As I sit in the departures lounge of Seattle Airport I think of my friends doing the final bits of boat prep before their own departure tomorrow. Back to sea, back to a place I shall never forget. No regrets in this life I promised myself and certainly that rings true here. Even the moments of fear, sadness and hardship that took me to the brink, I wouldn't change a thing. Because their lows gave me the greatest highs, collecting our podium position, laughing with friends I shall be close to for a very long time, dancing on tables, jumping in pools, racing down waves, I could go on....
I shall never forget my team, friends and Sarah. They will always be in my heart. So saying goodbye today was easy in a way . This is not the end. I indeed have Derry and London to look forward to too. Plans for Clipper meet ups and more sailing opportunities are also already in the offing. I am one lucky lady.
An all American breakfast set me up for the day, a bit of rope whipping and a clam chowder fix for my addiction left time for goodbye (farewell) hugs and then it was time to get the taxi to the airport.
So here I am, one G&T down, looking forward to reunions to come at home.
Thank you all at Clipper and all at home I couldn't have done this without you.
This has been by far the best thing I have done yet and has truely been the race of my life.
Put the kettle on. Sailor on shore. I'm coming home.
Xxxxxx