tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87336164985045880242024-03-27T16:53:49.794-07:00Stu, Lana, Aria and Micah's Sailing Adventures on OyaiOur family has taken a year away from Canada to sail around the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Caribbean. We plan to post a blog weekly (or more!) about our sailing travels. Our boat is a 2002 Amel Super Maramu 2000 named "OYAI" (it's a long story). Join and share our blog to become part of the adventure!Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-66789046573180977862023-08-07T09:47:00.001-07:002023-08-07T18:36:46.378-07:00Goodbye Oyai & Hello New York City!<p style="text-align: center;">After leaving Annapolis, we explored the eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay for a couple of weeks. We sailed to a quaint little town called St. Michaels, and hung out for a few days in the stifling heat. We also had the opportunity to sail with Sue & Jem, two members of the family that now own Oyai. They stayed aboard for a few days, and we were able to show them how everything worked. We eventually sailed into another great little town called Oxford, which would be our final sailing destination on our extended family voyage. We definitely had mixed emotions about our journey coming to an end, but we kept ourselves busy packing and cleaning up the boat. This is our final departure photo with Oyai. She has seen us safely through some nasty weather and been our constant companion for the last year - so long girl, we will miss you!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfif-RYxqp4cPuMu-HlvZ-KM8TQPiVYN4vjlbjJ2z0vTG0mLZ7GlJvS--MiwyBKyIVfloA5WODdJ3bt9-W85VAK36daiykRZOZWF0pLDg1GrmiTmJdrMZMSBKLLLOtjehjaSlgVmP75Km-TptN_tA1SxgjZ7UpJmxLu_0RZ5qyh-OZGTEd_9UpYcOYn1xg/s3088/IMG_1821.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfif-RYxqp4cPuMu-HlvZ-KM8TQPiVYN4vjlbjJ2z0vTG0mLZ7GlJvS--MiwyBKyIVfloA5WODdJ3bt9-W85VAK36daiykRZOZWF0pLDg1GrmiTmJdrMZMSBKLLLOtjehjaSlgVmP75Km-TptN_tA1SxgjZ7UpJmxLu_0RZ5qyh-OZGTEd_9UpYcOYn1xg/w436-h327/IMG_1821.jpeg" width="436" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi178YrdpR34Su_ZHoZ3J79dy8hvE48Ppjt5E5FlyhxLQ5xEiW1_TWFOaMNBaqiUaWtLPcqULaqBQOS9H7GKL9dqmrnjPi5lv6lpFqCJMJiqT2t7uaAGgrDsbjcu318QZeRmAGcaOwdIK4T4r2G0-Lm7i9NriT_xcaVCO_tHGz43fddXCRLD8v_4DQybsgU/s4032/IMG_1814.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi178YrdpR34Su_ZHoZ3J79dy8hvE48Ppjt5E5FlyhxLQ5xEiW1_TWFOaMNBaqiUaWtLPcqULaqBQOS9H7GKL9dqmrnjPi5lv6lpFqCJMJiqT2t7uaAGgrDsbjcu318QZeRmAGcaOwdIK4T4r2G0-Lm7i9NriT_xcaVCO_tHGz43fddXCRLD8v_4DQybsgU/w438-h329/IMG_1814.jpeg" width="438" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before we said goodbye to the boat, we explored Oxford and all it had to offer. It’s an awesome little town with a rich history in boat building. We stumbled into a local vintage shop and made quick friends with the staff there. They promptly asked if they could dress the girls and do up their hair all fancy - so kind!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xGbOsVFJoKcawH8bxpZu61V5qIYewixD33G0Z1TNv2uqjbZihTftypIahMW8qZKoO48YRHj_lX58swaKM5XWbYf4ql0R3j6PSCc7KLdqmeAFpA6dkHWAOZ2_4n3Jzw9Pns3r4vY4YFedhIRHGQvRuM4HuiX5ZZ9E8tcx9eVH2O8A7OOgc60owCkhoMq1/s4032/IMG_1777.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xGbOsVFJoKcawH8bxpZu61V5qIYewixD33G0Z1TNv2uqjbZihTftypIahMW8qZKoO48YRHj_lX58swaKM5XWbYf4ql0R3j6PSCc7KLdqmeAFpA6dkHWAOZ2_4n3Jzw9Pns3r4vY4YFedhIRHGQvRuM4HuiX5ZZ9E8tcx9eVH2O8A7OOgc60owCkhoMq1/w431-h323/IMG_1777.jpeg" width="431" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh06YAuOo4DFynqcPjJOCoEhqhOuFXWpZtI3bn5yoydS-tTGn1fcRSzX_z6aSoC2ATZ39bnXJ7otsUaUKeegsSqHln3ZQ7DSOt_ro9E9bLaViSRpL2u3k51vd48kamHblwfwnXf3esoQ_xT_eu-TEAHspxq9_XmWNcdHit8eCQgIvD0dUn_4YK_NVhWZs6/s2913/IMG_1779.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2913" data-original-width="2203" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh06YAuOo4DFynqcPjJOCoEhqhOuFXWpZtI3bn5yoydS-tTGn1fcRSzX_z6aSoC2ATZ39bnXJ7otsUaUKeegsSqHln3ZQ7DSOt_ro9E9bLaViSRpL2u3k51vd48kamHblwfwnXf3esoQ_xT_eu-TEAHspxq9_XmWNcdHit8eCQgIvD0dUn_4YK_NVhWZs6/w324-h428/IMG_1779.jpeg" width="324" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2soMuHJGc6sPj_xIp7GBkxDV_GsilWP4L_KcYTcVJKZzbDoHM9-OmgrCPOy1WXQGcXDCIGYUmIaHMS3RCBvdeq8lIMfrn98dZixa_JGShD6PgeGo5y3KWgzBm5UWy_v_9g4hHKz-H2THSZGAl8T0CfTaCjI7r0tSJ-5aU6qogXIkXtrOniMPbbqRTCXaK/s3007/IMG_1783.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3007" data-original-width="2953" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2soMuHJGc6sPj_xIp7GBkxDV_GsilWP4L_KcYTcVJKZzbDoHM9-OmgrCPOy1WXQGcXDCIGYUmIaHMS3RCBvdeq8lIMfrn98dZixa_JGShD6PgeGo5y3KWgzBm5UWy_v_9g4hHKz-H2THSZGAl8T0CfTaCjI7r0tSJ-5aU6qogXIkXtrOniMPbbqRTCXaK/w432-h440/IMG_1783.jpeg" width="432" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The weather around the Chesapeake is wild. One moment, it will be hot and sticky, and the next there will be a torrential downpour with thunder and lightning. Stu had to duck under cover during a morning run to escape the weather - at which point a local gentleman offered him a cup of coffee while he waited… people are awesome!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWLjzO-UQSh3ywSmsvAIR15FYJuKzx7m_XnqiPRawP9j3BrQO5hXBkSuGjwVyTTv_QkNTaUN2IWl7g_lE9XmcTLcrwS9klywfsMnRa9JsAuZdDPh7I0yNC8Stuy5mKfbvZpOCiXG_brPWNJqdAlK4hVdvhyk2AZNj0vKADdZS91C3mWWnxdHzx0xkI9Sd/s4032/IMG_1790.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWLjzO-UQSh3ywSmsvAIR15FYJuKzx7m_XnqiPRawP9j3BrQO5hXBkSuGjwVyTTv_QkNTaUN2IWl7g_lE9XmcTLcrwS9klywfsMnRa9JsAuZdDPh7I0yNC8Stuy5mKfbvZpOCiXG_brPWNJqdAlK4hVdvhyk2AZNj0vKADdZS91C3mWWnxdHzx0xkI9Sd/w453-h340/IMG_1790.jpeg" width="453" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwnYqlBQRxiKdc3SJJO20EBAhQIWvdg8gyHB-q2cOH1pJoXF2i2grZoKyVuFBOApKnIiW_22pFNHdX9xWIsjA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The wooden boat building history in Oxford was incredible. This particular boat yard (now Cutts & Case) has been around for about 100 years. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8frb2aFdTaDt9sQ-ucFfF6EbKv7MV8n04eHoo5WULOfe6etjqFo1ULeztiws8tJ2rvdhdWxHmxOhYvdji3Zz2oU5PIpVvtp2FJ-nG0DvVgmWo0Cu_8RQbAh9r6s3kVVBTpfFalm8K-yrLgBh9jRtdf7Imbb5E4teaMqg1O0UWUtRykDVJZ61YX8Ft3LAE/s4032/IMG_1804.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="477" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8frb2aFdTaDt9sQ-ucFfF6EbKv7MV8n04eHoo5WULOfe6etjqFo1ULeztiws8tJ2rvdhdWxHmxOhYvdji3Zz2oU5PIpVvtp2FJ-nG0DvVgmWo0Cu_8RQbAh9r6s3kVVBTpfFalm8K-yrLgBh9jRtdf7Imbb5E4teaMqg1O0UWUtRykDVJZ61YX8Ft3LAE/w358-h477/IMG_1804.jpeg" width="358" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We met some really great friends in Oxford named Meghan and Liam. Meghan is the kind woman who fussed over the girls at the vintage shop and Liam is a professional mariner and boat restorer. They also own a 50+ foot sailboat (named “Star”) and plan to sail around the world soon. We had lots in common and spent heaps of time together during our last week aboard Oyai. Their Chihuahua, “Dynamite”, was the cutest dog ever!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-8jCDvLum8CPokb22Q47rudtj1l-zpAFQIagO1cnayJNt87a50xokLMxjSoA0n_jb_7pg5fu2Y4Z8hjVPh_mGhWIgEDvERfnsIX0I5xWTlOhT3ZZj7NNHtaZOsW8m5rRwNLANRITxekIm4qfIcMuNdioMGdmMTau7bLZcP7RXmChquelIi-OB1bYwydw/s4032/IMG_1808.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-8jCDvLum8CPokb22Q47rudtj1l-zpAFQIagO1cnayJNt87a50xokLMxjSoA0n_jb_7pg5fu2Y4Z8hjVPh_mGhWIgEDvERfnsIX0I5xWTlOhT3ZZj7NNHtaZOsW8m5rRwNLANRITxekIm4qfIcMuNdioMGdmMTau7bLZcP7RXmChquelIi-OB1bYwydw/w323-h431/IMG_1808.jpeg" width="323" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzPdMLkdskmcS2TvOVHQrjCBGi08veHZo8mO30T2dvl0-S2ZqEqBfkFWBAG-5-cVPx6hsennOgSTcx8bBXJRZ0lBhaQDgjaMKWWgyQtNpuzsispT0LglroA1VQdjug8aahAC73wOd2JoSR4DwOwINoZsl8spcaBa5Tgd95F6zyZAQ2TBbC2--8YMveAc4/s4032/IMG_0732.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzPdMLkdskmcS2TvOVHQrjCBGi08veHZo8mO30T2dvl0-S2ZqEqBfkFWBAG-5-cVPx6hsennOgSTcx8bBXJRZ0lBhaQDgjaMKWWgyQtNpuzsispT0LglroA1VQdjug8aahAC73wOd2JoSR4DwOwINoZsl8spcaBa5Tgd95F6zyZAQ2TBbC2--8YMveAc4/w296-h395/IMG_0732.jpeg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">“Star” had an amazing history and Liam had known the boat since she was built. Fate brought them all together, and they were busy getting her ready to sail around the world. The boat was very well built and super seaworthy with lots of cozy touches on the inside. We hope we get to see them all again at some point in the future. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5MqeEUBrECF82N1YL9_S61miRQKbED-gq86LCR1iJ9jZtOoNAyW7AZj7ZyaonDjG7Rl6CJ8WrTZDXIdCNdODUCirS8m1iN59HOu6N9qIouKJ2zKLp0SLijjGsgB4mZklftMJnIZTqehrjFAE0MQqfy-P4l5e2MqawPDmCWnzEDO19QnWKd0THdTKvHxw/s4032/IMG_1805.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5MqeEUBrECF82N1YL9_S61miRQKbED-gq86LCR1iJ9jZtOoNAyW7AZj7ZyaonDjG7Rl6CJ8WrTZDXIdCNdODUCirS8m1iN59HOu6N9qIouKJ2zKLp0SLijjGsgB4mZklftMJnIZTqehrjFAE0MQqfy-P4l5e2MqawPDmCWnzEDO19QnWKd0THdTKvHxw/w440-h330/IMG_1805.jpeg" width="440" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After saying goodbye to Oyai, we rented a car and drove straight to New York City. Oyai’s new owners own a small apartment in Manhattan and they generously offered it to us for a few days. As you can imagine, it’s quite a contrast to go from living on a sailboat to visiting one of the biggest cities in the world. But, it’s a challenge that we are happy to accept! We will immerse ourselves in the NYC vibe for 10 days before heading home to Comox. The apartment is in Midtown Manhattan and is easy walking distance to so many great things. First, we went to Rockefeller Center and the toy store “FAO Schwarz”that was in the movie “Big”.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUD44593cSwbWFz6kknMuOYi6lApgK_9_Z6orv8ep7QcZPFuOG8sMo8lNWq8MxNCOE5UWM6kgwElRYKic0iRjxJJ0NEn6XXKFYY1pZ-CS8rnTY-FT3Bx7yIuhu3nG8CHiZ1-FWNeC6MOmb5yi-1rJ2UgKu4JbukxvmER_skIoIm75oRkq_0BJIho_qNkk5/s3088/IMG_1827.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUD44593cSwbWFz6kknMuOYi6lApgK_9_Z6orv8ep7QcZPFuOG8sMo8lNWq8MxNCOE5UWM6kgwElRYKic0iRjxJJ0NEn6XXKFYY1pZ-CS8rnTY-FT3Bx7yIuhu3nG8CHiZ1-FWNeC6MOmb5yi-1rJ2UgKu4JbukxvmER_skIoIm75oRkq_0BJIho_qNkk5/w446-h334/IMG_1827.jpeg" width="446" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbscKBQKPIuQcVJknqkTS9TjYaYN116rlnKlGhxc2je9EshDNxZdYF9G-BHX0S0uad-9HlcP5mGeyaS6kDFlxO4BqqHruQIqLCk1f0SWYSMdbvx91EkRO_WWpkWS_CzKy6Um81hF7WBDgt1-j8xfWyRZ7EWAPur4B5AkqxIXleHHb5MeW6JgxI9GO6FqR/s4032/IMG_1834.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbscKBQKPIuQcVJknqkTS9TjYaYN116rlnKlGhxc2je9EshDNxZdYF9G-BHX0S0uad-9HlcP5mGeyaS6kDFlxO4BqqHruQIqLCk1f0SWYSMdbvx91EkRO_WWpkWS_CzKy6Um81hF7WBDgt1-j8xfWyRZ7EWAPur4B5AkqxIXleHHb5MeW6JgxI9GO6FqR/w335-h447/IMG_1834.jpeg" width="335" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We walked around and saw so many great sights on day one. Radio City Music Hall, Times Square, and Central Park. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6v623L120gzAsCN0mP7EkAmAm_9ly78kVGDB0JVI1BAnG4LlxYvy8DFDDvZohbzTv3Chbl7R0NI_m3IJWc5k7TVYUHUJkrZszjplMZmlM5JQeX0leUElHdohoYiBzotmyh0U6EKzNN1KiTaJt7hkmscLtaAfnPFs6_QO0qt5KB9v3R--zzDtxytltwP00/s4017/IMG_1836.