It seems a little surreal that is was just three (3) years ago today that we arrived “home” after Magnolias first trip north from Florida. The preparations and the trip are well documented starting here. Not only did our friends Greg & Marie get Magnolia, Annette and I safely home but they set the “tone” on Magnolia that we observe today.

The rhythm on Magnolia is slow and steady with an emphasis on safety. As I was heard many times, “It’s a sailboat, things don’t happen that fast, patience.” I am not sure if the following is a hard and fast rule aboard S/V Second Sally (Greg & Marie) but “we only go in and out of ports that ships do too.” We have learned so much from them but unspoken lessons are some of the most memorable. A couple years ago Magnolia was in company of Second Sally departing the Choptank River. As we have been through this area many times we had grown accustomed to “cutting a corner” by ignoring one of the markers. We knew there was “plenty of water.” A couple of minutes later I looked back and saw Second Sally further back than I anticipated. She had not cut the marker, I felt a little guilty and somewhat irresponsible at the time but I got the lesson! Funny thing, to this day Greg has no idea he even taught a  lesson that day!

Fast forward to yesterday…last fall we met a couple of similar age as Annette and I with similar plans. I received a surprise message from Frank on FB yesterday afternoon that S/V Eleanor Q was anchored here in the West River. What a treat to share some time with Frank & Mary-Marie sharing thoughts and lessons of the last couple weeks…yup they are ahead simple by a couple weeks! (and yet I am jealous!!)

As Annette take off for sometime in the Chesapeake to celebrate her retirement (tomorrow) we take with us gifts of old and new friends! We are very lucky to have this opportunity!  What an exciting time here on Magnolia!