"The Jeanie Johnston arrived safely on the morning of April 15, 2003. It was a beautiful day with winds blowing out of the ENE at approximately 15-18 knots and the air temperature was a balmy 75F (23C)in West Palm Beach Florida. A grand way for Mother Nature to welcome the ship and crew to their first port of call in the United States. We could not have hoped for a more perfect day.

Jeanie made her way gracefully through the sparkling blue waters of the Atlantic, off of the coast of Palm Beach. As she approached the mouth of the inlet, helicopters buzzed overhead, Coast Guard vessels, media vessels and private vessels all joined in the flotilla which welcomed her to the United States. Locals lined the jetty of the inlet, others paddled nearby in their kayaks and others, such as myself watched Jeanie make her way through the inlet from Peanut Island.

The green and gold colors of the Kerry flag billowed in the breeze as she approached our shores. The 3 masted barque made a grand entrance. The figurehead looked colorful and bright as I'm sure it did on the day she left Ireland. She seemed to be beckoning anyone within site to come see the beautiful masterpiece that so many had labored over for so many years.

I watched as she passed Peanut Island on her way to a berth at the Port of Palm Beach. Clearing customs is a must, so this had to be taken care of before she would be allowed to go to Peanut Island. After watching her from Peanut Island I went to the Port of Palm Beach, which is just west of Peanut Island, to see if I might be able to get another look at her. At the gated entrance where Jeanie was docked, several people were proudly flying the colors of Ireland. I'm sure they had loved ones onboard ship and were anxiously waiting for the moment they could hug them once again.

As media and loved ones waited for a chance to get closer to the ship and crew, I met a woman by the name of Victoria Breglio, who works for Conventures out of Boston, Massachusetts. She is involved with media relations for North America. She advised me to go to an area in front of the main administration building where some of the crew might be. To my surprise an interview was being conducted between Dr. Tom McCormack and RTE, the Irish media company. Also in the vicinity were Denis McKeown from Blackrock, Co.Louth, Eddie Plunkett from Co.Cork , Corrie Corrigan and Paul Dolan. (Please pardon me if I have spelling or locations incorrect for these people I was trying my best to take in the moment yet get all the information correct). All were kind enough to allow me to take a picture of them before they departed to land destinations unknown - local pub would you guess?

Back at the security gate, after a check of our belongings by Port Authorities, we were able to go to the ship. I was thrilled to be able to take photos and see some more of the crew. I was hoping to speak with Tom Kindre, being the oldest member, yet one of the youngest at heart, unfortunately, I was only able to snap a quick picture of him before Port Authorities asked us to leave so that the Jeanie could make preparations to go to Peanut Island.

Listen to the RTE radio interview, broadcast on Morning Ireland on 16th April. Download the RealPlayer.

My husband David and I were fortunate to have seen the Jeanie from the pier in Fenit, back in August of 2002, when we stayed with our most gracious hosts Dan, Madeline and Bryan O'Keefe at their West End Bar. We have since followed the journey via this website and have enjoyed all the stories from the Captain and crew. We hope to see Jeanie off in the near future when she sets sail from Florida on her journey to other ports of call.

I am grateful for having the chance to see Jeanie in all her glory, coming in from the ocean, and the opportunity to meet with a few of the crew members.

Best Wishes for smooth sailing ahead! Kathleen and David"