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4017" data-original-width="1902" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6v623L120gzAsCN0mP7EkAmAm_9ly78kVGDB0JVI1BAnG4LlxYvy8DFDDvZohbzTv3Chbl7R0NI_m3IJWc5k7TVYUHUJkrZszjplMZmlM5JQeX0leUElHdohoYiBzotmyh0U6EKzNN1KiTaJt7hkmscLtaAfnPFs6_QO0qt5KB9v3R--zzDtxytltwP00/w247-h520/IMG_1836.jpeg" width="247" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In this photo, you can see the Ball of Lights (high above Lana’s head) that descends on New Years Eve.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnUZ3QGzf_YSEGrTSQMDusYzmPyJ8dIM3qtEw0GCL5veAytzjJcCAvoo-va6jvbsrRaM9sSmRPDStrclqC0eERCwKSfTK9g4xwMNfdnAV0ZcAdkMx94JJHhdQAO4TjgoXD35bGPJfzS3s00ZwkCzA23uK_22S7VfmGQ6_c-lX07H67hLK4gptrEwlXXd_/s4032/IMG_1838.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2634" data-original-width="4032" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnUZ3QGzf_YSEGrTSQMDusYzmPyJ8dIM3qtEw0GCL5veAytzjJcCAvoo-va6jvbsrRaM9sSmRPDStrclqC0eERCwKSfTK9g4xwMNfdnAV0ZcAdkMx94JJHhdQAO4TjgoXD35bGPJfzS3s00ZwkCzA23uK_22S7VfmGQ6_c-lX07H67hLK4gptrEwlXXd_/w450-h294/IMG_1838.jpeg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We rented bicycles and rode around the city, first doing a lap of Central Park. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGEtCTekjEsr-KOl3Li72wkRXoh858k36HGrI7UXxLZk6IwaBmg8-2kCRUgIGpY1iQY__heqbbAp_1tZsbHHHkMEpgeQ8N8phbJTLop7Mlsvt_T78jdH-4hV5__ehYXvnjzYw0XQt5RBREon0B0NAtP5Olpee2lLtSF8T7RYX3RYX5P9rQmKH6n_DW1rq/s3798/IMG_1847.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3798" data-original-width="2725" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGEtCTekjEsr-KOl3Li72wkRXoh858k36HGrI7UXxLZk6IwaBmg8-2kCRUgIGpY1iQY__heqbbAp_1tZsbHHHkMEpgeQ8N8phbJTLop7Mlsvt_T78jdH-4hV5__ehYXvnjzYw0XQt5RBREon0B0NAtP5Olpee2lLtSF8T7RYX3RYX5P9rQmKH6n_DW1rq/w299-h416/IMG_1847.jpeg" width="299" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxkyM7BXOwj0aEDLVmlEfI_B5NlVs4Ol9dAL4y5wyGECGs8gqep1A-iiW-c8Rvx65YLA06ZoS7TBlLvYncA_g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We biked past the “Friends” apartment building in Greenwich Village and then returned the bikes in Soho.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGcgyC07ZGCXYUN8HMozrJEK-F-JeqeB0W4yK5WEpQIAty1AXBY2iifPlHdw_5_NzmsYDWxXgoI0T2L1uKe4dCXTpu1NvJwnjUo-_P2nzXcrQP1gQu9SqOArllFykBVLcyuMCSfg4A6hSd8D6rztlKfqzcm-rK2uHMMVLuFJrdv4TrtDLXTPBrSxqn68E/s3939/IMG_1852.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3939" data-original-width="2370" height="519" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGcgyC07ZGCXYUN8HMozrJEK-F-JeqeB0W4yK5WEpQIAty1AXBY2iifPlHdw_5_NzmsYDWxXgoI0T2L1uKe4dCXTpu1NvJwnjUo-_P2nzXcrQP1gQu9SqOArllFykBVLcyuMCSfg4A6hSd8D6rztlKfqzcm-rK2uHMMVLuFJrdv4TrtDLXTPBrSxqn68E/w313-h519/IMG_1852.jpeg" width="313" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aria in Soho!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZfeJG7p_5XdsjIl1HJ3BwpY0UV5mpnXy8SuWK7JNtFCFLrCcBrvwSKD-FPDAL3GglVhIExT-6dtPX4fM3UIOf56aMzVdfZ8GZujfTXi4KocmyEBo441OBuyJHDHD9SlJvMpQy2fIXzzUg_Vs5ss-GA-KWoChJtKnZn7m6Ap-zdLog9pstHZTsM6SbnXs/s4032/IMG_1854.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZfeJG7p_5XdsjIl1HJ3BwpY0UV5mpnXy8SuWK7JNtFCFLrCcBrvwSKD-FPDAL3GglVhIExT-6dtPX4fM3UIOf56aMzVdfZ8GZujfTXi4KocmyEBo441OBuyJHDHD9SlJvMpQy2fIXzzUg_Vs5ss-GA-KWoChJtKnZn7m6Ap-zdLog9pstHZTsM6SbnXs/w307-h409/IMG_1854.jpeg" width="307" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have been making good use of the extensive subway system in NYC because it’s so user friendly. Lots of NYC “culture” can be learned while riding the subway too 🙂</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8SlSuRRb3encIQoDnx3vpV-XMJv-hKI-yMLQ5LY1RiYrqXAAknCq4HoU90MtNIpN9xw3sdQRMOsa7HjNPtcEAwgFTmSofGdc0WUOYyXgXyF1C6i_rQO3wFV1lWsh3RycK6H0HZb4yjnpHbvEyrATK7g2B1Krrhxj9T6ZWwPsJmKW7qGZ2l1IFRDgMdXH/s3088/IMG_1856.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8SlSuRRb3encIQoDnx3vpV-XMJv-hKI-yMLQ5LY1RiYrqXAAknCq4HoU90MtNIpN9xw3sdQRMOsa7HjNPtcEAwgFTmSofGdc0WUOYyXgXyF1C6i_rQO3wFV1lWsh3RycK6H0HZb4yjnpHbvEyrATK7g2B1Krrhxj9T6ZWwPsJmKW7qGZ2l1IFRDgMdXH/w439-h329/IMG_1856.jpeg" width="439" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New York can get super expensive, if you’re not careful, so we have been exploring lots of less costly options. The New York Public Library has some incredible buildings and we have discovered many of them. This one, in Greenwich Village, was built in the late 1800’s, and used to be a courthouse. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IfLZ5r5YKocTMZdjt4_jlQy8cbNE52Z5-DVkLb0_ujCZf-kpv9qNUCcbXSVQ9wQILafw3vDAvv-6yQyOJjB9uHN_JpgbdleZDqYE7sUHTD4dK0xpxYHhTrhcYomnw7ubp-hRWBqsQGvzmNNI7WYtZc98Aw03ctB5e2gLcWqHVzS2G2GhBQRV-wVrJu_D/s4032/IMG_1883.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IfLZ5r5YKocTMZdjt4_jlQy8cbNE52Z5-DVkLb0_ujCZf-kpv9qNUCcbXSVQ9wQILafw3vDAvv-6yQyOJjB9uHN_JpgbdleZDqYE7sUHTD4dK0xpxYHhTrhcYomnw7ubp-hRWBqsQGvzmNNI7WYtZc98Aw03ctB5e2gLcWqHVzS2G2GhBQRV-wVrJu_D/w327-h436/IMG_1883.jpeg" width="327" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The girls have been quite content to chill and read for a couple of hours as a break from the days of intense NYC exploration. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvK-loeCsJ0jy0xvR85RExOQhr0pQp4ga6aIMbbao8QzD5vgqqSjCyI4OnHTOPzBVZlMoR3BwGkgYS6lRyFhMWqIyyXE3J32F6z3jetKH7Xwon3RsL3qzURHyTI7TqFWjP8I0bL-AkQgOTYy1TcBM4NinBMs09CmBufw6TPwyhkTd_UOivPLRAWZGibo_/s4032/IMG_1882.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvK-loeCsJ0jy0xvR85RExOQhr0pQp4ga6aIMbbao8QzD5vgqqSjCyI4OnHTOPzBVZlMoR3BwGkgYS6lRyFhMWqIyyXE3J32F6z3jetKH7Xwon3RsL3qzURHyTI7TqFWjP8I0bL-AkQgOTYy1TcBM4NinBMs09CmBufw6TPwyhkTd_UOivPLRAWZGibo_/w331-h442/IMG_1882.jpeg" width="331" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Behind the main New York Public Library, in Midtown, is Bryant Park. It’s a lovely, ginormous green space dedicated to “community”. They have free movies, performances, games and classes. You can learn how to juggle 5 days a week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdG38gTgCn398gLdHkwt_TU839R4c9lS2K1ZywYXqpD9V8BSIKq2LF33h2EkgI47WR65lsmINdHZJhD-uJjnIOaWkt9s6LcOiSGUyZkw2430kepKzP0v23tvGRwksMxoDdBVy-q54QchKrEfuy2FsTZb4YhVh6yhS-FDveZjAc_MggRE-KGzm7SqMmFOGu/s4032/IMG_0740.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdG38gTgCn398gLdHkwt_TU839R4c9lS2K1ZywYXqpD9V8BSIKq2LF33h2EkgI47WR65lsmINdHZJhD-uJjnIOaWkt9s6LcOiSGUyZkw2430kepKzP0v23tvGRwksMxoDdBVy-q54QchKrEfuy2FsTZb4YhVh6yhS-FDveZjAc_MggRE-KGzm7SqMmFOGu/w325-h433/IMG_0740.jpeg" width="325" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A trip to New York isn’t complete without a visit to Broadway (at least that’s what some trusted sources told us). So we decided to buy tickets to a show called “The Play That Goes Wrong”. It was a comedy that came recommended by some friends. It was absolutely HILARIOUS!! We have never heard our girls laugh that hard, and for as long, at anything before. It was a highlight for sure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiv7SBqNoT922Md4hP_5wBUEEyiVu13XlhbhtubCutQFAc5fdbUcaqMyenkXmt3Fl7pkOYuPXBbUpTSw641yDJz2bW5xTPBVJxyQk2-QLbMJDBFo8Y7PLPo-0i3I0iop6PmI_2bwi5LWTObkH4KB5Dq0ZI_BWyvEasWTMlqEG5udhVct1erc_Hz5igiz2B/s3572/IMG_1889.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3572" data-original-width="3024" height="439" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiv7SBqNoT922Md4hP_5wBUEEyiVu13XlhbhtubCutQFAc5fdbUcaqMyenkXmt3Fl7pkOYuPXBbUpTSw641yDJz2bW5xTPBVJxyQk2-QLbMJDBFo8Y7PLPo-0i3I0iop6PmI_2bwi5LWTObkH4KB5Dq0ZI_BWyvEasWTMlqEG5udhVct1erc_Hz5igiz2B/w372-h439/IMG_1889.jpeg" width="372" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtWBkJonPMCf6J9-eze8z45Lp7f2hZUVlQpcaKQfyoL_knLvTNzbtsFKGKgs_U8bMpS5rNHTLWPDACi1GdNE8kbaq_kg1DFHBKsXhG3oy4SusVhtP8ZpbT86CeGBsxUiWLG9pyoFUBVe8wcosvskwN-T2QD_6UCYaiGt1ZdC6RwXI9QLtI0S04fg-Ch5x/s4032/IMG_1888.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtWBkJonPMCf6J9-eze8z45Lp7f2hZUVlQpcaKQfyoL_knLvTNzbtsFKGKgs_U8bMpS5rNHTLWPDACi1GdNE8kbaq_kg1DFHBKsXhG3oy4SusVhtP8ZpbT86CeGBsxUiWLG9pyoFUBVe8wcosvskwN-T2QD_6UCYaiGt1ZdC6RwXI9QLtI0S04fg-Ch5x/w465-h349/IMG_1888.jpeg" width="465" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The apartment building that we are staying at has a doorman and a nice entrance with lots of mirrors. We always stop at this spot to pose and see the infinity family behind us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRJkyyR0AV0DlcahgRsLZcraiSHcl-K7tBVa1IP9NNwz0Yy6wih3XeZb4vgv-BPGyn-z5IF-_DK3NPXybvoWtat-TKLffk6wEhdE9a86pUPwT3CN7_ng0EUKij17_fGMD_TockcBEMEx15QE6y9H9HiOT31ji_--sJJ_y_APT6agDAZLYnvLd4AZTBh4S/s4032/IMG_1895.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRJkyyR0AV0DlcahgRsLZcraiSHcl-K7tBVa1IP9NNwz0Yy6wih3XeZb4vgv-BPGyn-z5IF-_DK3NPXybvoWtat-TKLffk6wEhdE9a86pUPwT3CN7_ng0EUKij17_fGMD_TockcBEMEx15QE6y9H9HiOT31ji_--sJJ_y_APT6agDAZLYnvLd4AZTBh4S/w449-h337/IMG_1895.jpeg" width="449" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As luck would have it, we have a second cousin living in NYC. Grayson moved here just after high school to attend theatre school. He has been living here ever since and loves it! Right now, he gives performance-oriented tours for tourists like us. The tour happens on top of a roofless bus and is pretty amazing. We got to see NYC through his eyes (and at night!). He is a true performer and it was very special to catch up with him in his city. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyywnYWGyXSXTjMEhNrzgyctkQeq6VnXGZ-SB9uo8cqKhI34-WpkgeEY7G4u7F5bfTZIKgET9g0IR7VXlzo-i33KbrrK5lAZoMXvm3nXMx1I0ynHZbTgJ4SfhnJFLE3dzoXry74C-lmWGyC3oSy8CjseKJ89rRxH8pc_MEFk4sSseIwFq_9VCWsjFYkjzg/s3088/IMG_1911.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyywnYWGyXSXTjMEhNrzgyctkQeq6VnXGZ-SB9uo8cqKhI34-WpkgeEY7G4u7F5bfTZIKgET9g0IR7VXlzo-i33KbrrK5lAZoMXvm3nXMx1I0ynHZbTgJ4SfhnJFLE3dzoXry74C-lmWGyC3oSy8CjseKJ89rRxH8pc_MEFk4sSseIwFq_9VCWsjFYkjzg/w446-h335/IMG_1911.jpeg" width="446" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bus crossed the Manhattan Bridge and we got some awesome, open-air views of the NYC Skyline. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjuu99MPkKe3gjiNo-FUlFtGZft9ON-Abbnme50mThGyac9r6OBMSDzhUcXgFahDTzl9FR2FzJxe7uXnyV_FhcxKAm33d3XzK_k7FnhfCmAxQTt33Fwcgm_kmQZBqgRJc8AoWdkXYhFklot0mhgbctPV3SkKw6o08cbfRgFECAHu2xkmqV0LVYLFBr3hW/s4032/IMG_1916.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjuu99MPkKe3gjiNo-FUlFtGZft9ON-Abbnme50mThGyac9r6OBMSDzhUcXgFahDTzl9FR2FzJxe7uXnyV_FhcxKAm33d3XzK_k7FnhfCmAxQTt33Fwcgm_kmQZBqgRJc8AoWdkXYhFklot0mhgbctPV3SkKw6o08cbfRgFECAHu2xkmqV0LVYLFBr3hW/w455-h341/IMG_1916.jpeg" width="455" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9bOdHgzGlSDeTti3beitAkgIsbPc2vdHHd1R9L6HwtPkT17fB3atUgzomf-SuJUnoR-g7VcjZG6fCwCSDJru76Hd6L7I-qCHVHEtVvRWqcNAEv5bOGTdzLspVc5powYZbHd8wgCynDO5X1KI42tB9zd28DeWMhIyRfnVXQOnTR4MqPUZ5-J-4u0oadeZ/s4017/IMG_1921.