August 7th 2008:

Less than 70 miles to San Francisco, our home port of call.
Forty eight days underway from American Samoa. At the moment, no winds. motoring. It's PST. USA Coastal waters will soon appear and we will hear. "Land ahoy." Motoring at five knots, anticipated ETA in daylight and maybe, just maybe, enough bay breeze to hoist the sails and glide under the Golden Gate Bridge at noontime.

Welcome Home Encanto.
You've served us well. Captain John we are proud of you, admire your stamina, determination and skill. To our crew: Royce and Gene, we are eternally grateful for your humour, commitment and expertise.

And to Encanto...we thank you, for staying the course, being our home and means for a lifestyle that many could only dream of ever experiencing.

Now the adventure continues...this time on land.

Post Script:   8/8/08 An auspicious day in the Chinese culture...8/8/08 is also Gaby's 15th birthday. Her Quincinero. Feliz Cumpleanos, Gaby!!!

Back