Changing Plans

One thing that I know is certain; we cannot be certain that everything will work out as planned. In fact, it is best to expect life to do the opposite. On the loop, we learned quickly that other forces had a bigger influence on our plans than our desire to fulfill them. We learned to be patient; to listen and respond, act rather than react. It wasn't so much 'giving in' as it was learning to work with what we had. We gained nothing when we tried to force our plans and we often fell into experiences which we would have missed had we not stopped to listen to what life had in store for us. Loopers talk about the need to be flexible and spontaneous. This is out of necessity rather than choice. Any given day a schedule can be squashed by storms, wind, repairs, illness or any of many other obstacles. When you let go of what you've planned and adjust to what you are dealt, there is a comfort in the synergy that results. Instead of disappointment, you feel more like you are a part of the outcome; rather than a victim. These changes can be stressful and frustrating but have given us the opportunity to build our confidence and skills. It has also created some of our best memories on the Loop!

Green Turtle Bay with Looper Friends
Scott & Rhonda Joiner, Henry & Mickey Krzemien

Going through a lock with Tom and Paula on Life's TraVails

Columbus Dispatch Newspaper Article (Read Article Here)

Making the Loop
Sailors of Nations River System Often Stop in Columbus Along the Way
By Isabelle Altman Columbus Dispatch

Mystic sits in a big field at St. Augustine Marine Center. We were certain that we would return to our cruising adventure by October, but life took charge and our plans changed. This time, LIFE got in the way. Our new plan is to relaunch Mystic in April of 2018. We may head south to Key West and we may head north to Connecticut. It's too far out to know for certain what is next for us. For now, we'll take care of the business that has put our journey on hold. Eventually things will come together and our next step will be apparent to us!

Mystic in St. Augustine

The 911 Museum - NYC

We are back in New York City, once again, for the 2017 BDNY trade show at the Javitz Convention Center. There isn't a lot of time for Dave to join me on my Big Apple excursions but we found some time today to visit the Oculus Mall and the 911 Museum together. The Westfield World Trade Center Mall is an amazing structure built over the original World Trade Center Complex that was destroyed during the 911 attacks. It is a beautiful vibrant space surrounded by white. The walls, ceiling and floors are all white! The roof has a series of ribs that create a modern look and a sense of underground opulence. It's a happening place, full of life. We had no idea how big it was.

Tower One

Standing on the top level of Oculus

Oculus Ribs

 

Oculus ceiling

We visited the 911 museum without having to wait in line. It was busy with tourists but was set up so we could pace ourselves and take breaks when we needed to. We watched a film of the rejuvenation of the Twin Towers site with the building of Tower One and the Memorial Pools. It was very well done with screens on three sides of the theatre. This gave us the feeling of being in the midst of the rebuild.

The museum is an emotional journey through the events of 911. Both Dave and I remember that day, where we were and how it felt to come to the realization that America was being attacked. Still, each momento, news reel, photo and artifact had an impact on us. It is an important documentation of this horrific time in our history. I shed a few tears in each section of the museum; we appreciated the kleenex stations throughout the memorial.

The last beam to be removed from the Twin Towers 911 site

Retaining Wall at Ground Zero

Mangled Girders

We will not forget...

Survivor's Stairway - 911

Refurbished Motorcycle in Memory of Lost Firefighter

Flag of Remembrance

Lady Liberty

Spire from Top of Twin Towers

Firetruck - Ladder 3

We'll walk out together... 

The 911 Museum is a fierce example of rejuvenation and the strength of the human spirit. It honors those who were lost and it preserves the artifacts of the horrific event.