I would not trade one minute of meeting or talking to any of the wonderful people I’ve met on this voyage. I would not drop out a single anchorage from the list of where I’ve spent the night or miss even one of the little towns where I‘ve felt so welcome. But the apprehension over my time /distance ratio is taking its toll. My dreams of hundred mile days are not happening.
Yes, the goal is to transit the Northwest Passage. Yes, the goal is to do it solo. But I ask myself, what’s the hurry? Answer, there is none. I’m not in a race. I’m not a record breaker looking for a slot in a record book. Yes, I’ve scared myself a time or two, but in hind sight they were the results of hurry and lack of forethought. Plus many fears are the results of fatigue. After all, this is not a walk through a park. This is hard core coastal sailing, alone.
You see, everything is so ready! And that makes it hard to step back and reevaluate the timing. Hard, but not impossible. Having said that, I want to report that I have turned toward Goose Bay to find a suitable location to store the CAP’N LEM until next June at which time I want to continue on north with a greater time and safety margin and a fresher outlook. I’ve bitten off an incredible chunk of life here, and I just need to cut it into bits I can eat.
I will continue to blog and update the web site and communicate with as many of you as I can. I still have some stories to tell of the things I’ve seen on this the Arcticsolosail adventure of a lifetime. I do not want to lose even one of you who have been so faithful to come along. Just remember this is REALITY BLOGGING!
I just started reading your blog. Sorry I missed when you can thru Lake Erie. Will keep it bookmarked and check back for updates. I am hoping for more pictures.
Hello Tommy,
Barry from Toledo Beach here again.
Good call on holding fast for the season. You are so much further ahead not pushing the calendar. You can continue to explore and meet people, this season and next without the pressure from old man winter.
Good call, good reading!
Thanks Tommy
Barry
hey, tommy,
wish you were here tonight to tell me short or tall tales. good for you on your journey and decisions. as i fret over missing a daysailday and long for a freedom ride, just thanks for letting me join your real yet cyper adventure.
d drake
lake erie f-boater
tommy,
it’s good to hear the same common sense coming from you i’ve always heard.
you’ve been on a fine run and i’m certain you’re proud and i know you’re smart.
do what needs to be done.
capt bruce
Don’t worry Tommy…you’ll never lose us, Northwest Passage or no! But I just know you’ll make it through next year
I’m glad you’ve chosen to play it safe, and can’t wait to hear more of your stories.
Holdfast as always,
Kari
Tommy, I was beginning to wonder whether there were really enough big mile days left to make the passsage this year. So glad you chose the conservative course, so we have you around with your excellent stories and point of view commentary for longer. I would have worried terribly had you pushed on “because”. As you say, we should never loose sight of the greater picture.
Next year!
Amy
Tommy, been watching since Barkers Island in Duluth. There is a quote,” when fools rush in”. I agree with your choice. I believe the wind will be blowin next spring also. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Jerry A , Duluth MN
You have to enjoy the ride, or you will regret it. I almost killed someone I love by pushing too hard on a cruise. I remember that with trembles, still. No point to it. Other than a hard lesson learned.
Keep posting your thoughts/experiences when you can. Get that book started. My suggestion -a story bouncing in time ashore, offshore, prep, underway and so forth. I think that will fit your style of writing while building suspense to the point where you complete the north passage.
Need an editor? Proofreader? Gopher? I’m getting myself interested in this book!
Good luck next summer.