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As usual, I am late with the posting of this blog. This time, however, I cannot blame being pinned down by gales or chocked by volcanic eruption.

Nor can I plead the universal and therefore forgivable fault of procrastination. I have intentionally avoided writing this because putting the events of the past two weeks into words makes them indelible and irreversible. I am not yet ready for that harsh reality.

Our beloved friend, crewmember, and fellow adventurer, Halifax of The North, is dead. I have been writing for many years, but that last sentence was the hardest I have ever written, and our boat and our lives will ring hollow for a long time to come.  

I would not blame someone for now saying, "It's only a cat. Get a life!"

But the point is I have a life-- rich and rewarding. And I have that life in no small part because of that spirited little beast. I once spent five months alone in the Arctic wilderness. Up there it gets dark and it stays dark for a very long time. Mature male polar bears do not hibernate. They roam the lonely landscape searching for any hint of life and vulnerability.

Before Halifax and I would forage out for freshwater ice or to clear the hatches of drifted snow, she would sit on the top companionway step for up to a half hour just listening. She would turn her little head steadily like a radar interpreting signals too subtle for my muted human senses. If she returned to the bottom of the sleeping bag, then so would I. The next day I would find signs of the bear's ambush site next to the boat.

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	Cruiser Comments 11 Comments Now you're in the public comment zone. What follows is not Cruising World stuff; it comes from other people and we don't vouch for it. A reminder: By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms and Conditions. Click here to read the Privacy policy Hi Alvah, I am sorry for your loss but great story. Gotta tell you though, yer not much of a poet.... Poggle 2009-07-27, 6:35 PM My most sincere condolences. We lost Hanako 8 months ago at the age 03 13 years and 2 months, and... manwinkler 2009-07-24, 7:20 AM I can understand the hurt. We lost Spike to cancer 4 years ago. His brother is going strong at 20... chuckval 2009-06-30, 11:04 AM We're so sorry to hear about the passing of Halifax. Reading this has brought tears to my eyes and... moongate 2009-06-30, 7:43 AM We are so sorry to hear about Halifax she was a very brave and courageous cat. We loved reading... beartrace 2009-06-27, 7:45 PM We understood perfectly your loss and you have our sympathy. k7zb 2009-06-27, 5:10 AM Alvah and Diana, What a delightful character Halifax was, and how sorry I am to learn of her... dsassaman 2009-06-26, 2:47 PM So sorry for the loss of your kitty. This was a beautifully written piece that brought tears to my... kirbynew 2009-06-26, 5:40 AM We, Maria and myself, are hailing goodbye to your Halifax of The North, together with Martti-Manuli... martti-manuli 2009-06-26, 5:38 AM What an amazing story. Furkids are like no other. I have 2 small dogs/2 large cats now and love... kmcnich 2009-06-26, 3:33 AM View all comments Post a comment Not a member? Sign up here Already a member? Log in below Username:  Password: