Departure - November 4, 2018

After a year of planning and preparation, we’re off! It also happened to be Tim’s mothers birthday; she passed away five years ago and knew this journey was a goal of ours. I must say it was quite a dramatic morning after dousing myself with diesel fuel from head to toe at the Irving truck stop while filling jerry cans, and then needing to make yet another last minute visit to our neighbor and friend, Jackie’s, to clean up  with a shower and complete washing of all clothes. Jackie has been hosting us in her guest room for the past month since renters moved into our house on October 1 and Skylark was still in chaos; replacing a leaking diesel tank, installation of Seafrost refrigeration, and so much more on the list of things to do.



Skylark at our dock in the Kittery Back Channel

Skylark hadn't left the dock for a couple months so we decided to move across the river to the Prescott Park docks in Portsmouth for a few days to begin to get comfortable on board and make sure systems still worked. Finally the departure time was upon us, complicated by the swift Piscataqua River currents which pinned the boat to the dock. Most important was timing departure to be convenient for Tim's dad Norm and his partner Mila. Tim maneuvered Skylark out of the slip by reversing the boat onto the finger pier tip, pivoting around the tip backing into the adjoining slip. We were then able to motor out forward into the Piscataqua and on our way the stop of our journey Gloucester, on Cape Anne.

We would like to give a big shout out to all of those who have helped us prepare for this great adventure. A BIG thank you to Michael and Peter, Jackson, Jackie, Suki, Claudia, Magi, Silvia, Anna, Jane, Herman, Leon, Judy, Karolina & Doug. You housed, fed and moved us, took trips to the dump, encouraged and supported us and most importantly loved us throughout this first chapter. For all of you and all you have done we will be eternally grateful.

The twin lighthouses on Thatcher Island off Rockport, MA