A letter from Shannon.

Hello, Hello, Hello, I hope this finds you all well. Life has been full of its ups and downs, the Duyfken voyage continues to evolve, as do we. I have found the most recent leg of the journey exceedingly challenging as I confront an inward journey of my own. The sea is a strange place, fully alive with a magic and seduction all its own. At times it will thrill and enrapture one with its playful moods, but it can also bring one to the end of oneself. It can become a barren and lonely wilderness, with predictable patterns and motions that leave one with nothing but time. As the horizon stretches on and on so does my reflection as I become aware of and face different aspects of myself not seen before. There is no escape or denying the essence of oneself and I have been facing, accepting, and changing many things. At times I think this aspect of sailing will drive me mad, but my deepest belief is that this is what will make me. When the voyage is long gone, a thing of the past, I will be left with the memories and the person I have become, the result of moulding and changing as I journeyed. I often think of the way waves erode rocks at the seashore, carving and forcing change. This is what I am experiencing. There is a raw reality in life at sea and as the pretences erode away, I am evolving with each tide. I write and share all of this with you because this is my deepest treasure, the best that I have gleaned from this journey so far. This is what makes me hang on thru hell and high water and this is what makes it worth it. I have determined that the purpose in life is in becomingÖbecoming the deepest, richest, passionate person of character one possibly can. That is why this is my treasure, that is why I sail, that is why as hard as it may be I am happy and content. And although the reflection I see in the mirror is more ragged, feral, and filthy than ever, her eyes are bright and I like her more and more each day. Now for the icing on top. Amidst the inward transitions, life has been full of magical and memorable surprises. Brett and I have thoroughly enjoyed our latest adventures in port. We both took time off together in Sri Lanka for a bit of R&R, and had a time of it indeed. We toured the hills and tea plantations, visited the local colourful markets, shopping till we dropped of course. We also went to a turtle hatchery and held the little babies, some just days old. My squeals of delight were a point of amusement for the locals as I adopted and named each one. I know it is gushy but they were soooo cute. I asked the captain if I could keep one but he said noÖBlast. We also toured the Old Dutch fort in keeping with the nature of our voyage. Later we were captivated by a group of lace makers working along the road in the traditional manner, weaving each piece by hand with a series of threaded knobs and board cards. Amazing. But the best part was just being together away from the ship, remembering what it is like to laze over coffee or wine with a bit of wittering and a couple of good laughs. I still think that it is what we are best at. We spent many magical moments dining on the beachside and received some of the most incredible seafood plates known to man. One local offered freshly caught butternut fish and king prawns, and then proceeded to serve them in a garlic ginger marinade complete with a feast fit for a king. And royalty we have been as we are accepted, received, and spoiled by the locals, sharing our lives and becoming a part of theirs. So special. Life at sea has been equally treasured as we rush to see the latest pod of dolphins and share each sunrise and set. The moon has been stunning rising late in an orange glow. Such beautiful pictures we each carry in our heart. One special delight was the visit of a Minke whale. As he played about the ship we clapped like little children running from one side to the other to see what he would do next. On one pass he turned on his side one flipper in the air to show us his handsome sheen tummy. My was he a proud fellow, and how we loved him for showing off. The phosphorescence continues to be a source of joy, crashing and flanking the sides of the ship with its sparkles and luminescence. And yes-fair winds have met us as we sail our little dove dancing over the waves quite happy in herself and pleasing us as well. I find life to be the utmost in extremes both high and low and would not trade a moment of this incredible journey. I am rich and blessed.

Best Wishes, Shannon McGuire.