the daunting gulf, laughing, yelling, singing, crying, and joking with one another - we have finally made it home. 

I'm not gonna lie, it feels really good to be on level ground. I never knew a warm, dry bed could feel so amazing. Since getting into Valdez a few days ago, I haven't done much of anything. And I'm okay with that. I'm glad I took pictures like I've never seen a mountain before because right now, the trip seems like a blur. Being in constant motion and continuously moving forward has allowed me to see so much beauty, but has also worn me and the rest of the crew, out. My mind and body are craving quietness, vegetables, sleep, and not moving too much. I think I can manage this for a while. 

I loved this trip. I love what we saw, what we went through, what was overcome, and ultimately, what was accomplished. First of all, this trip was not easy. But most things that challenge you, force you to grow up a little, and honestly, scare the crap out of you, are the experiences that shape you and pave the way of who you will be. I'm proud of what we have done and thankful for having been given this amazing opportunity. Grandma and Grandpa, this means you. I can't thank you enough for passing the sailing torch on to us. 

I grew to know the West Witch more and more everyday and thank her for safely taking us home. I was also lucky enough to have my favorite guys make this trip with me, too. I love each and everyone of them so much and thank them for all their hard work. This trip would not be possible without their help. And to all of you following us on the spot locator and through this blog, thanks for all the words of encouragement and support throughout this trip!

Here's some more pictures from the the gulf crossing and getting into Prince William Sound. 

Our friends came back to see us off to Juneau.

 North end of Admiralty Island

 Look! The only other sailor crazy enough to be sailing this time of year. This is one of two sailboats we passed the entire trip. 

 The transient dock in Hoonah

 Hoonah harbor 

 Hoonah

The gulf crossing

Latuya Bay on the gulf of Alaska. In 1958, the largest tsunami ever recorded started in Latuya Bay. The 8.3 magnitude earthquake caused a massive landslide of 30 million cubic meters of rock and ice. The megatsunami resulted in a wave of 1720 feet tall. 

Latuya Bay 

 Yakutat harbor 

Yakutat

Getting fuel in Yakutat

Kayak Island

Anchored off of Hitchinbrook Island

Heading into Valdez 

 The Padres

 The West Witch crew in Valdez!

 Adam, Annie, and Ryland got into Valdez on the same day. 

These two pictures are from our first day on April 12 and our last day on May 12. Can you tell which is Anacortes and Hitchinbrook Island? Or did we just go in a circle? 

So, next on the list: Enjoy a little bit of spring before Bristol Bay fishing and come back home to marry my best friend. Sounds good to me.