We were very sad to say goodbye to our amazing friends and crew, Becca and John Guillote. We had so much fun with them–and they helped us in so many ways–but it was time for them to continue their own adventures on SV Halcyon, currently moored in Panama. There aren’t many people who could stand being cooped up on a boat with our family of four, twenty-four-seven, for four months, across 7,700 miles, in extreme conditions.
So we wrote them a poem to say thanks.
Plus, ahem, we owed Becca a poem anyway. We had a wager going in our favorite card game, Hand & Foot, that the loser would write the winner an ode. (Last time, the loser–Graeme–had to choreograph and sing Don’t Stop Believin’; we were still trying to get through the NW Passage back then.) This time, though no one had reached 50,000 points yet, Becca was on her way to schooling us. Again.
So without further ado …
Ode to Our Crew
This is a poem for Becca
To whom an ode is owed.
Though the hands, we admit, are not over
With feet, she must hit the road.
Becca taught much about sailing,
Playing music, scoring gin, the Head.
Slicing mangoes, bedding faucets, every kind of boat project.
Simple sugar with ginger. Baked bread.
This is also a poem for John,
Who beat us at Bananas and gin.
He McGuyvered the best of our fun–
As in directed, filmed, and starred in.
From immersion suits donned in kitchens
To droning Arctic Parties on deck.
Rigging hammocks, hitting wiffles, riding bergs, running riffles.
Plus the man is a swing-engineering tech.
We’ve made so many sweet memories.
It’s fun to remember them all.
“Hot tea, please!”–but beware; don’t Get Regular.
“Watch for bears!”–while playing football.
We collected pond water for bathing;
Only showered five days in seven weeks.
You’d think our scents would bring scathing;
But none point when everyone reeks.
Oh, Becca and John, we will miss you
For we’ve had the time of our lives.
If we head north again we will recruit you
To navigate the Passage through ice.
But Halcyon she is a-needin’
A new motor in hot Panama
That will send you across the Pacific.
Till then we say thanks. And Aloha!
Thanks for everything, John and Becca!
Love,
Janna, Graeme, Talia, and Savai,
a.k.a. The Dogbarkers
We look forward to every post from you guys. It’s fun watching wherever you decide to go next. The girls seem to be adapting so well and will have lifetime memories to share.
You’re going to miss your friends for a long time, maybe longer.
Keep having fun as we envy your adventures. Don & Mary
This post makes my heart sing! Everyone on Dogbark is a winner, and having Becca and John on board is a tribute to the inspiration of a family who knows and shows what it means to live life well. Thanks for allowing us to enter your world. With gratitude! Laura Lee (aka Becca’s mom!)
What a wonderful tribute!
Awwwwww we miss you guys! I wish we could be in two places at once so we could come sailing with you again right now! I LOVE our “ode,” and I’m already excited to start our pacific crossing so we can open our halfway surprise. Thank you for all the fun and hard work and games and fish and laughs and cries and memories.
Nothing better than good friends…we’re so enjoying your adventure…and know you are missing your buddies already but more fun is on the horizon…travel safe.
What a wonderful, wonderful ode to Becca and John! We barely know you, Janna and Graeme, and have never met Becca and John, but that being said we feel like we have a sort of bond just following your adventures this summer! Your parents ,Janna, are some of our dearest friends. Tom and Marie have been in our lives since 1991/1992 when Marie and Clark met volunteering for the “Dispute Resolution Center” They enjoyed each other so much that they decided that their spouses, Tom and Jean, should meet! We have enjoyed many adventures together ever since! So it is only fitting that we continue living vicariously through you great kids and grand kids! What a marvelous summer you have all had….keep up with that adventurous spirit and be safe! Much affection, Jean and Clark
Thanks, Jean and Clark! It’s really neat to have my folks’ dear friends witnessing our adventures with our dear friends. Love the connections!
Love this! So glad they were with you but so happy to have them back – they land in VA today! Can’t wait to keep following along.
Katie
Your photos captured the moments. We enjoyed vicariously your adventures and your wonderful friends. You are all so lucky to have each other. As Jon Esarey would say “Life is an adventure, you might as well make the most of it.” You certainly are doing your best.