Salt water!
The last 48 hours have been a whirlwind of milestones and activity. The big milestone is that after 45 days of motoring down the rivers, we made it to the Gulf of Mexico!
It’s hard to describe the feeling when seeing all that open water. It was beautiful and overwhelming all at the same time. I definitely shed a tear or two at making it to this exciting and scary and wonderful and challenging next leg of our journey. So many emotions all wrapped into that first salty look.
After reaching the Gulf, we made our way to Turner Marine where we spent the night and early the next day had our mast craned off the deck and lifted into its proper position. It took about 4 hours to get the mast up and all the rigging secured. The aftermath on Dagny was quite the mess! We needed to pull parts and lines(ropes) from various lockers where we had squirreled them away while motoring down the rivers.
In the last 48 hours we
- Arrived at the marina and learned to dock the boat with the current pushing her sideways and the tide coming in
- Removed the sails, kayak, Gerry cans of fuel and water, and other stuff we were able to keep on deck while motoring
- Pulled all lines, hardware, and gear out to prep for sailing
- Had the mast removed from the boat and replaced in its proper place
- Secured all the standing rigging
- Made a mess in the boat
- Did laundry (not a simple task)
- Sailed 20 miles to our next stop
- Sailed past a GIANT container ship
- Arrived at our destination in the dark (another first for us)
- Looked at each other several times and said, “We are doin’ it!!”
I’ll end with a sentiment sent to us by my sister-in-law, KT: 🙏Blessings on you as you shift to open horizons and salty seas.
Open horizons and salty seas here we come! ❤️⛵️
First sight of salt water
Removing the mast from Dagny
Slowly placing the mast where it belongs
Working from the messy inside to guide the mast all the way in
We are a sailboat again!
Stuff coming to a store near you soon!
We rigged the storm jib to help us along
Beautiful sunset!
Gulf Shores, Alabama
We are so excited that you've made it to the Gulf of Mexico! We can't wait to see your next stops! Life really is an adventure! Thanks for sharing! xo Fletch
Congratulations! You made it to the Gulf!
Yes, I just got tears in my eyes, too!! I love that you made it to the salty gulf! ❤️
Freedom! It took 2 months but now you are where you were meant / destined to be. We love you and are so excited to follow the rest of your amazing journey.
Mrs. Eggert! I love when my mom lets me read your adventures! I still wear my sailors bracelet everyday ( except during basketball games). Keep more stories coming please. Love, Kellan Kehoe
How exciting Mrs. Eggert!! We all love reading your adventures, Eva particularly likes all the animals. You have to let us know if you make it to NZ or Melbourne Australia! Looking forward to next update.
Yes!!!! That's gotta feel good!
I can imagine the feelings you two have reaching the golf. What a trip. Keep keeping in touch
Congratulations! Now another adventure begins! I know you to be prudent, so I won't ask you to be. My question is: Why is Peter's hair longer than Amy's?
So great to see your adventures & know you are living your dream! All is well in the neighborhood & your Christmas lights looked nice. Happy travels & thanks for sharing!
Colin says it's good to see you "going with the flow!" It has been so much fun reading along on your adventure! We fell behind around Christmas 🎄 and are catching up again!! Thank you for sharing!