PAUL & SUSAN MITCHELL ing about another third of our time with the locals, getting to know their culture and so on. The last third is probably the most important: when there's just the two of us, off in a secluded anchorage somewhere, all by ourselves and enjoying that to the fullest."

above are the ones most likely to fulfill those dreams. That's what it's all about." To those dreamers who have yet to cut the docklines, Susan reiterates this timehonored advice: "Go soon. Go with what you've got. Go as simple as you can. You can always add more gear later. If it's going to keep you in port another year, just go now."

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ince the Mitchells headed out from San Diego in '82 the number of cruisers has changed dramatically, and many former obstacles have diminished due to myriad high-tech innovations. But Paul and Susan don't seem to be the least bit jaded about having crossed oceans in more demanding times. "We do sometimes worry, though, about the fact that there are a lot of people out here who seem to be in over their heads," admits Paul. People are out here cruising for many different reasons, but the bottom line is that they are all trying to fulfill a dream. Many succeed,

Passing under the Bridge of the Americas was a sweet moment, as it signified Paul and Susan's return to the Pacific.

some don't. Some love the sailing, some the destinations, some the challenges, some the learning or the camaraderie or the pride that comes from doing it. But those that can combine all or most of the

hen we caught up with Paul and Susan a few months in Mexico (now 70 and 64 respectively), their sailing ambitions were winding down, with their sights set on returning to California sometime this year. But move ashore? "No way!" Their 'Plan A' is to berth Elenoa at Silvergate YC in San Diego and cruise the European canals during the summer months. "We're not hanging it up," they cheerfully insist, "just doing it differently." — latitude/at

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• July, 2007