Thanks to our readers

The crew of Dad's Dream would like to thank the many people who have been
following our trip for the past few weeks.

Thanks to the students that followed us. We hope that this window into the
Dad's Dream adventure has given you a learning adventure of your own, and
hope that you will be inspired to follow your dreams where ever they may
take you! (We hope someday that we can follow your blogs!)

Thanks to our shore team for keeping an eye on the weather for us and
tracking down the answers to questions we had along the way.

Thanks to you our friends and family members who helped and supported us
in the planning stage, then kept us in your thoughts and prayers while
sending us many messages of encouragement along the way. There were many
times they carried us through. Our favorite message was from Lora's
brother sent to us shortly after the Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter
airlifted Pete from the boat. It began with the following words: "Mom
read blog. Says come home now!"

Thanks to the US Coast Guard helicopter crew who safely evacuated Pete
from the boat. We were impressed by the skill and efficiency with which
you conducted the rescue. You guys risk your lives every day and your work
may go unnoticed by many, but we want you to know it is truly appreciated.

Thanks to Pete, without whom this adventure would not have been possible.
We applaud you for having the courage to pursue this ambition despite the
logistical complexities and high costs both in financial terms as well as
possible risks to your own health. We know that most people would have
either sold the boat or hired someone to the hard work for them. Even
though you could not be with us on the water for the entire journey we
hope that by carrying out a part of your fathers ambition you have
learned something new about yourself, your father and his passions.

Our trip was an adventure. We had our challenges along the way including
long hours on little sleep, fixing several minor things on the boat that
broke along the way. (About the average number of breakdowns for a trip
like this according to Rusty.) We have many great memories that will last
a lifetime. From the majestic beauty of the open ocean with it's deep blue
water, the beauty of a clear star filled nights, and wildlife which
included many birds, dolphins flying fish. The bumps and bruises, the
flying toaster, and flying bodies. Even lying on the floor of the boat
with cushions over our heads to protect ourselves from flying objects.

The boat we sailed is named in honor of a man who had the dream of sailing
around the world. He died without fulfilling that dream. We hope that by
helping his son bring the boat back home from the islands we have helped
to fulfill at least a portion of that dream.

Whatever your dreams may be, big or small, we encourage you to pursue
them. As with our adventure, things may not always go as planned. Remember
you cannot change the wind, but you can adjust your sails. After all it is
not so much the destination that is important, it's the journey along the
way.

One final question for kids of all ages: Are you pursuing your dreams?

-The Crew.