Hello webmaster
I would like to share with you a link to your site
write me here preonrelt@mail.ru

Hi Joost,
           I still get a kick out of them, too. Hope you are well. I am currently in Iceland helping to build an aluminum smelter for my old employer. Great to hear from you. George < replied-to message removed by QT >

After about 4 years I am having a look at the pictures and realize this was probably the best months I ever had. What a great trip and crew ! Hope everything runs smoothly and if you ever need assistance, call again....joost@africanparks.co.zm

                                Cosmos, Again 10/13/04: Captain Grandpa Joe called, again. He wants to take Cosmos down to Ft. Lauderdale for the Winter and needs crew. Cosmos is Captain Grandpa Joe's 45 foot Prout ocean sailing catamaran. The last time he called at this time of year was to tell me that he wanted to make a circumnavigation of the world, and we did. So, again, I said, "I'm ready, when are we leaving".
            This will be sort of a nostalgia trip. Don Kilpatrick is joining us. Don crewed on Cosmos for the 1st leg of the circumnavigation. So, for this trip to Ft. Lauderdale, the crew will be Capt. Joe, me, Don, and an old friend of Joe's; Tom Gagner. The very first passage of the circumnavigation was, actually, from Annapolis to Ft. Lauderdale. We left Annapolis on the morning of January 2, 2001, with the rising sun in our faces as we motored out of the Severn River. It was very cold, and, it stayed cold. It stayed cold all the way to St. Augustine, and beyond. I remember lying in my sleeping bag one morning, seeing St. Augustine through my cabin port, and listening to a radio station news program. It said that it was 0630, and 31 degrees. We didn't expect that much cold that far south. I hope that this next trip will be more comfortable.
            We were to leave early Sunday morning. Saturday evening turned out to be cold and wet, so, rather than waste time sleeping, we left at about 2330, 11/27/04. There was no wind, it was rainy and foggy, but Cosmos has an exceptionally protective dodger resulting in a dry helm. Once we navigated our way out of Back Creek, with all hands peering into the fog, we were on our way. The first several days were spent getting accustomed to the weather, the motion, and the watch schedule. This is typical. I was just starting my first head cold of the season so I had a little more to contend with. In spite of all this, it was exciting to be back aboard Cosmos on a trip that I believed would be fun and interesting.
         12/4/04: Cosmos was in good condition, and clean as a whistle. We have a very fine, and experienced, crew, if I do say so myself. Don and I were quick to recall the routine of operating Cosmos and, Tom was not shy about asking questions and is a fast learner. The first five days were about what you would have expected for this time of year; cold, wet, with a few rough spots here and there. We are getting along well, and eating well, as is typical on Cosmos. Yesterday, we anchored in the harbor of St. Augustine, Florida. After a big breakfast aboard, we bought showers at a nearby marina. This was our first opportunity for showers in a week. Then we walked around town, had a late lunch, returned to the boat, and headed out to sea. I thought it was quite considerate of us to take the showers before heading into town. Our next port of entry will be West Palm Beach, tomorrow morning.
          The last three, or four, days have been quite nice, and the nights have been cool. I've had time to get some chores done. The watermaker aboard Cosmos has been shut down and pickled since we completed the circumnavigation. A couple of days ago I started it up, fixed a leak, made a few gallons of water, and, repickled the unit. Then I made a new key for the Yamaha outboard motor from some scrap plastic. Don checked out the battery banks and found that three batteries had gone bad. He removed them from service and reconnected the rest. We discovered that the outboard wasn't running as well as expected so I disassembled the carburetor and fuel system to clean them up. Captain Grandpa Joe had picked up the outboard at the repair shop just before we left. I hope it runs when we get to West Palm Beach in the morning.
12/7/04: As we entered the West Palm Beach harbor on the morning of the fifth, we called the yacht club to get their location and find out about their facilities. They did not have room for Cosmos but, we were able to anchor about a half mile South of the club and took the dinghy to their restaurant for a late breakfast. I think that the Yacht Club thought that we were a much bigger vessel when they talked to us on the radio, but, in spite that, they were very courteous with excellent food and service. Then we went back to the boat and spent a very productive afternoon doing boat chores. We did well and got a toast of gratitude from the captain during Happy Hour. The outboard is still not running well but we were able to tolerate it.
             Yesterday Don and I rented a car and drove to Stuart, Florida, to look at boats for sale. We picked up some boat supplies for Capt. Joe on the way back. Then we all went out to dinner in West Palm Beach. Afterward, we visited a Barnes and Noble, then drove back to the yacht club and dinghy'd back to the boat.
              This morning we got back to the yacht club and drove off in the car before the they realized that we had parked the car there over night, free. We bought oil filters at a Volvo parts place, three new deep cycle batteries at West Marine, food at Win Dixie, returned the rental car, loaded up the dinghy and got back to Cosmos before noon. You are probably starting to realize, by now, that boats always need something. When they need it, it is usually not as convenient as this to get it.
               After cleaning up all the mud that we dragged from where we beached the dinghy (muddy sandals, muddy feet, muddy dinghy, muddy stern of Cosmos), and stowed everything, we weighed anchor and headed south on the Intra-Coastal Waterway. We went as far as Del Ray Beach that afternoon. This accounts for about 20 miles and 8 drawbridges. We really enjoyed the scenery along the Waterway. One could describe it as an incredible display of wealth, architecture, and landscaping. I am looking forward to cruising the entire Intra-Coastal Waterway with my wife, in a year or two.
                We spent the next few days cleaning the boat, and slowly making our way to Ft. Lauderdale, a little each day. We couldn't arrive at our destination prior to the 11th because we were not allowed to live aboard there. This gave us time to really get the boat in great condition and enjoy the Waterway. I changed the oil, and filters, in both engines. I was able to improve the cooling water flow through the port engine by cleaning out the exhaust elbow water inlet. Captain Joe got the suggestion for checking this from his Volvo parts supplier. I wish we had checked it during the circumnavigation as we often had temperature problems with this engine when we ran it at high RPM's. She's sure running cool now. Earlier in the trip, I installed brackets on the engine room access hatches to hold them in the open position. This eliminated a long-standing nuisance, and hatch hinge damage. Tom had done a great job shining up the stainless and waxing the gel coat. Don had installed the new batteries. Cosmos was looking, and running, like new.
                12/11/04: We arrived at the dock, behind a residence on one of the canals that riddle Ft. Lauderdale, this morning. We unloaded the trash and personal belongings, then gave Cosmos a final washdown and filled her water tanks. Captain Joe had been using the little yellow Post-it notes to assign the crew's chores and sticking them to the salon bulkhead. He did this throughout the circumnavigation and it was a very effective way to keep Cosmos clean and running well. Cosmos is for sale, now, and I hope her new owner is as good a boat manager as Captain Joe has been.
                I would be surprised if you were not bored to tears by this brief account of this passage. When things go as planned with no crises, breakdowns, collisions, food poisoning, fires, hijacking, or killings, it is difficult to write an exciting journal. Therefore, I feel compelled to reward you readers by providing full disclosure regarding the loud BANG! It echoed throughout the starboard hull of Cosmos as we were about to disembark from this pristine, exquisite, vessel that had carried us to our destination in safety and comfort. Unfortunately, while the starboard water tank was being filled, nobody was monitoring the water level gage. When the tank became full, the supply of water was not cut off, so, the hose leading to the deck fill fitting, approximately eight feet above the tank top under the galley sole, also filled with water. This additional hydrostatic pressure exerted on the flange of the tank inspection port was just enough to burst the attachment of the flange. This was known to have been a weak point as a result of a previous incident. This resulted in minor flooding of the storage area between the galley sole and the top of the water tank. We spent an extra hour dewatering and wiping down this area. At the sound of the BANG, crewmembers scattered in all directions trying to locate the source of the noise. It was as if Cosmos was not willing to give up the attention that she had been receiving all this time from Captain Joe and his crews, she might have been saying: "Please guys, before you leave me, just one more hour, or so, of caressing my gel coat, maybe fix just one more thing for me, pullleeeeese".
              So, yeah, I would say that this trip was nostalgic for Captain Joe, Don, and me. There weren't many conversations that went by that didn't bring to mind memories of the circumnavigation and the fine people that joined us along the way. Often, Tom would ask a question as to why we did a task in a certain manner, and the answers would be the result of lessons learned as we drove Cosmos around the world. From washing the dishes, to furling the sails, to changing the engine oil, all boats are different. We learned to live with Cosmos, and we will miss her.
                     George Hotz
                     1st Mate
                     s/v Cosmos

Hi Joe,
I am happy to give you my e-mail address: sonj@xs4all.nl
For me it is about a year ago (1st. of December) that I went to South Africa without knowing that I was going to join Cosmos. I must say, Christmas time will never be the same after Knysna.....I still hear from Mario, apparently he is making a big trip for months already. Wish you, your family and last but not least George all the best and I look forward hearing from you !

Joost,
Thank you for your message. I have managed to end up with no way to contact you. If you see this message, please send me and email or post your email address to this message board.
Thanks.
Joe

Joe and George,
Out of a sunny Cote de Riviera, France I congratulate you with your circumnavigation and hope you feel at home again. No more nightwatches!

Captain Joe & Crew,
Congratulations on your circumnavigation, and thank you for the excellent web site. I've enjoyed following your journey and look forward to the "additions & improvements."
Welcome home.

Congratulations to the crew of The Cosmos on your circumnavigation. We are new to your site but share in your pride as the owners of Vamonos, a Prout 45 formerly known as Ocean Highway (Scorpio also was for sail in Annapolis in late 1997 when we bought our boat). We haven't cruised very far afield yet but your journey is an inspiration. CJ

Hello Mario,
Thanks again for your help getting around the Cape. George and I decided that we probably would not have stopped in Knysna without your encouragement. That turned out to be the very best place for haul out and for the Christmas layover.
When you get to the Chesapeake, please call. All Cosmos Crew members are welcome to stay a few days at the Dorr house. George told me you would also be welcome at his house.
Hope we get to see you again soon.
Captain Joe

Hello Everyone
Thank you for all of your well wishes.
We are home now. George has written his last log. I expect to do that in the next week.
Stay registered with this site because we hope to make some additions and improvements in the next few months. One of the upgrades is to include some movie segments that you can download. We hope you find them enjoyable.
Captain Joe

Welcome Home!!! It has been fascinating reading about your adventures for the last 2 years. Thanks for sharing!

Hi. I just happened on your site. What an incredible voyage. Except for crossing the atlantic and being sea-sick for 14 days, I've never been on a boat. Too bad I happened upon your web site are the end of your voyage.

Welcome back!

Dear Grandaddy,
I'm going to the zoo tomorrow on a school bus. I can't wait. It's my first time. You're coming home on the next day. I can't wait to have a sleepover and play with you when you get home. I just want to give you a big kiss and hug.
Love, Molly

I see by the reports it's time to say 'WELCOME HOME!' to my big brother George and the captain and crew of the Cosmos. Just an amazing adventure from start to finish.

Hi Joe and George
See what youve started. Im currently in Fortaleza, Brazil on African Queen (you know the one). We are on our way to your home town and bay and hope to meet up with you and have a drink, maybe some Jack and Coke. Got to run and prepare the boat for Trinidad. My e-mail ssicpt@yahoo.com
 Cheers Mario

Hi George and Joe,
Unimaginable for me that you are still enjoying life to the max ! I hope all of you are doing well and having a good time. I 'booked' a trip as crew to some weeks of leisurely cruising in the Med at a Moody 42 (2002) starting in May: France, Italy, Greece etc. My company isn't able to supply me with a lot of projects currently so than it's better to take advantage of that....Have a good time and I'm still thinking back to our past adventures !

Glad to see Emily was able to get some time aboard Cosmos, put what is up with her hair? That hair color looks like something a normal person would do ;-) Man, child birth really changed Daphne!!!!!!!! As always, good luck to the crew of Cosmos, you come a long way baby!

Tom the Webmaster,
Thank you once again for doing such a great job on the web site. The way you posted the responses to the message board was perfect.
We had a fantastic time while Emily was here. She took lots of pictures plus a log report or two on diskettes since the web has been unreliably slow in the Carib. I am going to try to send the latest pics next. Hope she gets the diskettes to you soon or maybe you could ask her to email their contents.
Best of everything to you and everyone else back home.
Captain Joe

Thinking of you all as you cruise the islands. I look forward to hearing all about your latest adventures.

A note to Bill if you get this. Going to visit Yvette and Ilhan next weekend. They send their warm regards.

Much love,
cecy

He sailors,
How is it going? I guess it is a period for relaxation and socializing...So you are conquering the carribean now. I have pretty nice pictures although we probably all have the same views covered. I'll send some special ones to your homes..Again, I had a great trip. I hope you are continuing having one! Bye for now, Joost

     Sounds great to me, Molly. See you soon.
                                            Love,
                                                Grandaddy

Dear Grandaddy,
I hope you are having a good time on the boat. I hope you bring me home a lotta, lotta seashells. I'm baking you something in my oven for when you get home. I got lots of pennies from somebodies house. I got rich just like you, grandaddy. I can't wait to play with you when you get home at the beach. I love you very much and when you get home I'm going to give you the biggest hug and biggest kiss.

Happy Valentines Day, Molly

Message for Mario Viljoen:
You Mario, please send your e-mail address so that I can have a chat with you. My address is jvson1@hsbos.nl

Hi Elke,
       Oh, yes, my health is suffering greatly from all this sailing around in these dangerous, beautiful, islands, and this dangerous, perfect, climate. But, I know that I have the heart to sail back home.
                                See You Soon,
                                             George

Hi Joost,
         Great to hear from you,and, thanks for the compliments. We will not soon forget you, either; especially your sense of humor and tolerance. Yes, I found pepperoni pizza in Admiralty Bay, Bequia, finally.
                                                  George

Hi Emily, Bill, Capt. Joe, and George,
I heard that cruising around the islands can be dangerous to your health: you might not have the heart to come back home! Happy sailing. love, elke

Hi Joe, Hi George,
First let me thank you for the great opportunity you gave me to join you guys from Knysna to Tobago: It has been a truly wonderful time and I will never regret stepping on to Cosmos! Now I'm back I cherish all the memories and everyday new ones pop up and make me smile. I'll tell you being back is hard but I know this experience will stay forever. I have enjoyed you as Captain and First Mate and off course as persons, with your flexibility, humour, knowledge, sociability and most admirable your patience with us! In that respect I have learned a lot..... I wish you a great time teh coming weeks and you'll surely hear from me again! P.S. Have you found any pizza pepperoni already?

Hi John& Moira,
                            It was a real treat to hear from you. Glad to hear that you have finally retired. They will never get along without you. I am looking forward to recommisioning Spey in June, if no one buys her. Have a safe sail to Maine.
                                                  Later,
                                                  George

Great progress George. We saw Spey in the Hartge Yard yesterday looking lonely. We have sold our Alexandria home and retired to Winchester Virginia in a new home in the city. Moira loves it. Now making preparations to sail to Maine for the summer. Probably a cross country next year to visit family and friends and maybe Alaska. Stay safe.
Cheers

Captain Joe,
   Where are you now? Mrs.Spicknall let us see the boat that rolled over 6 times. It looked pretty good for a boat that had rolled over 6 times. Have you been in any bad storms lately? When will you be back from your trip? If you can will you , come and visit our class when you are finished with the trip,if the school year isn't over yet?
                          Rita

To George and the rest of the crew of Cosmos...Welcome back to the Western Hemisphere!!!!