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2622" data-original-width="4017" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9bOdHgzGlSDeTti3beitAkgIsbPc2vdHHd1R9L6HwtPkT17fB3atUgzomf-SuJUnoR-g7VcjZG6fCwCSDJru76Hd6L7I-qCHVHEtVvRWqcNAEv5bOGTdzLspVc5powYZbHd8wgCynDO5X1KI42tB9zd28DeWMhIyRfnVXQOnTR4MqPUZ5-J-4u0oadeZ/w499-h327/IMG_1921.jpeg" width="499" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">During our bus tour there was actually a full-blown riot in Manhattan. It was caused by a hapless social media influencer who instigated thousands of youth. He did this by failing to give out the free PlayStations he had promised them. Our bus had to do a big detour to avoid the crazy/dangerous areas. Because of this, we got to see some different parts of New York that we would not normally have seen (all from the safety of an elevated bus!). The tour turned out to be so amazing and memorable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8D_urMjYcwRguGMnjQBlfYtzxFys5DhSAnOzkFHzLl6yNFCY3Liq3rwyxc1TSo-d5tMoQF-o0XdJQK6Rk6UHvr2JGmvptYmaiFGBatbhzf_toKEQngmZ-X33CS-MO1lShB0ztyobTbBDNndChStDBX0E-Q_hDfxP7ENgacmEpX2k3ZVVpWRuX4kdTqTUU/s4032/IMG_1933.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8D_urMjYcwRguGMnjQBlfYtzxFys5DhSAnOzkFHzLl6yNFCY3Liq3rwyxc1TSo-d5tMoQF-o0XdJQK6Rk6UHvr2JGmvptYmaiFGBatbhzf_toKEQngmZ-X33CS-MO1lShB0ztyobTbBDNndChStDBX0E-Q_hDfxP7ENgacmEpX2k3ZVVpWRuX4kdTqTUU/w352-h469/IMG_1933.jpeg" width="352" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh78V0gm_IBNI3FTlfwZtfteYohB6r8MGrxoI7kWyGEv2VQGFJrw1WgjLCTnpUVWJqESLPyvaWVLze69Xaf-Xmj8-ZPh8eGLLsnHUnrG1BjxEiPrOl2vVqoapHJm9CU9dkgV03zwvZ_HS4VSHnIVvZDd4zl3bzWn1tprJ4Fud7CZNhShexSWkoh1hy66cL/s4032/IMG_1938.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh78V0gm_IBNI3FTlfwZtfteYohB6r8MGrxoI7kWyGEv2VQGFJrw1WgjLCTnpUVWJqESLPyvaWVLze69Xaf-Xmj8-ZPh8eGLLsnHUnrG1BjxEiPrOl2vVqoapHJm9CU9dkgV03zwvZ_HS4VSHnIVvZDd4zl3bzWn1tprJ4Fud7CZNhShexSWkoh1hy66cL/w326-h435/IMG_1938.jpeg" width="326" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next up, we decided to have a full-on sightseeing day. We saw The Empire State Building and The Statue of Liberty (from the free Staten Island Ferry). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fSV5xr2eWrPL5pwrqVkLs70SDt29p_1UBotjhS4oserwjHm6k3W_hm3kmbZXng6kzNqoRXslVSxXlEl8C16I-FoGkO_qxO4VtRPqqzIuLvxl0pXUtRRnmbzCUfiRJuyVtxxgGU74T41wvK9CeMcanTjydqyRHntjbtFGMySmQqzNlzx8s2cgw0oUPAl6/s3633/IMG_1941.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3633" data-original-width="2149" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fSV5xr2eWrPL5pwrqVkLs70SDt29p_1UBotjhS4oserwjHm6k3W_hm3kmbZXng6kzNqoRXslVSxXlEl8C16I-FoGkO_qxO4VtRPqqzIuLvxl0pXUtRRnmbzCUfiRJuyVtxxgGU74T41wvK9CeMcanTjydqyRHntjbtFGMySmQqzNlzx8s2cgw0oUPAl6/w268-h454/IMG_1941.jpeg" width="268" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCUx8S4kv85wDbsL9WH7cligrPwG3Jr5OqHjNj_e7M53H7kIDr8prSpWD24Gdpta-9nwc1C7AgTuFnQCBeJJ4EkI-8Dux4DLNSkkkB_8C_8uBH6Mld2L1OZSHhOUSEojPmCgDDFVccrFbY7IPA9iOc-H_ykp3tDwyxH85DsGCnnupjgI0dyviOk1LOHun/s3007/IMG_1952.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3007" data-original-width="2538" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCUx8S4kv85wDbsL9WH7cligrPwG3Jr5OqHjNj_e7M53H7kIDr8prSpWD24Gdpta-9nwc1C7AgTuFnQCBeJJ4EkI-8Dux4DLNSkkkB_8C_8uBH6Mld2L1OZSHhOUSEojPmCgDDFVccrFbY7IPA9iOc-H_ykp3tDwyxH85DsGCnnupjgI0dyviOk1LOHun/w359-h425/IMG_1952.jpeg" width="359" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Later that day, we paid our respects at Ground Zero of the 9/11 memorial site. It was emotional just describing to the kids what happened at this place over 20 years ago. It’s still hard to believe. Two beautiful fountains have been constructed in the original Twin Towers’ foundations. The water is said to represent the tears cried by the loved ones of the, almost 3000, people who died here. All around the fountains are names of first responders who lost their lives when the towers collapsed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCwewHkl6NfCw_jFeCJ_f4zuoLqXSfowpwcjswM4WCN_o8BkO1g-m69vPdTje_QljIoMuuX3qMGhDKP41L76P-LJcJ03Dw92NuMryHmDdT6C7deuYfx2x7gfetfY0lDNMjXUFl2oOQajjRMt-xCI_2H78kqHcE0mH9QnsYMry8lNktXht-gydZ5VpCd9z/s4032/IMG_1954.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCwewHkl6NfCw_jFeCJ_f4zuoLqXSfowpwcjswM4WCN_o8BkO1g-m69vPdTje_QljIoMuuX3qMGhDKP41L76P-LJcJ03Dw92NuMryHmDdT6C7deuYfx2x7gfetfY0lDNMjXUFl2oOQajjRMt-xCI_2H78kqHcE0mH9QnsYMry8lNktXht-gydZ5VpCd9z/w439-h329/IMG_1954.jpeg" width="439" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The new World Trade Centre occupies the block next to the 9/11 site.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qByrjUIy6JqIujxXgiLCNnS__wjPUqBAmY2ERdNaGBOp7TsPxd9zwXo366Eyisr2YEqoIUJUeAY_ZwUDuEZJdbyYMhxonvJ2ClgMm3mwaB14EZnro8X7MkeEmRPz1Abm2EY9nnQXkZdy4YzcokkiqgZz3eKRtCIlEu260QW9OU4qb7dMklmcc0WKUF3B/s4032/IMG_1957.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qByrjUIy6JqIujxXgiLCNnS__wjPUqBAmY2ERdNaGBOp7TsPxd9zwXo366Eyisr2YEqoIUJUeAY_ZwUDuEZJdbyYMhxonvJ2ClgMm3mwaB14EZnro8X7MkeEmRPz1Abm2EY9nnQXkZdy4YzcokkiqgZz3eKRtCIlEu260QW9OU4qb7dMklmcc0WKUF3B/w355-h473/IMG_1957.jpeg" width="355" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We only have a couple of days left in New York before we fly home. Although we will be sad to see this amazing family voyage come to an end, we are really looking forward to seeing our wonderful family and friends! This year away has been so incredibly rich in experiences and memories. We will arrive back in Canada with new perspectives and a deep appreciation for home. We look forward to seeing each and every one of you sometime soon!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-87778701151109428172023-07-12T09:02:00.003-07:002023-07-12T10:49:33.732-07:00Sailing up the Chesapeake and urban exploration<p style="text-align: center;"> Our journey has led us north in the Chesapeake Bay where we have had a few days of amazing sailing! We had a beautiful downwind sail with our twin headsails on our way to Annapolis, Maryland.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvczfZM6qhy2YD7Mu5U1VXGhzVmm-tA3xkdCiy8vz-ec11CPdY2Ey6fSYHxlK6NfmuWj1BcGocxq-5GadpoBh7-nejHMP8NP2zMr2WAwdNEbstaHsLvBvv1o5DQ_nYkRgCwR2rM0NJ8AfhYDipDS1XM2gBCSZpYLTAiElPU2anl18jVdP7FNAlY4rTeWz/s4000/DDE8C25D-8687-40D8-B627-59892EC66A49.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="519" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvczfZM6qhy2YD7Mu5U1VXGhzVmm-tA3xkdCiy8vz-ec11CPdY2Ey6fSYHxlK6NfmuWj1BcGocxq-5GadpoBh7-nejHMP8NP2zMr2WAwdNEbstaHsLvBvv1o5DQ_nYkRgCwR2rM0NJ8AfhYDipDS1XM2gBCSZpYLTAiElPU2anl18jVdP7FNAlY4rTeWz/w389-h519/DDE8C25D-8687-40D8-B627-59892EC66A49.jpeg" width="389" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check out this video for some sailing during the trip to Annapolis. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy0A6fm-_lGJAWAaDjtsiYxvgr2TsTpOY661S0CKxr0sAOijOlq4swvXCGWGKra6cfszfuUBudRQ9vUcwxOOQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Raising and dousing our spinnaker sail (called a “ballooneur” on the Amel boat) takes some work. Lana and Stu have it fairly dialed in at this point. Check out this Timelapse video to see the action. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwC5gJAwNO7y-XVWUdA4CYmFrTNAS6-1Ta5cID43gl8Mk8K1hstodYUwGXJuvMp27n7kmBI4YQDXf7toJ_VvA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are often up before the sun rises for these day sails. The first light can be just as breathtaking as the sunsets, out here on the water. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQX78_7Xh5z36S4ISoDxAC1owW1tAMTzpaSaSS7jkZjb_71bU7DMJvBkCwFBYG07eTXW5Ct4vSZGd13mMjIZJbG_N7k5wZIg5pbCaFDJwaKDuwRnhD_ixIVu2vp2dG3YnHUSqEJ-Nv8JZi585pKWUZOkSWb96xZLKLYwmic_GI6zPudHrNOHQwYcuUQJz/s4000/703277FE-60BC-45AC-8B3B-B654897FB4D7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQX78_7Xh5z36S4ISoDxAC1owW1tAMTzpaSaSS7jkZjb_71bU7DMJvBkCwFBYG07eTXW5Ct4vSZGd13mMjIZJbG_N7k5wZIg5pbCaFDJwaKDuwRnhD_ixIVu2vp2dG3YnHUSqEJ-Nv8JZi585pKWUZOkSWb96xZLKLYwmic_GI6zPudHrNOHQwYcuUQJz/w454-h340/703277FE-60BC-45AC-8B3B-B654897FB4D7.jpeg" width="454" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The day before we set sail to Annapolis, we were in a town called Solomons at the mouth of the Potomac River. It had a wonderful art galley with a Makers Room which we spent a few hours in. We made some awesome works of art. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrtp_ZIdxf4UbSGYPVrLlh_yyEnN9C1gGM_teeDEUOqhppylM144tc2w89eOhmUs_iPBE4AK9liKvIcSOiLA0kmdaO3O_fZBcRzd-CBUeQB3PTo3yYR0oXtY3XXpjthuZj2MOggxWDiNDD3AH88t-KkvNV-63c9QNyFKUEaWL7Uxv-nMScUtB9y6RB-z8/s4032/6760C160-5038-4BB7-915A-D8E8E291BF74.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrtp_ZIdxf4UbSGYPVrLlh_yyEnN9C1gGM_teeDEUOqhppylM144tc2w89eOhmUs_iPBE4AK9liKvIcSOiLA0kmdaO3O_fZBcRzd-CBUeQB3PTo3yYR0oXtY3XXpjthuZj2MOggxWDiNDD3AH88t-KkvNV-63c9QNyFKUEaWL7Uxv-nMScUtB9y6RB-z8/w459-h344/6760C160-5038-4BB7-915A-D8E8E291BF74.jpeg" width="459" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In Annapolis, we explored the US Naval Academy. This is where they have trained their Naval Officers for almost 200 years. We were tied to a mooring just off of the town and could hear “Taps” every morning at 6 am when the recruits would start their callisthenics. The buildings were incredible and the public had amazing access to most of the campus. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPLfBumwYiaV-PzsKtSmJYHEE6kZX4i0vckmPZs698qJo6qsVF2Vqt2izc8Cs4XHbcVSndixYpEsz8JoANpDrZX0N41U_bb5sKvHnoU5zOW2AnKZkQy6OPpKabx-9Pfhn3hgs1KEq_m3YYkyahmVNZ0PTbuXl21RUB8DLtVvR0KH74Dkh-GULbE8rYKnD/s4032/B1D426DC-19B6-4E9A-96C9-A2990C7B0516.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPLfBumwYiaV-PzsKtSmJYHEE6kZX4i0vckmPZs698qJo6qsVF2Vqt2izc8Cs4XHbcVSndixYpEsz8JoANpDrZX0N41U_bb5sKvHnoU5zOW2AnKZkQy6OPpKabx-9Pfhn3hgs1KEq_m3YYkyahmVNZ0PTbuXl21RUB8DLtVvR0KH74Dkh-GULbE8rYKnD/w450-h338/B1D426DC-19B6-4E9A-96C9-A2990C7B0516.jpeg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Navy started buying Wright Flyers from Wilbur and Oroville in 1911, only a few years after they invented the first airplane. This one was suspended on display in their massive lounge & mess hall. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgD32hTIW37T1arcujicL5tDWph8H-7gVFJTMzt9Vwvxav72gjao9kfQe1v6FVLKn_oJOOBKlU1dSTOXG_SB9D1apjjvJ8ZKTiVcLXB0ksxMYCAFwWSuUdrCheRxavGnqJYaMTVTuz0Qwff55tS5PIV92hJ0M7exYOuVmNnkUlLYqwuvRboTBIyJ3_M7R/s4032/A823F6F5-E835-46FE-AA4B-18499913C035.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgD32hTIW37T1arcujicL5tDWph8H-7gVFJTMzt9Vwvxav72gjao9kfQe1v6FVLKn_oJOOBKlU1dSTOXG_SB9D1apjjvJ8ZKTiVcLXB0ksxMYCAFwWSuUdrCheRxavGnqJYaMTVTuz0Qwff55tS5PIV92hJ0M7exYOuVmNnkUlLYqwuvRboTBIyJ3_M7R/w363-h484/A823F6F5-E835-46FE-AA4B-18499913C035.jpeg" width="363" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the Naval Academy Museum curators had a chihuahua named “Ziggy Rex”. He is an unofficial Navy mascot and was really into cuddles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiigM5YSKqKMpLBoNbcvN4OKTkXGW4Ryy9By6YVE_DX0p7RtX_X2owdFYtwb8m87te1h6sEneQx48fvcYr5EGzW5brJvv54J-vbn05vuvWLRVy3Cey-qLiNyzE9RaUDNzEZhbLZVEnz66MExaXHa8Efu_5AJL1UoTzDSdshMoQVlu9nNQ4w06XeTWWXU7b/s4032/260585D7-789C-4F3B-8137-01E1EC84F4D3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiigM5YSKqKMpLBoNbcvN4OKTkXGW4Ryy9By6YVE_DX0p7RtX_X2owdFYtwb8m87te1h6sEneQx48fvcYr5EGzW5brJvv54J-vbn05vuvWLRVy3Cey-qLiNyzE9RaUDNzEZhbLZVEnz66MExaXHa8Efu_5AJL1UoTzDSdshMoQVlu9nNQ4w06XeTWWXU7b/w450-h338/260585D7-789C-4F3B-8137-01E1EC84F4D3.jpeg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were lucky enough to spend the 4th of July in the Annapolis Harbour. The fireworks were spectacular!