Bob’s Homecoming
I don’t think I’m a very good traveller, at least not in the long term. One thing I’ve struggled with during this voyage is being so far away from the people I love. I sometimes found it exhausting to put in so much energy making friends, only to say goodbye after a few short weeks knowing that I will probably never see those people again. Being surrounded by familiar faces is something that I completely took for granted before this voyage, and their absence is something I’ve never quite gotten used to.
As we approached the entrance to St Georges, Bermuda we noticed a couple of motor boats heading straight for us. As they got closer, we were thrilled to see that the occupants were our friends and family. People we had not seen in many months, and some we had not seen in almost four years! They had gotten up at some unsavoury hour on a Saturday to greet us and personally escort us in. Even the poor sleep-deprived soul working at Bermuda Radio (who we spoke to at the ungodly hour of 4am) knew who we were and gave us a fabulously warm welcome. It was truly wonderful to see everyone and I must admit, I may have shed the odd tear or two as we made our approach, which was followed by a whole bucket-load once we finally got to shore and I was able to hug everyone.
There has been a buzz of excitement around us since our return. I’ve been amazed at how interested and complimentary everyone has been about our adventures and I’m thrilled to have been an inspiration in some small way to so many people.
I was fully expecting to experience what is technically known as the forgotten holiday phenomenon. This is where you go off on some amazing holiday, but you return home to find that no one is interested in hearing about your exploits. It’s as though you never went away and you’re left feeling lost as to why no one wants to talk to you about your incredible adventures. After all, hiking over volcanoes and coming face to face with dragons is not something everyone can relate to. Well I’m delighted to say that, despite my trepidation, these expectations have been unfounded. Our voyage has been the main topic of conversation and everyone seems genuinely interested in what we’ve been doing. Either that, or Bermudians are just incredibly polite.
One question that keeps popping up time and again is: what next?
The answer: we’re not totally sure yet.
After spending the past few months contemplating all the possibilities we’ve both decided that Bermuda seems like a very good place to start. But before I attempt to carve a small space for myself on this little island, I’ve got a bit more travelling yet to do. I have many friends and family in various corners of the UK who I’ve not seen for at least three and a half years. So I’m very keen to go back and visit. While Alex stays in Bermuda and looks for work, I will (try to) find some freelance work as I travel the UK catching up with friends. This time tomorrow I’ll be back in my home country for the first time in years and to say I’m excited about it is a massive understatement.
As far as this blog is concerned… I may get the desire to write more in the future as I contemplate our voyage and reminisce over fond memories. If anyone has any specific questions or anything in particular they would like us to write about, just let us know. But one thing’s for sure, just because our circumnavigation is complete, doesn’t mean that our adventures are over!
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14 Comments
Becca
Can’t wait to see you! Sorry about the weather 😬
Alan Clegg
Welcome home!
As the owner of a sister ship to Bob, I’d love to get more information on any technical/boat related issues that you had during your sail. I’m hoping to be able to do what you have done over the next 10 years and am currently hauled out in North Carolina getting a new engine… I’d like to know more about what I should expect to have to deal with aboard during extended off-shore cruising and a Pacific crossing.
All the best (and I’ll read the blog even if you don’t cover what I’m directly looking for)!
Alan Clegg
SV Loafers Glory
HWI 36 Hull Number 30
Sarah
Hi Alan. It’s hreat to hear that you plan to go on a similar journey. Good luck with the preparations and feel free to ask any questions you might have. We would be very happy to do a blog on technical issues. Alex especially – he could talk about boats for hours!
Chris
Congratulations on completing the voyage! We have a couple more weeks in Poole and then we’ll be in Torpoint opposite Plymouth for a haul out until the end of August. Do drop in for a catch up if your travels bring you to this part of the country.
After that we start back (slowly) towards NZ!
Sarah
Thanks Chris. I’ll definitely let you know if I’m near that area.
Grahame Rendell
There is a HUGE adjustment to ‘swallowing the anchor’ after excitement, trials & tribulations or a life at sea. The ‘smaller World’ looks ridiculous from the sea-person’s perspective. All for What? we ask . . . . then we acclimatize, slowly. Yes, Sarah the friends-missed are better than friends never made. They cherish those brief moments too, as do you. Just a few will be friends (through technology) for life.
So, ‘make your mark’ on this so-small-World, find that focus and life’s work. You both will do well and have stories to share.
Local Talent
Now you can sell the boat and get rich!
PS. Sending Love from Vanuatu!
Dean and Gail
Peter Sellar
A journey few of us get to make, one you both will cherish for the remainder of your time with us earthlings. Hope all goes well for your homecoming bash. Only wish we could have made it. Really enjoyed your blogs.
Sarah
Thanks for following Peter. It’s definitely been an experience of a lifetime! Shame you couldn’t make it. It was an excellent bash, but completely understand 🙂
Chris Sutton
Welcome home and massive plaudits for all you’ve achieved over the last 3 and a half years. Warmest wishes for whatever future endeavours you go in to – having sailed round the World, you can achieve anything.
Crystal
Sarah- It was a pleasure meeting you on the plane yesterday, and hearing about all your adventures aboard Bob- truly fascinating and an inspiration for everyone to get out of their comfort zone! Enjoy your time in the UK☺️
Sarah
It was lovely to meet you too Crystal and hear about your interesting job and wonderful sons. Hopefully see you in Bermuda in the future. Enjoy Boston in the meantime 😊
Thomas Dreier
Great to be home again! Best wishes for you from Fiji.
Thomas and Anja
SV Robusta
Sarah
Thanks guys. Wonderful to hear from you. Hope you and Robusta are well.