Have you been caught in a storm since you left? Did you know that we got 2 feet of snow. What sight have you seen so far that you like the best?

Thank you for coming to Mrs. Spicknall's class. I loved the movie and if you come again this year could you bring some one who you sail with. You and that person could talk about your trip. Also I think after you finish traveling around the world you should become a teacher like your sister so you could tell people about the trip around the world which I would love to listen to all day long. That is how much I liked your presentation. Hope to see you soon. Brittany

Captin Joe
   When will you come home?If you haven't heard we had 2 FEET of snow!Have you had any snow where you are?We're watching Monster Inc. and waiting for pizza. Jake

Captain Joe, Where are setting off to next. I`ve heard you go to some pretty neat places. And where was the first place you went to because my grandpa travels around the world ,too.Evan

Captain Joe Have you met any friends in the different countries and islands? I think it would be cool to travel around the world on a boat. I bet it's fun. How many new animals did you see? I would have tons of fun because I love learning about different countries and love animals.
                      Chelsea

Captain Joe, When do you think you will get back from your trip?I hope you will get back in time to visit us again. When you get back if you get back in time maybe you can tell us every where you went on your trip. Where are you heading next?Are you having fun ? I hope you are . I hope you have a great trip the rest of the way.
Caitlin

Dear Dad,

Loved reading the recent updates. I'm getting so excited about your homecoming. Thanks so much for my Birthday email. I have saved it and I can listen to it whenever I want. Hope you have had fun at Carnival. I've sent some pics of the girls with Emily. Hopefully by now you have them.

Love you and miss you terribly..... Joanie

Captain Joe,
Hi!I have a few things you can answer.Why do you travel across the world?Do you like traveling? Catch you later.
Jessica

Captain Joe,
  What does it look like in South America? Is it beautiful there? Approxmately, how long is it going to take you to get back to Crofton? I hope to see you to back here whenever!Thomas

     Captain Joe,
Do you like traveling around the world?

I hope you have time to come visit us again,and I want to
wish you GOOD LUCK.

           Captain Joe,
   
     Thank you for visiting us, I really had fun.
Have you had any good luck this year on not hitting
any storms yet? Do you know where your Heading yet?
                Well I wish you good LUCK!


                      sincerely,
                              Lauren

Hello Captain Joe, Guess you heard we're digging out from over 2 feet of snow. Going down as athe biggest snowfall in recorded history. Too bad you missed it. Shoveling is great excercise. Maybe Elke will put a snowball or two in the freezer for your return. No school all week so we may be going into July. Enjoy the warmth. Jan

To Bili:
Bili, ik zie wel allemaal foto's van rooie kasplanten op de Tafelberg maar Roodbaard zelf heb ik nog niet gezien. How come? Loopt er op St. Helena nog ergens een kleine Napoleon rond? Veel plezier met de laatste 3 weken en vergeet Neptunus niet te eren als je de evenaar passeert!
Enjoy! EUHHHHHHHHHHHH
Edith

Hi George, Joe and Hillary it's Debbie here we met up on the Kakadu trip in Darwin about June last year hope you remember me. Finally worked out how this website stuff works thought I'd drop you a line and see how you are doing. Have checked out your photos they are great and I'm jealous of you guys still touring around the world. Would love to here from you guys my e-mail address is debraxx@hotmail.com. Till then take care and have fun.

Message to Joost van Son.
Hi ho Red Arrow. Ik mis je steeds op die website. Kunnen ze niet een foto van je maken en bij de Crew plaatsen? Ik heb zojuist al een e-mail gestuurd. Kijken wat er bij je aankomt. t Is wel een avontuur, zeg. En geen gekke boot! Hoe hard gaat het? Groetjes aan je fellow travellers. Maak ze gek!

Hi: I have followed your voyage closely. What has happened to the updates on the Shamrock Website? There is nothing new since Durban which was about 6 weeks ago. Hope that you can update. Marsh

Hi to everyone aboard COSMOS. Sorry I missed you when departing CPT. Want to use this opportunity to say thank you for the experience and wish you well. Will keep track of your progress.

Hi Captain Papa Joe,
It was just so good to have you home for Christmas, though our time together was far too short. What an epic trip you had getting here! Now Maryland is once again diminished by your absence. Here, we are alternating spring and winter: since your departure we've had another snow, which brought us another 4-5 inches. Today, though,the temperatures are balmy and spring-like; the forecast for tomorrow promises more of the same. Congratulations to all aboard Cosmos on safely rounding the Cape of Good Hope. Wishing you fair sailing in the weeks to come. Love, Elke

Attn: Joost van Son
Jammer dat je nog niet in the Crew bent opgenomen. Heb je al een "bootnaam"? Volgens mij zit het wel goed met dit avontuur en je kunt gerust gaan zwemmmen want haaien houden toch niet van rooie duivels. Veel plezier terwijl wij hier de economie weer een beetje oppompen. Hoor wel van je uit Namibië! EUHHHHH!!
Liefs,
Edith

Merry Christmas George and the rest of the Cosmos crew! This is Harry typing with Mom, Dad, and Mike looking over my shoulder. It's been a wonderful white christmas with lots of food and presents and grandchildren(not mine!!..yours!) running around. Dad is doing great and as usual we all ate and drank so much Christmas morning we fell asleep by noon. We wish you and the rest of the crew a very Merry Christmas and a safe voyage.

George, Hope you enjoying a wonderful Christmas season in S.Africa. I wish you all well. Happy and safe sailing.

For Captain Joe,

I, and the rest of my friends (Rudolph and Johan) would just like to thank you again for showing us around Cosmos at the Knysna Docks. Perhaps someday we will be a part of a catamaran crew thanks to the inspiration you awoke in us.

Thank you
Kind Regards
Riaan Knetze

message for joost van son

he pik, goed van je te horen, mooi skippie.

groet pippie

Captain Joe, A belated Happy Thanksgiving to you and your crew! We enjoyed seeing your grandson at Nana's. What a cutie!! He was a bit overwhelmed by the day but weathered it well for a little guy. Must be getting prepared for voyages with Grandpop. Love, Jan

Happy Thanksgiving Dad! Nana's was great as always, turkey, stuffing and mashed potates...and I think there was more dessert than dinner. Hope the crew had a nice day. Can't wait to see you in December. Love, Emily

Dear Dad,

Glad you made it safely and luxuriously on the plane to Cosmos. By reading your report, you may be leaving today. I hope the weather is in your favor. I want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. You will be sorely missed by all of us. But most of all a very Happy Birthday to you, Dad. Sara told Mom yesterday that you were on the boat. She is really getting smart. Samantha sends a BIG smile. We all love you very much. Happy Sailing.

George, I'm sorry we didn't get together the night before you left town. I tried to call and delivery the other items we spoke about. Hopefully, you will have great weather and safe conditions to Johannesburg. Best of luck!

See you sometime over the summer George. Those Bass
Ale's are kicking.
Robert
--- QT - George Hotz
<qtopic+8-uj2gDkKaGduqR@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>


__________________________________________________
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< replied-to message removed by QT >

186
Hi, Earnie. Glad your tuning in to the website occasionally.
It's always special to hear from you guys in the shop now and then. Thanks for the congrats. Say "Hi" to everyone for me. I'll be arriving home on Thursday, the 22nd, for a break, and will go back to South Africa in November.
                                       Later,
                                             George

Hi there George
Just to let you know I think of you and check the web site from time to time. Congatulations on the new Grandchild.
Be safe and enjoy your journey.

Hi Gandaddy,

I,m here! I arrived at 11:20a.m. on August 16th. I came out screaming. Mommy and Daddy are doing as well as can be expected. Manny is very happy. I am 20" long, and I weigh 9lbs. 1oz. My name is Samantha Joan, and I can't wait to meet you!

Hello Joe,
Hope you and the crew are safe. It looks like you are all having the time of your life.
We've been very busy here so I have not updated your board for quite a long time. Your new picture are beautiful.
Thanks for sharing your adventure with us city-folk.
Look forward to seeing you again on your new trip home.
Meta

Edited by author 08-11-2002 12:50 PM
I have word that you are in sight of Durban if not already at first landing & now are headed for a nice place to tie up for a while. Looking forward to hearing about waves & sights. Go Cosmos.

You must be close now Sailors. Any storms? CONGRATULATIONS for when you set foot on land in Durban. I am proud of you all and wish I could be there to wave you in and actually give you that 'pus och kram' I've been sending via the satellite Anders!! What a wonderful achievement. Much love M

Hi Joe,

When Elke told me that the number wasn't 42 anymore -- that it was 22, I decided to ask my computer to verify it. It should have the answer in 1.3 billion years.

Looking forward to your trip home in a few weeks. Say hi to the rest of the crew -- wish I was there.

T

Hi Anders and Crew,
This is the first time I have looked into your homepage for a long time. I really liked seing my friend enjoying himself. And what an adventure you all have. In Sweden, the summer is at its top. I was out "sailing" with Peter this week in the archipelego (to Utö). Peter has a 39 foot motorboat...
We all look forward seing Anders again in Stockholm (just tell us when). Please also tell him that the renovation in his appartment is about to be finnished, so the timing for this trip was perfect.
Regards, Tom & Marisol

Hi Joe and Crew,
At long last, the countdown is on: less than a month until you're back on terra firma for a while. Looking forward to your homecoming with enormous anticipation. Until then, be safe and look out for those rogue waves. love, e

Hi Stevie,
Have been following your adventures regularly - superb! After all those mushrooms I hope you are still a fun-gi to be with!! I am leaving Tamburlaine on Saturday 27th July to go to work at the restaurant. I will be without an email address for a short period of time, but will contact you again as soon as I am back 'on-line'. Take care of yourself and keep smiling, love Janet xxx

Hi Pop-Wow THE WAVE...sounds scary. This weekend we had Daph's baby shower at Aunt Jan's house. Aaron is now cross dressing and Nana and Mom are helping him pick out his wardrobe, you really need to come home and talk to him. Actually it was nice for him to be there and see Daph. Keeping busy and hopefully hitting the water myself this weekend, unfortunately I won't be sailing, I guess kayaking is the next best thing though. Talk to you soon. Love, Em

Captain Joe and Crew,
Hope all is going well on your adventures. I am really going to miss the Cosmos being in Australia. Seeing all those booby pictures brightened many a day for me. I'm sorry, that was really bad, I couldn't help myself. Good luck, hope to see you back in Md soon!!!!

This message if for George Hotz: My name is Tim Beall and your wife is our orthopedic nurse coordinator for my wife’s surgery. Since my first visit to Kathy’s office I have been following your adventure. Your wife is a terrific nurse and she really promotes your journey well. I have many hobbies. Sailing and amateur radio are two of them. I hold an amateur extra class radio license, which permits me to operate on most world wide amateur radio bands. My background tells me most ships in open water carry HF radio equipment. Hopefully, one of the crew is a licensed amateur operator and you have the necessary equipment. My purpose for contacting you is to wish you well and to see if a radio contact would be possible. It sure would be nice to share a contact with your wife Kathy. If you have the capabilities please let me know so we can set up a schedule. Happy and safe sailing!
Best regards, Tim Beall N3VNG

have you been getitng my weather reports

< replied-to message removed by QT >

This message was received from Cosmos on 7/8/02:

The Cosmos Crew is unlikely to be able to send any reports for the next 15 to 20 days. Our radio email will not work from this far away from the USA, and we will not be at an internet cafe until we reach Ridregeus in Maritius. I expect that radio email will work after we get past Maritius. I will try a few times on our way there. This will be a little bit like when the astronauts go behind the moon.
Hoping to come out on the other side.
Joe

Captain Joe, Rest assured your new grandson will be well dressed. Daphne's first shower supplied Baby McKay with a wardrobe any baby boy would truly envy, including a sailing outfit or two. But the biggest surprise, for Daphne anyway, was Aaron. You'll have to ask him about it as I've sworn to secrecy. It was so great to have your entire family together, not to mention, Chris and Dave and two-thirds of their family. We had a great time. Just a month to go. Hurry home! Jan

Hej Trasan, Jag gillar ditt smeknamn!! Vi ar alla hos Drew och Sharon pa pizza night....inte samma sak utan dig! Dricker rott vin, och skvallrar. Vad gor du? Bestallt nan pizza pa lange? Men vem behover pizza, nar man kan fiska sa stora fiskar som du kan!? Trasan, din gamla räktrålare...

Anna ar en alien just nu, kanske blir utkastad.... har bytt skola och ska borja pa RMIT om DIMIA tillater, annars blir det host i Sverige! men det kanske det blir host anda. Charlott kommer tillbaka i augusti, kul!

Per tycker det ska bli kul att traffa dig, eftersom han hort sa mycket om dig.

Skidakningen i Mt.Buller var suverant, Maggan var valdigt duktig pa telemark! och Drew var en fantastisk skidakare. Men, eftersom vi ar svenskar, we are the best; hela svangen hokarangen;)

Drew's jobb gar bra! Han ar sa duktig. Familjen mar bra. Hoppas att vadret inte var alltfor daligt och att baten holl. Hans kna pallar skidakningen, sa nu far du skynda dig tillbaka, sasongen ar kort.

En dag kommer jag att kunna skriva till dig utan min pappa och vanner som oversatter. Ha talamod. Men, vi har kul. Pappa skrattar mycket. Mycket karlek till dig fran oss i Melbourne och jag ser fram emot att traffa dig.

Puss & Kram
Maggan, Bengan, Perra och the Adams Family

Marga: "so, what did you write Anna?"

Joe Dorr, Crew and Family,
     Elaine and I are having a great time following your adventures. Our world map is shot and fortunately National Geographic came out with an excellent map of Australia just before you began plundering the coast. We have enjoyed hearing about everything from the customs paper work to the double window quick connect / disconnect, croc watching, uncharted sailing, boobie gawking and cliff hanging and Lit 201. Stay on course, Daphne stay on schedule and keep your jib sheet tight. Tom and Elaine

Buenos Dias Jose. Happy Belated Birthday! The Costa Rican trip was quite an adventure. Just driving in Costa Rica is quite an adventure! Potholes abound! Did lots of hiking, swimming, bird watching, and EATING. What great food we had! Traveled from central Costa Rica to the Pacific coast. Saw some gorgeous sights. Luckily Kerith's medical career is not dependent on her Spanish vocabulary. Adios, Jan

Just heard from Hilary, they were looking for a weather report for Indian ocean. I have contacted the navy meteorological office in Japan, they have responsibility for area. Waiting to hear back from them. All are well. < replied-to message removed by QT >

Hey Pop, Hope you remembered to open your birthday card. If not go look for it. Happy Belated to you from the message board. Work is keeping me busy still and so we have added another member to the jpdesign crew! Hope all is well on the Cosmos. Love, Emmer

Hey Papa Bear (and soon to be grandpapa Bear)--We're writing you to wish you the happiest of birthdays. We hope the seas are smooth and the winds are blowing in the direction you wished for. We miss you and are looking forward to seeing you in the not to distant future. As I write, your grandson is making his presence known with yet another bout of hiccups and a few kicks to my ribs. (Mike is certain that we have a future world cup player on our hands!!)Take care and enjoy your day! Happy, happy birthday!

