It All Comes Together!!

Day 298  |  Norman's Cay to Black Point Settlement  |  6.2 Hours  |  41 Miles

The wind was blowing briskly as we pulled up the anchor on this most anticipated day. With gusts up to 30 knots, our Looper burgee was flying stiff ... right up to the point when the top connector broke. Deciding it was easier to reattach the top than cut off the bottom, I went out and took care of it with a cable tie. Funny how photos never really accurately capture the sea state. While out there we took a few good splashes over the bow and I returned to the pilothouse successful, but wet and covered in salt. Time for a change of clothes. The wind and waves were on our bow all day, but Crossroads treated us to a pretty smooth ride. As we approached Staniel Cay and saw the line of mega-yachts, I began to realize that we were getting close.

Pretty soon structures on land became well-defined. Getting closer. We passed by the backside of the Black Point anchorage on the way to the entrance. I pulled out the long lens and identified Ti Amo in the distance. Almost there. Turning northeast into the channel, I was getting excited. It is the energy-packed kind of anticipation experienced in the starting corral of a race. Excitement that makes you fidget and can't stand still. Finish line in sight. I prepared the anchor and we pulled right into the spot Ti Amo had "saved" for us off their starboard side. It had all come together and we had actually pulled this reunion off. An amazing accomplishment of time and distance. When we were cleaning up, we noticed the the salt spray accumulation on our upper deck hatch -- the highest and furthest aft point on Crossroads. For us, this was confirmation as to how much water was flying over us today. But we didn't really notice while underway, because we were focused and on a mission.

And like any race, the most important thing to do to capture the moment of reaching your goal is take the finish line selfie. These are the moments you will always remember.

We visited with Glenda, Greg, and Jaxon for a few wonderful hours. It has been a long time since our last time together on Christmas Eve. There is so much to catch up on and tons of stories to share of family and adventures. There will be time for that in the next couple of days. Somehow, though, it is most comforting to know that we just pick up where we left off and that there are many more great memories to come. We'll start making those tomorrow.