The six day road trip was a great way to finish my four month visit to the USA. After all the countries visited on my travels there is something to say for “Oost West Thuis (home) Best”. I love my adopted country and still have many parts of it to explore.

Tybee Island sits at the mouth of the Savannah River. I had skirted the western edge twice on the way south from the Chesapeake to Florida on the Intra Coastal Waterway. I met the van Buul family at the campground. On the below picture you’ll meet most of the family.  We sat around the camp fire and caught up on experiences since we met four years ago in Savannah. I had had a luxurious 4 poster bed in Ponte Vedra the previous two nights, about the same distance from the ocean. Friday night I slept in their tent on an army cot lulled asleep by the sound of the surf on the Atlantic shore.

Next Saturday is Saint Patrick’s Day. Savannah and Tybee Island held their parades yesterday. I have been told that Savannah’s parade is only seconded by the one on Broadway. The room rates on Tybee Island were tripled for this weekend.

“The Mastmakers Daughters”: I sent an e-mail to day to a number of my friends who might be able to help me with the editing of the English version. I am starting to feel a certain amount of urgency. The oldest of my mother’s nephews and nieces turns 80 this year. The clock is ticking. I would very much like to publish it in Kindle format before I am back on the boat on April 11. I divided the Dutch book up into 5 sections of about 35/40 pages each, which should make it much easier for any one of you to edit that part. I have most of the Dutch version covered that way, but still like to hear from any one else. For the English translation I need another 4 to 5 volunteers. If you can help I will send you more details. Jeannine, daughter # 3, has turned out to be of great help in working on the first chapters. The Mastmakers Daughter and I will love you for ever and I’ll guarantee you that you will enjoy reading the story. The few Dutch friends who read the entire manuscript have encouraged me with their enthusiasm.