Ben posted this on his website: idlewildexpedition.ca I thought it so poignant; I want to share it with the list. Chris Byer No. Hollywood June 25, 2006 Around the world, yes, we crossed our trail at 22:27 today to go full circle. >From July 31, 2005 to June 25, 2006, we went 26,827 NM, 30,851 statute miles or 49,362 kilometers to return to 650 30' N, 1680 48.5' W. It has been 329 days of which 202 were spent at sea. It feels good to make the achievement, and to review all those exciting events and remember all of the interesting and helpful people. It was not always as expected but it has always been incredibly interesting. Corners of the world and their people, that you would see no other way. If I can reflect a bit on what it took to get here. It was more expensive, more difficult and more dangerous than I expected. Designing and building the boat worked out well in the end, but a special application, one of a kind boat always takes a lot of learning. Also learning all you need to know to be a competent sailor in the far reaches of the Oceans of the World is no easy task either, but the learning and the mistakes are part of the fun and the challenge. I read what I could for years, but some of it you can only learn by getting out and trying it. For me to do it with my boys and other friends has made it an incredible journey. And for those we have met along the way, we thank you for your help, your friendship and your prayers. -- Ben Gray Idlewild Custom Buehler 55 powered by a 55-hp Kubota Home port: Dunvegan, Alberta http://www.idlewildexpedition.ca http://dieselducks.com/Idelwild.html http://www.trawlersandtrawlering.com To follow Idlewild with Google Earth: http://tinyurl.com/ksnhg For the Trawler M/V JPEG version: http://tinyurl.com/ovdt7