Hey Pop,

Just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday! I am actually writing this from Oberlin, Ohio. I am here at a Voice Pedagogy Program for the week. Anyway may the winds always be at your back and the tides with you. Take care and see you in a few weeks, GRANDPA!!

Love- Brendan

Happy B'day from an old sailor now a landlubber and his second mate, hope you had wind in your sails, sea spray in your face, and no scuttlebutt amongst your crew. This is your big double nickle. T&A

Hey Joe,

Happy Birthday, Capt'n. Wish we could be there to celebrate with you and have a piece of the now famous Cosmos birthday cake. Congratulations are in order for us -- we are new grandparents. Patrick John (Tiger) Hill was born at 9:52am on 7/5/02 --- 8 lbs, 21 inches -- Erin and baby doing great. Too bad he wasn't born on 7/6 -- then he probably would have had to be named Steven Joseph. Sounds like all is well on Cosmos. Keep the reports and pictures coming. Say hi to the rest of the crew.

T&K

Hi Joe,
To get right to the point of this email. I hope this gets to you on your birthday. You know noted for sending birthday greetings late.Have a HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I hope one of the crew makes you a birthday cake.
I don't have much news.Elke keeps you informed on most of the news from the home front. The best news is that Matt and Diana have a girl Brigette Marie. She weighed in at 7lbs 13 ozs. She looks like Diana.
Heather and Rick moved into their new house.
Anita, Jackie and I visited with Elke and Daphne. Daphne is looking great.
Time to sign off, Happy Birthday!
Love and God Bless you and the Crew.Happy and safe sailing, Mom

Hi Steve, This is in response to your query about Whitsunday. In England, and I suspect in Australia too, and perhaps in other parts of the globe Great Britain once colonized, Pentecost is known as Whitsunday, the seventh Sunday after Easter on which the Holy Spirit descended on his disciples. It is thought that the term Whitsunday refers to the white baptismal robes worn on that day. Pentecost is also the day of the Jewish harvest festival (acc'd to my OED),ocurring on the fiftieth (explaining the use of the Latin pente -- meaning five)day after the second day of Passover. Moreover, it also refers to a synagogue ceremony involving the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai (again acc'd to my OED). There you are. warm regards, elke

George Hotz:
Happy 4th of July to you all! I have been following your experiences and adventures since you emailed Peter, and us all, a few months ago. What a wonderful opportunity -- despite the windows! Trust all is going as near to plans as possible.
Your cousin,
Liz

Dear Anders,we miss you but not half as much as Angus does. We hope that the journey is going well. The fish that you caught was just fantastic. The photos show that you are having a great time out there with your new found friends. We looked at a country property but unfortunately missed out on it.We will look around for more opportumities. Love the new haircut. It reminds me of someone I know! See you soon!

  If the crew all looked up in the past day or two and thought you were hallucinating because you saw some guy in a balloon floating in off the Indian Ocean....relax. Some guy with a few bucks decided to fly around the world solo in a balloon on his 6th attempt and just made it to Australia yesterday. Unfortunately he hasnt been able to land it...so he's sort of circling overhead if you look up. Maybe if George brought his BB gun you could help the poor guy land.
  We all hope to hear the next report soon and continued best wishes for a safe trip.

Hi Joe and crew: Have returned from my visit to the UK and Aaron. His surprise to me was a weekend in Paris. We took the train through the chunnel and arrived on a blue-sky, fleecy cloud day. We sampled great French food (wait til you hear about our registered duck!!), strolled the Champs Elysees, people-watched as we sipped coffee at several sidewalk cafes, and saw all the famous sites. Couldn't have been lovelier. In fact, every day in London was also mild and clear. Now home again and dragging in our sweltering, 90plus temp. Your flowers are perfuming all the rooms of our house; what a stunning anniversary gift. You know how I love all those blossoms. Happy anniversary to you too, Joe. Came across some lines by T.S. Eliot, in the "Four Quartets." They are: "And the end of all our exploring/ Will be to arrive where we started/And know the place for the first time." There is much more in this poem that is equally profound and appropriate to your endeavor. We'll read it together when you come safely home to "where you started." Loving you ever, e

Hi Dad!! I'm visiting with Karen and her beautiful brood of three today and getting all kinds of mommy advice. We've been busy checking out your web site and seeing what the latest is with the Cosomos crew. Emily and I are almost finished with painting the baby's room and Mike is starting to assemble the crib. Here's Karen--wow....I am so excited for you and your journey around the world. Daph has filled me in on some of your adventures and I'm glad you get to experience this magical trip. Be safe and enjoy each day. Karen and Family. Take care Dad! Love,Daphne PS..I can't tell you how much Mom loved her anniverary bouquet and phone call!!

Hello Joe, So jealous of your many adventures, I've decided to take off on one of my own. Joining Kerith in Costa Rica tomorrow. She has been there staying with a Costa Rican family for the last 5 weeks and taking Spanish for 4 hours a day. Now we are going to do a little traveling from the central region to the Pacific Coast. Will be thinking of you as we listen to the pounding waves. Love,Jan

Greetings Cap't Joe and mates, I have just returned from Boston where I attended the national obstetrical nursing convention. I discovered on my evening stroll an interesting statue on Commonwealth Avenue of a mariner with the following inscription: Dream Dreams Then write them Aye, but live them first. You and your fellow travelers embody that spirit and courage on your round the world quest (I also think you will beat that guy in the hot air ballon as well). As for my sailing endeavors, I will go on my first SOS cruise 7/4-7/7 on the Chesapeake Bay. Signing off to go practice my knots. Peace & Love, Molly Kealy

Hi Dad! A little belated but Happy Father's Day. From the photos it looks as if you are all having great fun and seeing beautiful things. I spent Father's Day painting Daphne's nursery and couch shopping for me with Mom. I have made no progress on the house but am about to have all the shrubs in the front pulled out. Work has been busy, I was just in South Beach Miami for the Ad. Fed. and couldn't help but think the last time I was there it was because Aaron and I were headed out on the Scorpio now Cosmos. I really miss time on the boat and can't wait to join you on the next leg! --Love, Em

Hello Anders!
lot's of thank's for the great present "with feet" we will soon start to use it as soon Leon has gained some height over the sea.
We heard from your parents that you had taken to sea on a sailboat and when we got this adress were we all but late to follow up on your wereabouts. We are now bright green with envy and hope you have a great time. If you get a chance it would be fun if you could send us a mail ( e-mail) and tell us how you're doing.All best whishes and lots of big hugs from Marcus, Kitty and Leon Wahlqvist
(kitty.marcus@chello.se)

Greetings and Happy Father's Day Dad! Wishing you smooth sailing on your special day. We thought a lot about you today and wish you could have been here for steaks on the grill. We miss you! Love, Daphne and Mike

Happy Fathers Day pop and George!! I hope the crew is giving you a watch off today, or at least letting you have a third helping of some nutella concoction.
Looks like you guys are making great progress and still getting to do a fair amount of on-shore exploration as well. The topography is a bit different than the first leg of the trip, but equally impressive -- all of the pictures do a great job of capturing the landscape.
Things here are going well, but fairly busy as usual. I went to the final of the warm-up tournament to Wimbledon today. After the match there was a one set doubles match for charity with a surprise guest -- Tony Blair and Pat Cash played Ilie Nastasi and a brit comedian. Blair was actually pretty good (he uses a lot of spin...)
Hope the winds continue to be in your favor, as we all follow the rest of your trip.

Back to virtual reality! I miss you! Enjoy your intrepid adventure along the Kimberly coastline. Love Marga

Hi guys its Ron from Troughton Island heli copter base I am back home in Darwin and ckeck in out ya info.Now I can watch you go past my computer at home as well.
            ronmarina@telstra.com

Dear Anders we are all missing you in australia. Sharon and the kids are fine and are missing you. Uncle anders comes up all of the time as we do things that you and all of us did together. He still thinks that you are travelling on an airoplane as one flies over head, look dad there goes anders plane! Then he thinks you are then sailing on boats as we pass by them, look dad anders is on that boat. Sharon has been in hospital over the past three days with a really bad migrain. She is spending tonight in the hospital for observation so I am on the internet and thought that you might want the latest. The doctor just thinks that the children are keeping her up in the middle of the night too much. R & R required. Love you, miss you the Adamsons.

Hello Cosmos crew!! We are excited to see all of your magnificant news and pictures from the reef--that was one big termite mound!!! In all of your list of fish that you saw, we never saw the poisonous octupus that we wanted to see. Stay safe out there, and have a few Fosters and shrimps on the barbie for us. If you come across any exciting and wild baby names down there, please let us know. Our current name is Billy Ray Cyrus McKay--kind of catchy, ain't it?

Mike and Daphne

Hello Cosmos crew and especially Anders,
Here is Christina, Claes and Lars Wester (who is visiting on his way back to Oz). We are enjoying the most beautiful spring weather and have opened up at Nämdö. the water is still freezing but we took a spin with the kayaks anyhow.
Lars has had an interesting stay in GB and is full of new ideas.
Yesterday we watched a nature program about the York penisula. We then learnt that you can achor up at the northernmost point of Australia. Something to try if you have not already past that point.
I am off to Iran on Saturday but this time only for a short visit.
Many many hugs and kisses from Mummy, also from Lars (at leat the hugs) and of course from P.
PS Lars says he caught up with Ian (The General)in London the other day and reminisced about sailing and you were talked about affectionately.

Greetings "sailors" Captain Joe, George, Steve, Hilary & especially Anders,

I miss you all and life on Cosmos. It was a very special two weeks. Melbourne is freezing and I'm finding it hard to believe two weeks ago I was surrounded by the ocean, watching dolphins & admiring such beautiful sunrises & sunsets. I miss having three fantastic meals a day with great company, discussing all sorts of issues. Glad to hear you've caught more fish.

Thankyou again Captain Joe for your exceptional hospitality.
Love Marga

PS Looking at the web site again is quite surreal - almost virtual reality after experiencing Cosmos first hand!

Wow, it's hard to believe that the Cosmos is half way around the world and in a different hemishpere! It was great seeing Joe and all the Dorrs over the holidays and I want to wish them the best luck as always! My Dad and I are seriously considering hooking up with the Cosmos in the Virgin Islands 9 months from now. The letters from the children were wonderful as well. By any chance could one of the crew take a picture of a toilet flushing with the water turning in the opposite direction? It's great to see how many different people are participating through the web site!

Hi Hilary! Bruce sent me the web site for your voyage, and I have to say I am very impressed! What a fantastic opportunity for you and you are so adventurous to undertake it. I've been meaning to e-mail you and see how you are doing, but it looks like you're doing great! Have a wonderful time and be safe. Love, Sue

We are looking at a way to incorporate your adventure into their home schooling activities. We will break out the Atlas and I will down load some charts off the net. May be bringing home a chart would be cool. Hopefully they will grow up to be better navigators than I. I put the Peapod hard aground slightly south of the unmarked pass I was aiming for. The bar extended out over a mile. Missed it by that much !!! Punched a small centerboard keel fitting through the thru hull fitting in the hull. OOPPPSSS. So thats why she was sitting so low at anchor at the end of the day. We are all home and the Peapod is high and dry in the boatyard (driveway). Love from us all. We will be communicating with you later.

voyage sounds wonderful. dont disapear among the sea horses. we miss you. Charlie and I. But I am getting ready to go to Alaska for a bed and breakfast tour, that will be a whole new adventure for me. Let us know when you think you are coming home (which month). Love Mom

Hello Mrs. Spicknall's class at Crofton Meadows,
We are in Cairns,Australia and will be leaving around noon for the outter reef. We will be diving on the Ribbon Reefs and expect clear water, lots of colorful coral and fish.
We have already seenlots of fish (including a shark) and all sorts of coral.
Last night, the crew and I went to a school called Reef Teach. It was a fantastic learning experience taught by a marine biologist that was wilder than the Crocodile Hunter. We learned a lot and the new knowlege that we have will make the rest of our Great Barrier Reef experience more meaningful. Learning is wonderful, even when you are 54 years old.
Best wishes for you,
Captain Joe

Hello Peabodies/Machaffies - Thanks for the messages. It's really fun to hear from home. I will be emailing each of you in the near future, but in the mean time I want you to know I am having an AMAZING time. I joined Cosmos crew in MacKay and sailed north through the islands of the Great Barrier Reef to Cairns. We leave today to continue our journey north. I am posting maps of the area to all of you today but in the mean time get out your atlases! Mark, Bruce, & Skip: I smile every time I think of the sailing we have done together; as for Summer, Brennan, Brent, & Glenn: you four can hardly imagine how often I think of you. You would all go APE over this! I attended "Reef Teach" here in Cairns last night where a lively Irish zoologist gave a lesson about the Great Barrier Reef. This really is one of the natural wonders of the world - as complex as it is beautiful.
Hello to Rhona, Linda, & Ida...Linda - THANK YOU again for the "go ahead & do it".
Brennan - Hooray for your scouting achievement - good going kiddo.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE
Hilary

This is for Hillary Peabody.

Hello cousin, we are jealous of you and your adventure. From another sailor ---- GO FOR IT!
Have a great voyage, write a book, write a screen play, write a movie, become famous and I can can say - - I knew Hillary when!
Enjoy and God Bless!
Skipper, Ida & Glenn MacHaffie

Hey kiddo, The Hobbit goes to Sea, across the water as such. Brennan and Summer are waiting to read the emails, If there is anything we can send you to help you out let us know. Brennan was the first one in his patrol and the other new patrol (total of 25 boys) to get a rank increase, he is very proud. We are going for sailing merit badge in a month.
Good luck, we love you. Life is an adventure isnt it ? Love, the Peabodies of Georgia

Edited by author 05-13-2002 04:26 PM
Hey Hilary - Rumour has it that you caught up with Cosmos before landfall at Cairns - Great - Please let us know how things go with the cruise - We'll be watching - Brent is in awe after hearing that you are in Australia. He cant wait to go too... Love mark rhona & brent..

Hi Captain Grandpa Joe, As you know, it's a boy!!! He is still due to arrive around Sept 5. Keep Cosmos on schedule so you can fly home in August. love, grandma e.

Tjenare storebror! Ibland känns det som du ramlat av jordens kant eftersom vi inte vet var du är..känslan är konstig och vi saknar dig massor men tror att du har det super ombord. Nämdö är öppet, båten snart i och solen strålar. Alla frågor var du är och frågar hur det går och tycker att du är en tuff kille i lyxförpackning. Vi andra "tråkmånsar" springer i råtthjulet....nädå.. J o jag har köpt hus och ser framemot ännu en renoveringsomgång..just nu huserar vi på Ymervägen..back to basics. Pappa undrar var du är 28/6-3/7 eftersom han är på resa i Asien då och skulle vilja "datea" med dig då!Mamma partar loss med sina tjejkompisar..brasilanskor a la supermodeller..och vissa Djursholmskärringar!! Annars spelar de kära pensionärerna golf och badar i sitt lyxbadrum mest hela dagarna. Erik är som vanligt lite anonym men trivs med det..Jag har flirtat till mig en golfrunda nu på söndag vilket ska bli kul. Stor villan på Nämdö växer fram och R pushar på för att det ska bli klart den 1 augusti. Förresten har Jocknicks nu köpt Lindqvisters hus så nu har vi tillgång till bastun där.Lillskiten Christian har fyllt 18 år. Morfar mår ok men bor på sjukhem där han verkar trivas trots omständigheterna.Lille Alexander är vår lilla hjälte,lika snygg som sin mamma och klok som sin far. Han står och river i allt han får tag på och är redan mycket beläst med tillgång till morfars bibliotek.