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemYbqUs6ErLURMWfe3zjxfze94GUapPLhJrEsh0kOqRIBaLNfe16oN8kmjpeg6dGNrsqz5bk8xOrpb6Fju6aEgVyJ8T_jVj2ZmdW3gTUmWefemD4zeVEfUW0TL8PPl178A7oKksS-lEfyswoxt5RifIfrV2xd_dQbd5I01d60T9safsL-BhV4FHj5RXhg/s4032/25373F2C-00C1-40F3-AED2-9445F666B038.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemYbqUs6ErLURMWfe3zjxfze94GUapPLhJrEsh0kOqRIBaLNfe16oN8kmjpeg6dGNrsqz5bk8xOrpb6Fju6aEgVyJ8T_jVj2ZmdW3gTUmWefemD4zeVEfUW0TL8PPl178A7oKksS-lEfyswoxt5RifIfrV2xd_dQbd5I01d60T9safsL-BhV4FHj5RXhg/w433-h325/25373F2C-00C1-40F3-AED2-9445F666B038.jpeg" width="433" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='331' height='275' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dztuL8_THinxI4IOeJdrkir_ixIzg3XrUJJVg7pWrc-WkF9xbuPVhaJx1Ia5pRMjEBygBDyT0eszI7xVgUjCQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Annapolis was very quaint and interesting, but we had heard that Washington DC was a “must-see”. It did not disappoint! There were so many amazing museums and sights to see. We packed it all in over 3 days. First, we went to the International Spy Museum. It was fun, but also super educational and interesting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUAFfIfGvBW8HzwUnTMjgNv2aoT4Xspt7hjBm-4cCKv4r_aqai_CNeTyXBn3UDZr06eBWD5ET5tnNrmPPErTJW8eEUlYxTIZM_gf9zyB2jZvIsj2oWlMyBOABoMVA4-_UdoJpB6T4GRe8k5SFyR0xFwiEQ4OwvI6IKzd-kgIWMxo7U8aTccP7dQDYmTRH/s4032/9C75BC4F-2793-42D7-B88D-C820AB46AB93.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUAFfIfGvBW8HzwUnTMjgNv2aoT4Xspt7hjBm-4cCKv4r_aqai_CNeTyXBn3UDZr06eBWD5ET5tnNrmPPErTJW8eEUlYxTIZM_gf9zyB2jZvIsj2oWlMyBOABoMVA4-_UdoJpB6T4GRe8k5SFyR0xFwiEQ4OwvI6IKzd-kgIWMxo7U8aTccP7dQDYmTRH/w450-h338/9C75BC4F-2793-42D7-B88D-C820AB46AB93.jpeg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, we began to explore the many incredible Smithsonian Museums - there were about 10! This is the Smithsonian Institute Building in the middle of DC. Beautiful!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxR4CCMpSEt3fEHXCbo8dytVd2oMjerpgTJFRm3QcVaPrVz5QruyILmPOYzP_WzjMARcGz2IZaH9YB7Zy9Uwfv8O3lZknyY1BaWay0zGxZe8Ser_NxUbUWT96VnDJ9RQVfqPtZY-BgM-oheqEk3PxkYSzR1hcAbtujrrOwE8WUTO6yXPnmOHqe84QqSj_/s4032/53DC091E-1854-4328-AADF-84AC6988349F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxR4CCMpSEt3fEHXCbo8dytVd2oMjerpgTJFRm3QcVaPrVz5QruyILmPOYzP_WzjMARcGz2IZaH9YB7Zy9Uwfv8O3lZknyY1BaWay0zGxZe8Ser_NxUbUWT96VnDJ9RQVfqPtZY-BgM-oheqEk3PxkYSzR1hcAbtujrrOwE8WUTO6yXPnmOHqe84QqSj_/w443-h332/53DC091E-1854-4328-AADF-84AC6988349F.jpeg" width="443" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also stumbled upon the NASA Headquarters Building. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyk3X66fac3bS1JhhuASj5OAGbdD6tPfBSweDWwFIFhrpsXc0jo5a_LtzKPOLS8_-0W5-HQTvCBUdOVv3yJ_xaJEFXB-ej32-2bnMtIi1ZWwQbEotft7FUWolNqEPfYPpUkYWSSy5fKPIui29WI5nbRkiCb0iN1E9B0UkplyMIR8IuzN1bu3YBRY0kw3bE/s4032/579870AB-E096-4AEF-9EF2-D5CC2C6204F5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyk3X66fac3bS1JhhuASj5OAGbdD6tPfBSweDWwFIFhrpsXc0jo5a_LtzKPOLS8_-0W5-HQTvCBUdOVv3yJ_xaJEFXB-ej32-2bnMtIi1ZWwQbEotft7FUWolNqEPfYPpUkYWSSy5fKPIui29WI5nbRkiCb0iN1E9B0UkplyMIR8IuzN1bu3YBRY0kw3bE/w441-h331/579870AB-E096-4AEF-9EF2-D5CC2C6204F5.jpeg" width="441" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Air & Space Museum was spectacular, with so many amazing displays and interactive exhibits. We learned about black holes, space suits, Mars Rovers, and so much more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkyYH2TgPuPKVGB5DwdrboEwFiIfs76AD6woWuwAPSyii_QI7DUnuZvdm0ValJVA4xKNMHsAJmixl-jgOMoBAIUvkKBoVGjZB2-v7X-2h0nZnNc4hnTY2IPQ58w8vpNj31_zkqVm16c62h_Nysg3_xI918JJezRnjOn1_z2dWbApBBoEWONwoUvbG5iB8/s4032/4A81C338-359C-4A74-A100-4346FA3DD301.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkyYH2TgPuPKVGB5DwdrboEwFiIfs76AD6woWuwAPSyii_QI7DUnuZvdm0ValJVA4xKNMHsAJmixl-jgOMoBAIUvkKBoVGjZB2-v7X-2h0nZnNc4hnTY2IPQ58w8vpNj31_zkqVm16c62h_Nysg3_xI918JJezRnjOn1_z2dWbApBBoEWONwoUvbG5iB8/w434-h325/4A81C338-359C-4A74-A100-4346FA3DD301.jpeg" width="434" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the Trekkies, they had the original Enterprise prop from the 60’s TV Show “Star Trek”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YICZ1c4VXF0OvR_eGD1IyUn6kA4wgM7MX1uqcoOS81Tt1a-UXQl1hW55QhgYa0UYqVEHJLo59iTkstX2-MF1rgy6hPavU-lnV6XAocTlOl3F67jKGYtUO2vuQiyB-gxmUk7-lmssTCBxSBIwebxrlFUvCwrWa3JJB4GiLxVnw2thK4z7kc0zCqcshJ_Q/s3518/095A6636-8616-4F3A-A5EB-370320FC75E1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2871" data-original-width="3518" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YICZ1c4VXF0OvR_eGD1IyUn6kA4wgM7MX1uqcoOS81Tt1a-UXQl1hW55QhgYa0UYqVEHJLo59iTkstX2-MF1rgy6hPavU-lnV6XAocTlOl3F67jKGYtUO2vuQiyB-gxmUk7-lmssTCBxSBIwebxrlFUvCwrWa3JJB4GiLxVnw2thK4z7kc0zCqcshJ_Q/w462-h377/095A6636-8616-4F3A-A5EB-370320FC75E1.jpeg" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The museum was home to the original Wright Brothers Flyer. Such a cool piece of history!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11MqLyfxTWP6zwMf4dphY87_xd3aJ_1yNrc-7CpWSGtG4d9DVhXlEb5oWRzm7FVU1-AY17ZWEMhI2Z3r8oAEPMmSG4YiZOHWhypcAahiZq4euKmBT2W-Jy4XvsLZjGUyxuvE9A_jqpY9OklwTUlt8P4ku2ZQceA4nWOxnsbQQNo-2zjgIgVDTdPfUWjtH/s4032/B3B817C1-4844-4139-ACAE-87B40D83BF66.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11MqLyfxTWP6zwMf4dphY87_xd3aJ_1yNrc-7CpWSGtG4d9DVhXlEb5oWRzm7FVU1-AY17ZWEMhI2Z3r8oAEPMmSG4YiZOHWhypcAahiZq4euKmBT2W-Jy4XvsLZjGUyxuvE9A_jqpY9OklwTUlt8P4ku2ZQceA4nWOxnsbQQNo-2zjgIgVDTdPfUWjtH/w443-h332/B3B817C1-4844-4139-ACAE-87B40D83BF66.jpeg" width="443" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Air & Space Museum also had a gigantic hangar full of historic aircraft and displays. The Space Shuttle Discovery was a highlight, for sure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_C-jYVz-DmT54hzXK8A5c3yZCsn8yRNrnkYsKlBOd9fWI590yJRdwV1HhSEl6tI49_QvwDUDoiFTfmHRxXALMVpf2tt_dZHfFZQjEjfPT_Rr4LTeAMi9W2_03RxJPWbu8KnbY_ilnbRiSwDjD7awz6Z23w1Dq6_YASOKBXB1rwbMwozkR67ILnI6ax8Z1/s4032/ECEA4309-5DD7-4507-AD9A-3C8A102B4A31.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_C-jYVz-DmT54hzXK8A5c3yZCsn8yRNrnkYsKlBOd9fWI590yJRdwV1HhSEl6tI49_QvwDUDoiFTfmHRxXALMVpf2tt_dZHfFZQjEjfPT_Rr4LTeAMi9W2_03RxJPWbu8KnbY_ilnbRiSwDjD7awz6Z23w1Dq6_YASOKBXB1rwbMwozkR67ILnI6ax8Z1/w425-h319/ECEA4309-5DD7-4507-AD9A-3C8A102B4A31.jpeg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In other parts of the building, a huge number of remarkable planes were crammed into every nook and cranny (or hung from the ceiling!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3McdR_Fnyd1yTVozUo_AEc1GIcacSTv-KR1TNtF_Uq_FgAxwF_ePCj2zaw91KzXg6Z4laRQ36lRDh5ruLqMSW9E14CUd1pHfHegxkvsKwM0_4gmW5TMGVqWXAMgr9BGh8PkP4FLI3vdvaXUXPbg4JrI91NBr04oCo6cJbuvldKJyOgcpKspcrIn0butr0/s2991/E180BA13-7AB8-411D-AE7A-9F4BD965824E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2991" data-original-width="2028" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3McdR_Fnyd1yTVozUo_AEc1GIcacSTv-KR1TNtF_Uq_FgAxwF_ePCj2zaw91KzXg6Z4laRQ36lRDh5ruLqMSW9E14CUd1pHfHegxkvsKwM0_4gmW5TMGVqWXAMgr9BGh8PkP4FLI3vdvaXUXPbg4JrI91NBr04oCo6cJbuvldKJyOgcpKspcrIn0butr0/w295-h435/E180BA13-7AB8-411D-AE7A-9F4BD965824E.jpeg" width="295" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsI-mA1UruoMmyAVaArpW5-SEj9_ArMTpbqB6O-E93vdBsvDpb5b8VbWrPfQrdxKVMa5QduMdwxYPfK3NgHrpTb_QtOm7TMY_nNmoN5MkhEvLsfbZIP1l4KqjKMsdw7l0E-2FriR8WG5K3sJ4Mdzu0E0F6R2wkM7HKtDWrYLfarOnP8Yf-fMep_IHwk2et/s2345/1902FFDB-3E5B-4BE7-8B32-5018E4BFEC36.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1570" data-original-width="2345" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsI-mA1UruoMmyAVaArpW5-SEj9_ArMTpbqB6O-E93vdBsvDpb5b8VbWrPfQrdxKVMa5QduMdwxYPfK3NgHrpTb_QtOm7TMY_nNmoN5MkhEvLsfbZIP1l4KqjKMsdw7l0E-2FriR8WG5K3sJ4Mdzu0E0F6R2wkM7HKtDWrYLfarOnP8Yf-fMep_IHwk2et/w417-h279/1902FFDB-3E5B-4BE7-8B32-5018E4BFEC36.jpeg" width="417" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This X-1 airplane was piloted by Chuck Yeager and was the first to break the sound barrier in 1947. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8JHjeqwBsGk6cA778QGBR6dZsKI89RMj-4E9C9ECEOPAnxnTQNgCdRh1dJ5ofQDEOyxck6o8-9LdZ4nrAny03q7jOCeR3js3Wi-FtAdpzaT2zsp5ENbz3LY6Yn0vJijQi2tLTXYcEGKMQGVg8YZXzyVBXtKb6MLoh15TrXSc29bIQ4LGcbYZZZleHVyd/s4032/52F02785-9D48-4BB6-B8D0-E9DA67363620.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8JHjeqwBsGk6cA778QGBR6dZsKI89RMj-4E9C9ECEOPAnxnTQNgCdRh1dJ5ofQDEOyxck6o8-9LdZ4nrAny03q7jOCeR3js3Wi-FtAdpzaT2zsp5ENbz3LY6Yn0vJijQi2tLTXYcEGKMQGVg8YZXzyVBXtKb6MLoh15TrXSc29bIQ4LGcbYZZZleHVyd/w422-h317/52F02785-9D48-4BB6-B8D0-E9DA67363620.jpeg" width="422" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was sobering to see such historically significant airplanes, and be reminded of the enormous destructive potential that they possess. The Enola Gay was the bomber that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzbcMennywMN_P1PIeQckrp_z3nM0GE7mk0yruvprCV1_PimpI8QsVcg_pSRzi7pTNA6sT2udlTmDW5PNDLsHeBc6FUn-XNksN-5V7zxJhAn3mJUrFmXcap4wQkGtK1kicpJOuVIYp1c953itu1lryfN4EoanXXTprpPSFyQS6-DqdDiBOqIQqj2LklkL/s4032/93629774-11E3-4AAB-9235-DDDC18DE1A20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzbcMennywMN_P1PIeQckrp_z3nM0GE7mk0yruvprCV1_PimpI8QsVcg_pSRzi7pTNA6sT2udlTmDW5PNDLsHeBc6FUn-XNksN-5V7zxJhAn3mJUrFmXcap4wQkGtK1kicpJOuVIYp1c953itu1lryfN4EoanXXTprpPSFyQS6-DqdDiBOqIQqj2LklkL/w445-h334/93629774-11E3-4AAB-9235-DDDC18DE1A20.jpeg" width="445" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next morning, we got an early start and walked around to see the sights around the National Mall and Reflecting Pool. The Washington Monument was huge and was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1888. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YCTgQS85AnrocCv1TRxuOEsL-vmFVMAS5jR5GBgCyCzqOPrqttum6Qp5tIwIUjCwu6gf8gwdcT_D8mK2RSnBFHNGogdoLRLkXzHrRDDR-47fJXNfmF51TPT_55Zsh9uppAdbuOzr2k1zw1AfB0TAhiddaEOas_0sqkfajtOn1nK_zL6MSVLr47TkWZU_/s4032/069CC9B4-27FA-4068-84D2-C8C43ED5AD7D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YCTgQS85AnrocCv1TRxuOEsL-vmFVMAS5jR5GBgCyCzqOPrqttum6Qp5tIwIUjCwu6gf8gwdcT_D8mK2RSnBFHNGogdoLRLkXzHrRDDR-47fJXNfmF51TPT_55Zsh9uppAdbuOzr2k1zw1AfB0TAhiddaEOas_0sqkfajtOn1nK_zL6MSVLr47TkWZU_/w339-h452/069CC9B4-27FA-4068-84D2-C8C43ED5AD7D.jpeg" width="339" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipzJWDXHzTLUTGVsq0ot2_nKG6bJtjVGTpBjnTfLJ2ytmM5nNvbmgntRw1HKaCwH_jSg-uNTRauUbkXj1pwT9XAyQwPWIEkb9mH9wnkxpuKzWbOWp4PBTOU_qtcWUJfFPdeTx-DV-5ixBqc0gmz_trj2qjTOaby0RqeVUdhBIO_RNFpQNWoUscCjnnJOZ5/s4032/11CEC832-FBE0-4C9B-B3AE-1B3B41675D88.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipzJWDXHzTLUTGVsq0ot2_nKG6bJtjVGTpBjnTfLJ2ytmM5nNvbmgntRw1HKaCwH_jSg-uNTRauUbkXj1pwT9XAyQwPWIEkb9mH9wnkxpuKzWbOWp4PBTOU_qtcWUJfFPdeTx-DV-5ixBqc0gmz_trj2qjTOaby0RqeVUdhBIO_RNFpQNWoUscCjnnJOZ5/w462-h347/11CEC832-FBE0-4C9B-B3AE-1B3B41675D88.jpeg" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The mornings were relatively cool in DC, so we took our time and explored the WWII memorial and other sights around the reflecting pool.