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Although we've had a number of surreal experiences since starting our sailing adventure, today was probably the one that tops the list, but the story started about 45 years ago, when Roy first met the Barends family. During the years that followed he also met his friend, Rodney, who subsequently married the eldest daughter, Susan, and together they had a little girl called Bronwyn.

Then 37 years ago, almost to the day, we had our very first date and it was during the late afternoon of that day when Roy introduced Elaine to the various members of the Barends family, the encounter of which remains firmly imprinted in her memory. From walking up the concrete pathway to meet everyone sitting on the front steps of their home, to Ol' Man Barends' first words to her: " So, you're the young lady who has stolen Roy's heart", to the beautiful toddler, Bronwyn, running around the garden. Sadly it was also the day of Rodney's funeral, who had been killed the week prior, in a tragic mining accident.

Today we were reunited with that toddler, now a beautiful woman with a family of her own, living not too far from where Paw Paw is currently anchored and whom her father would be very proud of. Understandable, it was a very emotional reunion for everyone and wonderful to see her again, as well as to catch up with all the news of the family. Thanks to Terence for making the arrangements. Another very special day in Sydney!

Yesterday started off very busy, when we decided Paw Paw's cockpit and aft deck area was in desperate need of a wash, after all the pollution that had landed on her during the strong winds. It was also a good idea to get her somewhat presentable, since Angie joined us onboard for a lunchtime barbecue. The afternoon flew by and before we knew it,  it was time to say our farewells,  realising that we'd spent so many years communicating about our sail to Sydney, but the time had arrived when we were getting ready to leave. While goodbyes are never easy, this time, fortunately, it was more a case of "au revoir", "goodbye until we meet again", as we'll still be in Australia for some time to come.

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