The Crew

We are the Routen family.

Mike is finding his freedom from a desk job he’s had for the last 16 years.  He is a Navy Vet, Helicopter Pilot, Photographer and General Adventurer.

Kelly grew up in Southern California.  She has spent the last 9 years raising our two wonderful kids and trying to keep up with Mike’s crazy ideas.

Nathan enjoys being home-schooled.  He loves to play computer games and play Monopoly.

Violet loves the outdoors, Barbie and anything pink.

 

11 thoughts on “The Crew”

  1. David Lehman

    Mike,
    Five more weeks (4/22) and you could say you’ve worked here 17 years!
    Can’t wait to see photos of Shannon and the family and the ports of call!
    God bless you guys!!!
    -David

    1. Mike Routen Post author

      David,

      While some of the days seemed to go on forever, the years have really flown by.

      As we move aboard and start venturing away from the dock I’ll be adding more pictures and stories.

      Thanks!

  2. F. Gauthier

    Mike and Kelly,
    What a joy to hear of your adventure and the start of a life of fair winds and blue seas. Having cast off our lines to an office in exchange for a world of definitive truth I can warmly say ‘welcome to reality’ and good by to the make believe world of concrete, glass and carpet. It only takes a few weeks at sea to understand why God spent 2/3 of his time creating the oceans. We look forward to seeing you and S/V Shannon when you sail into the Florida Keys and Bahamas. Having enjoyed magnificent crescent beaches and the roaring mountains of stormy seas let us know if you can encourage you in any way.
    God’s blessings and fair winds to all who sail on the S/V Shannon.
    Forrest and Marjolein

    1. Mike Routen Post author

      Forrest and Marolein,

      Thank you so much for the warm welcome to reality!

      After over 16 years at CCLI it is a bit daunting to put the concrete, glass and carpet world behind me. However the lure of warm waters and sunny skies is enough to help me past any insecurities I may be facing.

      We are hoping to be in your neighborhood some time next year. When we start heading that way, we’ll be sure to look you up.

      Likewise, if there is ever anything we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to let us know!

      Fair Winds and Following Seas!

      Mike & Kelly

      1. F. Gauthier

        Mike and Kelly,
        Congratulations on steeping the mast and getting Shannon and crew out for some overnight adventures, we are so excited for all of you. We so look forward to seeing you in the Florida Keys or Caribbean as you make your way around to this part of the world. We just returned from the Bahamas and are getting ready to pull S/V Freedom’s Wind for service and fresh bottom paint. Please keep in touch and let us know if we can be of any help.
        Forrest & Marjolein Gauthier

        1. Mike Routen Post author

          Forrest and Mrjolein,

          Thank you so much for the encouraging note!

          Tomorrow we start our cruise in earnest. We cast off from the Everett Marina and become sailing nomads.

          We will be sure to keep in touch and when we do get to your corner of the world, we’ll look you up.

          Mike & Kelly

  3. Gary Lundblad

    I wish nothing but the best for you and your family Mike. The sadness I feel is not for you, but that our friendship didn’t happen sooner. I have realized in the last couple of months what an amazing guy you are, and regret that you won’t be around any more. It has been a sincere pleasure getting to know you these last few months; you will be missed. I look forward to hearing about the adventure of a life time. I am proud of you for taking the risk. Very few have the guts to let go and lean into the wind, and so very few ever find out what it’s like to fly.

    Gary

  5. Andrea

    How wonderful to learn of your sailing adventures ahead. Oh so many favourite quotes spring to mind. Interesting how sailing is often a metaphor for life. Here’s one of my favourites:

    Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

    I look forward to hearing more of your tales, your journey. My wish is for your family is: good health, building good memories as a family, learning, growing, enjoying times together.

  6. Dan

    Mike, We miss you already around here. By the way…I didn’t know you authored a book. I would love to read it. Okay…so what have you NOT done?

    Dan

  7. P Mark

    HI Guys,
    Sorry I missed you, glad that Jean could help. Your doing something that very few have the courage to do. While riding my Yamaha yesterday, on the first good weather day of spring, I thought of two things: my retirement coming up and you guys. I was smiling the whole time! You need a theme song. It should be “Sailing”, by Christofer Cross. May the sun be in your face, the wind at your back and may God watch over you always.

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