After 15 years of adventure we can say with certainty that Curare is heading for home. In September we made the decision that neither the boat nor her crew were interested in making the sea voyage back across the Atlantic. Due to our three month time limit within the Schengen area, and our own laziness, we had not been keeping up with proper maintenance because we had found it difficult to find competent and available mechanics, riggers, electricians, etc. The marinas and boat yards in Europe did not seem to have the repair facilities that we have seen elsewhere in our travels. While away from Curare we had left instructions for varnishing, sail repair and canvas work but when we returned the work was only partially completed, was poorly done, or wasn't done at all. Curare was desperate for some quality time with her crew, and Europe was not the place for that.
But also, after having sailed to remarkable places, enjoyed spectacular scenery and shared experiences with other cruisers in remote locations, we have come to the realization that we are not young cruisers any longer and it is time to start working on the rest of our bucket list. There are hikes we want to tackle, safaris to go on, gardens to grow and, more than anything, some of the most beautiful waters to sail at home in British Columbia.
This post is long overdue, it was written by GG at the end of October, but LE just couldn't post it, it was the end of her dream and posting made it real. However it has all happened and Curare is back in North America, although not yet on the west coast. We will write more about her journey later, complete with pictures, but that's all for now.