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Published: March 12th 2017
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It was 2007 that Erin and I picked up a used and rather beat up Ford Escort station wagon and began our journey around the Northern coast of the Mediterranean. It’s been exactly that long since I first dreamt of being the lucky folks I had always seen looking back at us on shore from their beautiful sail boats, far removed from the parking headaches and frantic selection of beach loungers. I wanted the calm, move at your own speed, water at your toes vacation that appeared to be only for the wealthy. With shared enthusiasm, Erin and I began our research of locations in late 2014 that would maximize the experience. The intent was to relax and experience hidden coves, harbor restaurants as well as those nights of nothing but us bobbing in the gentle current under candle light. All this while still leaving plenty of time to just do nothing but swim and excitedly talk about our next meal. The island of Majorca just off mainland Spain was just the answer. A slow pace, beautiful waters, and a great port with beautiful boats in the main town of Palma. The 42 foot catamaran with four rooms, spanning two hulls,
we selected online also afforded us the opportunity to bring a fun couple along... and the list was short and criteria maybe even shorter…but very important. They had to have a proven track record with us of at least one extended weekend vacation which was successful and most importantly, be spontaneous enough to drop money on a trip half way around the world on something WE planned! Like I say, the list was short and we began our pursuit of my good friend Shawn Gahr and his fiance’ at the time, and now wife, Jaclyn. I have a rather impressive record convincing Gahr to join me on adventures but those stories are for another time. One 30 minute call detailing the epic trip complete with costs, once in a lifetime experiences, and fantastic wine sipping and we were almost there. Once Jax gave her blessing, the trip was bought and paid for…we were on our way. The online booking was rather simple and stress free since the response to most questions was quick and thorough.
We arrived in the charming city of Palma and took the night to stroll the walls and port around the historic citadel. The cobblestone
streets offering many options of cuisine all while taking in the night air and people watching.
We woke to the day of our voyage with such excitement and made our way to the port where our boat sat tied and awaited our move aboard. We soon after met our captain, whom from that point forward, held our lives in his hands. A lifetime inhabitant and sailor of this island, we knew we were in good hands. We also knew that we would likely need to up our estimate of groceries as he was openly a fan of good food and wine. Our amateur attempt at grocery shopping and subsequent transportation of a half week’s worth of food and wine by cart on a steep downward grade was full of laughs but nothing this small port village hadn’t seen before. A quick stop to buy some inflatable tubes and we were set for sailing out of port at sunset. We didn’t go far around the island and it was unusually choppy that night but, the quiet, and adrenaline of being ON THE BOAT wouldn’t leave us. The first amazing meal was prepared, the first bottle of wine consumed and Scrabble
was the late night game of choice. The night ending with each couple retiring to our opposite hulls where the night’s breeze blew through the hatches.
The following day or two blended together, under sail and slowly passing shoreline dotted with small homes, light towers and even concrete pill boxes left from World War 2 and past revolutions. Our knowledgeable captain, Sebastian, slowly navigated our way into small coves with impossibly blue water clear enough to see the bottom regardless of depth. We’d fatten up on amazing breakfasts of eggs, cereal, fruit and yogurt. The kitchen offering ample space and storage to get the job done and dining taking place on the back patio.
It was two days in that Erin suggested that she share the news that she was pregnant with our first son. Nobody had been told up till this point and the plan was not to do so until later. However, her attempt to cover up her lack of drinking (through my drinking for two) and what she felt was an extended tummy was weighing on her ability to relax and so the moment arrived….we’re having a baby!
The rest of the trip was
filled with morning swims, coffee on the deck, great meals while exploring coves and ports and beautiful sunsets. An amazing week and everything we had hoped for.
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