Pacific Cup Race to Hawaii

Pacific Cup Race to Hawaii -The Hero’s Journey

Over the last year I have become aware of what is called the Hero’s Journey.  For those who haven’t heard of it, the Hero’s Journey is a pattern of narrative that was defined by the American scholar Joseph Campbell, it outlines the typical adventure of the hero archetype.  All of us are on our own Hero’s Journey of course, but a true Hero’s Journey requires we be courageous enough to take the risks inherent in walking our own unique life path by doing things that scare us a little or in my case, racing to Hawaii from San Francisco, a lot.  As they say, boats are safe in the harbor, but that is not what a boat is made for.  This is not just a metaphor for sailing, but for life.  And I encourage all of you to think about your own journey and be fearless as you embark on it.

For myself, I have always heard and responded to the call for adventure.  I knew this about myself when I was 20 years old and boarded a plane from Portland, Oregon to Heathrow airport in London and spent a year by myself studying at University of London in England.  I then proceeded to travel alone for four months through Europe.  I am a sociable loner, so I didn’t mind sitting alone on trains smoking cigarettes and writing in my journal while making friends along the way.  I went on to be a ski instructor, sky diver, and then embarked on the endless adventure of motherhood and running my consulting company: Chaney Thomas & Assoc.  Over the past year, as my children have become more independent and I could entertain hobbies that did not include them, I have found sailing…

Like all things in life, there isn’t just one thing about sailing that I love, there’s many.  I love the serenity of being on the water, the beauty of the surroundings and the camaraderie of the other sailors.  But most of all, I feel a deep connection to the elements of wind and water, and it infuses in me a sense of peace and well being that restores me.

So when when my sailing instructor, Tom Dryja invited me to tag along with him and Andrew Lacenere on the Pac Cup race and blog about it, I didn’t think twice.   And so it begins: my Hero’s Journey. As I undertake the preparations for the race from San Francisco to Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii on July 11th, 2016, I am a little scared, but I am looking forward to the challenge and developing the endurance it will require.  To read more about the race, click here: Pacific Cup Race to Hawaii.

Sadly, I’ve not been cooking much as I spent most of my summer traveling or sailing and then in August decided to take the time to earn my Basic Keelboat Certification or BK 1 through the Olympic Circle Sailing Club in Berkeley, California, where I met Tom and Andrew.

I did make some sandwiches for the boat and perfected the Turkey, Avocado with Aioli and the Burrata, Basil and Tomato both on my favorite Semifreddi’s fresh baked breads.  Between sailing the qualifying races, I will be cooking, and will  post some easy recipes as I write them for my next book. I will also share photos and instructions for the sandwiches.

Thank you for reading my blog.   I appreciate your dedication.  Love and blessings to all.