First and Final Post from Kaelin Rose

After 5 weeks at sea with no land in sight, we sailed past Oahu and Maui as the sun hit the green hills. Upon our arrival in Hilo we were greeted by several whales doing back flops out of the water sending huge splashes into the morning air. It was a warm, Aloha welcome to Hawaii.

Halfway through our passage from Majuro the temperature dropped and our daily uniforms of bikinis and swimming trunks changed to long pants and heavy jackets. Even though the weather was cold and damp, the crew's spirit never fell. On November 23rd Infinity crossed the International Dateline causing us to fall back an entire day. Although the true Thanksgiving day and my birthday changed, we decided to celebrate both on the 24th because the sun was out from behind the clouds and the sea was more calm than it had been in weeks. After lunch that day, I was presented with a chocolate brownie cake smothered in vanilla icing and was serenaded with a birthday song. It was a delicious afternoon and we were all looking forward to the turkey dinner Annie and Gyan were already preparing in the galley.

By the time the sun went down, the heavenly aroma crept around the cabin as we spread out the rectangle dinner mat and settled down on the floor. As we passed around a jug of wine, the chefs placed before us a golden brown turkey with stuffing and gravy, homemade bread with butter, and a cheesy squash casserole. While we all dove into our plates, each crew member took a moment to share what they were thankful for. Although we each had different thanks, we all agreed how blessed we were for being part of the Infinity family and for being able to share in a beautiful Thanksgiving meal in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. By the time we finished the dessert of pumpkin pie and chocolate chip ice cream, most of us were too full to do anything but slip into bed and go to sleep. I think all the crew mates would agree that it was one amazing Thanksgiving that will be cherished forever.

Now we are enjoying the sunshine again and venturing around the big island of Hawaii. As Jack and I spend our last days with Infinity I have to say again how blessed I feel to have been part of this adventure. Very few people get to do what we've done and fewer find a second family they laugh and share life with as they sail around the world. Thank you our Infinity brothers and sisters. You are forever a part of us and we love you.