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMB9tleYQh6K87C1hchf_Q2itiJ_Q6Mfv3JL-dr1fPmye6pwqUdnvCW-jvHlal_FYEVC0qSmZzrFaYkadNqcNiT6b97uEj3o4zk4QdONi-SMB1Xd7JJNizHttbZC-QF6k1VLcNlx1NpGrCmoCbR0NIWw2pxei696Lti6MYXum35VcmwZYk5CC3eny8fYR/s4032/A101E16C-AD17-421E-87B0-3008707F9FDE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMB9tleYQh6K87C1hchf_Q2itiJ_Q6Mfv3JL-dr1fPmye6pwqUdnvCW-jvHlal_FYEVC0qSmZzrFaYkadNqcNiT6b97uEj3o4zk4QdONi-SMB1Xd7JJNizHttbZC-QF6k1VLcNlx1NpGrCmoCbR0NIWw2pxei696Lti6MYXum35VcmwZYk5CC3eny8fYR/w453-h340/A101E16C-AD17-421E-87B0-3008707F9FDE.jpeg" width="453" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0D4GCyF3TIFW2OhWhY8BTdkmwA9emhE79yzVD5uEavBcpuJCWZSyV6w5BcX9dR7AjVyqni_qUBu8OiaQdVy76oNEMSS7wrXymcTVH0gl95W4koXLfYzeZG2cWgT_1y7Hv8qHEt0VSp9K58jR4FQifSdMFPQZyHSgyAzy3BEyhFbgn4uWNzHbcwsQqf5_/s4032/B574AAB9-4AB8-4ABB-AD45-E27DC3C6440A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0D4GCyF3TIFW2OhWhY8BTdkmwA9emhE79yzVD5uEavBcpuJCWZSyV6w5BcX9dR7AjVyqni_qUBu8OiaQdVy76oNEMSS7wrXymcTVH0gl95W4koXLfYzeZG2cWgT_1y7Hv8qHEt0VSp9K58jR4FQifSdMFPQZyHSgyAzy3BEyhFbgn4uWNzHbcwsQqf5_/w362-h483/B574AAB9-4AB8-4ABB-AD45-E27DC3C6440A.jpeg" width="362" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZ61IGXkr4ndhmv3B6aC6MJDCNw-CiBkC9cjTm7SnJVJGxItnTT4SAaruZPzPNt54CaJe4_JJhYPuUVFrCJ65S3YOgy3-qgm3Tdp9vbF6bjsm_GcW6_kUo4-SqUF5rFtPry-KbdmOxT6B7RcbZAr7Q5wiV6T-jMzY-YRoYmGIFFgc-UySB-uoKkWURNfE/s2997/455944CA-41ED-4C2D-94BA-93AD79D7E723.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2997" data-original-width="2113" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZ61IGXkr4ndhmv3B6aC6MJDCNw-CiBkC9cjTm7SnJVJGxItnTT4SAaruZPzPNt54CaJe4_JJhYPuUVFrCJ65S3YOgy3-qgm3Tdp9vbF6bjsm_GcW6_kUo4-SqUF5rFtPry-KbdmOxT6B7RcbZAr7Q5wiV6T-jMzY-YRoYmGIFFgc-UySB-uoKkWURNfE/w341-h483/455944CA-41ED-4C2D-94BA-93AD79D7E723.jpeg" width="341" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Natural History Museum in DC was absolutely massive. It would take a week to explore every exhibit, but we managed to hit the highlights in over a few hours. The dinosaur skeleton displays were unbelievably good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWv3jBJ__4gUEJ3dTuYCy3HQOUqdDBlijDf6tzZ8AgO9-IKBujxAx3_Tt78AY0PU1Ds1gwGVf06el1e2AKGpSwgaF-7IjTdyiCBjZVnF3EkdEbDMDPIc_Otw2W91Damcn5aNo--hK6qWp68taV9Pv1HxtTxn4_DXW9rcTpCSwt3qPkm4BI3vAw7S2E_Nr5/s3704/356AC208-7202-40AD-B4E4-33A6E6FEE3AB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="3704" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWv3jBJ__4gUEJ3dTuYCy3HQOUqdDBlijDf6tzZ8AgO9-IKBujxAx3_Tt78AY0PU1Ds1gwGVf06el1e2AKGpSwgaF-7IjTdyiCBjZVnF3EkdEbDMDPIc_Otw2W91Damcn5aNo--hK6qWp68taV9Pv1HxtTxn4_DXW9rcTpCSwt3qPkm4BI3vAw7S2E_Nr5/w459-h344/356AC208-7202-40AD-B4E4-33A6E6FEE3AB.jpeg" width="459" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPb2y2dYV_d4Mciqkcsk6R6mEt4FJmHAwliO0yWgqWZHrcWT6LvE941qnKyQVXa_lU7b8rJbYkGvBGYPZXkmrCAtXoIPwhviKX-9wpJcuCG9mlLfBKUcVn01DT8hZB9jVkHaFzrY4yVDoCdsbIVoQynST7fFiyQFJLDz_xKE-O8i49AC2YY9P0K5gIYij/s4032/522EB3EA-0AE0-460D-88F3-C052ABA171C6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPb2y2dYV_d4Mciqkcsk6R6mEt4FJmHAwliO0yWgqWZHrcWT6LvE941qnKyQVXa_lU7b8rJbYkGvBGYPZXkmrCAtXoIPwhviKX-9wpJcuCG9mlLfBKUcVn01DT8hZB9jVkHaFzrY4yVDoCdsbIVoQynST7fFiyQFJLDz_xKE-O8i49AC2YY9P0K5gIYij/w454-h341/522EB3EA-0AE0-460D-88F3-C052ABA171C6.jpeg" width="454" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They had a full size model of a Megalodon hanging from the ceiling. It was about 60 feet long. Bigger than our sailboat!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATzpBYzxQFin-YkuRy54Oxprm7774k0d_qHbZDYArsrP7DugPfrcsW7ORg_kLCfOc7vPxS32uFMhCO4ceCfNgN_USgPJzfA6TsNYtN4SZuPso_d633OcdpZTokAwQ9pga_EjAGmuchlJPo1gvHNxlEp0sBZXxq4oUSK38gJMtVRZVI8VgvTR6CuCmsbvr/s4032/F5BD525E-63A5-4DCC-B41B-525A33ED2FF0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATzpBYzxQFin-YkuRy54Oxprm7774k0d_qHbZDYArsrP7DugPfrcsW7ORg_kLCfOc7vPxS32uFMhCO4ceCfNgN_USgPJzfA6TsNYtN4SZuPso_d633OcdpZTokAwQ9pga_EjAGmuchlJPo1gvHNxlEp0sBZXxq4oUSK38gJMtVRZVI8VgvTR6CuCmsbvr/w452-h339/F5BD525E-63A5-4DCC-B41B-525A33ED2FF0.jpeg" width="452" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the geology section of the museum, they had The Hope Diamond. It was enormous and is valued at over 250 million dollars. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lHlARNeLiKeai8hsQVkGW-_STBLYDLzOgRc_mM0_siNUpA0sjVgGgl1AfSax0Yb-QxrGygcxbXRXj08owK29lUzRE3zNqDlaiFwUGTca4K77xyHZdYlj_ILcr4BakLmR6IrgMhcCh-zEahUxkHff2EStZa-b-lD_FgiWqkdpBMOeLvf45QJ5CJmeKWqD/s3124/E3E666FB-9950-4B0C-9327-55BAECE54FDE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3124" data-original-width="2853" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lHlARNeLiKeai8hsQVkGW-_STBLYDLzOgRc_mM0_siNUpA0sjVgGgl1AfSax0Yb-QxrGygcxbXRXj08owK29lUzRE3zNqDlaiFwUGTca4K77xyHZdYlj_ILcr4BakLmR6IrgMhcCh-zEahUxkHff2EStZa-b-lD_FgiWqkdpBMOeLvf45QJ5CJmeKWqD/w375-h411/E3E666FB-9950-4B0C-9327-55BAECE54FDE.jpeg" width="375" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Early Humans exhibit was really good. At one interactive display, you could find out what you’d look like as an early human- Micah looked the best of all of us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1l0x3negfKK-oV7UPgIA4Yrdc-LoaRvUfe9UPZxrkNXLBrZVL2uvBypudsjrlxLkX7wf2EZPGM-9N7ZP8ZbKePcYZPgtRJ0--5LmVjxMS3ecovarsYcIDzRy7eQi2KXFfjMUv067-VLyISUP9Gw7dl-pYKFf9fanU6dk-z8D_4_sqIGVYC9SEhJI6LMA/s4032/ADF84F7F-D6E1-4B88-82C7-403758EDA7B6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1l0x3negfKK-oV7UPgIA4Yrdc-LoaRvUfe9UPZxrkNXLBrZVL2uvBypudsjrlxLkX7wf2EZPGM-9N7ZP8ZbKePcYZPgtRJ0--5LmVjxMS3ecovarsYcIDzRy7eQi2KXFfjMUv067-VLyISUP9Gw7dl-pYKFf9fanU6dk-z8D_4_sqIGVYC9SEhJI6LMA/w436-h327/ADF84F7F-D6E1-4B88-82C7-403758EDA7B6.jpeg" width="436" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Museum of American History included a great Pop Culture Exhibit with many props and details from our favourite shows. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZLxrZn0wTM8JQuz5Aiv0Ws8Ldr8_GhoN7F5gaZLgM8-9Z1RIynOXd5HnIxejMwnZFcN3X_D2IivZnDh3uGShPNR_q9OB8zV2EcoMM1-YsxtTN77VGf-HHa7JxmjPumbuCdPS_4_dH8mX2SwacTpSDVi4aYeHPEwgEUp74eDOkhbqZY5TF4uw-_HJv14i/s4032/1C9ED1E2-610E-45FC-A189-CA7E63EB6CC0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZLxrZn0wTM8JQuz5Aiv0Ws8Ldr8_GhoN7F5gaZLgM8-9Z1RIynOXd5HnIxejMwnZFcN3X_D2IivZnDh3uGShPNR_q9OB8zV2EcoMM1-YsxtTN77VGf-HHa7JxmjPumbuCdPS_4_dH8mX2SwacTpSDVi4aYeHPEwgEUp74eDOkhbqZY5TF4uw-_HJv14i/w457-h343/1C9ED1E2-610E-45FC-A189-CA7E63EB6CC0.jpeg" width="457" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back on the boat, we have lots of downtime as well. The girls end up giving each other spa treatments occasionally. Other popular pastimes include reading, playing games, cleaning, fixing things and watching shows together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc2MkknC0d3cutA4pJ2OpaqzmITHZqqZAad1w_mymgrG38QOOOaAkcE4dQ_jdZSyRyk6ZbniMX8f3p2bmVgQkOBkoEAviTxlazipOsrDmQ7RVhHhbHY_wp_2vZQAPQ8xEXNQLIz_EBSpTaJJngNPDoDF-c7_z_sEgYZXAKgpoeDe23whPuCiZEZuXiutG/s4032/E1C807D2-D44B-48D9-85E2-19A2A9E50601.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="463" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc2MkknC0d3cutA4pJ2OpaqzmITHZqqZAad1w_mymgrG38QOOOaAkcE4dQ_jdZSyRyk6ZbniMX8f3p2bmVgQkOBkoEAviTxlazipOsrDmQ7RVhHhbHY_wp_2vZQAPQ8xEXNQLIz_EBSpTaJJngNPDoDF-c7_z_sEgYZXAKgpoeDe23whPuCiZEZuXiutG/w347-h463/E1C807D2-D44B-48D9-85E2-19A2A9E50601.jpeg" width="347" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stu had a quick trip back to Canada to attend an in-person memorial of his dear friend Andrew. It was a bittersweet 36 hours, and it was amazing to share memories with all the people, in Canada, who meant the most to Andrew.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEkrA3YL1im1bH-FnlrMlayJqCz6fzunQVdegmcoRA-nPU3Sh6kV2Ds_1zr4FmV1vKS4iQTpGFvuOPAE2SUzCMUwxE8k_ZYxfOMubyEn0mQCssP2gwaXTqyWnWy5ptZy2d_UzlgxRZVaMSjcooNar6FPiCI-4W5qiwlMcgHLri37r5EEUiq391v8vJsPV/s2048/47CA319A-E440-4407-B324-6ED91C6DD656.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="2048" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEkrA3YL1im1bH-FnlrMlayJqCz6fzunQVdegmcoRA-nPU3Sh6kV2Ds_1zr4FmV1vKS4iQTpGFvuOPAE2SUzCMUwxE8k_ZYxfOMubyEn0mQCssP2gwaXTqyWnWy5ptZy2d_UzlgxRZVaMSjcooNar6FPiCI-4W5qiwlMcgHLri37r5EEUiq391v8vJsPV/w553-h332/47CA319A-E440-4407-B324-6ED91C6DD656.jpeg" width="553" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The girls stayed back in the US and got to visit with the new owners of Oyai for a couple of days. They visited Assateague Island where wild horses run free. Micah was in heaven. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEeQ0SSZ1iAea3fIIrDdUrKrveOAJE4utHKubKQ_dBfLzZWKu_kt2MxRcBA-ppGM2_8i8-AijwFOdND0n0XuhRQtq_vhDMleSHtJwAn3yoIgaJGbMkBFSR6wQ7UN9IxD8pImys7DvzExvRaPpdD0qaLkt_xRjN2uLXf2CrdnzNiNEqdY0fRO3EgFERM8K/s4032/4F1F30F6-9314-481A-9028-9E6F868C3E10.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEeQ0SSZ1iAea3fIIrDdUrKrveOAJE4utHKubKQ_dBfLzZWKu_kt2MxRcBA-ppGM2_8i8-AijwFOdND0n0XuhRQtq_vhDMleSHtJwAn3yoIgaJGbMkBFSR6wQ7UN9IxD8pImys7DvzExvRaPpdD0qaLkt_xRjN2uLXf2CrdnzNiNEqdY0fRO3EgFERM8K/w430-h323/4F1F30F6-9314-481A-9028-9E6F868C3E10.jpeg" width="430" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY3d_IdX5Dcft4qpvwdl4KBTURXTzzuVbPB6lTgkBOjTSwus89rRSLaFnnzFc29BlUIGrmKIc-IDjp7_HhiBo55OKwRSxw5bxY80eARsXpBS_9eiXJdre7pjLeEdTRHrU2qy5ONRPlqsQhHqyVh9T1R-oJjCjAidey12r0ypF0MP-Yv87Eh0YwNLdda_J/s4032/48850988-0606-47F3-8182-A6D7D32F1A1A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY3d_IdX5Dcft4qpvwdl4KBTURXTzzuVbPB6lTgkBOjTSwus89rRSLaFnnzFc29BlUIGrmKIc-IDjp7_HhiBo55OKwRSxw5bxY80eARsXpBS_9eiXJdre7pjLeEdTRHrU2qy5ONRPlqsQhHqyVh9T1R-oJjCjAidey12r0ypF0MP-Yv87Eh0YwNLdda_J/w435-h326/48850988-0606-47F3-8182-A6D7D32F1A1A.jpeg" width="435" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They also spent time at Dewey Beach and played carnival games and explored the busy waterfront. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmc3BZ216bb-p0HSdKS9TStklrpWeWfwL5AL9OfEBpon56v0c_ICun8EUSKcbeh_z9bh-cxAHaTM1UEYA5Mfhk_YADRapMb7p3mUQPDIkAFdwoc1tJD3mDRaYYgeWxGliYZsgQT1M5iwsw0pRZU26YiXIFKkZ0TnP4Iv78I0j2wMbzckaBefjDnEC2DDvv/s4032/F6AA7C65-43F0-45CA-A8C3-04577B7B6295.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmc3BZ216bb-p0HSdKS9TStklrpWeWfwL5AL9OfEBpon56v0c_ICun8EUSKcbeh_z9bh-cxAHaTM1UEYA5Mfhk_YADRapMb7p3mUQPDIkAFdwoc1tJD3mDRaYYgeWxGliYZsgQT1M5iwsw0pRZU26YiXIFKkZ0TnP4Iv78I0j2wMbzckaBefjDnEC2DDvv/w345-h460/F6AA7C65-43F0-45CA-A8C3-04577B7B6295.jpeg" width="345" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X4GFTFULxCjWg6zGQRPDjLl8mHb10XVDbQyEvuHwUhf93Gbw6dvGsUwVY3H6dym-ZeyC8FPkpou_di8EcSUDjEM2YcT9DzWXJnNaxBQiRUWQISr7Xl2yX8O2Crf21VbkERN7LjqHgwhqn3gMYoLGajnbfDJ798f0SdMZpGelCRGMmExSQ2MaqlCg4vID/s4032/C66C6CF3-FC00-4798-B23E-B245152AC2F1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X4GFTFULxCjWg6zGQRPDjLl8mHb10XVDbQyEvuHwUhf93Gbw6dvGsUwVY3H6dym-ZeyC8FPkpou_di8EcSUDjEM2YcT9DzWXJnNaxBQiRUWQISr7Xl2yX8O2Crf21VbkERN7LjqHgwhqn3gMYoLGajnbfDJ798f0SdMZpGelCRGMmExSQ2MaqlCg4vID/w330-h440/C66C6CF3-FC00-4798-B23E-B245152AC2F1.jpeg" width="330" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While exploring the areas around Annapolis, DC & Dewey Beach, we ended up renting a Tesla. We are converts to the electric vehicle after a week with this bad boy! During the charging cycles, we often did “Careoke” which passed the time quickly. 