The flight home from Sint Marteen marked the beginning of what would be a winter spent around the US. First stop was Idaho for Christmas with family and an epic day of skiing with Jason.

Christmas morning at Mom & Dad's.

Gage, Jace, Mom, and Tayt watch the dancing Christmas Bear Reindeer Creature.

Jace and I (the Christmas Angry Bird).

Family portrait on my sister's farm.

Epic powder day at Grand Targhee!

Jason and I resting for a few minutes between runs.

The project at Sigma I had started consulting on back in November was entering the final design, fabrication, and testing phase, so I spent January and February in the office at Sigma World HQ in Maryland. It was great to once more be working alongside such talented friends, not to mention getting to play with flight hardware in the lab again! During this time I stayed with my dear friends Hernan, Eugenia and their wonderful family. In our spare time we did a little remodeling of their attic, often with the help of various friends wanting to pound nails or hang sheetrock.

Hernan and the "conejas locas" (crazy rabbits), Daniella and Christina.

Hernan wondering what we've gotten ourselves into!

Eugenia, Eugenia, and Hernan framing away.

Oh the joy of sheetrock!

Starting to come together.

Bookshelves inset into the wall.

Finally getting to the finish trim stage, all of which was recycled from unused sections of the original hardwood floor.

As it had been some time since I checked on things in Maine and poor Northern Cross was going through a tough winter alone, a weekend north seemed in order. After an awesome flight directly to Rockland, ME I stepped off the plane into a winter wonderland. Northern Cross was in fine shape, though at 20 degrees F inside a bit chilly. A couple electric heaters and the propane stove + oven going full bore fixed that nicely!

Boarding the Cape Air flight in Boston, MA.

Maine islands as seen from the co-pilot's seat.

Scott the pilot banks into final approach at the Knox County Airport in Rockland, ME.

A cold existence for poor Northern Cross.

Icicles dripping down the hull.

Staysail leads on deck all but buried in snow.

Finally, warm and cozy down below.

By the end of February my project at Sigma was completed and it was time for the next adventure. On the 29th I boarded a plane for the equator – stories and pictures coming soon. :-)