Nic Goes . . . and I Go Solo

[Janice]

Sorry to hear the news Mark and Nic, I hope you both find peace.

Put us on that list for a drink in the Caribbean, I'll make you a mean rum drink!

[Hud3]

Stunning news, Mark. So sorry to read it! After all the posts and photos of you two as a cruising couple, it's going to be really hard for us to adjust to just one of you. But we will, and you will.

What an outstanding time you both had on your voyage! So many wonderful memories...

I'll make sure the beers are extra cold when you get to Nevis!

[Lodesman]

Dunno what to say, Mark. You're among friends, so keep yer chin up, there's fair winds coming. Virtual hug now; get y'self across the Atlantic and we'll see about getting you an actual pint.

Kevin

[ka4wja]

Mark,
Sorry to read of your life changes......in our American venacular, it sucks!!!

But, I do have something that might make you look forward to the future....or maybe not...

Originally Posted by MarkJ

I am looking for crew for the trans Atlantic, but I feel I want to get this first leg sorted out myself. The run around Gibraltar will teach me how to solo sail or I will be a quivering wreck!

After I read this part, I thought I'd share the first two paragraphs of an article (or manybe book) that I've put off writing now for a couple of years (makes me think of my late father too much...)
Perhaps, you will also be smiling, thru the Straits of Gibraltar and across the Atlantic, just as I was.....
Have a read.....

Originally Posted by ka4wja

"Hanging onto the wheel with both hands, as the Lavante wind driven spray drenches my glasses, I'm smiling ear to ear.
Yes, I'm tired, and we're close hauled, beating hard into steep 6' - 8'
seas, with 25 knots of wind across the deck, but I'm smiling. I
haven't slept more than 4 to 6 hours out of every 24 in weeks, and we've
been hand steering for the final 300 miles, and I'm still smiling. There
are more than a dozen freighters, container ships, and tankers, whizzing by at full cruising speed, in both directions, just a few hundred yards off my starboard side, but this doesn't phase me at all. After more than 4000 miles of sailing, the Rock of Gibraltar is just a few miles ahead and Jebel Meza, the pillar marking the entrance to the continent of Africa, is visible thru my salt stained lenses. And while I excuse most, including my crew of 2 (my sister Laurie and our friend Jordan, who are busy staring in awe through their camera lenses), from misunderstanding my smile, there are 2 people on the planet that do understand my smile, even though they are 4000 miles away, and won't see me for some time, those 2 understanding souls are my Mom and Dad.

Yes, it was 30 years ago, well before the days of GPS, etc. that they
sailed across the Atlantic themselves, however my story doesn't start there. It starts way back in the mid 1960's. One of my earliest memories of the "cruising lifestyle", was from the summer of 1966, in the Bahamas and Dominican Republic. It was during the 60's and 70's, that I learned the wonders of the ocean, and appreciation of mother nature, as well as my lifelong passion of respect and admiration of the all the world's cultures
and people. It was for them, that I was smiling. And, while I still had
much to do prior to my landfall, in the coming hour, I couldn't help but
spend a minute or two remembering the past few weeks, as well as the past 40+ years....

Fair winds...

John
s/v Annie Laurie

[zopi]

Mark, I don't know you from Adam, but if you don't mind some advice, Being alone after a split, is not really all that healthy in most cases, not saying you should be looking for a love intrest or something, but maybe someone to share the lonely miles...going solo when you are fresh and prepared is one thing, but doing it off the cuff and in rough shape is another...

Just my humble .02$

Hope you are ok, mate.

[David_Old_Jersey]

Is it too early to ask for her telephone number?

[jmo64]

David Old Jersey:

I'll PM it to you

[James S]

Well....like dad always says...."It'll feel better when it quites hurt-n"

But then he also use to say "hurry up....before I give ya a nickle"

Not sure how this is relevant! Cheers mate

[TexSail]

Sometimes it just works out that way. I wish you both the best.

I always look forward to reading your posts - witty and informative. If you should ever find yourself in Austin, our guest house is your home.

[skipmac]

Well what can I say. Glad you are doing well. Sounds like the split was reasonably amicable; really hope that was the case. Makes the situation a bit more tolerable.

Will add to the invite. If you detour up the Florida coast beer, dry bed and a hot shower are here.

Skip

[Tripod]

Mark,

So sorry to hear about Nic heading home. I can only imagine how you feel. I haven't even introduced myself to the forum yet, but I had to send my condolences. I've been following your adventures for a couple of years now and I know this wasn't part of the plan. Take care of yourself, keep posting, and be safe. If you ever visit the left side of Florida, there's a cold one for ya here too. Best wishes to both of you.

Bob

[CastOff]

Best thing you could do is change your avatar picture so you don't keep reminding yourself of what you had. Women and boats have always come and gone from my life, yet I always found another in due time (mostly another boat because they keep your mind so occupied!). Both cost money to keep and together a fortune to keep operational,LOL! Nicole might just have a change of heart once she's ashore for a few months. Keep her bunk made up 'cause you never know when people's plans change!

[lost]

Well for a couple I've never met, making me cry on my keyboard is quite an achievement.

Reading your posts and website have been a joy to me. (you two led me here)

Sad news indeed, I wish you both all the best.

May your paths lead to wisdom and in wisdom find ye peace.

All the best and fair winds
Lost


Why is there no crying icon?

[Blue Stocking]

Mark,
You know what I think. I think from your opening remarks that you would want all of these sentiments expressed to Nic as well.
I think you are that good a man.
You have obviously enjoyed the love and companionship of a remarkable woman.
MANY of us spend a whole lifetime searching, in vain, for that treasure.
If you swing by Bermuda, I'm sitting here in my dining room looking at your mooring. Savvy?

[shadow]

Hey Mark, that is crazy news!!! If anything, I am more impressed that you shared it with everyone on this forum. Which really shows how much of a family and close knit friends most of the people here are. Thank you for having enough faith, confidence and being candid with us!! I think most of the people here are right behind you in whatever you need, just ask.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you...