It is our Project Director… Jennifer Dalton’s birthday today!
Jennifer is essentially a second mom to me. I was so fortunate to grow up with so many incredible female role models. My blood family is full of strong women who have taught me to be the strong woman I am today, and so is my chosen family. Jennifer, Sarah Southard, and my mom essentially raised their children together- and I am so lucky to be one of those kids. Sarah has a family of three children- Oliver, Will, and Ayla. Jen has two: Aidan, and my best friend, who is practically my sister- Grace (AKA, our lead on board scientist). And then there is my family- Mason, Vaughn, and I.
Anyway- Jen, Sarah, and my mom (Paige) all became close friends as did the children. They have each played a massive role in my love and deep appreciation for the outdoors and the ocean. Jen played a huge role in ensuring that adventure (and laughter) was a key part of my upbringing. Together, our families have gone on countless adventures. Camping trips- to Lake Pearrygin where we spent days together on a giant raft we called “Paradise Island”, kayak camping trips to as many of the San Juans as we could reach (and the most incredible kayak trip to Desolation Sound). Then… my favorite: Lopez Island. All of us children learned how to sail together at Lopez- where mine and Grace's passion for sailing began. Paradise Island joined us there too. Jen, Sarah, and my mom would throw Oreos at us as we sailed by the raft. We would try to catch them as we sailed by. I think it’s safe to say that Fisherman's Bay is home to a lot of missed Oreos. This is where we learned an important lesson- Oreos and sailing are a fantastic combination. Here on One Ocean, we have carried this lesson with us- we have quite the stash (thanks Grace;). We have celebrated several of Jen’s birthdays at Lopez Island - a place key in shaping our hearts for this project. We are currently sharing Bloody Marys on One Ocean just as the moms would at Lopez.
I am forever grateful to Jennifer for recognizing the light in me that she helped spark- a shared love for the ocean. When Grace and I approached her, with interest and enthusiasm about the project- offering how we could contribute- she met us with the same excitement. I am honored to be a part of this incredible project. The Around the Americas expedition encompasses all of my deepest passions- it truly is an embodiment of the things that mean so much to me. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to share. Thank you, Momma Jen- I hope all your pirate dreams come true.
Namaste,
Tess