Category: Odysseys in Paradise

Rich awoke before daybreak. He brewed a pot of coffee and sat at the chart desk amid a pale cabin light. He calculated the distance to Sydney. “About another 3800 miles to Sydney,” Rich murmured. “Maine to LA and then…

The course to Sydney stretched through the southernmost Polynesian atolls and just slightly beyond the very northern tip of New Zealand. Long and arduous sailing laid before Rich. Boredom lurked like a deadly plague. This would be a test for…

Rich watched all the excitement from the porch. He stepped inside the house. He found a pencil and a piece of paper. He wrote, “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding.” He…

Rich eased the dinghy into the water. He tossed Ramona’s two bundles of clothing and belongings into the dinghy. He clasped her hand to help her into the dinghy. “How do I look?” Ramona said. “Like a princess,” Rich said.…

The Prayer The Odyssey sailed within a half mile of the shore to the village. “Stay in the cockpit,” Rich said. “I’ll take care of the sails myself. I don’t want you getting hurt the last minute.” “I’m going below…

Rich stood on his toes atop the cabin’s roof and pointed over the bow, “Land Ho, Ramona! Reao dead ahead!” Ramona suddenly leaped from sitting on the bench in the cockpit and staggered along the side of the cabin. She…

Mona They sailed slow and easy for five days. It rained each day—not all day, just for an hour or two each day. On the sixth day in the late morning, the sun hung big and blazed brightly in the…

  During the second night, the winds subsided dramatically. The lagoon and its surroundings looked as if little happened. There were a few downed palms, most survived. They ate breakfast together. It was quiet. “May I ask something of both…

Not long after sunrise, the storm intensified. The submarine called to inquire about the safety of Boris and Dmitri. Boris told them they were fine and well taken care of. During the morning hours Rich, Boris, and Dmitri shared their…

Below, Rich poured hot water for tea. Boris and Dmitri sat beside each other on a bench in the cabin. They looked at each other from time to time as they sipped the tea bewildered by the unexpected events. “The…

Three hours later, far beyond the starboard bow, Rich caught sight of Anuanuraro Atoll. He leaned his head below and cupped one hand to his mouth. “Land Ho!” A few moments later Ramona climbed up on deck. “I looked at…

The next morning Ramona emerged slowly from the companionway with her cup of tea. Rich had his coffee and glanced at her. She sat across from him. “I’m sorry for not cleaning up last night,” Ramona said. “That’s okay, I…