We visited Hal and Karen on Quiet Moon Saturday, she looks lovely. Hal did an amazing job and unless you knew about her "surgery" you would not guess. They are enjoying her,and while it is sad that she is no longer our home, she is in good hands.
Life has spun us around recently, and we have purchased another boat, and as things fell into place, we have decided to head for Mexico THIS year. I know, I know, it is hard for me to believe it as well.
If you are interested in following our new adventures, the new blog is www.svgypsymoon.blogspot.com
Blue skies, Cyndi
Showing posts with label mexico. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mexico. Show all posts
Monday, November 22, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
The Answer is Blowin in the Wind
Thursday we head out of Monterey after 28 days of fun/frustrating times. Leaving many new friends and a lovely community, we were heading out to beat the storms.
I was sick, no fun.
We made it 1/2 way to San Simeon before the engine died. As I lay there, recuperating after feeding the fishes, I was hoping against hope Marcus had hoisted the sails and was cutting the engine. No such luck.
It was late, no wind, and out of range to call for assistance, so we just bobbed, all night. It is really noisy when the swells are tossing the boat around constantly. It was a tough night, very little sleep.
In the morning, we decided the the wind would decide whether we would go south or north.
Winds from the south, so here we are back in Monterey. It is hard, but because of our faith, we believe we are right where we belong. We don't know why, but here we are.
We are weighing our options this weekend, but it honestly doesn't look like Mexico is in our future THIS season. But our spirits are good and we will let you know which way the wind blows us next!!
I was sick, no fun.
We made it 1/2 way to San Simeon before the engine died. As I lay there, recuperating after feeding the fishes, I was hoping against hope Marcus had hoisted the sails and was cutting the engine. No such luck.
It was late, no wind, and out of range to call for assistance, so we just bobbed, all night. It is really noisy when the swells are tossing the boat around constantly. It was a tough night, very little sleep.
In the morning, we decided the the wind would decide whether we would go south or north.
Winds from the south, so here we are back in Monterey. It is hard, but because of our faith, we believe we are right where we belong. We don't know why, but here we are.
We are weighing our options this weekend, but it honestly doesn't look like Mexico is in our future THIS season. But our spirits are good and we will let you know which way the wind blows us next!!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
What Are You, Crazy?
How do you explain to your family and friends you are pulling up stakes from a good job and a nice house; the safety and security of hearth and home? How do you explain that to yourself?
We are feeling pretty time strapped right about now. Still so much to do and the clock is moving at fast forward. This morning my daughter said, what are you so stressed about, you are leaving for a long vacation . . .
VACATION?? VACATION!! Let's see, I will be "camping out" on the water. No TV, occasional access to the internet, no dishwasher, stocked corner store, refrigeration, minimal electrical access. I'll be cooking in an area with the the footprint of an ice chest, washing clothes by hand in a bucket, water measured by cups, not gallons, weather determining everything you do. Probably will be to hot, too cold, too wet, too tired; a lot.
Your home is subject to being tossed, turned, dragged, rammed and sunk. To go anywhere you must take the dinghy to shore and walk or take a sketchy bus and carry groceries in a backpack. Oh yeah, and the people speak a different language and it takes some doing to figure out where you want to go.
I'm selling, giving away or throwing away all but my most treasured possessions, and going to live in a 32 by 10 ft boat far from the people I love.
We don't have a source of income, and very limited savings, so we will be working as we go. The goal is to live on less than $1000 per month. Mexico is an economical place to be sure, but that is not a lot when you consider food, fuel, water, an occasional night in a marina, and transportation home.
Yes there will be lots of sleepy little lagoons, fascinating people and priceless experiences, but I'm not sure I would classify it as a vacation. Don't mind me, I'm having a paper bag day.
We are feeling pretty time strapped right about now. Still so much to do and the clock is moving at fast forward. This morning my daughter said, what are you so stressed about, you are leaving for a long vacation . . .
VACATION?? VACATION!! Let's see, I will be "camping out" on the water. No TV, occasional access to the internet, no dishwasher, stocked corner store, refrigeration, minimal electrical access. I'll be cooking in an area with the the footprint of an ice chest, washing clothes by hand in a bucket, water measured by cups, not gallons, weather determining everything you do. Probably will be to hot, too cold, too wet, too tired; a lot.
Your home is subject to being tossed, turned, dragged, rammed and sunk. To go anywhere you must take the dinghy to shore and walk or take a sketchy bus and carry groceries in a backpack. Oh yeah, and the people speak a different language and it takes some doing to figure out where you want to go.
