Though we still ended up accepting our position and motoring to finish, we made it with no major injuries! Once we started our motor around 12:30am, we began our deep clean of the boat and finally made it to deck after 1PM to get ready to go into port.
Han brought a bottle of Peach Champagne (NON Alcoholic since alcohol not allowed on boat) to celebrate arrival
Enjoying a cold drink while we circle around outside of Qingdao until our escort brings us in. They do this as there is a celebration for each boat as they arrive.
Fenders and mooring lines ready to go.
Interesting sight as it looks like several parts of airplane stuck together.
Is this the Olympic Torch that the 2008 Sailing part of the Olympics used?
Crowd of well wishers and friends waiting for us to come in!
Lots of photographers wherever we went
The 2008 Olympic rings
These fireworks went off as we entered the harbor. Scared us!!
She looks pretty innocent, but she pushed the button
Reception at the dock. I love how other boats and crew are there to cheer us on
Yep, a true welcome!
A really big welcome!
Having fun, that is what is it all about
Bet she is drum major!
The welcome continues!
Han with monkey each of us received
My monkey guarding my coke and banana.
We also received a beautiful and WARM red scarf.
I went to a primary school the next morning to visit.
Primary School Band!
The next Laura Rakel? For those who don’t know Laura she was an incredible flutist that I had the privilege to have in my band at Judson.
What a reception
And I got another red scarf from this young lady!
We viewed the kids robotics
This school has a sailing program!
Saw dancers
Kids cheering for us
Our place in the lineup
Presented to Skipper Matt. Hope it says to COVER!
Also heard some of their ancient instruments played
And then my camera battery died. We also saw a martial arts exhibit, got to let the students show us how to play the ancient instruments, learned a little Kung Fu from them, played some of the Robotic games they set up and just had an amazing morning.
Need to leave you now as race start is in the morning and I need to finish packing up my gear. But I will leave you with two thoughts.
No Chai Lattes in Qingdao Starbucks! But they do have Green Tea Lattes. Seattle Starbucks here I come!
No google or Facebook access in China also. What, amazing that somewhere in the world you cannot access them.
Have a great month and back to you sometime after April 16th.
Journey of a Lifetime 
Have a safe trip. You look so happy! (But you always do)
LikeLike
I better get your Seattle rally welcome underway …. I have a bass drum I could bring down to the dock to great you 🙂 Smooth sailing please with just the right amount of wind! Hugs! Nancy
LikeLike
Hi Nancy. I am planning to go to Seattle with a friend…would love to meet up with other Linda Fans there!
LikeLike
Mission accomplished! Great being with Nancy, Renee, Lynna and Ruby today at Chihuly Glass Museum today!
LikeLike
What a welcome…well deserved!!
All your photos make us feel like we’re traveling with you.
However, so glad we don’t have to meet the Green Monster!
Sharon and John
LikeLike
Safe travels! Next stop – home (sort of). Looking forward to seeing you in NYC!
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing all of your experiences, thus far! The reception that you all have received in Quingdow are so special to see! What a wonderful memories you will have of this journey! Safe journey to Seattle!! My prayers have been with all of you!
LikeLike
Smooth sailing, and have a great time with Nancy! Wish I could be there to join you two. Looking forward to your safe return. What amazing experiences you have had! You look great in the pictures.
LikeLike
It’s always so exciting to read your posts and see more about the race. You’ve been such an inspiring spirit for so many years, and clearly that’s not changing! All the best as you enter the final months of this amazing journey!
LikeLike