Every single one of our ancestors traveled to the Americas by ship. Prior to 1850, the typical vessel transporting immigrants were 150 feet in length, displaced 180 tons and carried around 100 passengers plus a crew of 20. Steam propulsion slowly took over during the latter years of the 19^th century and by 1920, steam and diesel power had all but replaced sail.

        The trip across was never easy for the route across the North Atlantic Ocean is always tenuous. I can attest to that. In 1997, on my approach to the English Channel, a nasty gale came to a stop right across our path. During four days, 35 to 45 knot winds right on the bow impeded progress towards the Channel. We tacked, just as ships of yore were need to do, always giving up ground to the ferocious seas and the howl of the wind. The Canadian Maritimes spew a constant stream of low pressure systems that cross the Atlantic weekly providing unsteady footing to shiploads of mostly landlubberly immigrants.

       Blood lines we trace began to journey across to the new world in 1645 from England. By the end of the 18^th century most of our forefathers had grown American roots throughout most of New England and in Florida, except for the Roger, later to be changed to Rogés, family who sailed directly to Cuba in the 1800s.