Förresten skjuter vi upp den gemensamma golfresan tills att du kommer hem! På tal om det så finns det ett rum ledigt hos oss när du kommer hem ifall att de ej är klara med stamrenoveringen. Hoppas att allt flyter på att det är bra killar du reser med, vi saknar ditt foto på hemsidan. Hör av dig när du kan, tills dess stor kram från oss alla..Catrin, Jonas, Alexander, Mamma, Pappa, Erik!

Here we are all sitting around having pizza and thinking of you guys up there. Obviously suffering in the extreme heat of the day! We miss not having you guys down here in cold old Melbourne. Anna is sitting next to me here wondering or should I say pondering what to say! Um! She thinks that your return to Australia should be speedy as the sun is too F-ing hot anyway! Also it may tend towards a little skin wrinkle towards the end of the day! Im finished! We will catch up with you in the near future if the Melbourne side of the relationship develops into something slightly larger! We hope this may well be the scenario. Bye Drew Anna Per Sharon Angus Rory.

Hi Marga!!

Thought we'd send you a message to say Hi and "Are You Really On Board???" Thinking of you and wishing Captain and Crew happy sailing!

Hi Steve!

Thrilled to get your mail and to know of your new adventure - knew you were yearning to set sail again and glad you have found a great crew. Was wondering where you had got to! Am still hoping we can meet again one day - seems like a long time ago that we met at Crabhill...
Have moved out of London to Canterbury (closer to sea) and am working for an English language school. Hoping to travel properly some time next year. Something inside me wrenches when I see beautiful photos like these.
Will keep up to speed with the Cosmos website - looking forward to seeing your pic and biog!
How long will you be on board?
Do keep in touch and keep safe
Till we meet again
Vicky

la_chickster@hotmail.com

Captain Joe and Crew
How are you? I hope you had a safe trip.Tell every one I said HI!
                                                Sincerely
                                     Bryce K

Captain Joe,
I hope you have a safe trip in Austrailia. Have a safe trip.I miss you. Lindsey

Captin Joe and Crew
How are you? I hope you had a safe trip.Tell every one I said HI!
                                                Sincerely
                                               Bryce K

Captain Joe and Crew,

A few words from you fans back at Crofton Meadows to wish you a Bon Voyage on the second leg of your trip.

Jan
Captain Joe and Crew,
Good luck!How is Australia.I got to see the Volvo Ocean race boats.Sorry no Catamarans.
Sincerely,
Ryan

Captain Joe and crew,
Good luck . safe trip . Jacqueline

Captian Joe and Crew,
i just want to say good luck and if
you see any koala bears please vidieotape them. Daniel

Hi Captain Joe hope you have a safe trip good luck.RACHEL
  
Hi captain Joe if you ever see a monkey tell me. Hope you have a good time. sincerely peter

Hi captian Joe hope you had a good time at New Zaeland.
                              your friend, katelyn
HI Captin Joe , Good luck with your trip around the world!
                                   Your friend ,
                                     Shaun
Hi Captin Joe ,Good luck with your trip!
                              Your friend ,
                              Jessica

Hi Captain Joe,have you seen a shark during your trip, and
good luck with your trip!
                                        Sincerely,
                                        Eerik Ervin
Hi Captin Joe I wanted to know what kinds of things do you see like in the wate? Well good luck. your friend Megan

Hi captian joe so where are you now and where are you going next?

Hi captian Joe. Good luck on your trip. How many people are on your ship? Do you have fun on your trip?
Kelsey

Captain Joe and Crew,

A few words from you fans back at Crofton Meadows to wish you a Bon Voyage on the second leg of your trip.

Jan
Captain Joe and Crew,
Good luck!How is Australia.I got to see the Volvo Ocean race boats.Sorry no Catamarns.
Sincerely,
Ryan

Captain Joe and crew,
Good luck . safe trip . Jacqueline

Captian Joe and Crew,
i just want to say good luck and if
you see any koala bears pleas vidieotape theam. Daniel

Hi Captain Joe hope you have a safe trip good luck.RACHEL
  
Hi captain Joe if you ever see a monkey tell me hope you have a good time. sincerely peter

Hi captian Joe hope you had a good time at New Zaeland.
                              your fiend katelyn
HI Captin Joe , Good luck with your trip around the world!
                                   Your friend ,
                                     Shaun
Hi Captin Joe ,Good luck with your trip!
                              Your friend ,
                              Jessica

Hi Captain Joe,have you seen a shark during your trip, and
good luck with your trip!
                                        Sincerely,
                                        Eerik Ervin
Hi Captin Joe I wanted to know what kinds of things do you see like in the water. Well good luck. your friend Megan

Hi captian joe so where are you now and where are you going next?

Hi captian Joe. Good luck on your trip. How many peoel are on your ship? Do you have fun on your trips?

Hey Dad and George,
  I was reading the new message and a smile came over my face when I read that George sealed all the small leaks which allowed water to get into compartments and leak through the windows. It made me think of all the sailing we have done along the Atlantic and getting to watch George do his "handy work." I hope the winds are at your backs and you have blue skies ahead. Take care crew!!
Brendan

Hi all,

Won't have any major web site updates till I get back at the end of the month but will try to keep you all up to date through the message board.

We are still in Whangarei, New Zealand -- Captain Joe had some new windows installed on Cosmos -- the installation did not go well and had to be redone. Cosmos is about a week behind schedule leaving.

Steve Hall and Anders Toren are on board -- we are all anxious to get underway. My plans are to sail until I have to fly home on April 27 -- Hope Captain Joe doesn't make me get off the boat then because we will probably be in the middle of the Tasman Sea at that time due to the delay. I'm just going to play it by ear -- may have to stay a little longer - what a shame.

Will have pictures and bios for Steve and Anders when I get back -- Hillary will join the crew around the time I get off -- somewhere in Australia. I think Anders is going to keep us entertained with his reports and pictures that will be posted on the web site -- he and Steve are a lot more fun and interesting than Joe and George -- they're two old foggies.

Will keep you posted on our progress here.

Tom

To Captain Joe and Cosmos crew-Fair winds and following seas. We will be keeping our eyes on you. If there is anything ashore that I can do just call or e-mail.

Greetings to the Cosmos crew,

What a wonderful adventure you are on. The web site is an excellent way to get a feel of your trip. Please look after Anders for me! I look forward to meeting you all one day. All the best with your journey to Cairns.
Enjoy!

Marga
Melbourne, Australia

Hi Norm,

Getting ready to take off for New Zealand -- thanks for the good wishes. Kathy's looking forward to Carol, Norma and Ona's visit-- sounds like one big and long slumber party.

Can't wait to get on Cosmos -- I plan to bring back plenty of news and pictures for the web site -- won't be any updates until the end of the month but I'll send back reports via the message board.

No -- I haven't gotten over the Super Bowl yet but I'm not daunted - getting ready to renew my Rams season tickets -- wait till next year.

Tom

Tom:

Here's hoping you have an enjoyable trip. I will be losing my wife for about 10 days as she is going out to be with Kathy as you know. I think about 3 or 4 of the "girls" are going out as well. I will be keeping in touch with you during your journey. Try to relax and see if you can get over the Super Bowl. I have not gotten over it yet.
Enjoy yourself, Norm and Carol

     Cosmos is coming back to life in preparation for the second leg of her circumnavigation. While Kathy and I were touring the Whangarei area, we investigated what appeared to be some form of activity aboard the vessel. We hitched a dinghy ride out to the mooring and discovered Captain Grandpa Joe (new title) struggling in his attempt to inflate the Cosmos dinghy and mount the outboard singlehandedly in a desperate effort to gain independent mobility for socializing throughout the Town Basin of Whangarei. We interupted our Retail Therapy to assist the good captain and allow Kathy an opportunity to get acquainted with Cosmos. The Crew will start reporting for duty this week. How exciting for the fans of Cosmos and merchants of Whangarei. The Cosmos adventure resumes.
                                         See Ya',
                                                 George

117
Now, Harry,
          The Crew of Cosmos would not be so rude as to pass by a mermaid and not, at least, pass the time of day with a courteous greeting and bringing her up to date on current events, then a glass of wine, perhaps, a snack .......

As you all prepare for the second half of your journey...just thought I'd say best of luck, smooth sailing, and don't stop to talk to any mermaids.

I WILL KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ALL VIA THIS MEDIUM. WISHING YOU SAFE SEAS AND FAIR WINDS.

/m113: Hi, Hilary. Glad to hear you are keeping track of us. We hope that you make it through your Winter without too much of the 'late Winter Blahs'. There will always be room for you if you want to join us in May. There will be four of us aboard when we leave Whangarei in April.
                                Keep in touch,
                                              George

Ahoy! Word of your trip has kept me going during a challenging fall & winter in NYC. Are you looking for crew in May? Best to you all as you continue your journey.

Happy New Year to all from a New Zealand tourist.

Happy New Year, one and all.
                           Cosmos Crew

/m106
     Thanks, Joanie, see you soon.
                                  Dad

Dad,
 I took a bit of a break today and sat down at the computer to catch up with the latest Cosmos news and it made me realize how long it's been since I shared any news with you. I have been extremely busy with work, but still loving my job. Mike is back to working on finishing the basement--you can see now why I didn't want him to build our deck :)! Mike is also very busy with work and school. He's working on his administrative certificate now--he has class every Wednesday night till 10:00, so Mom and I have made Wednesday night our date-night. We've probably eaten more fish than you with all of our trips to Yuraku! When you get home, remind me to tell you the story of how we (Mike and I) got to see Cal Ripken's last game. We're all happy to hear that you have made it safely to New Zealand and look forward to your homecoming.
  Love,
  Daphne

Hi Joe,
What a great adventure and what a wonderful way to share it with all of us land locked dreamers. I am passing out your web site to all prout owners.
I will arrive Auckland early AM on 12/05/2001. Id like to come and inspect your vessel just to make sure you have treated it right. Do you know your location on the 5th? Look forward to seeing you down under.
Regards,
Tom

Don

Your adventures sound exciting and can't wait for your program at one of the Squadron meetings in the spring. Saturday is the Christmas party and being part of the nominating committee, we'll sign you up for something you just can't refuse. . . smile. . . sorry you can't be with us. And even more so that we don't have you and your boat to join in the Solomon's Light Parade.

Wish we could join you for a few weeks too, but Last Chance may make a summer launching yet. . . at least Summer Rendezvous is our goal. I certainly hope so, six years is a long time for any project. . . but we sure are getting close.

The weather here has been humid, foggy and rather warm. At least we did get a bit of rain. Sure hope it manages to give us some more.

Hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving, we had a nice Thanksgiving holiday. . . turkey was great and the company enjoyable. Had all the family but our oldest daughter and husband that lives in Houston. but they are coming for Christmas.

Keep afloat, enjoy and hurry home, we have missed you.

take care - Barbara and Mike

Dad,

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY!!! Wish I knew how you were spending your day. Can't wait to have you back home again and hear all about your travels. Hope your birthday is exciting and fullfilling.

Love you,

Joanie

George,

You have many people thinking of you today; sending their love and best wishes. We will celebrate in 12 days! Happy 60th from your #ONE fan. Kathy

Well done Cosmonauts.

Here's a note of trivia that come in handy at a pub.

A NZ national team (soccer) player plays for DC United in Major League Soccer. His name is Ryan Nelsen and he started off as a central midfielder but moved back to be a central defender by the end of the season.

Again, congratulations on the completion of the first leg (and what a leg it was).

-Eric

I'm a bit late but still want to congratulate all the crew members -- past and present -- for their safe completion of the first leg of their journey. Thanks, too, for taking us along with you through those wonderful photos and the fascinating travelogue. Congratulations to all! Can't wait until you come home, Joe. The countdown is in progress!

Edited by author 11-24-2001 08:48 AM
More replies from the Cosmos crew to messages posted on this board --- see The News Page.

Joe, Sure was good talking to you yesterday. Hard to believe that the next time we talk you will be home. So how was your turkey dinner? As usual, ours was quite tasty. From the turkey, mashed potatoes, sour kraut, sweet potatoes, brocoli casserole, corn, bean, and potato casserole, stuffing, and hot rolls dripping in butter to the pumpkin, apple, and custard pies and Nana's famous homemade eggnog, we were in Thanksgiving heaven! So do you get the point? We're having a pretty good time here too! Just wish I had some pictures to make you even more jealous!!!! Enjoy New Zealand. See you soon. Love, Jan

It’s a beautiful day in the mountains of Virginia. Finally gotten a bit colder after a very warm fall. Happy Thanksgiving to all! Wish I were enjoying a Cosmos adventure. It’s been good to hear and read about it all. See everyone at a Very Maryland Christmas.
Happy Sailing, Jess

Edited by author 11-21-2001 09:24 AM
Happy Thanksgiving to the Crew of Cosmos !

Emily

Hi Don -
I hope you are having a great time on this awesome adventure!! I'm living vicariously through your website, which looks great, by the way!

Hey, will you guys be in Papua New Guinea at all?

Tons of love,
Cindy

Dave, How long has Chris had this catastrophic relationship with pancake syrup? Elke

Joe,
Thanks for the wonderful news about your adventure. I thought of the you Friday while in line to pay for my groceries. The fellow ahead of me knocked my pancake syrup on the floor, the bottle cracked open and there was syrup everywhere. That caused me to think of the maidan voyage Dave and I took with you on Cosmos (Scorpio then) and our entry into the Chesapeake from the Atlantic, it was so rough one of the galley cabinets came open and among other things that came out was a bottle of pancake syrup. Before things settled down there was syrup all over the galley. Sounds like Cosmos is sailing smoother than those early days. Matt, Diana, Garrett and Adian are coming for Thanksgiving. John, Janie, Brittany and Adam will join us for dinner. Love, Chris

What an amazing website!!!! Okay, I would love to join you somewhere, somehow on this trip, for maybe 2-3 weeks.....I am in awe at the adventure you have and are living! Life happens once. Life should be filled with adventure every single moment! I hope you are enjoying yourselves, with good laughter and lots of courage!!!! Keep it up guys!

