We cast off the docklines in January of 2001 to fulfull a dream of finding the good life and the great wave. For several years we practised our sailing and navigation skills, researched information others had written about our goals, and spent time and money on getting First Star ready for this trip. We retired from jobs, said goodbys to family and friends, paid off bills and mentally readied ourselves for whatever might come. One is never quite sure of what to expect in these matters, but we felt prepared to accept the challenges of the sea, and life as gypsies.