Above is a photo of how a sailing regatta looks from last place. In all fairness this was taken from a vessel with a heavy displacement that was not built for racing. In fact she was entered in the regatta only to shake her down before entering the next leg of a cruise down south. That and to give the guys a chance to swap stories while winching and hoisting and otherwise bonding.

As the sun came up this morn we sipped our coffee and watched as "Serenity" loosed the bonds that held her fast to the slip immediately behind us.

Like magic, activity on the docks ceases as she creeps past those of us left behind calling our farewells and standing in a puddle of our own thoughts.

As the wanderers pass by Pacific Jade, Debi, at the helm calls back to us "We'll look for you south" and with a wave of her hand another new friend is carried out of sight. Then, like a spell has been broken we take up the tasks that bring us ever closer to our own departure.

Maybe we'll see them again and maybe not. Such is the nature of the lifestyle, never knowing when or if you'll again encounter those who go before you or those you leave behind.

Good byes are a daily event as are hellos. No sooner was "Serenity" out of sight than the owners of "Spirit of Sidney" came rolling their possessions down the dock and the greetings and welcome homes rang out as they passed by old friends on their way to taking up residence once again at the end of the dock.