I am so jealous, Hilary told me to look at this site. My sister left the day after my wedding to sail with Nick and you, among others, to Nova Scotia. way back in 84. I always get left out of the fun stuff. Lets see, wedding, sailing, wedding, sailing, too tough a choice. I am going to start shopping around for a 30 footer in a few years, my chrysler 22 is not up for even a Bahamas run right now.
Love your photos, good luck. Looking forward to more photos

Bruce Peabody, son of Brent, brother of Hilary lost of mind

George,
Peter, Hilary, Sophie and I were in MD for Griffith Potts' baptism and had the joy of seeing your family and meeting Sara for the first time. It was a wonderful reunion and you were missed. Kathy was wearing the beautiful bracelet that you sent her - congratulations on 39 years of marriage! As Thanksgiving approaches we think of you all and also wish you early birthday greetings. I've been following your exciting and interesting progress on the Cosmos and wish you continued success in your adventures.
Much love from all of us,
Mary

Joe,
Sorry I wasn't home for my birthday greeting. I was at the quilt guild meeting. Enjoyed hearing from you. It seem as if you are batting zero on Nov. birthday calls. Hope you have better luck on Brendan's

Our fall has been glorious. No really cold weather yet. We do need rain, none since Sept.
Nothing exciting happening. We're all waiting you're return. Thanks for the call.
Love and God be with you All,Mom

Don - Patuxent River is now the temporary custodian of the D/5 Caravelle Trophy for Seamanship, Piloting and AP ta daa.
Also picked up another couple of certificates for classes. Stammer got a certificate for Chapman award nomination or Squadron Chapman award winner.
Hal did a great job with the Education Expo idea. Best Fall Conference ever. Kip went and was in charge of the ME class. Lots of changes in the offing.
Weather here is about perfect. You are missing the best weather of the year. Imagine you will be too tired of sailing for the Volvo (Whitbread ) be here in April..Miss you, COme home soon!! Captains Table et al await.
Kay and Al

Hi Dad & Crew-Sorry I missed your phone call. We all celebrated with Chinese food and cake at my house. Thanks for the beautiful necklace. Progress on the house so far is slow going but it is going. We ripped up carpet in one room this weekend, floor is in great shape but does need refinishing. Don't worry I am sure I will find something for you to help with when you get home. Love, Em

Joe ...have been following your wonderous voyage since the family reunion. Sent a number of messages and don't know whether they made it to you or not but suspect they didn't. Have numerous people tuned in to your site, from Bob Cutler to my brother Tim in Mexico to my office staff in China.Just returned from there and it became a special treat for them to view the updates/pictures as they are not accustomed to such adventures. I have fond memories of the sea, the night sky and the tropics from my days in the Navy and you have revived in me warm feelings that were long forgotten.Thanks

Joe, Thanks so much for taking the time to answer each of my student's questions. They were thrilled to get your personal message and appreciated the depth you went into. We loved your fishing story. And Cody's math problem gave us some practice for the MSPAP assessments. As soon as we get a chance we will post more questions from some of the kids who didn't get a chance to send one last time. Thanks for helping them realize what a wonderful world we really do live in! Miss you, Jan

The Cosmos crew has sent replies to some of the messages posted on this board. The replies were too lengthy to be posted here -- they can be found on the News page dated October 30, 2001.

We have just arrived at LAX en route to London and have checked the website which is fantastic! We are currently enjoying a glass of Champagne, trying to extend the excellent vacation aboard Cosmos as much as possible.

Don and George, we hereby allocate our daily snickers and Hinano beer rations to you. Hope you are having fair winds and have/had a good journey to Tonga. Heading back to rainy London we wish we could have stayed longer.

Kia Orana

The swabies

McGreevy! We all know you ate that Turkey of '88. You're probably still digesting it, you gluttinous holiday home-wrecker! Good to see you're alive and well my man!

Nick and Jan,
Thanks for the note. So far, except for a few days early in the passage from Panama, this trip has been a "Milk Run." Hope it continues that way to New Zealand. We saw some lightning a day or two out of Rarotonga. Time sure is flying.
Don

Hi Toni,

we had a lot of fun seeing latest pictures showing you and the crew on the boat. Everything seems to be allright, the landscape is wonderful. How was diving?? Sunburn?? We sent a SMS which aparently has gone lost in the Pacific. Weather in Eyrichshof is dreadful, 10°C and rain. Julius will get a new au-pair today (from Hungary), we are excited about that. Best regards to Aaron and the rest of the Crew. Hope to see you very soon! Love, HSJ

Joe,Hi,We hope you are all doing well,The kids were wanting to know about all the different animals you have seen?We can't wait until your home again.Hope you are having the time of your lives.Our love and prayers are with you all.Take Care,Love,Janie,John,Brittany and Adam

Hi Ray --- thanks for the report. Problem is fixed. If your browser says it can't find the page, hit the refresh button on Internet Explorer or the 'Reload Current Page' button on Netscape. Please report any other problems found.

Thanks again.

Cosmos Webmaster-seems to be a problem with the latest link to George's report. Keep up the good work.

Hope all is going well on the Cosmos adventure! I thought of our favorite adventurer's today as I was fighting the wind walking into the building. You could probably sail across hagerstown in about fifteen minutes today, this with the boat being on dry land. Sorry to hear Aaron has joined the trip, hope his rancid gas problem has subsided. Whoops, maybe this wasn't an appropriate comment for this median, but consider the source, go figure?!?!?! Again, hope all is well, and look forward to spending some time with the complete Dorr family over the holidays.

P.S. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I would just like to repeat that I did not eat the Thanksgiving turkey of 1988.

Hello to the Cosmos crew, it's nice to see a guy can still get Shanghaied. That is how you added Aaron and 'Twon, right?

Oh yeah, I was wondering if you have found any pirate treasure yet?

Dear Dad,

Everyone is looking forward to your return. Can't wait to hear your stories.

We have two very important dates to celebrate and hope you return in time. Your 60th Birthday and Sara's 1st. We're hoping you will be home by at least the 1st of Dec. Sara has four teeth now and is cuter than ever. She sends a smile.

We are all well. Love you,

Joanie

Joe, We're charting your progress on a world map on our classroom wall. The kids have some questions for you.

Ryan asks, "Do you think you'll ever race in an around the world race?"

Cody asks, "How long will your trip take?

Bryce asks, "Is it fun?"

Zach wants to know how long you've been sailing?

Rebecca wants to know if your are catching fish and if so, what kind?

Jacqueline says, "What do you eat?"

Peter wants to know what you do on a windy night?

Rachel asks, "Do you ever seasick?"

Jessica wants to know where you are now.

Daniel wants to know when you are coming back and can you come to our school when you get back to talk to our class about about the trip.

We're hoping to hear from you soon!!! Jan

Hi Dad and crew, Well I am in my new house! With all the boxes, some still packed, some half unpacked and some totally unpacked but yet to be thrown away, it looks like a moving truck exploded in the house. I could not have dreamed better weather for the first weekend in the house. Can wait for you to come home and see it. This weekend I plan on stripping some wallpaper boarders and beginning the painting upstairs. This task will be followed by ripping up the ugly blue-marble carpet, there are nice hardwood floors underneath. Hope all is well and the addition of Aaron and Anton is a pleasant change to the boat. Love, Emily

Ahoy Joe, Tom and I appreciate the post cards. We mount them on the fridge and dream about teleporting to Tahiti. Can't believe you are there. Do you have to pinch yourself every morning? We especially enjoy the news updates and check the website often. We miss you. Love, Tom and Anita

Joe,
You're missing October's bright blue weather. It' been wonderful here. The trees are almost at there full colors.
We all miss you and are waiting the return of the sailors.
Anita and I went to see Jessica last week. Nothing exciting is happening in Crownsville.
Everyone is on edge about the anthrax scare.
Happy Sailing, love Mom

Kathy and George, Happy Anniversary to you both. Heartfelt congratulations on 39 years of marriage! A joint anniversary celebration is definitely in order when the Cosmos crew returns, since Joe and I celebrated our 33rd anniversary too, while Cosmos was underway. Hope you celebrate many, many more wonderful years together. Elke

George,

What a fabulous gift. And, it means so much more because of the time and circumstances. I'm looking forward to 39 more. Happy anniversary love. Your adoring wife.

Edited by author 10-18-2001 05:17 PM
Hey,

Thought you guys might enjoy this maritime deep thought by Jack Handy....

"Why do people in ship mutinies always ask for "better treatment"? I'd ask for a pinball machine, because with all that rocking back and forth you'd probably be able to get a lot of free games."

Joe,

Looking forward to seeing you, Aaron, and the rest of the Clan McDorr over the Holidays! Hope you have wild stories (and pictures) to share. I too have many wild stories to share about that boat, though I'm not sure you'd want to hear them. Let's have a fireside chat when you get back with egg nog, scooby snacks, and rampant laughter. I'll bring the movie (just kidding).

Seriously, hope all is well with everyone on the boat and that you're journeys are enriching you're lives.

Take good care,

Gebbs

Hi Don - we rec'd your postcard and it looks very tropical. Just curious, have you experienced any bad weather? Things around here are unusual at best because everyone is wary of the anthrax scares. Today through next Tuesday the House of Reps is closed and streets around the capitol are blocked and many more police are visible. Only hope this doesn't last for long.
We're thinking of you and enjoy hearing about the trip and wishing we were with you. Nick and Jan

Nick and Jan:
Sounds like you will be ready to go sailing next year. You should try this "Milk Run" where it is warm and the islands beautiful. Good to hear from you, Don

Al and Kay:
Your trip sounded great. Always good to hear from friends at home, thanks, Don

Thanks for your responses cosminauts! Great to hear from you even in electronic form. I am on the phone with a colleague at work, and I hope they don't realize that I'm not listening to anything they are saying! I am jealous of the cosmos and it only having one captain. If you had 5 Vice Presidents trying to all steer the boat at one time you would most certainly hit something. Hope all is going well, and the flag is flying high! Take care and have a safe trips, and thanks again for answering our messages. At least someone will still talk to me.

Joe,
I am glad to report that I have checked out your web site and both Kim and I are very impressed with your voyage. If you remember, I was the guy from NJ on the Shark feeding dive in Moorea. I had a wondeful time sharing your worldly travels and look forward to keeping track of your voyage. Good Luck and Safe Sailing.

Marty

Joe,
Still injoying following your adventure. Recieved your post card yesterday 10/15/01. We found a web site of a
Dave Clark who is sailing around the world and trying to set a record for the oldest to do so (at 77). Web sites are
www.dclark.com and www.captainclark.com. His route is very similar to your route.

Looking forward to seeing you upon your return.
Love Dave & Chris

Joe,
What a wonder it must be to feel the blues and greens of the ocean and to live under just the sky. Your adventures and new insights are fabulous! Thank you for sharing them with all of us who care about you so much.
We loved spending a few hours with Elke on Friday, and we all were wishing for you to be with us too. But dreams aren't just for dreaming...some are for doing too. We'll be eager to hear your stories, see your pictures, and hear all of your thoughts about all of the books you have read! Thanks for the postcards. Book Group sends you their love too.
A special Hi to George too. All is well on the mountain!
With love,
  Joey & Teke (Kesra is in Rwanda!!!)

Uncle Joe:
Great to see the trip is progressing well. Crystal wouldn't let me come along for the Tahiti leg. Something about work and having to feed the kids. Oh well. If your home by December you may be able to see the Terp football team in a bowl appearance. They are 6-0 for the first time since anyone can remember. We'll keep up with your progress.

Safe Sailing,

David, Crystal and Family

Oh Joe,
How wonderful you are to proclaim your love for my dear friend Elke so beautifully and publicly!!! I too needed that reasurance that your love for each other was deep, strong and very much alive. Forgive my fears and doubts and THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You are sumthin' else!!! Enjoy your trip!!
Much love,
Mrs Webmaster

Don, the trip was wonderful. Looking forward to heading back in '03. Weather was wet - sun came out and we got soaked - typical English weather. Have passed on your cards and wishes to Squadron. October meeting will be at Marine Museum, manager of LNG plant will be speaker. Should be interesting. Current survey on the agenda for 10/12 but only in pencil. Somehow when written ink trouble develops.
Come with us the next time we go narrowboating...should be in June of '03..hope all are well Al and Kay

Hello George and Don - We're keeping up on your trip through Kathy and Betty as well as the website. So glad that all is well and you're having favorable sailing. We think of you often and look forward to hearing more when you're here. Our "project" is nearly over and we'll soon be thinking of new things. All our best & hope the fair winds continue. Nick and Jan

I met with George last week and heard about your great adventure. I am jealous!

Hey Dad,

Your stories and pictures are making me so jealous. I wish I was with you to enjoy every bit of water you cover. But for now I am working hard at school making good progress with my voice. I hope this message find you in good spirits and in good health. Take care and I hope the winds stay in your favor.

B

Ahoy from Herald Harbor. Just wanted to let you know that you may need to look for some other place to dock Cosmos by the time it makes it's way home. Miller's house is on the market for $969,862. Interested? Jason has taken up sailing. Well, sort of. A friend bought a small catamaran and they're learning, at least they've been able to sail out then paddle back. Maybe he'll be ready for your next leg! Love, Jan

Ultralight no fair! While we are back home slaving away, you are out there trying out different methods of transportation. I'm jealous. Well Dad and crew, it's good to see you are all having a great time. My house settlement is October 19th! Can't wait for you to see it and to hear about all your many adventures. Love, Emily

Thanks to all for your well wishes for the trip. We are having a great time.

Bill and Heidi, it was good to hear from you. Bill, eat your heart out.

Dan and Barbara, thanks too for your note. Keep everything in Lusby and at SIYC going.

Kay and Al, hope your trip was safe and fun. Thanks for the note. Please say hello to friends at PRSPS.

Kip, in case you are seeing this, please say hello to friends at NARFE 1466.

Dear Joe,

Hope all is well in Polynesia...and if you find Amelia Earhart... Well, one thing you might have missed is an incredible F3 tornado hit College Park, Beltsville and Laurel last week doing major damage, killing 2 UMCP students and injuring dozens more. Worst local storm in 75 years.

You would be proud of America's response to the tragedy of Sept. 11. An incredible sense of unity never seen in my lifetime. Imagine every interstate overpass with an American flag draped over it, the stars and stripes flown from construction cranes with spotlights on them at night, flags on front porches and in windows...well it is a reality these days...not a mirage. Something "big" had to happen as you navigated swell after swell for three years, eh?

Perhaps your "neighborhood" is the safest these days, unless another MIR space station has to come down. Excuse my sense of humor, Joe. Hope all is well out there on the high seas, an amazing adventure if there ever was one. All is well back in Gaithersburg...even if I am here. Have a great time and stay safe. Regards, Rick Canter/ACE*COMM

Well, Joe...It's a small world, even when you sail around it. Long time since High School and U of M. Too much to tell since then, but here's summary. Last 25 years in the environmental affairs management business for large industry..Solomons Island Chesapeake Biological Lab after Army 1969-1972 including Vietnam, Denver 1977-1988, now Atlanta since '88. Say Hi to George...I was Corporate Environmental Director for Alumax (Eastalco parent) and worked closely with Margaret Convey,Dave Leslie and JP Gillardeau. Retired Alumax after the Alcoa takeover in 1998...Now consulting...helping industry live in co-existence with EPA.
Still an avid sailor, when I can get a chance. Sold my New England Hereshoff Eagle reporduction when I moved to Colorado 1977. Learned of your voyage from my Mother in Millersville, who still keeps in touch with your family. Great web site!! You're doing what I've always dreamed of!
May fair winds be with you. Best of Luck, Chuck.
ckucera@msn.com

New Posting
The Cosmos Crew is delighted at the number of posting on this bulletin board. Keep on posting. The only public internet access in the Marquesas was in Hiva Oa, our first island stop. The only public access in the Tuamotus is in Rangiroa, where we are now.

Our concern for loved ones back home has increased as a result of events in NY and Washington, and we hope that life returns to something more normal, quicker than is generally expected it will at this point. We are encouraged by the indications of unity and care that have risen in this trying time.

We are please to copy posting 1 through 47 here, and give our responses. If you happen to have made one or more of those posting, check below to see if we have responded. They are in reverse order.

We will continue to post our pictures and reports to the Web Master, in hopes that they will provide some pleasant diversion from the more serious news of the day.

Our next access to the Internet is likely to be in about a week in Tahiti.

