June 7, 2007

We gathered at the Corinthian Yacht Club, a club for people who enjoy large boats.  My departure was planned for 7 p.m. Monday evening.  My friends and Nancy were there to encourage me and it was a very emotional time.  I knew I wouldn’t see any of them for many months and part of me wanted to stay with them.

I waved goodbye to the crowd and started rowing the boat toward the Golden Gate Bridge.  In a short time, I made it to Horseshoe Cove under the bridge.  There is a Coast Guard station there and another yacht club as well.

A small group, including Peter, Kenneth and Nancy greeted me in the cove.  They left to eat dinner and brought me something back to eat from Outback Steakhouse.  It was probably the last real food I will have, because my meals at sea will be freeze-dried, which keeps them from spoiling.

It was a busy day. I curled up with my wife and took a final rest before my journey.

*Entry adapted for grades 5-8 by Andrea Rogers