The standard question

When we returned, the first question we had to constantly field was "what was the worst / scariest / craziest thing that happened". People were seriously crazy to learn about the shit... then they'd catch themselves and ask what the highlights were and if the kids "survived" the trip... Then, there were the people that asked questions and never stopped to listen. Sigh. I'm gonna set that one aside.

To answer the question directly, there were several crazy, scary, worst things that happened. It seems normal that things happen given the nature of the trip and the magnitude of adventure; however, I felt like people were really looking for more drama or epic failure. 🤷‍♀️ Fortunately for us, failure didn't happen but exciting / challenging things did!

Here's the top 5 list of crazy things... (1) Engine high-temp alarm leaving Douglas harbor in Juneau (2) Lack of compass and GPS headings at 3a in the pitch black departing Haida Gwaii and suddenly realizing we were hearing birds on rocks (3) Finding another anchor rode entangled in our anchor chain as we hauled the anchor up (and the anchor was already off the bottom), again at 4a in the pitch black in a very constrained anchorage (4) Heavy current and winds setting us onto the dock and slamming the boat into a dock piling while trying to depart - all with the goal of timing currents further down the channel properly. (5) Watching to fathometer cycle quickly down to "0" and eventually back up while trying to anchor.

Those are likely the top 5...but there were many other "adventures" ahem "challenges" along the way.

Further, despite knowing about some of the more "novice" sailing experiences to watch out for, we still had some crazy reefing jobs, herculean experiences taking the main sail down, and a few "waves over the bow". Turning up into the wind after several incredible building, down-wind sails was always an adventure... If I were a bull rider, I'm pretty sure I made my 8s several times 😜 .