Names:  Haley, Cameron and Travis Halton
Age: 13
Home: Houston, Texas

We met Haley, Cameron and Travis at Mario’s Marina in Rio Dulce, Guatemala 

Work:  Full-time teenagers

What makes them interesting:  They probably hold the record for the world’s best- traveled set of triplets.  Currently, they are winding up their second cruising trip with their parents, Marsha and Hal, on the s/v Cayuse.

Important event in their lives:  When Haley, Cameron and Travis were ten, they spent five months on Cayuse in the Eastern Caribbean.  It was an unusual arrangement for the entire family with Hal taking a sabbatical from his law practice and the kids being out of the traditional school setting for an extended period of time.  The experience certainly would change them.  The triplets learned the rigors of sailing and importance of crewing as a team.  They also embarked on a unique journey that would expose them to the broader world and the wonders of nature.

Haley remembers seeing whales as a highlight of that first adventure.  Cameron enjoyed climbing part-way up the active volcano on Montserrat.  Travis found the rainforest in Dominica to be fascinating.

In January of 2006, the Halton’s left Houston on their second such sabbatical.  This time, Cayuse made her way across the Gulf of Mexico to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and on through the waters of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. 

During this trip, they parked Cayuse in Guatemala and flew to Africa, then on to Paris and Amsterdam.  The time in Africa provided another test of stamina and teamwork as they climbed Mt. Kilamanjaro.  Since it was the dry season, the weather wasn’t an issue, but combating altitude sickness proved challenging.  Their guide understood the need to take sufficient time for adjusting to the altitude and they wound around the mountain rather than heading straight up.  The trek lasted nine days, spending time at six campsites before reaching the pinnacle.

When asked to describe the sight, Cameron and Travis have one word – “Wow!”  Haley was amazed by the glaciers.  All three felt a great sense of accomplishment and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Before leaving Africa, the family arranged a safari where they witnessed all sorts of wildlife.  You can see pictures of their African experience by going to the Cayuse blog at www.sailblogs.com/member/cayuse.  Or you can Google search “Sailing Triplets.”

The trip to Paris was memorable because of the Eiffel Tower, Orange Museum, Rembrandt Museum and the Louvre.  A highlight in Amsterdam was a visit to the Anne Frank house.  The triplets had read the book and were amazed that the rooms remained as she had described them.  Some of the magazine articles that Anne had taped to the walls of her room were still there.

After returning from Europe to Cayuse, the family cruised in the Bay Islands of Honduras where Haley, Travis and Cameron learned to scuba dive. 

Not all of the triplet’s time was spent on high adventure.  They had to devote a portion of each day to home schooling.  Marsha oversaw classes and Cameron complained that it’s not much fun when you can’t get away from the teacher.  Haley found it easier than regular school although there were constant distractions from everything going on around the boat.  Travis bluntly stated that “School is school.”

As of this writing, the Haltons are on their way back the States.  Hal will go back to work and the triplets to normal school.  Marsha is probably looking forward to a little time of her own.    

What they taught us:  Dare to do something different. If parents can, they should provide such experiences for their children.  

Philosophy of Life:   Still working on it, but you can rest assured it will include opening up to what the world as to offer.