Last night we began our 14 day voyage and within minutes of leaving the sheltered waters of the harbour, we were already moving a lot in the swell. The forecast was for gales through the night and today, yet miraculously the wind and waves died down this morning and we are now sailing through very calm seas, despite all the forecasts saying we should be in the middle of a storm.
Today we even saw a whale and dolphins swimming near the ship.
Our last days in Ireland were exciting, with Heather's parents coming out for the final weekend, many visitors coming to the ship, making preparations for sailing, and myself taking a flying visit to Paris to see the greatest band in the world, U2 in concert.
It was hard to say goodbyes to Heather's mum and dad last night as we prepared to sail across the Atlantic. Although we hope they will come out for a visit sometime in the next 6 months, it is a long way away. Along with a crowd of some 50 people. they watched us pull away from the quay, turn around in a very tight space and head up the river. They drove up to Cobh, the 2nd largest natural harbour in the world, which was the final port of call for the Titanic, to wave a final goodbye.
Cork has been a great port for the ship ministry with nearly 12000 visitors in 9 days and many lives being changed among those who came onboard or who came into contact with the ship.
We enjoyed meeting the people and the town's hospitality but the weather sucks - it rained nearly every day we were there.
So thanks to the wonders of satellite, I can write this blog from a position about 250 miles south of Ireland. We are all looking forward to some quality time together as a ships community and some extra peace and quiet.