Joe Dorr
Captain of the Cosmos


bill & heidi 47
 
09-21-2001 06:25 AM ET (US)
 hi don
hope you are ok and having a great time

bill
 
Kay Simkins 46
 
09-20-2001 04:44 PM ET (US)
 Don, and friends
Al and I leave for London Friday 09/21 for canal boat trip. Not a lot of enthusiasm as result of tragic events. Whole of Southern Maryland is still stunned. Stammer/Joel cruise chased off Bay. All navigable waters were shut down. Were blocked from entering Potomac River for while. Life here has changed. Al won Predicted log, only 3 boats entered though. All enjoy your cards, you are thought of often. Wonder if we can start a pearl farm on Mill Creek/Leason Cove? All seem to be well here. Stay safe, you are missed. K
 
Alice Hall 45
 
09-20-2001 01:07 AM ET (US)
 

Hi, George:

The latest Aluminator has the write-up about your retirement. We miss you at Eastalco.

Good luck to you and the other crew members as our continue
your journey.
 
Reply:
Dear Alice,
I am so glad to hear from you. You wouldn't believe how often I think of all my friends at Eastalco. I guess that after 31 years it is natural to have these memories. I have to speak a lot of French throughout all of these French Polynesian Islands; I just can't get away from the French. At any minute , I expect to turn around and see Leon. I told Cindy Warfield that she could use any part of our Website in the Aluminator if she needed some 'filler'. Please remind her of this. I am really looking forward to our coming home for Christmas so I can call you folks up and catch up on how you are doing. Our next stop is Tahiti; that ought to be a blast.
I miss you too,
           George


Elke Dorr 44
 
09-14-2001 10:03 AM ET (US)
 Dear Friends,
On this day of prayer and remembrance in the aftermath of the horror that struck our country Tuesday, Sept.11, 2001, we reach out to one another as never before in recent history; we stand resolutely together against terrorism; and we cry together for all that was lost Tuesday morning. But what has not been lost has been our belief in the ultimate triumph of goodness over evil. As every hour more and more American flags appear in neighborhoods, on mailboxes, on cars, along roadsides, on the helmets of the rescuers in NY and in Washington, at construction sites, at businesses, in restaurant windows, and on boats, I think of Cosmos and her crew, so far away from us now, but so close in our thoughts and in our hearts. And I know that the flag is flying from her stern too, as it always does, but now with heightened meaning as our symbol of all that we cherish as a free people.
Late Tues. night I emailed Joe and the crew and then received a phone call from Joe, saying that they had heard about the tragedy, but had not heard any news from radio and television first-hand, particularly in detail, since only French is spoken where they are. In the brief moments before we lost the signal, Joe spoke of the crew's feeling of frustration and sense of helplessness. I believe that they may not be able to transmit or receive email at this time (lacking radio reception), because I have not had any word from him since then. But I know that their thoughts are with us as ours are with them on that distant sea, flying our country's flag. May peace be with us all. Elke

Reply
Elke and friends,
We do proudly fly the U.S. flag every day, and we fold and store it each night according to proper etiquette. Yesterday, when George raised the flag, two locals passing by in a boat gave him the big thumbs up. We wondered if events at home generated the enthusiastic gesture. Whether the news played a part or not, the gesture warmed our hearts and put a smile on our faces.
Joe



Kathy Hotz 43
 
09-13-2001 04:48 PM ET (US)
 Captain Joe, George, and Don,

Thinking about you now as we live through this herrendous act of terrorism that has been committed on our country. Our lives are so precious and yet so vulnerable. Our prayers are with the thousands of families and friends of those who died in this repulsive assault.
We are thankful for our safty. May God be with you on your journey.....kathy
 
Eric Lowe 42
 
09-13-2001 03:54 PM ET (US)
 Absolutely what I was thinking.
 


Harry Hotz 41
 
09-12-2001 09:16 AM ET (US)
 On a day like yesterday when Air Force fighters weave contrails of protection over the skies of Boston where once airliners flew...we all, now more than ever, envy the tranquility of the voyage of the Cosmos.

 Reply:
Dear Harry,
                  The Crew of Cosmos is truly fortunate, and we think of our friends and family, now at home, with a lump in our throat.
  Love,
           George

Cosmos Webmaster 40
 
09-10-2001 08:01 PM ET (US)
 Cosmos Crew and the Message Board.

The crew can only access the Cosmos Web site when they are in a port that has an Internet cafe or some other establishment that has a connection to the Internet. Access via sideband radio or Iridium satellite telephone is too slow and expensive. Consequently the crew cannot read or respond to messages posted on this Message Board until they reach such a port. They are anxious to read the messages and will be checking this board and responding whenever possible.

Thank you, Tom.
 
Eric Lowe 39
 
09-04-2001 07:28 PM ET (US)
 Ladies and Gentlemen... Marty McGreevy.

The voyage continues to be a phenomenal experience, even from the remove of a computer and a DSL line. I just saw Castaway for the first time this weekend, and I was thinking how Tom Hanks really could have used some of your navigation and communication equipment.

So long for now,

Eric

 
_________________________________________________________________________

(who spent his Saturday morning at a World Cup Qualifier at RFK stadium rising and falling in a sea of Red and Blue, the good guys lost)
 
Reply
Eric,
Cosmos has five GPSs on board along with paper and electronic charts. The electronic chart display on the laptop moves to keep our boat in the center as its position is passed from the GPS over a wire to the laptop. We can zoom out to show where we are in the entire world, or in to show where we are in an area of 200 feet. We have radar that will show us ships, markers and shoreline up to 26 miles away. If we get lost, it will be because we are outside of the Cosmos. If we get lost, we will send an email, call on our single side band or just pick up the Iridium satellite phone, but boy will we be embarrassed if we make such a call.
Thanks for watching.

Joe Dorr
Owner and Captain of the Cosmos


Marty McGreevy 38
 
09-04-2001 02:45 PM ET (US)
 In response to Kurt's message. Why is Germany watching them, is that why Joe had to go half way around the world? Just kidding, I know what you meant, it just kind of cracked me up. Of all the countries in the world, I think that is one of the top ones that I wouldn't want watching me, LOL... The trip gets more incredible everytime I come to the site. I really need to sue someone really hard so that I can make a similiar trip in a couple of years! :) Again, good luck to all, and have a safe journy...
 
Reply
Marty,
Eat Spam, sue, and grow rich. Hormel Foods has deep pockets. But recover quickly, we want to see you when you catch up.
Joe


Jan Spicknall 37
 
09-02-2001 05:45 PM ET (US)
 Joe, So that high school French is finally paying off, huh? Your description of the scenery is making us all jealous. What an adventure! Jason's car was recovered, thanks to a call from a good samaritan. Not in very good condition though. He is working on it daily and plans to sell it as soon as possible. Our weather has turned quite lovely here after a couple of days of horrific thunderstorms. AACo had 5.5 inches of rain on Thursday. Had a good time celebrating Aidan's first birthday at Matt's and Diana's yesterday. Everyone asked about your Cosmos adventure. Elke even brought up the website. Wishing you smooth sailing and many more adventures. Love, Jan

Reply
Bonjour Jan,
Oui.
Tres bien. Tres bien.
Au Revoir.
Joe
Captain of the Cosmos
 
Chris 36
 
09-01-2001 08:50 AM ET (US)
 It's great following your trip through the web site. Thanks to all for keeping it updated. Mom bet me to it. That is letting you know how Jackie did at the National Truck Driving Championships. We had a great time watching Jackie compete in the tanker class, got to see some of Minnapolis, crossed the Mississippi 4 times (both walking and riding) Mom, Dave and I went to the U of Minn. Arborteum. John will be in Kansas City Sept. 6 thru the 9 with his AEP team to compete in the National Lineman Rodeo. Maybe he will compete against BG&E. Watch for objects above and below. Love Chris

Reply
Chris and Dave,
Congratulations to Jackie and John. Wish I could have been there too.
Cosmos is the best she has ever been. You would enjoy the sailing, but even more, you would enjoy sitting on anchor and visiting these islands and the wonderful people. Wish you were here.
Brother Joe
Captain of the Cosmos

 
Barb and Dan Barrett 35
 
09-01-2001 08:40 AM ET (US)
   What a trip!! Enjoy the web page, thanks for setting that up,--it's sort of like being there-but you see such sights. Must be the thrill of a lifetime (most of it that is). The same old mundane things here. Don,Dan got "Miss B" on the lift, finally. He is fishing right now.
 
Peggy and Paul Dorr 34
 
08-31-2001 09:43 PM ET (US)
 Hi Joe, Just wanted to let you know Paul and I are enjoying the pictures. Oh my, those islands are just beautiful, what an adventure you are having. I admire your courage, I know I would never have done such a thing. We think of you often, enjoy your trip and God be with you. Peg.
 
Reply
Peggy and Paul,
Thank you for watching.
It hasn’t taken courage to make this trip, just a lot of planning to make sure we have the right stuff, and a generous wife who I miss all of the time.
Joe
Captain of the Cosmos

Tom & Cathee 33
 
08-31-2001 04:21 PM ET (US)
 Joe and Crew,
You're enjoying black sand, lush vegetation and nautilus shells while we stare at black asphalt, white walls and lots
of weeds. What's wrong with this picture??? I think we need a vacation!!! Your trip sounds wonderful!!! We send you a boat full of good wishes for smooth sailing....Love, TomCat
 
Reply
TomCat,
We don’t miss the black asphalt or the white walls. We see lots of weeds, but they don’t bother us, because they aren’t our weeds. Thank you for the well wishes.
Love,
Joe
Captain of the Cosmos




Mom 32
 
08-30-2001 09:58 PM ET (US)
 Owner and Captain of the Cosmos and Crew
I'm back from the Truck Roadeo. Jackie came in 17th out of 41 in the tank truck competition. I gained a better insight into the handling of those monsters. I don't think I could have put my van thru the paces they had to. They had to parallel park the trailer, back up to a fence that represented a loading dock,put the right tire on a 10 inch square, make a wide left turn,then make a right turn and finally stop at a piece of tape that simulated a R.R crossing. They were graded on how well the did it.
 
Reply
Mom,
Please tell Jackie that I said, “Congratulations, and well done.” Pop would have been proud, too.
Love,
Your son Joe
Captain of the Cosmos


Kurt 31
 
08-29-2001 05:08 PM ET (US)
 Hallo Joe, hallo Crew-members,

your pictures and the web-site are great!

It looks like things are going well and I hope it will stay this way. I am jealous of admiral AH Dorr who will be joining you, as the word spread in London, in the near future!

Best wishes and good luck catching some big fish, Germany is watching you

Kurt

Reply
Kurt,
George Hotz is taking the beautiful pictures that you are seeing.
You must mean Admire All AH Dorr. Don’t be surprised if he does not make it back to London. We have a saying in the U.S. that should go something like this : “You can’t keep them in the big city, once they’ve been down on the islands.”
You should come on down too.
Joe
Captain of the Cosmos

Molly Kealy 30
 
08-29-2001 03:34 PM ET (US)
 Ahoy Captain Joe and mates,
Whew....you cannot imagine the impact your reflections are having on me....I am vicariously enjoying the journey
around the world with dreams of visiting these places one day myself. I must admit the letter of Aug. 9th part B icluding the chore list was a rude jolt to the idyllic life I fancied life on Cosmos. That "reality check" was greatly appreciated-and very humbling as I know I could never do it with the same amount of grace, humor, ability and pizazz as you and your team mates. When time permits I would love to hear more about what the sky and constellations are like from that corner of the world. Peace and Light, Molly Kealy P.S. Elke says the only way a woman can join the crew is by doing kitchen duty-is that true? :) :)
 
Reply
Molly,
Elke asked that I describe the night sky too. I’ll do that in the near future.
Elke is right. The only way a woman can join the crew is by doing kitchen duty (just like the men). But you wouldn’t spend all of your time scrubbing dishes. You would also scrub the boat, (just like the men). BTW, can you change oil and clean battery terminals?
It is all fun and you would enjoy it.
Joe
Captain of the Cosmos


Tom & Cathee 29
 
08-27-2001 01:00 PM ET (US)
 We de-stressed just looking at the beautiful photos of the
islands...wish we were there!!! We are really enjoying the
Cosmos site...in fact, calling up the site is the first thing we do every morning even before that first cup of coffee!! Thinking of you with love and prayers. TomCat
 
Reply
TomCat,
Thank you for watching. We will keep the pictures and reports coming. We will invite you to the movies when we get back. Hope you can come.
Joe
Captain of the Cosmos

Sally and Hilary Hellane 28
 
08-26-2001 10:05 AM ET (US)
 Joe,
Elka gave us your e-mail address.With great interest we are following your trip! We wish you best luck on your voyage. Wish we were there,
               Sally and Hilary
 
Reply
Hello Sally and Hilary,
We are doing a lot of reading but I miss the book group. We read a coming-of-age book called, Wanderer. It describes ocean passage making very well. It is about a young girl making a North Atlantic passage.
See you in December.
Joe
Captain of the Cosmos


Jan Spicknall 27
 
08-25-2001 08:25 AM ET (US)
 Joe,
Okay, now I'm wishin' I were there. What beautiful scenery. Thanks for sharing just as I am preparing for another year with 24+ third graders. I'm sure we'll bring up the site often in the classroom as a learning experience. All Spicknall's are fine. Kerith (with her group) began dissecting her cadaver on Thursday and so far is still enrolled. R, H, and Abby (especially) are having the time of their life. The bad news is Jason's car was stolen from the mall parking lot last night. So we are dealing with that turmoil today. Think of you often and am sure I will be thinking of you even more as the next few weeks come and go. Love, Jan
 
Reply
Jan,
If your 24+ third graders have questions, post them to the web site and I will answer when possible.
If Kerith and her group need help tell them to just look in the book.
You liked the sailing to New York back in 98. You would just love this.
Love,
Your brother Joe,
Captain of the Cosmos


Lois Covati 26
 
08-24-2001 12:27 PM ET (US)
 Joe and George,
   Can't tell you how much I'm enjoying your trip. Appreciate not only the technical aspects but the tavelogue as well.
  Caught up with Elke at Lisa Roessler's wedding, A great party, we missed your company. Lois
 
Reply
Hello Lois,
Would have loved to make it to Lisa’s wedding. I am sure she and the entire wedding were lovely.
Look forward to seeing you this winter. Not looking forward to winter.
Joe
Captain of the Cosmos
Reply:
Lois,
Thanks for your comments. I am really surprised that anyone bothers to read our ‘stuff’.
                    George
Harry Hotz 25
 
08-22-2001 06:13 PM ET (US)
 btw guys I checked the Michelin Guide under New Zealand subsection -Sailors waiting out the typhoon season- and New Zealand is rated 5 spoons and 4 stars.

p.s I also heard a rumor that George is gonna get one of those Maori tribe full body war tattoo's while he's there.
Reply:
Yeah, right, Harry. But, I don’t think that a full body tattoo will fit over my full body tan.
          George
Ray 24
 
08-22-2001 03:11 PM ET (US)
 Captain Joe, oops!
Owner and Captain of the Cosmos,

Thanks for all the news from the deep. Kim is using the web site and news as a school project for the boys. They especially liked the Panama Canal. Hope all the sailing continues to be enjoyable.
 
Reply
Ray,
You keep selling and I’ll keep on sailing. Hope the new house is doing well. If the boys have questions, post them and we will answer them when possible.
Joe
Captain of the Cosmos

Amy Newlin 23
 
08-22-2001 02:17 PM ET (US)
 Greetings & Salutations, George!

