UNICEF has arrived in Seattle in second place after an epic race while other teams have sustained significant damage and are limping to Seattle. My USA trip visiting the National Parks is progressing well with visits to Yosemite, Kings Valley and Sequoia National Park and Death Valley today.
You may have heard in the national and international press that Sarah Young was laid to rest in the ‘deep blue’ she chose to sail across, explore and make her home this year. The skippers and crew have been paying tribute to her and her adventurous spirit. The good ship UNICEF and myself have both crossed the International Date Line experiencing the day twice, the idea of Groundhog Day may seem like a fictional concept but in reality, it’s perfectly possible. This week has been a busy week visiting Seattle and San Francisco. Two very different cities with a big history and interesting places to visit. 
The good news that UNICEF is leading the fleet of twelve yachts across the Pacific Ocean towards Seattle is overshadowed by the news that a crew member of Ichor Coal was swept overboard and died most likely from drowning or exposure according to the race organisers.
It is nice to be back for a few days planning the next stage of the adventure, but I am starting to get itching feet already. Today I am in Den Helder where the whole idea of travelling round the world and the Clipper race began and where the boats will arrive on 23 July. Planning the next stage of my adventure is going well; 4 days with the Clipper teams in Qingdao, a 15 day tour through China and flights to visit Seattle and San Francisco to then drive a 20 day route visiting the National Parks on the way to Cedar Rapids. Can’t wait to get going again.
Another week full of emotions and surprises. This adventure certainly keeps me on my toes. Saying goodbye to my friends on Clipper UNICEF and then travelling back to the UK for medical treatment was difficult but today I am booking flights and accommodation for a return to Qingdao in China while the teams are having an upwind battle towards the east coast of Taiwan trying to maintain the highest VMG possible.