Halcyon News

And they have been creating those memories for their grandkids every year for a long time...here are a few pix from five years ago, our Gulf Island cruise in June 2004, if you can believe that - it has been our pleasure too to be able watch Bryce and Ami growing up.

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Hi Bill and El,

It sure is good to see your posts. The pictures on your web site are just awesome.

The grand kids did some nice work. What is better for them than spending time on the boat. Our time with our grandaughter Eden was very special. She is pretty well grown up, a junior at Penn State. We hope she makes a lot of money and takes us cruising on her boat someday.

Our health is good and we thank the Lord for that. Continue in good health and keep up the wonderful posts.

Fred, Pat, and Mr. Grey(the cat)
 
Flathead Lake has been a great cruise. We are now writing up some neat geology for the lake. Now considering going over to Hungry Horse for a few days.

We just posted some ideas regarding life on the water that you might find of interest. Our kids have read it with their kids, and then each had an enjoyable evening of discussion with the kids about lifestyle choices and 'how you might want to live your life.'

www.geocities.com/bill_fiero/reflect
 
"'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight."

ref07.jpg


Thank you Bill, for your profound reflections.
MartyP
 
Wonderful "reflections" of life choices made by a very fortunate couple shown to be so much in love with each other and their chosen lifestyle. Most all search for happiness, peace and contentment with very few actually achieving it. I have heard many say they have, but few who reflect it enough to be seen by others. In the two of you I've seen it to be genuine in both words and action. Thanks much for sharing your personal recipe for this achievement.

So many lakes and other places to see and so little time even with retirement so close. Thanks for the report on Flathead Lake and hope you make Hungry Horse. Am interested in what you think of it too.

Hope to see you at Lake Powell.

Jay
 
"A different perspective", indeed. Many people go through life searching for happiness; you two know what makes you happy and surround yourself with that. Being able to share it with a partner who not only understands, but shares the same values, is another rare gift.

When folks tell you "we'd swap" (and we hear that often, too), you have to wonder if they'd find happiness in crawling into the v-berth, entertained by the melody of the gentle splashing on the hull? No video games, no surround sound, no "media room", or even a garage...

You remind us to "simplify"... some of us have made steps towards that goal. We may never be able to pare it down the way you have, but we understand the goal. Our life on land is different from our time on the boat, yet we are happy moving between the two.

Thoreau isn't the only one who inspires. I frequently hear the words of Ken Gill (a singer/songwriter) in my head: "... the winner of the rat race is always a rat." :wink:

You two are an inspiration, as well. Before we bought Wild Blue, I spent many evenings pouring through your Halcyon Days website. Could we do that? Should we do that? Our path may not be the same as yours, but we understand that happiness isn't necessarily following another's path, but finding your own way.

You show us that there is another way.

Our sincere thanks and best wishes,
Jim & Joan
 
Many thanks again El and Bill. Your recent addition to the log is inspirational as always. It reminds me that some of the happiest days in the past were those that were the simplest.

Another more recent author that advocated the simple life was Colin Fletcher who lived much of his life with his "house on his back". In the 1960's he wrote "The Man Who Walked Through Time". This was an account of his hike through the Grand Canyon and is one of my favorite books. He also wrote "The Thousand Mile Summer" after walking from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. His most popular book is probably "The Complete Walker" which is a great how to be simple in the outdoors read.

Harper
 
We are at Camp Fortunate - the place where Sacajawea reunited with family and where Lewis and Clark left their dugouts, mounted Indian horses, and rode over the Great Divide.Today this is known as Clark Fork Reservoir, Montana. Since leaving Flathead Lake, we did cruise Hungry Horse - a gem! Complete with a Black Bear swimming across the lake off our bow. Then on to Glacier National Park and lakes McDonald and Saint Mary- whew!! Then we crossed the border to Alberta and went to Waterton Lakes NP. What a beautiful cruise into the Rockies. We also visited Two Medicine Lake in Glacier and had a lunch at Many Glacier Lodge (59 years earlier I sat at the same table, having crossed country alone by rail). We'll have a post up on each of these lakes on our Halcyon Days website in a few weeks.

We're rolling southery now with a brief stop to watch a grandkid perform in a show team of Irish Dance and then on to Lake Powell.
 
El and Bill,

Really enjoy your Halcyon site. Again, as always, Beautiful and thought provoking. The ultimate KISS principal applied. What a fine example of pairing down to the core and getting the fullest reward, (having your family come and spend time with you on the boat), and sharing so wonderfully, from your adventures.

Yes, as Jim said,
"You two are an inspiration, ....Our path may not be the same as yours, but we understand that happiness isn't necessarily following another's path, but finding your own way.

You show us that there is another way."
Click to expand...

Safe travels friends, and thanks for sharing as you go.

Harvey
SleepyC
 
El and Bill,

Thanks for sharing with us again.

I remember stopping off at Hadley's Harbor off Woods Hole when I took INN THE WATER to our first North East Get together in New Bedford Harbor. I stopped for about an hour. Hadley's Harbor is surrounded by rocks and woods and a few houses, being located on an Island. A few boats were at anchor. I made a phone call to a friend. "Tommy, I think I now what Heaven will be like, if I am lucky to get there." Pure serenity.

Another time while up in Hingham, I went to have lunch on the Back River, between two parks in Hingham and Weymouth. It was in May during the week. (Weekends are very crowded.) I could not see the Condos that had been built behind the trees. I therefor figure that they paid a million for no view,at least when the leaves were out. I hope it stays that way. I was the only boat at anchor. There was a couple of kayakers, and lots of ducks. Again, another phone call. "I know I have found Heaven." The next day I shared it with a friend for lunch.

I feel sorry for all those people who never get a chance to enjoy the places we find cruising.

I will be thinking of you two when I go back to the Erie Canal. This time, no long drive to get trailers. We are going up to the Erie Canal, going west, and turning around and coming back to where we started.

Happy Sailing,

Fred
 
Bill- You give a great seminar. I'm just not sure what department it's in; geology, literature, economics or philosophy. Whichever it is, it's my favorite course and a real education. Thanks
 
Now back in Colorado for a week of family time before heading down to Lake Powell and 'beyond.'

Have had a little time to write up more of our cruising in Montana earlier this month. Those who would enjoy a vicarious cruise into the Rocky Mountains:

www.geocities.com/bill_fiero/2009

and scroll down to the latest posts. We're working up Waterton/Glacier National Park postings now.

And thanks for the kind comments folks - it's a lot easier to kick back in the cockpit, or sit on the terrace and watch a sunrise, than peck away on the computer - your words give us the incentive to continue sharing our cruising thoughts with the Brats.
 
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