Sad Goodbyes

One of the aspects of living onboard is frequently meeting and then leaving friends. It's a mix of emotions. You're sad to say goodbye, excited about their, or your, next adventure, and always looking forward to the next time you will meet again.

That's one of the best parts of cruising, knowing that you will run into your friends again and again yet never knowing quite where or when. And then taking up where you left off as if you just saw them yesterday.

This is true for Dyna and Dylan as well. They have made dog friends in nearly every port. And also have pals they meet again and again. Charleston, Vero Beach, Miami Beach, Callao, even back in Castine, the kids meet their buddies and play. Dog play, the best kind of play there is.

But some goodbyes are a bit harder.

Today Oddie and Salty left Ortega Landing to start their next adventure. For many weeks now Dyna and Dylan have enjoyed daily play dates, impromptu visits, and stares and barks across the sterns. It has been pure pleasure to watch them.

Oddie and Salty are far from their homeport in Turkey and have been traveling around the world with their people, Nur and Bahadir. Today they started their journey back south and on to, who knows where.

Of course, we all hope to meet again and maybe we will. Life on a boat is full of the unexpected. We may one day pull into a secluded anchorage and hear, "Woof, woof, woof" and say, "Is that Oddie?" We hope so.

Nur took many beautiful pictures of their time together. Here are just a few.

Dyna, Dylan, and Oddie waiting for a treat.

Salty makes the catch.

Air Dylan.

Oddie is, you guessed it, barking.

Dyna, the Queen.

The field where is all happens.

Salty and Dylan keep their eye on the ball.

Dyna takes a rest.

Dyna, Dylan, Oddie, and Salty - BFF's.