3 out of 4 family members got into it - watch the video to see which one wasn’t a big fan 😄</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx-F90MkKcy6L4VuNkP13mXRXfaFf3X6ea8v97ZVIo0yaYYhbz0K0sdPuS7UsrDOMHe_UoHICV6NY6MrGm5cg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are now planning to head to the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay and explore some of the cute, historic towns over there. Sadly, that is also where we will say goodbye to Oyai in a couple of weeks. She has been so good to us and taken care of us so well. We will spend a few days in Oxford, Maryland, packing up and cleaning the boat for her new owners Noel & Sue. After that we plan to head north (on land!) to New York City and spend a week there. Stay tuned for all of that action!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-72980300946440923842023-06-25T08:58:00.002-07:002023-06-25T08:58:52.185-07:00We have arrived in Chesapeake Bay!<p style="text-align: center;"> After over a year on the boat, we are starting the final leg of our sailing journey. We will sail up the Chesapeake Bay and leave Oyai near Annapolis with her new owners. In the meantime, we are making the most of the USA. We have been to festivals, theme parks, water parks, and historic sites. This return to full-on western civilization has been quite fun!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMaJiBqV8-0VpEqAjeGzgl84b15XVnPSOyjdOgQXT5Ae71i1X4-sTs4ujLZOgwkAZQBkq_9jFIclMmhLrPjuRo4bRWns1KyRmrbADqihbeLVlXadrsKIIAr63WnJQ6bdQjtgAJvDT9OMXDG45NPCyPZO3_2nApKvpiBwR2dCpAkDvblVRfeKDC1rK-0A6/s4032/F0B7AA68-FD2B-4EC2-AFC8-C3D11D0DF6C1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMaJiBqV8-0VpEqAjeGzgl84b15XVnPSOyjdOgQXT5Ae71i1X4-sTs4ujLZOgwkAZQBkq_9jFIclMmhLrPjuRo4bRWns1KyRmrbADqihbeLVlXadrsKIIAr63WnJQ6bdQjtgAJvDT9OMXDG45NPCyPZO3_2nApKvpiBwR2dCpAkDvblVRfeKDC1rK-0A6/w490-h368/F0B7AA68-FD2B-4EC2-AFC8-C3D11D0DF6C1.jpeg" width="490" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We left Beaufort, North Carolina, after waiting for favourable weather to head around Cape Hatteras. It’s a 36 hour trip around the Cape to the next safe anchorage (with lots of potential dangers along the way). Luckily, we chose a good weather window and it was smooth sailing (and motoring). We rounded the Cape in the dark, but saw lots of warning lights. We had Noel, the new owner of Oyai, on board for this leg and we were able to show him the boat in action.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWBvWtRmnbHgHKFLLVxAzaZgKxYdaxHzfLF5txqE8vve8DckZsfCosjq4hEKucK4lghEz8Ap_Mo1xsSkx1YsBE9V7bPsZpcbK_Mba9UR3ZCRxVb_CsixNIaZMmUh71NmJ4yA5NmSMjH6PIAChboytxe68VfP0XJcRua7GqjBHM3AINeC2ojD39YcVoQhj/s1285/1782CCF2-748E-442C-9878-038F9301BF2A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="828" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWBvWtRmnbHgHKFLLVxAzaZgKxYdaxHzfLF5txqE8vve8DckZsfCosjq4hEKucK4lghEz8Ap_Mo1xsSkx1YsBE9V7bPsZpcbK_Mba9UR3ZCRxVb_CsixNIaZMmUh71NmJ4yA5NmSMjH6PIAChboytxe68VfP0XJcRua7GqjBHM3AINeC2ojD39YcVoQhj/w317-h492/1782CCF2-748E-442C-9878-038F9301BF2A.jpeg" width="317" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were fortunate to arrive in Norfolk, Virginia on the eve of their annual Harborfest. Norfolk is also the largest US Atlantic Naval Base, and we passed many massive Navy ships on the way to our anchorage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQryQKENSwBw7YHL_f9deDzsVW6mMXWS3H09O68KrONQKqpZVpsdEIfKY1dIV0D06zizZ85YYXSSY9m8hrls6xWGGwUcRt_VOi4CAw9A3o8UvNaffKGt2sfUnW0YcotnUzkb0AqN1WwwmKwdEnG06-S6zI6R4B3g4cxx0CpbeeMEQSFo4sF50JWEB5Tiv/s2304/93A8A197-61BA-4551-BABD-2F9B5E727D42.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2304" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQryQKENSwBw7YHL_f9deDzsVW6mMXWS3H09O68KrONQKqpZVpsdEIfKY1dIV0D06zizZ85YYXSSY9m8hrls6xWGGwUcRt_VOi4CAw9A3o8UvNaffKGt2sfUnW0YcotnUzkb0AqN1WwwmKwdEnG06-S6zI6R4B3g4cxx0CpbeeMEQSFo4sF50JWEB5Tiv/w475-h316/93A8A197-61BA-4551-BABD-2F9B5E727D42.jpeg" width="475" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Harborfest was amazing and we anchored right off of downtown Norfolk. There was a very interesting “sail-by” of cool boats to start off the weekend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrwBadAat65dytmjeERI3iNi_Qqd7nikGohFOZfO0Mee94HEUdG5jAKQ3Fb29DS0EUQlCzff6UhF8TcLyyL82cPXI0Pf44-tMKPEU0hit5_P0XdrAmJvfRo7jxqzYM1p-fX5iJ7fhxbC9uhpLh7GgDU9pAUlB8phK0W7AmNaA9sVg030U0miI8wjg0iPY/s2304/F1B1629B-5456-4DD9-89F5-7D3A04F60A6D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2304" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrwBadAat65dytmjeERI3iNi_Qqd7nikGohFOZfO0Mee94HEUdG5jAKQ3Fb29DS0EUQlCzff6UhF8TcLyyL82cPXI0Pf44-tMKPEU0hit5_P0XdrAmJvfRo7jxqzYM1p-fX5iJ7fhxbC9uhpLh7GgDU9pAUlB8phK0W7AmNaA9sVg030U0miI8wjg0iPY/w491-h327/F1B1629B-5456-4DD9-89F5-7D3A04F60A6D.jpeg" width="491" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmX_bWQt_Wq33fLjogXn7GH3aVH7dGYwT-TQSrE-2R7TZMhO_XT0Y6PGd3RdzVvR56QNE2cML_uoRlHL-jIO2y-Tv6vMSXbBZcUP5DJLa5XPr9NzdxuMYZp1TQ07FbHECrdXMpxef4hj_bkS4Qm81GFCweOtXZSbGern4X48cvi4NLoxrW0M6428brPkoV/s2304/2F36ED06-7E04-4937-BFB0-4FDA9E6DBA23.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2304" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmX_bWQt_Wq33fLjogXn7GH3aVH7dGYwT-TQSrE-2R7TZMhO_XT0Y6PGd3RdzVvR56QNE2cML_uoRlHL-jIO2y-Tv6vMSXbBZcUP5DJLa5XPr9NzdxuMYZp1TQ07FbHECrdXMpxef4hj_bkS4Qm81GFCweOtXZSbGern4X48cvi4NLoxrW0M6428brPkoV/w467-h311/2F36ED06-7E04-4937-BFB0-4FDA9E6DBA23.jpeg" width="467" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmomV2ldsGIF8-mYVELWXKvgWg2DZyarxWlM_Zp5Ex-SSsBdm1BmCU249hiyHzI2tKmSdVePkYAculQSmtFGmDnYB3yjWx9EhsIe6vvS6svvHppyzybyep-EJwZGD_kBrHlLTd8mjrSiGd31oZcwMLiV553-yvP2ToRWZFQuNjJOv-wpp8Kt5hHTPuyFRI/s2304/E6E9BCF3-FC10-4DEF-B372-2DB0B2A422C8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2304" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmomV2ldsGIF8-mYVELWXKvgWg2DZyarxWlM_Zp5Ex-SSsBdm1BmCU249hiyHzI2tKmSdVePkYAculQSmtFGmDnYB3yjWx9EhsIe6vvS6svvHppyzybyep-EJwZGD_kBrHlLTd8mjrSiGd31oZcwMLiV553-yvP2ToRWZFQuNjJOv-wpp8Kt5hHTPuyFRI/w466-h310/E6E9BCF3-FC10-4DEF-B372-2DB0B2A422C8.jpeg" width="466" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were street performers and many other cool attractions on land at Harborfest as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAxM61jQjpTKY8MbIN_7mPS-CzIOAIR2E2F4LqE56841G41rpDKJ3vdOv60jNkXkOColtHquSaB0hi_8Wem6eNKP6tMfiILLESi0f6s37S4nV9QUKgHiCYK5z2i1dchwuExTWy1-1DSzza-M8NjHNgKM4lwlE59cgx_wLc1sHTdDS9mYMXOWS4M3L-Vv7/s4032/1C63E741-D15F-4000-B795-B1052201961D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAxM61jQjpTKY8MbIN_7mPS-CzIOAIR2E2F4LqE56841G41rpDKJ3vdOv60jNkXkOColtHquSaB0hi_8Wem6eNKP6tMfiILLESi0f6s37S4nV9QUKgHiCYK5z2i1dchwuExTWy1-1DSzza-M8NjHNgKM4lwlE59cgx_wLc1sHTdDS9mYMXOWS4M3L-Vv7/w324-h432/1C63E741-D15F-4000-B795-B1052201961D.jpeg" width="324" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We toured around some of the tall ships that came to celebrate the festival. The people of Virginia have all been incredibly kind and welcoming to us. They are some of the friendliest people we have ever met. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFg5fpGxKGOlKz_iJrrH9R66HU6ZmsA2ohMukUD83QAhrsXJocMclLiz1dTS-cwRFfzjuIPbXeelsEOjXNXan6GdF3fImty3TuGW5dKmcviDl6R1GQLHUVaal8ZNpexmWp7VJ0B-WT2Pmh850zqnuAiac21Ko2BmGXA6uicuBztzS9uydyCtgDJl58AwG/s4032/66E2DA52-8422-4FCC-9F2E-8BE4E490B304.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFg5fpGxKGOlKz_iJrrH9R66HU6ZmsA2ohMukUD83QAhrsXJocMclLiz1dTS-cwRFfzjuIPbXeelsEOjXNXan6GdF3fImty3TuGW5dKmcviDl6R1GQLHUVaal8ZNpexmWp7VJ0B-WT2Pmh850zqnuAiac21Ko2BmGXA6uicuBztzS9uydyCtgDJl58AwG/w459-h344/66E2DA52-8422-4FCC-9F2E-8BE4E490B304.jpeg" width="459" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Being a huge naval port, Norfolk is home to the USS Wisconsin, one of the last massive Battleships. We went on a self-guided tour of this impressive ship. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIr6aa0w_FqQaZZE32BXZC-Qb4zVcI0vNrp5ZPreMctbFK8CQYRyDy7hT5uNufRPA8QekZ8oQBccEtJO__-_FJDYA4z0Dr7UwS-sgGk0uGx-iVEDF9WJ2d2ZgQQ-K-njLpdPgKZGDJMcz041zdrqAw2jYJIzGzcgIyHGHJR-jBwecZZf1aEp3-2VUV8gi/s4032/8D763751-5F1F-40B9-8A9C-CBB865C82C5B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIr6aa0w_FqQaZZE32BXZC-Qb4zVcI0vNrp5ZPreMctbFK8CQYRyDy7hT5uNufRPA8QekZ8oQBccEtJO__-_FJDYA4z0Dr7UwS-sgGk0uGx-iVEDF9WJ2d2ZgQQ-K-njLpdPgKZGDJMcz041zdrqAw2jYJIzGzcgIyHGHJR-jBwecZZf1aEp3-2VUV8gi/w450-h337/8D763751-5F1F-40B9-8A9C-CBB865C82C5B.jpeg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These gigantic guns were used in the days before computer/satellite guided missiles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMObWVCJxeJuRWTK7gKDWKEhGZFFfMkkeS_q5rx8nnQkEvVEzQvRi97MRvx-In70MGmMLsf_bafLhhBqoeDa6rT2lnD27yTN_okGt21VUev6wkfx1JhbMttYcCzCZMcUKTxmdnLiEXefSBrxcAuwywbpVvgsTsUDWWhpFT58ae2UupOA_yc64twVm41yxO/s4032/ECCDF122-5A0C-4B2F-84AC-356EC758AED9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMObWVCJxeJuRWTK7gKDWKEhGZFFfMkkeS_q5rx8nnQkEvVEzQvRi97MRvx-In70MGmMLsf_bafLhhBqoeDa6rT2lnD27yTN_okGt21VUev6wkfx1JhbMttYcCzCZMcUKTxmdnLiEXefSBrxcAuwywbpVvgsTsUDWWhpFT58ae2UupOA_yc64twVm41yxO/w433-h325/ECCDF122-5A0C-4B2F-84AC-356EC758AED9.jpeg" width="433" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ship held as many as 2500 sailors and was essentially a floating city. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZGxIsA6CLcZq_OSY6mynchyenwHq4ODyE0tZus59w5BmY4dDHx_2Oeslb8z6p-7UERwN9z4EcYTWBAr4JvBTSZoRaFagUezP45rdBdTwSIoGWiUWb5FXCZntHyQ3iul3uVOkFJbQzwoVSCvTAonGBs3TVu4sEGZat3lZzSc3egvapKSa2N3u6Czoe6Fj/s4032/7EC1BDB9-DB62-4A12-B96A-610B38EBDA67.