I'm selling, giving away or throwing away all but my most treasured possessions, and going to live in a 32 by 10 ft boat far from the people I love.
We don't have a source of income, and very limited savings, so we will be working as we go. The goal is to live on less than $1000 per month. Mexico is an economical place to be sure, but that is not a lot when you consider food, fuel, water, an occasional night in a marina, and transportation home.
Yes there will be lots of sleepy little lagoons, fascinating people and priceless experiences, but I'm not sure I would classify it as a vacation. Don't mind me, I'm having a paper bag day.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
More work
Bought material for weather cloths. I hope to put our boat name on them so while we are underway people can identify us. Fine tuning the wind catcher for the front hatch. Repairing the bad caulk on our teak decks, and washing and applying Penofin to the brightwork. (all the pretty wood on the boat for you landlubbers).
The weather has helped me going in the mornings; you don't want to be scrubbing woodwork in the 100+ degree heat.
Marcus is getting pretty good a caulking the decks, we found a good product and he has done enough of the work to get really good at it.
Exciting news! Western Grace leaves Canada at the end of the month and will be in San Francisco in 2 weeks on there way to Mexico. We are looking forward to visiting with John and Joanne. If you are interested in serious sailing, or just hanging around Mexico, for the trip of a lifetime, go to http://www.westerngrace.ca/ We highly recommend John and Joanne, whether you want to learn more about sailing, improve/test your skills, snorkel in beautiful secluded coves, and so much more. They have expanded their route to include not only Mexico but Hawaii and Tahiti as well.
OK back to work!!
The weather has helped me going in the mornings; you don't want to be scrubbing woodwork in the 100+ degree heat.
Marcus is getting pretty good a caulking the decks, we found a good product and he has done enough of the work to get really good at it.
Exciting news! Western Grace leaves Canada at the end of the month and will be in San Francisco in 2 weeks on there way to Mexico. We are looking forward to visiting with John and Joanne. If you are interested in serious sailing, or just hanging around Mexico, for the trip of a lifetime, go to http://www.westerngrace.ca/ We highly recommend John and Joanne, whether you want to learn more about sailing, improve/test your skills, snorkel in beautiful secluded coves, and so much more. They have expanded their route to include not only Mexico but Hawaii and Tahiti as well.
OK back to work!!
Friday, August 21, 2009
3 months and 7 days, but who's counting
It is difficult to say exactly when this journey started. Was it when I went sailing in San Diego that summer and met the interesting Aussie crew that was delivering a beautiful yacht to Alaska? Was it the first time I picked up a Latitude 38 and read the stories of tropical coves, fascinating cultures, and sailing adventures? Was it the time Marcus and I laid on the foredeck of our soon to be first sailboat dreaming? Maybe it was the week we spent aboard the Benateau 47 "Caca Fuego", with our new found friends in the BVI? I know we were well on our way when we joined Western Grace with John and Joanne, Harry and Sailor Dave for an amazing trip down the coast of California and Baja.
After much searching and aiming at the moving target of the perfect yacht, we took the plunge (wait, plunge may a poor choice of words). In December 2008 we became the proud, if not a bit nervous owners of Quiet Moon, a 32 ft Fuji ketch. THAT purchase is another story.
So here we are after a slowly evolving journey of research and discovery buying the essentials at a breakneck speed. Our list of "absolute's" are being crossed off rapidly. It seems more things are being crossed off now because of lack of funds than due to purchasing of said items. The criteria now is, what is required for us to sail safely to Mexico.
I have lived and learned so much through the generous sharing of so many other sailor's experiences, I feel it is a responsibility to share our experiences in this process. Hopefully those who are on a similar journey will find vision, encouragment, information or comfort through our adventures.
After much searching and aiming at the moving target of the perfect yacht, we took the plunge (wait, plunge may a poor choice of words). In December 2008 we became the proud, if not a bit nervous owners of Quiet Moon, a 32 ft Fuji ketch. THAT purchase is another story.
So here we are after a slowly evolving journey of research and discovery buying the essentials at a breakneck speed. Our list of "absolute's" are being crossed off rapidly. It seems more things are being crossed off now because of lack of funds than due to purchasing of said items. The criteria now is, what is required for us to sail safely to Mexico.
I have lived and learned so much through the generous sharing of so many other sailor's experiences, I feel it is a responsibility to share our experiences in this process. Hopefully those who are on a similar journey will find vision, encouragment, information or comfort through our adventures.
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