^^our beautiful American flag always and proudly raised aboard s/v LAHO.^^ ©lahowind.com
Last year, we were total newbie boat owners when my sister and brother-in-law came to town for a fun-filled fourth of July weekend. We even managed to take our (new-to-us) sailboat out for a little day sail rendezvous off the coast of Naples, where we may or may not have >>rounded up<< after a small yet very gusty squall popped up out of nowhere. It was the first (and still only) time this has ever happened.
The feeling of rounding up…where the wind overpowers the ability of the rudder to maintain a straight course and the boat heels over rather dramatically…is not one I care to relive. Ever. I’m fairly certain we scared the living daylights out of my sister and her hubby and they’ll probably never sail again. Lol.
This year will be a little different from last year’s celebration. It’s the 4th of July here in the DR, but not ‘the’ 4th of July, if you know what I mean. Regardless, we’ll be celebrating in spirit from lovely Luperón with a cold Presidente in hand. After having sailed more than 1,000 miles over the past three months, let’s hope we’ve gained enough experience to not duplicate last year’s little rounding up debacle. ;))
Whether at home in Naples, Florida or off in some exotic Caribbean locale…I am overwhelmed at the thought of how fortunate we are to be free and able to enjoy the amazing experiences of this sailing journey.
Let the sea set you free! Happy 4th of July ya’ll!
PS – I packed a decent supply of sparklers on the boat (you know, just cuz), and today we may just have to break out some of those bad boys. ;))
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Happy 4th!
Happy 4th guys!!