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZGxIsA6CLcZq_OSY6mynchyenwHq4ODyE0tZus59w5BmY4dDHx_2Oeslb8z6p-7UERwN9z4EcYTWBAr4JvBTSZoRaFagUezP45rdBdTwSIoGWiUWb5FXCZntHyQ3iul3uVOkFJbQzwoVSCvTAonGBs3TVu4sEGZat3lZzSc3egvapKSa2N3u6Czoe6Fj/w445-h334/7EC1BDB9-DB62-4A12-B96A-610B38EBDA67.jpeg" width="445" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWbk8b4tILYHTsLlYRsSP8HilX4pKGBCqhlZfeAZLUcBoJxrDSRer1nyeequMnMGpLdqzhTEdevLnceoJ3_qAlL1eg6nrquz5Sybu37cSgnNH3_cnByyAOSgbwxteRXEaU_IDLCPVc_c27cJcnJCJ6VnnLpI5sRpAOautkg6tEURozXOn-EwSMffEbkCn/s4032/FF739417-04FE-44EE-BD66-5F25603CB13C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWbk8b4tILYHTsLlYRsSP8HilX4pKGBCqhlZfeAZLUcBoJxrDSRer1nyeequMnMGpLdqzhTEdevLnceoJ3_qAlL1eg6nrquz5Sybu37cSgnNH3_cnByyAOSgbwxteRXEaU_IDLCPVc_c27cJcnJCJ6VnnLpI5sRpAOautkg6tEURozXOn-EwSMffEbkCn/w442-h332/FF739417-04FE-44EE-BD66-5F25603CB13C.jpeg" width="442" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was an interactive nautical museum attached to the battleship that had many diverse and interesting exhibits. The periscope was functional, and you could look through it and see Oyai out at anchor a few hundred meters away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlwJ4RgcZD7pawfFhVLJcWdFavV0XHZM0tEqr0OHoLKWzjEU2AWU105IPI0Ss0IM1ovvEARQmUpV-RDjiy3wfbFjBaQ82xVIDlUC8twRqFINtYsL0QgmGj_chmKNFVfzpjQtuoNCSjiPKAD3M2xk6fPShjpKc1Sqby0E7Eet4iUrieupDyG4VmWwFg1Mq/s4032/7D822B35-3F00-4B38-9E92-5BE43480E56D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlwJ4RgcZD7pawfFhVLJcWdFavV0XHZM0tEqr0OHoLKWzjEU2AWU105IPI0Ss0IM1ovvEARQmUpV-RDjiy3wfbFjBaQ82xVIDlUC8twRqFINtYsL0QgmGj_chmKNFVfzpjQtuoNCSjiPKAD3M2xk6fPShjpKc1Sqby0E7Eet4iUrieupDyG4VmWwFg1Mq/w447-h336/7D822B35-3F00-4B38-9E92-5BE43480E56D.jpeg" width="447" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9Yykpt0xvqFGff7BfTtKhUDCPBNu_TbdG-ZTvHstL3-fCZMx09FesHvE6T1kjwTdeU-LrlQYv1ZXoGBSy3UCwQ_zSSYrOMn1M-WiE8AODZdj7X3bNnleeBbjPKH0f6e5LB-_AFcjNPC3GCxRTVJOJYoP9PabMYuuxdx-0cuelOChXsutw_GJgYIY4IZF/s3486/22EEB18B-4102-408C-81CE-8A5D7BAAC9A3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2269" data-original-width="3486" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9Yykpt0xvqFGff7BfTtKhUDCPBNu_TbdG-ZTvHstL3-fCZMx09FesHvE6T1kjwTdeU-LrlQYv1ZXoGBSy3UCwQ_zSSYrOMn1M-WiE8AODZdj7X3bNnleeBbjPKH0f6e5LB-_AFcjNPC3GCxRTVJOJYoP9PabMYuuxdx-0cuelOChXsutw_GJgYIY4IZF/w478-h311/22EEB18B-4102-408C-81CE-8A5D7BAAC9A3.jpeg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were some awesome science exhibits and we all learned more about things like plasma and weather. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1B2GKQoGewWwNsoMk9wo-y2cXra7oJXKX-lmf3kIqfALNtSZr9lq1mx2FO4KjqZKkQ1En9exK_Dtm9dylt0caWzjijxd5hJzBnXXjGvHTX62q794c1S05KdAPQACCsKdk-ArANRvPaoq5CfGQn2bhZ2vECQb289uyq5Hq5_1W0N9VZd8AE7L8cxciVPA/s4032/49C96F0B-C1B5-40B0-91EB-5D04DC1B020E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1B2GKQoGewWwNsoMk9wo-y2cXra7oJXKX-lmf3kIqfALNtSZr9lq1mx2FO4KjqZKkQ1En9exK_Dtm9dylt0caWzjijxd5hJzBnXXjGvHTX62q794c1S05KdAPQACCsKdk-ArANRvPaoq5CfGQn2bhZ2vECQb289uyq5Hq5_1W0N9VZd8AE7L8cxciVPA/w346-h461/49C96F0B-C1B5-40B0-91EB-5D04DC1B020E.jpeg" width="346" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To finish off Harborfest, there was a cool “Drone Show” with over 200 lighted drones. We hadn’t seen a show like this before and it was pretty cool. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz8uvuZKyY3L2MAeWDqhTtLXI8rTREsasrLAMV3EmunFe51SrHZAHV1zwCOUcdnK0da8NLF2fxGTpRvF6UcEA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The fireworks display to top it all off was epic (and we had front row seats)! They really know how to put on a pyrotechnics show down here. We can’t wait until the 4th of July!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7awTmklNaSUAmq4rf_S2MyG-tu2qrZ_LMcxTJ1MtkqWiU2084K2xiIlMh9Q56pYwqGYz-93pZMCiMm4X0Yprzyb0fzUfLp0odLO17SCUax-9aMLGa_xUtDL3mJK9aACx9wBWvHWLj0AMpIZblJaW4BpudxKVx9ryyPzd0RiFKavkHnWl7F5FjIwDWOO6w/s4032/F3D14F3A-C410-4FD3-B2E4-D0671C51D8DC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7awTmklNaSUAmq4rf_S2MyG-tu2qrZ_LMcxTJ1MtkqWiU2084K2xiIlMh9Q56pYwqGYz-93pZMCiMm4X0Yprzyb0fzUfLp0odLO17SCUax-9aMLGa_xUtDL3mJK9aACx9wBWvHWLj0AMpIZblJaW4BpudxKVx9ryyPzd0RiFKavkHnWl7F5FjIwDWOO6w/w459-h344/F3D14F3A-C410-4FD3-B2E4-D0671C51D8DC.jpeg" width="459" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, we reunited with our French-Canadian ARC friends from “Jayana”. We spent a couple of days together before they headed north. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRsc9Olr9PgUtPvKZbX8bHlavjcTUZao5PrbifIqzTSo9tgDBDhhJyfnLZt_17UZ4bJAJmdIXrJttjSesIm-tzJCr3seGnVbeqFXfNiHAu3htGAvJt2puL-sC-Ew_C-2-gnYDGkWWkmI7oGczByEZEgjf_lQVQZ78IN2jvYtF13U6XNOdZByaMgCzOXH5/s3088/B0575FC4-F956-4DF0-A34F-EF9ED3F87CAE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRsc9Olr9PgUtPvKZbX8bHlavjcTUZao5PrbifIqzTSo9tgDBDhhJyfnLZt_17UZ4bJAJmdIXrJttjSesIm-tzJCr3seGnVbeqFXfNiHAu3htGAvJt2puL-sC-Ew_C-2-gnYDGkWWkmI7oGczByEZEgjf_lQVQZ78IN2jvYtF13U6XNOdZByaMgCzOXH5/w453-h340/B0575FC4-F956-4DF0-A34F-EF9ED3F87CAE.jpeg" width="453" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Virginia has some spectacular theme parks and we made the most of the water slides and roller coasters. Busch Gardens was on par with Disneyland for rides and the line-ups were short during the weekdays. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPl5OXXyfDBvayAZFel4Pn5BsT0dNtO6CNJYSjUbgaSKmJsUizcOv9_c0E406ZsAG9PXIrMZBdfhQC25Um5d3nKaPxrMUhnncSig0pN0Hpkiif4xnhbLzOqz9C133YhLI0B6mXiDiiHxZgibP-vpwILADppfZg0DanViy9gR95fYdil-86P_Heg5ZtWBr/s4032/6C81B54C-F580-4C63-B0E1-E35B09E000A3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPl5OXXyfDBvayAZFel4Pn5BsT0dNtO6CNJYSjUbgaSKmJsUizcOv9_c0E406ZsAG9PXIrMZBdfhQC25Um5d3nKaPxrMUhnncSig0pN0Hpkiif4xnhbLzOqz9C133YhLI0B6mXiDiiHxZgibP-vpwILADppfZg0DanViy9gR95fYdil-86P_Heg5ZtWBr/w457-h343/6C81B54C-F580-4C63-B0E1-E35B09E000A3.jpeg" width="457" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzGFLANZmXdX-VwlJp95u-Vm3zj8n3zgfkWTjWW44L9ieqE-FYHXad27NR6n4z__Klx-_G16KGU7Dt6APpL7w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzPHvNGiTpolUBJAMO_9B8Yg1rgs1u55Ey71ggy3iiWWi8AE0LPMkx7zFzgHSgDF6bBzvQ8yidyni_Cx7mx2w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Virginia also has some very interesting American History sites to visit. This is where the American Revolution started, and there is a fully interactive, restored city from the 1700’s named “Colonial Williamsburg”. We learned a lot. For example, the French were instrumental in helping the US gain independence from England. Both on land and at sea. Here, we are discussing this with General Lafayette, who fought alongside George Washington. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IEe_iBzjAES8k7n2z2l94ZXrgSis4q4nUzv3_o8BfZh0qCXd_W-3qavT2d1TCcVrEOpjaP_SHD7bI6qNiAIpFXxHlQ6Khri0bn90yJJ-2eA-8AgpJA8apJSbOHwMR7pDZcdPElEJWZaaL6NEwTsN-rCpLbnYn_T92Q_mjCxY7kp4BXcaQfLRq8cc4wFU/s4032/01A0FFDF-C12F-473B-B681-B1CA871B3445.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IEe_iBzjAES8k7n2z2l94ZXrgSis4q4nUzv3_o8BfZh0qCXd_W-3qavT2d1TCcVrEOpjaP_SHD7bI6qNiAIpFXxHlQ6Khri0bn90yJJ-2eA-8AgpJA8apJSbOHwMR7pDZcdPElEJWZaaL6NEwTsN-rCpLbnYn_T92Q_mjCxY7kp4BXcaQfLRq8cc4wFU/w352-h470/01A0FFDF-C12F-473B-B681-B1CA871B3445.jpeg" width="352" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The actors would interact with you in a traditional style, if you preferred. They could also answer any questions that we had about life back in the 1700’s and the specific details of historical events. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UhsJzU2-R_Zunx1BER0rLnFKUy5yLJSzi-noUKSKf5FgckJ1SX6mB__AtyawvJX6CYXz6VM6YF4JPNCN_lWIYKxB3tPARxCWIM7xG9jMeXof5hv9NBnHm1dSVDw21qRwzHd2puQkDkCSzxqq7waCY4w0VYXrG-q5nzIIw7-h19o-KZKDnW0c3L9Tze3I/s4032/9AF12C13-8FA1-4B74-AB93-9C1726C4CEB2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UhsJzU2-R_Zunx1BER0rLnFKUy5yLJSzi-noUKSKf5FgckJ1SX6mB__AtyawvJX6CYXz6VM6YF4JPNCN_lWIYKxB3tPARxCWIM7xG9jMeXof5hv9NBnHm1dSVDw21qRwzHd2puQkDkCSzxqq7waCY4w0VYXrG-q5nzIIw7-h19o-KZKDnW0c3L9Tze3I/w447-h335/9AF12C13-8FA1-4B74-AB93-9C1726C4CEB2.jpeg" width="447" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzv3H9rcJPqI0k6kUvz1_xJ2LUu2YdepHe03_3FGDcz-ytVQcvioZTT6IcP8cOYBIFDiKEMAE2jl-YU8WBKso0SVhde9ao1_nVhCmQNsvFPF3EQOqy_nlRrTg7-j81HcHB1j43qCoEVdYcpdo5x-Jhml415tgvF-UtEmxlDtJdFnLhStnVxsmLShHX-CHk/s4032/61D9FA07-39FE-4914-A7E3-EB2417B7DE99.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzv3H9rcJPqI0k6kUvz1_xJ2LUu2YdepHe03_3FGDcz-ytVQcvioZTT6IcP8cOYBIFDiKEMAE2jl-YU8WBKso0SVhde9ao1_nVhCmQNsvFPF3EQOqy_nlRrTg7-j81HcHB1j43qCoEVdYcpdo5x-Jhml415tgvF-UtEmxlDtJdFnLhStnVxsmLShHX-CHk/w459-h344/61D9FA07-39FE-4914-A7E3-EB2417B7DE99.jpeg" width="459" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also visited William & Mary College right next door to Colonial Williamsburg. It’s the second oldest university in the USA (after Harvard). It was established in the late 1600’s. The campus was beautiful and reminded us a little of Hogwarts 😄. One of Aria’s favourite book characters went to William & Mary. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hiDB4JMlp6tVWYbpyryAAYxsXlPO0UXqM9bCj3VbnktGg739zNu0SCNqzi8f-7FPlFjhnDqTNMnkij6yB7L9tN4I2kVvgjGLGarbTDCL-6nFx4UEIv81u0hdOJoiw4Jn-MXw1gef6YotK7KFCZvfQ22F3Vcxwo1FuoZ6eHXlNN1mkQPnN-p_FSUu68Ig/s4032/C21E5584-7291-4F9C-9805-FFC18F7B1037.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hiDB4JMlp6tVWYbpyryAAYxsXlPO0UXqM9bCj3VbnktGg739zNu0SCNqzi8f-7FPlFjhnDqTNMnkij6yB7L9tN4I2kVvgjGLGarbTDCL-6nFx4UEIv81u0hdOJoiw4Jn-MXw1gef6YotK7KFCZvfQ22F3Vcxwo1FuoZ6eHXlNN1mkQPnN-p_FSUu68Ig/w455-h341/C21E5584-7291-4F9C-9805-FFC18F7B1037.jpeg" width="455" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were anchored off of a cute little town called Phoebus for a week during all of our land-based explorations. It had super-cool book/antique shops and many other quirky places to visit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCtmZQMIGz1hzRpmz3FxVZXockDPyi7IZ3gErysG45Xah5bOlnkYoHM75Lo14HEHyK1FH50a9JRvfAGH58ajLJq9Zl7pJnJ9OvGZeaWT4u9kilI6ho8AUiorJP21S1o8-vsZRsnqtkqJLlOXTOJ86Pio4dSuGF92GesVo8K1VtJB8Dd46B5SDZ4WmXOy2/s4032/23D190E8-6ECC-4557-A1BC-823BF6A12F7B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="439" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCtmZQMIGz1hzRpmz3FxVZXockDPyi7IZ3gErysG45Xah5bOlnkYoHM75Lo14HEHyK1FH50a9JRvfAGH58ajLJq9Zl7pJnJ9OvGZeaWT4u9kilI6ho8AUiorJP21S1o8-vsZRsnqtkqJLlOXTOJ86Pio4dSuGF92GesVo8K1VtJB8Dd46B5SDZ4WmXOy2/w329-h439/23D190E8-6ECC-4557-A1BC-823BF6A12F7B.jpeg" width="329" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We experienced some crazy weather while anchored near Phoebus. One afternoon, a thunderstorm rolled through and caused brief winds in the 40-50 knot range. Oyai dragged anchor very briefly before her anchor reset. Luckily the anchorage was huge and no harm was done. During that same afternoon, a tornado touched down about 10 miles away. A tree was uprooted, but no further damage was reported, apparently. When we left the Norfolk/Phoebus area, we had some very wet weather heading north as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwGXxiT8DR8Ww-9YTJk2ndWxelpJgc2ZC_w7aUzYcNnN-7Nd9VM14--3IIDFpoXlwSU0koJaThylMfb7eELrw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The sailing has been great, but cool and wet. Even though it’s summer officially here, it’s no balmy Bahamas! Check out this video for some of the sailing action. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx3wAWMxBhCqkJdF8j8xbBKu9hSEsfxA7SXhoJ5z503IPpt98AJpfXPShbnKrJCDIpACybm_sSmfqupsic_EQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We will head up to Annapolis in the next few days and stay there while we visit Washington DC and it’s many incredible museums. Hopefully we will stay there over the 4th of July as well, and see some more great fireworks. Check back every week or two for another blog post!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-89575084610305639022023-06-10T13:00:00.002-07:002023-06-10T13:00:55.233-07:00Sail up the US East Coast, they said. It’ll be easy, they said…<p>We left Freeport in the northern Bahamas on May 18th when there was a short break in the northerly wind. The prevailing winds are supposed to push us northwards towards our final destination on the US East Coast, but this year has not been normal. It has something to do with climate change and El Niño. We left under full sail in the afternoon, not sure how many days we would make before having to put into port.