New Caledonia is a French territory only 1000 miles from Australia. Funny it goes from tropical in Fiji to pine trees in New Caledonia.
New Caledonia was beautiful and the French influence made the restaurants wonderful .
Mike and I have spent almost 200 consecutive days together. They only arguments we’ve had is when he’s trying to help too much. Pretty special friend and I wouldn’t of made it without him
We stayed in New Caledonia and waited for the weather window to sail the last 1000 miles to Australia…… and waited, and waited and waited. We’ve sailed almost 12000 miles since Antigua by finding the right weather windows and using professional weather routers and with Harrys wisdom have had wonderful passages. Unfortunately the systems from the Southern Ocean were endless and relentless.
Cullens departure
With Vanessa and Cecelia on the way to Australia time had run out so Mike,Cullen and I flew to Melbourne and left Harry, Issy, and his mate Louis who was in Indonesia to wait for a weather window. I felt bad and good. Bad that I wasn’t going to make the last passage but good that we stuck with our plan to wait until the weather gives us a better passage. When we landed in Australia I was really happy. 50 knot winds and huge cold seas.
Cullen moving off the boat so we can spend 2 weeks with Vanessa and Cecelia and then Vanessa will take Cullen back to states to get packed up for college at Butler in Indy.
I will never take for granted how special a gift it was to spend 7 months with my son 24/7. The watches we had at 2.00AM in the middle of the Pacific while talking about everything.
I was the most impressed when he told me he was afraid of the ocean. This was 1/2 way into a 17 day passage after I took him scuba diving to 100 feet in the Galapagos. Please don’t tell Vanessa. I learned so much about my son that I never knew and for me it was the true Irish Blessing. It’s going to be real hard to see him leave.
On to Australia
We went to the hotel, checked in and went straight to an Irish Pub. Funny it was named Irish Times, same as the pub in Brookfield at home.
It is so great to be somewhere that feels more like home. After church we went wine tasting.
Maria was a riot, she was sweet, fiery, smart and adorable. She was marrying an Irish jockey next weekend. She reminded me of Selma Hayek. She wins the random act of kindness award. She’s getting married this weekend so we bought her a bottle of bubbly. The whole world wishes you well my friend.
The Great Ocean Road
The Ocean road on south of Australia is gorgeous… and cold. We’ve all bought wool sweaters and hats.
We are about as far south as you can go. If we go south we hit Antarctica! We’re south of Melbourne and it’s really cold. about 39F. Looking forward to heading north to the Great barrier reef where it’ll be 70F. We did have a wonderful drive south along the coast please enjoy the photos.
Boys are back in town
These picttures like ALL your photis are amazing and you look so happy!! Enjoy!!!
PS – I am so jealous of your adventure!!!
Amazing! Love reading this but can’t wait to hear more. I can relate to those night shifts;)
We will miss you on ACK this year. We arrive Saturday. Will raise a glass and recite an Irish Blessing for the Irish Blessing.
You all are amazing, can’t wait to see you in person and hear more details of your trip. I didn’t realize Mike was with you all that time. Enjoy the rest of the trip and be safe. Love, Tom and Collin
Glad you’re safe and sound in Australia Johnnie. Enjoy your time with Vanessa and Cullen. I can feel the emotions in your email. Can’t wait to see you in person my boy. Football season 6 weeks away
I made the acquaintance of Martin, the innkeeper at the Irish Times in Brookfield a few years back. You all look great. I hope you can continue on well without your best mate. Good wishes to Cullen at school. I look to the south and raise my glass to you, Tigger. Good sailing.
It’s been a great journey John. Glad to see you safe and with the family. We’ll miss you in South Dakota. Send me your football bets and I’ll put them in with the book. Best.