We got word that the U.S. – Canada border will remain closed through at least August 21, 2020, due to the COVID-19 infection rise in the United States. Some speculate it could remain closed until 2021. This essentially prohibits our ability to cruise the route(s) required to reach Chicago before typical weather-related hardships. We hope that our “gap” year will coincide with progress made in research and development of better therapeutics and a vaccine for this retched Coronavirus. We hope that folks follow public health guidance and minimize the spread of this disease and the fatalities that are sure to climb. We hope that families and friends will stay connected using new and innovative digital tools, that we learn to enjoy the slower, more peaceful pace of life, and maybe learn a new skill or hobby. I’ll let you know what I come up with!
Instead of the big boat, we have spent lots of time on the little boats. We have enjoyed the family cabin much more, the airplane more, and found some wonderful hikes, all while maintaining physical distancing.
I shared some one-on-one time with Azalyah at the cabin, after our 4-month separation, and after Pete was well healed. I also was able to celebrate another milestone for Scott: he finished his first year with Sacramento Fire Department!
We may initiate some home improvement projects that we were postponing until after our Great Loop journey. We may learn to love this delay and find our purpose in this year off from the grand adventure.
I will close with a passage that my friend Kathy sent me at the end of our last boating season. It has helped me to accept the setbacks.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that will prevail.
proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Amen! Your pictures say you are blessed beyond measure in the beauty you are able to savor in all the ways you stay more local for now and take in the bounty closer to home. I’m happy Pete is doing so well!
With love,
K.