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5 December 2003 -- Chaguaramas Bay, Trinidad

(Landfall of Atlantic Ocean crossing)

We made it! At dawn this morning the island of Tobago was fine on the port bow. At around noon we crossed our track from 1998 to make our circumnavigation officially complete. A couple of hours ago we pulled up to the customs dock in Chaguaramas Bay, Trinidad. And about ten seconds ago, Alan handed me a glass of champagne.

I feel - how do I feel - I feel totally exhausted, sore, a little stiff, with various body parts telling me they are not amused at being banged and crunched; and I could definitely use a shower and some clean clothes. I feel grateful for getting across the Atlantic safely and around the world safely. I feel humble that I have crossed three oceans; and in awe that such a dream could come true. But mainly I feel, mainly I feel . . . [OK think James Brown here, add a little music, and] . . .

. . . WHOA, I feel good (nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh). Like I knew I would now (nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh). I FEEL good (nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh). Like I knew I would now (nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh -- buhmp buhmp). SO GOOD (unh, unh). SO GOOD (unh). I got you (unh unh unh unh unnnnnnh) . . . WHOA . . . . (repeat ad lib until champagne runs out or one falls asleep standing up.)

Here's hoping that your dream comes true. Cheers! All is well. And good night.