Hope all is well with you and your shipmates. It sounds like you are enjoying the trip and I know I don't have to mention safety to you.

Beware of the "beasties" of the Sea" and hope you find some good reading material. I could always gather up some technical magazines and send them to you......NOT!

Take care!

Amy Newlin
 
Birch Hotz 22
 
08-19-2001 10:15 AM ET (US)
 George,

    Jack wants to crew for you next time. So do I. I love to picture you at night, gorgeously exausted, counting the stars and watching the universe spin by. We miss you but we think you earned this wonderful journey. Now is your special time - drink it up! Mom

 Reply:
Thanks, Mom. Cheers. See you for Christmas.
     All my love to you and Dad,
          Georgie
Jack Castle 21
 
08-17-2001 12:40 PM ET (US)
 George,

We have all enjoyed following the trip. We check the web site each time there is an update and are vicariously with you. All is well with the $. We talk with Kathryn occationally and are taking good care of her. We look forward to seeing more pictures and reading the logs. The baloonist who was trying float around the world just went down in Brazil so now it's up to you. Best of Luck.
 

_______________________________________________________________

Reply:
Jack,
We take great pleasure in knowing that our friends are following the website. You can't imagine the comfort it gives me to know that you are taking care of business. Sorry to hear about the Balloonist. We expect to be as far as Brazil by late next year; hope we make it. Say Hi to Betsy and Phil for me.
              Till later, December,
               George
Michael Hill 20
 
08-16-2001 06:30 PM ET (US)
 Hello, George,
Just thought I'd say hello since we didn't get to
talk before you left. Great pictures. Enjoy yourself.

Reply:
Michael,
Thanks for the message; it's really special to hear from you. I hope your 'maintenance is better, now.
              George
Harry Hotz 19
 
08-16-2001 12:41 PM ET (US)
 Great to hear all is smooth sailing. I'm trying to figure out if George will give his baby brother a job as a sea anchor or some ballast during the Cosmos's time in Tahiti. Since the crew will be busy I'm sure I can also act as diplomatic liason to the local population in Bora Bora...*wink*
 Reply:
Dear Harry,
We'd love to have you, but you won't get off that easily. All Cosmos crew members have to pull an equal load.. You will have to 'turn to' like the rest of us, or, you will not receive your daily Rum Ration. Tahiti is our next stop; middle of October; Papeete. In Bora Bora you will have to speak French.
        Bonjour,
         George
Elke Dorr 18
 
08-15-2001 02:15 PM ET (US)
 Hello to the Cosmos Crew,
Joe, as you know, your mother and I, along with Brendan and friend Justin, went to Maine for our annual week there. It certainly was a very different week in many respects as we were a small and atypically quiet group. But there were moments of treasured familiarity too, as when the boys called me out to the dock one night while they were stargazing, as we frequently do when we're there. The moon was splashing a pale golden light across the lake, the stars shimmered and pulsed in the sky, and the gauzy veil of the Milky Way was draped over us, as a loon, much closer to us than the distant stars, cried hauntingly from the far side of Hundred Acre Island. Our thoughts turned to all of you, as we recognized how often you must be gazing at the stars during your nighttime watches from the deck of your own cosmos. We had a sense then that we were not so far apart after all -- you in your far sea, and we on the shore of Crawford Pond -- in wonder and awe at the sometimes achingly beautiful cosmos we inhabit. keeping watch, elke
 
Elke,
Thanks for the reminders of the beauty that is Maine. WE will go back. I look north to see the same stars that you are seeing.
Love All Ways,
Joe
Your Humble Servant and Captain of the Cosmos


Loren 17
 
08-14-2001 11:19 AM ET (US)
 We have a contract on our dream house. Our house had 2 fullprice offers within 12 hrs. on the market, now in a bidding war. Matt settles Sept. 17 on buying another business. The children are growing and doing great. We mis you terribly and love reading the website. Safe sailing.
Reply:
Dear Loren,
I am thrilled about the new, and the old, houses, as well as Matt's new business. I just can't keep up with you guys. It sure is going to be fun catching up in December. I love you so much and miss you so bad, I can hardly stand it. I bet you’ll have a dandy list for me when I get back. I talk about Matt a lot here, aboard Cosmos. I am just bursting with pride for my family, and I get a lot of time to think about you all. I hope that you get to see this part of the world someday.
            See you soon,
       Love,
                Daddy
Webmaster 16
 
08-14-2001 10:36 AM ET (US)
 Edited by author 08-14-2001 10:37 AM
Hi all -- still in Ireland but checking email -- got a couple of reports from Cosmos that I'll post as soon as I get home on the 20th. Got one message that I think you'll enjoy -------

My view of the world is changing. I have been at sea for nearly two months.

For the past two weeks, all that I have seen is the ocean, the sun, the moon, the stars and my boat. I believe we are actually all that exists, anymore. Therefore, based on my new view of space and time and everything, I have taken a new title. I will henceforth and forevermore sign my submittals:

Best regards,

Joe Dorr
Owner and Captain of The Cosmos
----------------------------------------------------------
I thought having a friend with a boat and a pickup was something -- but the owner of The Entire Cosmos?? Wow!!
 
Sharon Miller 15
 
08-13-2001 01:58 PM ET (US)
 Joe, Sitting here in the office looking at the water and wishing I were out there with you guys. What a trip and wonderful adventure. It's fun to keep up with you and watch your progress. Hope to see Elke in September. Can't wait until your friend returns from Ireland to update the site. Happy sailing to all of you and the best of luck!
 
Reply
Hello Sharon,
Thank you for the hospitality when Cosmos visited Okracoke.
Wish you could be here too.
Best to you,
Joe
Captain of the Cosmos

Robert Clemson 14
 
08-13-2001 09:19 AM ET (US)
 Hi George
Hope your trip is doing well. You really fit the image of Proud George in the picture in the canal. A trip of a life time. See Ya.

Have a safe journey.
Robert
 Reply:
Hi, Robert,
Out trip is doing great. I never would have believed it, but, I think of you guys often. I have always felt so proud of you Safety Teamleaders and your constant struggle. You’ll be glad to know that while we are at sea, from dusk to dawn, we religiously wear our combination inflatable life vest/safety harness. We are also, always, tethered to the boat when we are alone on deck.
                Best Regards,
           George
Webmaster 13
 
08-09-2001 07:28 AM ET (US)
 Edited by author 08-09-2001 07:29 AM
All of the men (and one lady, too) in McGann's Pub in Doolin, Ireland became very vocal and threatening when I announced that I was going to drain the country of Guinness. They said they wouldn't mind if I drank all the Budweiser since it was old and stale anyway. Hope all on Cosmos are enjoying the trip as much as Kathy and I are enjoying Ireland. Looking forward to more Cosmos news on the 21st.

Webmaster,
I thought this was your second trip to Ireland. Did they restock?
That lady that you mention must be a sailor. Does she need a job?
Joe Dorr
Captain of the Cosmos

 
Mei 12
 
08-08-2001 08:51 PM ET (US)
 Hi Cap. Joe and crew,

I've just heard from Elke and she has given me your web address ... i shall be very interested in following your trip around the globe through the internet of course ... have a safe voyage and an awesome adventure ...

Reply
Mei,
I am only making this trip so that I might have traveled nearly as many miles as you have traveled. Hope that you are well.
Love,
Joe
Captain of the Cosmos

 
Susan M. L. Barnette 11
 
08-07-2001 12:08 AM ET (US)
 Hi George Hotz,
  I'm Kathy's 2nd cousin, & learned of your adventure of the Cosmos through Anne Kathryn Phillips' e-mails. Enjoyed meeting your 4 beautiful grandchildren they're precious. Of course we all missed you @ the family reunion, yet, we can visit with you via e-mail. Happy Sailing! & will keep you all in my thoughts & prayers.
    Your Cousin, Susan M. Lowe Barnette
 Reply:
Dear Susan,
Sorry that I missed the reunion. Those Grandbabies are really something, aren’t they. I can hardly wait till December to see them, again. Thanks for the message.
      Gratefully,
                       George
Eric Lowe 10
 
08-06-2001 11:45 AM ET (US)
 Edited by author 08-06-2001 11:57 AM
Don't drink all the Guinness.

Joe and crew - I'm really enjoying this vicarious vacation from the steambath that is Baltimore. Keep your eyes peeled for any ships bearing the jolly roger.

Eric,

Reply
Hello Eric,
It was hot here a few days ago. It was 83 degrees. We are getting used to 81 degrees.
Joe,
Captain of the Cosmos

http://www.quicktopic.com/cgi-bin/link.cgi...ages%2F45755_hi.gif
 
Tom Murphy 9
 
08-05-2001 07:43 AM ET (US)
 The Webmaster is off to Ireland -- will be there Aug 5-20. Intend to drain the country dry of Guinness. Consequently there will be no Cosmos Web site updates until Aug 21.

Reply
Tom,
I love a man on a mission for a good cause. It is the effect that always gives me a headache.
Joe Dorr
Captain of the Cosmos
 
Tom and Elaine Gagner 8
 
08-04-2001 09:59 PM ET (US)
 Holy smokin' catamounts Cap! Are you guys cool or what? This is so fun and we're not even there. We're staying tuned as you sail into the "WW 2" region (my dad was where you're heading for 36 months in the big one). Makes sailing around Penobscot Bay seem pretty simple. We have our new boat, Te Bheag (Gaelic for Little Lady of the Isles) and are saving a micro ride for you. Long live the Spam!
 
Reply
Hello Tom and Elaine,
Congratulations on the new member of your family. Bring Te Bheag on down to the old SP. Things are a lot more calm now then they were during your dad's time here.
Spam lives long on Cosmos.
Looking forward to my ride.
Joe
Captain of the Cosmos

Mom 7
 
08-03-2001 10:20 PM ET (US)
 Joe and Crew,
I sure have enjoyed all the info on the web sight.You all sound like you are really enjoying the adventure.Keep up the good sailing. We're looking forward to hearing from you often.
We have another winner in the family. John won the Linesman Rodeo. He goes to Kansas for the National competion.My prayers go with you for agreat trek across the Pacific.May you have fair wind all the way.
Love and God Bless You All

Mom,
We will keep those pictures and reports coming. Thanks to Tom Murphy for all of his work making the web site easy, interesting and fun to navigate.
Congratulations to John.
Love,
Joe
Your son and Captain of the Cosmos

 
Emily Dorr 6
 
08-03-2001 07:24 PM ET (US)
 We are all really enjoying your tales of adventure on the high-seas. Well ok they might not always be high but the adventures have only just begun. People ask about the progress of Cosmos all the time. Many have visited the web site. You all are always in my thoughts. Love you and miss you! Emily

Emily,
Look forward to having you aboard around South Africa.
Love and miss you too!
Dad and Captain of the Cosmos

 
Joan Powers 5
 
08-03-2001 09:52 AM ET (US)
 Hi, Dad,

I look at this website every day to see if there is anything new. I love it. I have made a collage on my office door of you and Cosmos and the adventure. People stop by and are very interested and I email them the Cosmos website. You all are becomming very popular around here.

Love,

Joanie

P.S. Sara sends a smile. :)
 Reply:
Dear Joanie,
I only care about being popular with you, babe. I can’t wait to see Sara. Your mom tells me more about her every time I talk to her. I hope we can keep your friends interested with our reports. See you in December
Elke Dorr 4
 
08-03-2001 01:14 AM ET (US)
 Dear Webmaster,
How will we ever thank you sufficiently for allowing us all to participate vicariously in the Cosmos Advenure via the website you created and are maintaining? Words of thanks seem woefully inadequate, but they are all we have. A thousand thanks for giving so generously of your time to provide us with this astonishing vehicle of communication. Never before have I been as fully cognizant of what the web really implies; for us it has truly become a web of connections among family, friends and folks we haven't even met as we follow the voyage of the Cosmos and her crew. Thank you, Tom, for launching this wonderful site that not only keeps us informed of Cosmos activities and experiences, but daily widens our web of connections. For now, I think it's impossible for Joe and crew to know how many folks are following their voyage, but they'll be wonderfully surpised when they return home or can access an internet cafe at one of their destination ports to find all these messages from friends of Cosmos. Terrific idea! With gratitude and fondness, Elke
 
Elke,
You are right on. Tom is the greatest Webmaster of the Cosmos. It is as simple as that.
Love always,
You Humble Servant and Captain of the Cosmos


Daphne and Mike McKay 3
 
08-02-2001 09:57 PM ET (US)
 Hi Dad (Captain Dad)and crew! Glad to hear that all is well with you and that you survived the crazy critters of the Galapogos. We are headed to London on Tues. and will visit with Aaron, then to Germany after that to see Heinz, Kurt, and Kelly. We will return on the 22nd of Aug. We love and miss you and keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Daphne and Mike

PS. Looks like you won't need Wilson after all-we'll take him on the plane to Europe! :)
 
Reply
Daphne and Mike,
Love and miss you too. Traveling is not overrated. Everyone should do it.
Thank you for the thoughts and prayers. Your mom sent a photo album to me and it is great to look at often.
Love,
Captain Dad
Captain of the Cosmos

Marty McGreevy 2
 
08-02-2001 12:10 PM ET (US)
 What an incredible adventure Captain Joe has planned. I wish all; good luck, fortune and safety. The Cosmos has become quite the buz between my friends and co-workers. They think that I am so cool because my high school buddy's father is sailing around the world. Wait til they hear what my brother's girlfriend's cousin's (twice removed) sister law is doing. Again all the luck and be safe, and thanks for making me look cool by association.
 
Reply
Marty,
The world is dying to know. What is your brother's girlfriend's cousin's (twice removed) sister-in-law doing?
Joe Dorr
Captain of the Cosmos


Tom Murphy 1
 
08-02-2001 07:32 AM ET (US)
 Welcome to the new "Cosmos Adventure" Message Board. You can create new messages, read other's messages, or reply to messages posted to this board. Please do not post any messages that are not related to the Cosmos around-the-world sailing adventure. Enjoy.
 

Reply
Tom Murphy, Webmaster Extraordinaire,
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Joe Dorr
Owner and Captain of the Cosmos

Hello Cosmos Crew!

Craig, Sara, and I send words of reassurance that we are all okay and safe and appreciating it now more than ever. We are anxiously awaiting your return in December. Your journey so far has been so intriguing. What wonderful experiences you've had. Enjoying the website updates.

Love,

Joan, Craig, and Sara

hi don
hope you are ok and having a great time

bill

Don, and friends
Al and I leave for London Friday 09/21 for canal boat trip. Not a lot of enthusiasm as result of tragic events. Whole of Southern Maryland is still stunned. Stammer/Joel cruise chased off Bay. All navigable waters were shut down. Were blocked from entering Potomac River for while. Life here has changed. Al won Predicted log, only 3 boats entered though. All enjoy your cards, you are thought of often. Wonder if we can start a pearl farm on Mill Creek/Leason Cove? All seem to be well here. Stay safe, you are missed. K

Hi, George:

The latest Aluminator has the write-up about your retirement. We miss you at Eastalco.

Good luck to you and the other crew members as our continue
your journey.

