Publish Date: Sunday, June 21, 2009
Location: Harsens Island, MI
Coordinates: 42° 36.728,’ N -82 ° 33.384′ W
Nancy greeting us on the St. Clair River.
Our first two weeks on Harsens Island seemed to be one celebration after another. The first celebration was the arrival of Three@Sea on Harsens Island. David’s mom Nancy, her husband John, and good friend Dick Knight have been big supporters of this dream for years. During the last eight years as we talked about this idea, they were always there to listen and encourage us. A couple of years ago they said, “Stop talking about it and get out there and do it, while we’re still young enough to enjoy it with you. ” 🙂 To finally be arriving on the Island via our new home was especially exciting.
Nancy and John hosted several open house parties for friends to come by and see Three@Sea and
One of the "Open Boat" parties.
hear about our adventure. These events were filled with old friends, new friends, lots of laughter and stories. We had over 100 people come and take a tour of Three@Sea while we were on the Island. Our hearts were genuinely touched by the outpouring of support for this adventure.
Nancy, John, Aunt Mary, Uncle Mike, Me, Ayla, Bobby O
The next big celebration was my 50th birthday, which included surprise visits from our dear friend Bobby O from Boulder, and my Aunt Mary and Uncle Mike from Houston, Texas. While Bobby has cruised with us several times (including her maiden voyage), it was the first time my Aunt and Uncle had seen Three@Sea. We all went out for a
Aunt Mary at the helm.
birthday cruise, along with several other friends, so they could get a feel for what life was like underway. I’m very close to my Aunt and Uncle and it meant a lot to me that they had the chance to see Three@Sea in person.
Ayla and I taking the kayak out for a spin.
The surprise visits from all these people was more than enough, but to top it all off, Dave coordinated a group gift from family and friends of a “Peek-a-boo” Ocean Kayak. Too Cool! Really! It’s my own personal glass bottom boat, with a jump seat in the front for Ayla to ride along. I am so excited about this new addition to our cruising life—to glide through the water quietly, that much closer to nature, is a gift filled with incredible experiences just waiting to happen.
One of Ayla’s dearest friends McKenna came to visit while we
McKenna and Ayla is their favorite play thing...Grandpa's hammock.
were on the Island. It was the perfect place for a summer visit since we had access to a car and and an airport for picking her up. Although the weather was less than cooperative they still had a great time playing in the hammock, building fairy houses, walking to Sans Souci, watching for freighters etc.
Amongst all of the other celebrating there was Father’s Day too. Our time on Harsens Island turned out to be far more social than we had expected, but it was a gift of love and joy.
David and Ayla coming at me with the cake. 🙂
As a I reflect a bit about turning 50, I am filled with gratitude about how truly blessed I am. I’m married to a fantastic man I love deeply; have an incredible daughter whom I adore; feel stronger and healthier than at any point in my life; am part of a generous and loving extended family; have thoughtful and kind friends; and am currently living our dream. Wow! I hope the next 50 years is not all down hill from here, but instead just more of the same. 🙂
Hi Kathryn,
I met your husband and charming daughter at one of the boat shows last year. (I believe it was the Solomon’s Island Trawler Fest.) It’s great to see your family having such an amazing time. My husband and I are dreaming the dream right now but until we retire and can live it (a short 9 years), we follow the blogs of Three@Sea and live vicariously through you! 🙂 Thank you for the updates ~~ safe travels!!
Lesa Smith
Baltimore, MD