Location: Slipway, Antigua
Writing the final blog of the program doesn’t feel quite right as I am not in front of the Ocean’s mac mini typing away with the chaos of the chart house behind me. I wish I could write this sitting on the stool in the chart house, but instead, I’m writing it with my tiny little iPod at random points during the day. One thing you guys should know about me is that I’m not an early riser. I was usually the last one out of their bunk in the saloon. But for the last morning on Ocean Star, I joined the early risers up on deck to watch the sunrise. It turned out to be more of watching the moon dip behind some hills. Everyone was just soaking in their last few hours at home. At 8:00, the ensign was raised one last time. KT, it was an honor to raise Lizzie with you for these past 80 days. We had pastries and bread for breakfast, which was amazing. The last dishy pit began with myself and Ashlyn, and the finishing touches for cleaning were done, and the boat looked like we were never even there. Good thing, too, because Sydney’s parents came to pick her up and got a tour of good ole Ocean Star.
All morning I had been dreading saying goodbye to everyone. But the Casio read 10:40, and it was time to say goodbye. It, of course, sucked, and if I had it my way, we would be going for another 80 days. I love all of you guys, and I like to think I’m taking a piece of each of you with me. As my final goodbye to Ocean Star, I gave her one last look and lick.
The Antigua airport was an adventure. I don’t know if it’s because we haven’t been out in the real world for 80 days or what. Everything was going great at the airport until tragedy struck. My beloved fork didn’t survive. It was able to survive 80 days and many questionable dishy pits, but the airport security was too much. It served me well through every meal, even if it wasn’t quite right for the meal. A warning for all those traveling with a horrible but very sentimental fork, do not put it in your carry-on. It will be confiscated and thrown in the trash with no second thought. Put it in your checked bag. And if you will take a moment of silence for the fork. *moment of silence*
The Miami group said goodbye to the JFK group, and it was down to 7 of us. As we were walking to the gate, one of us was randomly selected for screening, and you guessed it, it was Carli. Don’t worry, though; she made it through and hopped on the flight. Her troubles didn’t end there, though, as someone was in her seat. Again, no need to worry because it all worked out, and she actually ended up sitting right behind me, and we were off to Miami. The Miami airport was so surreal. We made it through customs and had to part ways. We all said our goodbyes, and the trek to my gate began. For the first time in 80 days, I was all by myself, and there was no dinghy ride to meet back up for.
A lot of onions were cut today, probably because there’s always a minimum of 8 onions on every menu, regardless of the meal. Thank you to the Seamester office. All of your hard work does not go unnoticed and is deeply appreciated. Thank you to the Ocean Star staff, Nick, Steph, Heather, and Drew. The program wouldn’t have been the same without you, and we really did win the lottery with you guys. Thank you to the Ocean Star crew. We’ve grown so much and have truly created a family, and we now all have our bungee cords to keep us connected. And finally, thank you to Ocean Star. You taught us so much, and you were so good to us. We love you dearly and will miss you so much.
There are a lot of hard and challenging things about this program, but in my opinion, the hardest part about it all is leaving. Today was my Everest. Vela, if you’re reading this, prepare yourselves. You have no idea what’s coming. But as they say, all good things must come to an end. So remember, “Be where your feet are. It will fly by.”
Photo 1: The final group photo
Photo 2: Breakfast pickup squad
Photo 3: Watch team 3’s only full group photo
Photo 4: Goodbye to the staff
Photo 5: The Jones’ final night
Photo 6: Last hammocks
Photo 7: Sean on route out of the slipway
Photo 8-13: Airport looks
Photo 14: The Miami crew
Photo 15: Off to Miami
Photo 16: Carli in her new seat
Photo 17: Miami goodbyes
Photo 18: KT leaking
Photo 19: Ocean Star bungee
Photo 20: “You can’t skip chapters”