CRUISING - Harry & Mary's Year 2001 Adventure

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Voyages of Sugar Blues

H&M's 2001 Adventure Index

  We're Off!

  Jan. 21 - Letter from Oz

  Australia to New Zealand 
  on Pat's Cat

  Pat's Cat in Fiji

  Fiji to Vanuatu

  Port Vila to Oz

  Snapshots

Snapshots

From Harry and Mary Abbott in Seattle - received via email Oct 8, 2001

The low morning sun was streaming through the eucalyptus trees as we began the 500 mile road trip from Brisbane to Sydney. Road kill were kangaroos. The beauty of Australia never ceases to amaze me.

Fifteen miles north of Sydney sitting a bit off shore is Scotland Island. Sailing friends from 25 years ago live high on this island, nestled in the jungle of cockatoos, magpies, and the always good-humored laughing kookaburra.

Fourteen hours of airtime accomplished the same thing that ten weeks of sailing would, that is to bring us in to the Golden Gate. Upgraded to business class, we suffered the slings and arrows of overenthusiastic flight attendants. Less than half full, the 747 provided a pleasant distraction as we ate and slept our way across the Pacific.

I looked down and watched the shadow of the plane cross Huon Atoll where we had spent time with the turtles only a month before. A half hour later we repeated the experience at Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu. Even more beautiful from the air, the clouds billowed high above the islands.

 Reality! Camouflage National Guardsmen watched as the passengers stood in the security line at the San Francisco Airport. Confusion reigned as the ever lengthening line snaked its way through the terminal. It seemed that the holiday had brought every one out of their shell shock. As standby passengers, we were bumped three planes before getting the last two seats on a last flight out to Seattle.

Seattle came into view just before touchdown, the wet streets, the layer of gray fog, the city lights. Never the less, it was great to be back. Time to paste an American flag decal on my wife's forehead and join the masses again, I guess. Mary and I probably remain the only two Americans who have not seen any video or newspapers from Sept 11th. I think I'll keep it that way.

Lots of Aloha to all of you. Your friends Harry and Mary

For replies, Mary and Harry's address is:
telapa@whidbey.net