Tropical Sails Corp

Dear Dan,Just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful trip - I'm sure you've already heard that we lucked out on the weather! And our captains and crews did a fantastic job getting us to the centerline on time. It was great to meet, and sail with, Melissa, who really worked hard to iron out all the little snags. She certainly knows how to smooth the rumples that come along with all the people thrown together for the first time - and especially considering that the "excuse" for their meeting would last only 3.5 minutes and depended upon the weather! Gail and I thoroughly enjoyed her company and her leadership. As well, we enjoyed meeting the eclipse chasers and astronomy buffs on our boat and on the others (including, of course, Peter Midnight). Many of us enjoyed multiple evenings of star gazing from the bow. You did a great job, I thought, in assigning people to boats. We were all glad we weren't on the party boat, as I'm sure they were all glad to be on it together and not on ours. I know you thought it unfortunate that the two children were not together, but it worked out very well. They each took advantage of their time together when they got it. It was nice to have them hail one another from the boats when were at close range, and to watch them play together on shore. Due to the circumstances, I only got one chance to get out the telescope, and was really pleased to show a few of the night sky wonders to the captains and crew, and to the passengers as they returned from dinner. It turned out that the captain of the Randa was our captain two years ago on our second week, and he still remembered seeing Jupiter and its moons from a dark beach one night. He was enthusiastic in gathering the crews together to see Saturn's rings, and the moon and Pleiades at low power. Gail and I were very pleased to see him again, too.Thanks very much for inviting us - I hope I fulfilled your expectations. Steve Goldberg was very helpful as was his friend Steve from Cornwall and Victor from MN. I look forward to seeing them all again. Indeed, Gail and I feel once more that we have made many new and dear friends.Don't yet know if any of my eclipse photos show anything more than a blur. But if there is a shot you might like, and can use in the future, I will be sure to send it to you.