Dear Friends,
On this day of prayer and remembrance in the aftermath of the horror that struck our country Tuesday, Sept.11, 2001, we reach out to one another as never before in recent history; we stand resolutely together against terrorism; and we cry together for all that was lost Tuesday morning. But what has not been lost has been our belief in the ultimate triumph of goodness over evil. As every hour more and more American flags appear in neighborhoods, on mailboxes, on cars, along roadsides, on the helmets of the rescuers in NY and in Washington, at construction sites, at businesses, in restaurant windows, and on boats, I think of Cosmos and her crew, so far away from us now, but so close in our thoughts and in our hearts. And I know that the flag is flying from her stern too, as it always does, but now with heightened meaning as our symbol of all that we cherish as a free people.
Late Tues. night I emailed Joe and the crew and then received a phone call from Joe, saying that they had heard about the tragedy, but had not heard any news from radio and television first-hand, particularly in detail, since only French is spoken where they are. In the brief moments before we lost the signal, Joe spoke of the crew's feeling of frustration and sense of helplessness. I believe that they may not be able to transmit or receive email at this time (lacking radio reception), because I have not had any word from him since then. But I know that their thoughts are with us as ours are with them on that distant sea, flying our country's flag. May peace be with us all. Elke

Captain Joe, George, and Don,

Thinking about you now as we live through this herrendous act of terrorism that has been committed on our country. Our lives are so precious and yet so vulnerable. Our prayers are with the thousands of families and friends of those who died in this repulsive assault.
We are thankful for our safty. May God be with you on your journey.....kathy

Absolutely what I was thinking.

On a day like yesterday when Air Force fighters weave contrails of protection over the skies of Boston where once airliners flew...we all, now more than ever, envy the tranquility of the voyage of the Cosmos.

Cosmos Crew and the Message Board.

The crew can only access the Cosmos Web site when they are in a port that has an Internet cafe or some other establishment that has a connection to the Internet. Access via sideband radio or Iridium satellite telephone is too slow and expensive. Consequently the crew cannot read or respond to messages posted on this Message Board until they reach such a port. They are anxious to read the messages and will be checking this board and responding whenever possible.

Ladies and Gentlemen... Marty McGreevy.

The voyage continues to be a phenomenal experience, even from the remove of a computer and a DSL line. I just saw Castaway for the first time this weekend, and I was thinking how Tom Hanks really could have used some of your navigation and communication equipment.

So long for now,

Eric

(who spent his Saturday morning at a World Cup Qualifier at RFK stadium rising and falling in a sea of Red and Blue, the good guys lost)

In response to Kurt's message. Why is Germany watching them, is that why Joe had to go half way around the world? Just kidding, I know what you meant, it just kind of cracked me up. Of all the countries in the world, I think that is one of the top ones that I wouldn't want watching me, LOL... The trip gets more incredible everytime I come to the site. I really need to sue someone really hard so that I can make a similiar trip in a couple of years! :) Again, good luck to all, and have a safe journy...

Joe, So that high school French is finally paying off, huh? Your description of the scenery is making us all jealous. What an adventure! Jason's car was recovered, thanks to a call from a good samaritan. Not in very good condition though. He is working on it daily and plans to sell it as soon as possible. Our weather has turned quite lovely here after a couple of days of horrific thunderstorms. AACo had 5.5 inches of rain on Thursday. Had a good time celebrating Aidan's first birthday at Matt's and Diana's yesterday. Everyone asked about your Cosmos adventure. Elke even brought up the website. Wishing you smooth sailing and many more adventures. Love, Jan

It's great following your trip through the web site. Thanks to all for keeping it updated. Mom bet me to it. That is letting you know how Jackie did at the National Truck Driving Championships. We had a great time watching Jackie compete in the tanker class, got to see some of Minnapolis, crossed the Mississippi 4 times (both walking and riding) Mom, Dave and I went to the U of Minn. Arborteum. John will be in Kansas City Sept. 6 thru the 9 with his AEP team to compete in the National Lineman Rodeo. Maybe he will compete against BG&E. Watch for objects above and below. Love Chris

  What a trip!! Enjoy the web page, thanks for setting that up,--it's sort of like being there-but you see such sights. Must be the thrill of a lifetime (most of it that is). The same old mundane things here. Don,Dan got "Miss B" on the lift, finally. He is fishing right now.

Hi Joe, Just wanted to let you know Paul and I are enjoying the pictures. Oh my, those islands are just beautiful, what an adventure you are having. I admire your courage, I know I would never have done such a thing. We think of you often, enjoy your trip and God be with you. Peg.

Joe and Crew,
You're enjoying black sand, lush vegetation and nautilus shells while we stare at black asphalt, white walls and lots
of weeds. What's wrong with this picture??? I think we need a vacation!!! Your trip sounds wonderful!!! We send you a boat full of good wishes for smooth sailing....Love, TomCat

Owner and Captain of the Cosmos and Crew
I'm back from the Truck Roadeo. Jackie came in 17th out of 41 in the tank truck competition. I gained a better insight into the handling of those monsters. I don't think I could have put my van thru the paces they had to. They had to parallel park the trailer, back up to a fence that represented a loading dock,put the right tire on a 10 inch square, make a wide left turn,then make a right turn and finally stop at a piece of tape that simulated a R.R crossing. They were graded on how well the did it.

Hallo Joe, hallo Crew-members,

your pictures and the web-site are great!

It looks like things are going well and I hope it will stay this way. I am jealous of admiral AH Dorr who will be joining you, as the word spread in London, in the near future!

Best wishes and good luck catching some big fish,

Germany is watching you

Kurt

Ahoy Captain Joe and mates,
Whew....you cannot imagine the impact your reflections are having on me....I am vicariously enjoying the journey
around the world with dreams of visiting these places one day myself. I must admit the letter of Aug. 9th part B icluding the chore list was a rude jolt to the idyllic life I fancied life on Cosmos. That "reality check" was greatly appreciated-and very humbling as I know I could never do it with the same amount of grace, humor, ability and pizazz as you and your team mates. When time permits I would love to hear more about what the sky and constellations are like from that corner of the world. Peace and Light, Molly Kealy P.S. Elke says the only way a woman can join the crew is by doing kitchen duty-is that true? :) :)

We de-stressed just looking at the beautiful photos of the
islands...wish we were there!!! We are really enjoying the
Cosmos site...in fact, calling up the site is the first thing we do every morning even before that first cup of coffee!! Thinking of you with love and prayers. TomCat

Joe,
Elka gave us your e-mail address.With great interest we are following your trip! We wish you best luck on your voyage. Wish we were there,
               Sally and Hilary

Joe,
Okay, now I'm wishin' I were there. What beautiful scenery. Thanks for sharing just as I am preparing for another year with 24+ third graders. I'm sure we'll bring up the site often in the classroom as a learning experience. All Spicknall's are fine. Kerith (with her group) began dissecting her cadaver on Thursday and so far is still enrolled. R, H, and Abby (especially) are having the time of their life. The bad news is Jason's car was stolen from the mall parking lot last night. So we are dealing with that turmoil today. Think of you often and am sure I will be thinking of you even more as the next few weeks come and go. Love, Jan

Joe and George,
   Can't tell you how much I'm enjoying your trip. Appreciate not only the technical aspects but the tavelogue as well.
  Caught up with Elke at Lisa Roessler's wedding, A great party, we missed your company. Lois

btw guys I checked the Michelin Guide under New Zealand subsection -Sailors waiting out the typhoon season- and New Zealand is rated 5 spoons and 4 stars.

p.s I also heard a rumor that George is gonna get one of those Maori tribe full body war tattoo's while he's there.

Captain Joe, oops!
Owner and Captain of the Cosmos,

Thanks for all the news from the deep. Kim is using the web site and news as a school project for the boys. They especially liked the Panama Canal. Hope all the sailing continues to be enjoyable.

Greetings & Salutations, George!

Hope all is well with you and your shipmates. It sounds like you are enjoying the trip and I know I don't have to mention safety to you.

Beware of the "beasties" of the Sea" and hope you find some good reading material. I could always gather up some technical magazines and send them to you......NOT!

Take care!

Amy Newlin

George,

    Jack wants to crew for you next time. So do I. I love to picture you at night, gorgeously exausted, counting the stars and watching the universe spin by. We miss you but we think you earned this wonderful journey. Now is your special time - drink it up! Mom

George,

We have all enjoyed following the trip. We check the web site each time there is an update and are vicariously with you. All is well with the $. We talk with Kathryn occationally and are taking good care of her. We look forward to seeing more pictures and reading the logs. The baloonist who was trying float around the world just went down in Brazil so now it's up to you. Best of Luck.

Hello, George,
Just thought I'd say hello since we didn't get to
talk before you left. Great pictures. Enjoy yourself.

Great to hear all is smooth sailing. I'm trying to figure out if George will give his baby brother a job as a sea anchor or some ballast during the Cosmos's time in Tahiti. Since the crew will be busy I'm sure I can also act as diplomatic liason to the local population in Bora Bora...*wink*

Hello to the Cosmos Crew,
Joe, as you know, your mother and I, along with Brendan and friend Justin, went to Maine for our annual week there. It certainly was a very different week in many respects as we were a small and atypically quiet group. But there were moments of treasured familiarity too, as when the boys called me out to the dock one night while they were stargazing, as we frequently do when we're there. The moon was splashing a pale golden light across the lake, the stars shimmered and pulsed in the sky, and the gauzy veil of the Milky Way was draped over us, as a loon, much closer to us than the distant stars, cried hauntingly from the far side of Hundred Acre Island. Our thoughts turned to all of you, as we recognized how often you must be gazing at the stars during your nighttime watches from the deck of your own cosmos. We had a sense then that we were not so far apart after all -- you in your far sea, and we on the shore of Crawford Pond -- in wonder and awe at the sometimes achingly beautiful cosmos we inhabit. keeping watch, elke

We have a contract on our dream house. Our house had 2 fullprice offers within 12 hrs. on the market, now in a bidding war. Matt settles Sept. 17 on buying another business. The children are growing and doing great. We mis you terribly and love reading the website. Safe sailing.

Edited by author 08-14-2001 10:37 AM
Hi all -- still in Ireland but checking email -- got a couple of reports from Cosmos that I'll post as soon as I get home on the 20th. Got one message that I think you'll enjoy -------

My view of the world is changing. I have been at sea for nearly two months.

For the past two weeks, all that I have seen is the ocean, the sun, the moon, the stars and my boat. I believe we are actually all that exists, anymore. Therefore, based on my new view of space and time and everything, I have taken a new title. I will henceforth and forevermore sign my submittals:

Best regards,

Joe Dorr
Owner and Captain of The Cosmos
----------------------------------------------------------
I thought having a friend with a boat and a pickup was something -- but the owner of The Entire Cosmos?? Wow!!

Joe, Sitting here in the office looking at the water and wishing I were out there with you guys. What a trip and wonderful adventure. It's fun to keep up with you and watch your progress. Hope to see Elke in September. Can't wait until your friend returns from Ireland to update the site. Happy sailing to all of you and the best of luck!

Hi George
Hope your trip is doing well. You really fit the image of Proud George in the picture in the canal. A trip of a life time. See Ya.

Have a safe journey.
Robert

Edited by author 08-09-2001 07:29 AM
All of the men (and one lady, too) in McGann's Pub in Doolin, Ireland became very vocal and threatening when I announced that I was going to drain the country of Guinness. They said they wouldn't mind if I drank all the Budweiser since it was old and stale anyway. Hope all on Cosmos are enjoying the trip as much as Kathy and I are enjoying Ireland. Looking forward to more Cosmos news on the 21st.

Hi Cap. Joe and crew,

I've just heard from Elke and she has given me your web address ... i shall be very interested in following your trip around the globe through the internet of course ... have a safe voyage and an awesome adventure ...

mei

Hi George Hotz,
  I'm Kathy's 2nd cousin, & learned of your adventure of the Cosmos through Anne Kathryn Phillips' e-mails. Enjoyed meeting your 4 beautiful grandchildren they're precious. Of course we all missed you @ the family reunion, yet, we can visit with you via e-mail. Happy Sailing! & will keep you all in my thoughts & prayers.
    Your Cousin, Susan M. Lowe Barnette

Edited by author 08-06-2001 11:57 AM
Don't drink all the Guinness.

Joe and crew - I'm really enjoying this vicarious vacation from the steambath that is Baltimore. Keep your eyes peeled for any ships bearing the jolly roger.

Eric

http://www.cartoonbank.com/assets/product_images/45755_hi.gif

The Webmaster is off to Ireland -- will be there Aug 5-20. Intend to drain the country dry of Guinness. Consequently there will be no Cosmos Web site updates until Aug 21.

Holy smokin' catamounts Cap! Are you guys cool or what? This is so fun and we're not even there. We're staying tuned as you sail into the "WW 2" region (my dad was where you're heading for 36 months in the big one). Makes sailing around Penobscot Bay seem pretty simple. We have our new boat, Te Bheag (Gaelic for Little Lady of the Isles) and are saving a micro ride for you. Long live the Spam!

Joe and Crew,
I sure have enjoyed all the info on the web sight.You all sound like you are really enjoying the adventure.Keep up the good sailing. We're looking forward to hearing from you often.
We have another winner in the family. John won the Linesman Rodeo. He goes to Kansas for the National competion.My prayers go with you for agreat trek across the Pacific.May you have fair wind all the way.
Love and God Bless You All

We are all really enjoying your tales of adventure on the high-seas. Well ok they might not always be high but the adventures have only just begun. People ask about the progress of Cosmos all the time. Many have visited the web site. You all are always in my thoughts. Love you and miss you! Emily

Hi, Dad,

I look at this website every day to see if there is anything new. I love it. I have made a collage on my office door of you and Cosmos and the adventure. People stop by and are very interested and I email them the Cosmos website. You all are becomming very popular around here.

Love,

Joanie

P.S. Sara sends a smile. :)

Dear Webmaster,
How will we ever thank you sufficiently for allowing us all to participate vicariously in the Cosmos Advenure via the website you created and are maintaining? Words of thanks seem woefully inadequate, but they are all we have. A thousand thanks for giving so generously of your time to provide us with this astonishing vehicle of communication. Never before have I been as fully cognizant of what the web really implies; for us it has truly become a web of connections among family, friends and folks we haven't even met as we follow the voyage of the Cosmos and her crew. Thank you, Tom, for launching this wonderful site that not only keeps us informed of Cosmos activities and experiences, but daily widens our web of connections. For now, I think it's impossible for Joe and crew to know how many folks are following their voyage, but they'll be wonderfully surpised when they return home or can access an internet cafe at one of their destination ports to find all these messages from friends of Cosmos. Terrific idea! With gratitude and fondness, Elke

Hi Dad (Captain Dad)and crew! Glad to hear that all is well with you and that you survived the crazy critters of the Galapogos. We are headed to London on Tues. and will visit with Aaron, then to Germany after that to see Heinz, Kurt, and Kelly. We will return on the 22nd of Aug. We love and miss you and keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Daphne and Mike

PS. Looks like you won't need Wilson after all-we'll take him on the plane to Europe! :)

What an incredible adventure Captain Joe has planned. I wish all; good luck, fortune and safety. The Cosmos has become quite the buz between my friends and co-workers. They think that I am so cool because my high school buddy's father is sailing around the world. Wait til they hear what my brother's girlfriend's cousin's (twice removed) sister law is doing. Again all the luck and be safe, and thanks for making me look cool by association.

Welcome to the new "Cosmos Adventure" Message Board. You can create new messages, read other's messages, or reply to messages posted to this board. Please do not post any messages that are not related to the Cosmos around-the-world sailing adventure. Enjoy.