Tears for Arne

Today we have a short windy sail to Union Island. but before leaving Saltwhistle Bay we get the heart-rendering message.

Our good Tonstad friend and neighbor, Jostein's godfather, has drowned. Arne Myge, 54 years old, was ice-skating on a lake with his wife, and another couple when the men went through the ice. Arne's life could not be saved. Our hearts reach out to Anne Synnøve and her three boys. A kinder, better man than their father, Arne, you couldn't find.

Both Ørnulf and I have experienced the difficulties of being far away, with the responsibility of a boat anchored in, more or less, third world waters. Sickness, accidents and death never come conveniently. Despite the occational telephone line or internett connection we feel helpless and planets away when tragedy hits our families and friends at home.