We were waiting out the cyclone season in New Zealand when my wife flew home to visit family and friends, especially our (then) 3 year old granddaughter. She was not real happy with some of the things she found.

"Dan, we could do some real good back here."

So instead of flying back to the boat and our continuing on to Fiji, she sent our oldest boy down to help me bring the boat back to California. Our family situation is too complicated to go into in a public forum like this, but once everything is stabilized, we plan on a third multi-year cruise. Who knows, maybe this time we'll make it all the way around.

By the way, the delivery back was really the first time I had interacted with our elder son for an extended period as an adult. It was not an easy delivery and I want it put on record that I am incredibly pleased with the man he has developed into. I dunno if he would have the time, but if anyone needs a delivery crew member, I can heartily recommend him.