No Go. Something Else Go. Here We Go.

The big trip has been canceled. The plan was to sail from Sydney up to Dutch Harbor, Alaska, to Nome, then through the Northwest Passage. We would have wintered over in Falmouth, UK, then sailed back to Sydney via the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Weather has foiled all. A big storm hit Sydney on the day of our would-be departure, the northern hemisphere trade winds are blowing in the wrong direction, and the Aleutian Low (permanent low pressure system off the Aleutian islands) is nasty and looks like it isn't going anywhere. I'm predicting lots of rain for southern AK this summer. A few more minor weather points included means the trip is a No-Go.
Alex and I are doing what we can and taking a trip up the Australian east coast and around the area over the next few weeks. We also made good use of Sydney's "Storm of the Century" by going out to play in the waves.

We will both still be writing to the Berri Blog while on board.

Lurline Bay, waves break over South Coogee. Photo: Peter Rae /Sydney Morning Herald

Merry Ol' Land of Oz

I am back in Sydney, Oz; land of the sulfur-crested cockatoo and P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way. The general idea of this trip is to click my heels together and say, "There's no place like Nome, there's no place like Nome..." But instead of magic shoes and a cairn terrier, I have a worn-out pair of Xtra Tuffs and a skipper with a cat who bites.

The Berrimilla2, a Brolga33 sailboat is sitting at her usual mooring in Rushcutters bay. She has been emptied and for the most part, cleaned. Before long she will be refilled, hopefully with some semblance of organization, and ready for travel. The entire voyage is still weather dependent. Until we are on the water and sailing north we tread carefully and hope not to infuriate Neptune.