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwZyDTyBNFOaZoaE5WylRCN7IonS7VuiduUvYGVloXE4k4gYa5gBTl-ZaKQJFKCF5-C4b17H7_-ietDztRhBrn1dXWNzar5P5gpMdx-9dZAQOkjwUwLgtiypdJiorohWBEK6ZmFponqC_60GNxDcNWCkS-n3aWId4iaSCCumqo3CQ2xr5PlApdb8b5Q/s864/DF392BB8-5A70-4AE2-AD89-E3C96ED1CA8C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="666" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwZyDTyBNFOaZoaE5WylRCN7IonS7VuiduUvYGVloXE4k4gYa5gBTl-ZaKQJFKCF5-C4b17H7_-ietDztRhBrn1dXWNzar5P5gpMdx-9dZAQOkjwUwLgtiypdJiorohWBEK6ZmFponqC_60GNxDcNWCkS-n3aWId4iaSCCumqo3CQ2xr5PlApdb8b5Q/w364-h471/DF392BB8-5A70-4AE2-AD89-E3C96ED1CA8C.jpeg" width="364" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our crew was stronger by one member…our friend Chuck. He was on the original voyage to cross the Atlantic a year earlier and was up for helping us do another leg. His infectious sense of humour and positive energy made the hours fly by!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76gBveUv8yR_3gZbFhNjmYvjJdWV3DjJiiE2nXmFmj-t1eb8la7g1So5YgBU5IBSox7jAKdXoof-TFAl5TMdKk_XC7bTHM_8_FnZVpjNFJ-v9SGc77DxuaUKUxLN_KRc2eZfsZQyZeAqf7tfy2AYYKg0hPqJfcuTQrgtb100vGr44N5U28IknnpYwIQ/s2774/9EB640DC-DD01-44D9-A47D-1C4D224B4BD0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1833" data-original-width="2774" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76gBveUv8yR_3gZbFhNjmYvjJdWV3DjJiiE2nXmFmj-t1eb8la7g1So5YgBU5IBSox7jAKdXoof-TFAl5TMdKk_XC7bTHM_8_FnZVpjNFJ-v9SGc77DxuaUKUxLN_KRc2eZfsZQyZeAqf7tfy2AYYKg0hPqJfcuTQrgtb100vGr44N5U28IknnpYwIQ/w475-h313/9EB640DC-DD01-44D9-A47D-1C4D224B4BD0.jpeg" width="475" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our initial challenge during this passage was the Gulf Stream. It is, essentially, a 70 km wide river in the ocean that travels up to 4 knots in speed. This can make for a quick passage, if a south wind is with you heading north. It can also turn very uncomfortable, or even dangerous if the wind shifts to any quadrant from the north. This is what the Gulf Stream looks like on a map. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchwhActTwivBzC7q9-D1r0FxR8hq9kRzmVGjiOypR0F4wrvVsKRgJC_IHNoqwyMYFGHYyRK9oLbtLEs1YOPOArEhzVuwQXAymqDFIPVTyYJaVc5xnbCSIKX0NII9r7bKiHDqwmU4w_V5dBRUWNOtKdarEM-jVVkr5oAaBwaRwIfI7qifMsQ0DZJocAQ/s1792/B7160CFE-E152-454C-9A7C-67CA42A78819.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchwhActTwivBzC7q9-D1r0FxR8hq9kRzmVGjiOypR0F4wrvVsKRgJC_IHNoqwyMYFGHYyRK9oLbtLEs1YOPOArEhzVuwQXAymqDFIPVTyYJaVc5xnbCSIKX0NII9r7bKiHDqwmU4w_V5dBRUWNOtKdarEM-jVVkr5oAaBwaRwIfI7qifMsQ0DZJocAQ/w219-h474/B7160CFE-E152-454C-9A7C-67CA42A78819.png" width="219" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our wind died once we entered the Gulf Stream, but then the nighttime thunderstorms started! Honestly, throughout our entire year of sailing the vast Atlantic Ocean, these storms were the scariest thing we have seen. They were MASSIVE, and violent. Forks of lightning were hitting the water around us (every few seconds, and within a mile or so), and the sounds were deafening. We actively dodged storm cells and after a few hours, we were through the worst of it. No footage was taken during the intense bits, but we managed to get a time lapse once we were past them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzfEmNttQyemIQfWmRJR7ga355h1B2aQn-vu-ao3jNnVlaZRC6hUZR1tM4vxMlR4iDfE7bw3MBwDNd49w6vag' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the scary night, the sun came out and we kept motoring north. We were even visited by a playful pod of dolphins.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyoAlUNYf6JquJcyaid6XW9kmEwt4BSGIhh-6beKEBobq-Z-xnGnJozhTV0vGS6s3JtbVJu3kF61nBw9OM79q0iW9dUlVLsJh3WF7PNZ7kO9Q3A4ZkjTwRlqicpvXD8qOufUce59ouDBadArm5c4avvdya_771y07yxTqSKUeWU9rjPcreJGr2Jo5Mw/s2304/9E852872-8C65-4474-A48A-6F3E503D1C61.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2304" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyoAlUNYf6JquJcyaid6XW9kmEwt4BSGIhh-6beKEBobq-Z-xnGnJozhTV0vGS6s3JtbVJu3kF61nBw9OM79q0iW9dUlVLsJh3WF7PNZ7kO9Q3A4ZkjTwRlqicpvXD8qOufUce59ouDBadArm5c4avvdya_771y07yxTqSKUeWU9rjPcreJGr2Jo5Mw/w481-h320/9E852872-8C65-4474-A48A-6F3E503D1C61.jpeg" width="481" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIyR-qNBtDZgVmq2gHjk3IgotdTcx-9QjGp5JkSP0lIa-wW5wLcsO-jGtx8nW-cBR0yT0UxjaXZnb5JYpKIZNjRrvJILHCVLHn89kR2rfxbRlbU-j_aW-2siKqyUE72hBeyB72bVUcPwAZEY-bXIP3dh7-xsGD7kdZj8k6zS3-S8JvAiWuQBN1nUCyg/s4032/42D757E2-BC5A-4198-A5F7-7F38D3EA9A46.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIyR-qNBtDZgVmq2gHjk3IgotdTcx-9QjGp5JkSP0lIa-wW5wLcsO-jGtx8nW-cBR0yT0UxjaXZnb5JYpKIZNjRrvJILHCVLHn89kR2rfxbRlbU-j_aW-2siKqyUE72hBeyB72bVUcPwAZEY-bXIP3dh7-xsGD7kdZj8k6zS3-S8JvAiWuQBN1nUCyg/w480-h360/42D757E2-BC5A-4198-A5F7-7F38D3EA9A46.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxqKZKv6_AkLyfShaa2-JscQVovOU7fC_EqbX85V-8DYaMJyWo6SsGpD12JLrR7yOMSDkh8yzV-b1qTCywnYA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The weather forecast for a continued trip north wasn’t very good. There was a gale on its way from the north and it turned out to be a doozie. A cruise ship that was out there, after we pulled into port, reported winds of over 120 km/h! We had decided to duck into Charleston, South Carolina. It was one of only 6 options for safe harbour entrances on the southeastern seaboard. Here is a weather map showing the storm as a low pressure system compressed against the southeastern US (red is bad!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMun2aCBYZ-nxTblOrhwu_7SlT9WdSOKnD7igy5cTZc5CziYSwoygVj85pWg2SAjdxsB8qgwQ7J6c3dt13LPRfE3FS5l15zjBZkO8mPp2AbQvm-7g7GISxQoG18_sPc8RyU1ZDchKnvWzw1jQdQmgw-AhDd1_EWR2PbZX8cjctfjtgrDRIUK5ZMrorA/s1792/BC67D47C-1375-43E1-87A6-C175070B3628.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="605" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMun2aCBYZ-nxTblOrhwu_7SlT9WdSOKnD7igy5cTZc5CziYSwoygVj85pWg2SAjdxsB8qgwQ7J6c3dt13LPRfE3FS5l15zjBZkO8mPp2AbQvm-7g7GISxQoG18_sPc8RyU1ZDchKnvWzw1jQdQmgw-AhDd1_EWR2PbZX8cjctfjtgrDRIUK5ZMrorA/w280-h605/BC67D47C-1375-43E1-87A6-C175070B3628.png" width="280" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once in Charleston, we initially anchored off the USS Yorktown, a historic WWII aircraft carrier. This was the view from Oyai after we dropped the hook. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IOXJRql0eoYTxrVyLO5BjUr0l-VQdYQLQfXpIITbUSSeIti7JLC4Guok_ptIL4H5QZg23GWBhj0AI12Wj4xHgrzK_Cfnm2vALA1Buvd4rpnxLqfrJw60teXyocsSqXFLS48g7OMVmCySbMarXbEH12MuLtBNJeBYLf1G5Oyrsd5cNoAwYopcOvZ3tA/s4032/ACA5F80F-CE1B-43ED-AE11-34B31F796C5F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IOXJRql0eoYTxrVyLO5BjUr0l-VQdYQLQfXpIITbUSSeIti7JLC4Guok_ptIL4H5QZg23GWBhj0AI12Wj4xHgrzK_Cfnm2vALA1Buvd4rpnxLqfrJw60teXyocsSqXFLS48g7OMVmCySbMarXbEH12MuLtBNJeBYLf1G5Oyrsd5cNoAwYopcOvZ3tA/w467-h350/ACA5F80F-CE1B-43ED-AE11-34B31F796C5F.jpeg" width="467" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We toured the aircraft carrier the following day and we all learned lots of details about WWII. This next photo is from the bridge of the Yorktown (you can see Oyai anchored in the background over Chuck’s left shoulder).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOiMLmoFWtsbQ-xZRSf3ie4HmvE_9Q05cEwERZWopvheVdQHG5YNwWJtr-0aW_9Ie0fA-LghcA38wQ79QDZrsZgAXUBhTyP3nBLCK1159T_3gp11YjWEwRqK9asefYffZDqjFjrcpvFiJ_wQzyy01HCP8Ws63KfFVT6US8azQqEnEPuVz5b8RfKf7iA/s4032/D1EE1087-AF97-4A40-8C55-6039AE4E26DA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOiMLmoFWtsbQ-xZRSf3ie4HmvE_9Q05cEwERZWopvheVdQHG5YNwWJtr-0aW_9Ie0fA-LghcA38wQ79QDZrsZgAXUBhTyP3nBLCK1159T_3gp11YjWEwRqK9asefYffZDqjFjrcpvFiJ_wQzyy01HCP8Ws63KfFVT6US8azQqEnEPuVz5b8RfKf7iA/w466-h350/D1EE1087-AF97-4A40-8C55-6039AE4E26DA.jpeg" width="466" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Yorktown was the ship that recovered the Apollo 8 landing capsule and its astronauts in 1968, so there was an exhibit about that too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicah0giqcx96cNLg2KG-bXTXHvbS_eGPro1v7NhsLfHC-Y9iAOMQjILvtmzLpQdEM3_EzghwzI_DTmSvPPMsNtEyPDzSZXKTn8B2RajvF_YEal1l3DVfNgCplaRWyPwk3vHf6sVYu76ybbaCPjZjiTHd0658kqxALEzA7NDyaSOJI2R_wUqC5sOf60Ng/s4032/1EC59B16-EB70-406B-82AE-1FD561DAFC3B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicah0giqcx96cNLg2KG-bXTXHvbS_eGPro1v7NhsLfHC-Y9iAOMQjILvtmzLpQdEM3_EzghwzI_DTmSvPPMsNtEyPDzSZXKTn8B2RajvF_YEal1l3DVfNgCplaRWyPwk3vHf6sVYu76ybbaCPjZjiTHd0658kqxALEzA7NDyaSOJI2R_wUqC5sOf60Ng/w451-h338/1EC59B16-EB70-406B-82AE-1FD561DAFC3B.jpeg" width="451" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were many other cool things to see and learn about aboard the Yorktown. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYE0eMumb4uBoBUncLcVIlCuxpj9vpQnz5Rvzd-iXBO_BfrXXLHnmMHXkzsCZDVJoWJU3s9xMeb9HSD4IW8qklQCySweItcKTWYCFz5AUrKCWv363XxuuHW2By0_Cu2GlP5LppVlYKivnzbRVq0upwPkH_48uchnZPNElKUaJyD_AYEtgmVih0V7p4w/s4032/26197F31-C9C1-4534-AA0B-E0D032B89A23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYE0eMumb4uBoBUncLcVIlCuxpj9vpQnz5Rvzd-iXBO_BfrXXLHnmMHXkzsCZDVJoWJU3s9xMeb9HSD4IW8qklQCySweItcKTWYCFz5AUrKCWv363XxuuHW2By0_Cu2GlP5LppVlYKivnzbRVq0upwPkH_48uchnZPNElKUaJyD_AYEtgmVih0V7p4w/w451-h338/26197F31-C9C1-4534-AA0B-E0D032B89A23.jpeg" width="451" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWzVcRoWtdq8JykyHw3lE32ulBOzhJHkYJojXx3HZftRcGF1Sd4h725ur6daaqGtBcHzPRt0jezDHZ-ej8ENd0JQxSa852hXLP-uNBo7awk-oSb-vkOwAA6FDMuCiOtcjYOEAKpns2gLLvcyNmSe-ei0Xh84DSbOtyZU0qxk4YfRAkoPhkRb5Z0dLtg/s4032/E4306DDB-C782-43B1-828C-D20B3DDC486B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWzVcRoWtdq8JykyHw3lE32ulBOzhJHkYJojXx3HZftRcGF1Sd4h725ur6daaqGtBcHzPRt0jezDHZ-ej8ENd0JQxSa852hXLP-uNBo7awk-oSb-vkOwAA6FDMuCiOtcjYOEAKpns2gLLvcyNmSe-ei0Xh84DSbOtyZU0qxk4YfRAkoPhkRb5Z0dLtg/w306-h408/E4306DDB-C782-43B1-828C-D20B3DDC486B.jpeg" width="306" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This photo shows an F-18 on the deck of the Yorktown with Oyai and downtown Charleston in the background. The surrounding area was very flat, but Charleston turned out to be a charming city with lots of friendly people. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXoDHxMForz_KWE96nHj9U3I7g6dHDtlefFJZ6ll8egF1q5k9jWM4kYFdt9CYtGKiux-aqu1owvdjZ-COy61pDTKgiWiwFbFJ_fL22f5aep8ZAPWvkhyj7o3DSG3J5vTdu4qW_3BxEjF0wv41tD4Sr3LCjNCVchPjqcqtG_hOiTb4CMNmJqQntwizUw/s4032/C94BBAEF-C9A5-481D-BC1C-421F6691C43C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXoDHxMForz_KWE96nHj9U3I7g6dHDtlefFJZ6ll8egF1q5k9jWM4kYFdt9CYtGKiux-aqu1owvdjZ-COy61pDTKgiWiwFbFJ_fL22f5aep8ZAPWvkhyj7o3DSG3J5vTdu4qW_3BxEjF0wv41tD4Sr3LCjNCVchPjqcqtG_hOiTb4CMNmJqQntwizUw/w444-h333/C94BBAEF-C9A5-481D-BC1C-421F6691C43C.jpeg" width="444" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Horse-drawn Carriage Tours were popular in Charleston and the horses were beautiful. Again, Micah was in horse heaven. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHHKZFBrbHy7OkL0ojZGFN4Km2GRykOnLnoY2iQS6QQfORwudkWOF1leIHp-YLuZlMfEX1Wk9WxCxmu0UIdDnlvN6-iyRiVeBNoR93pX9HAj8HdGUtP6ARmpkAUJ4iqPf-PHyzakv0-uNfXWW5XaLKFNo_cP-K-D6UhibkJoO3ZzgFvqfCHCrxik4sQ/s4032/4E2F3CA6-6FF0-4EA7-BA4B-939F3985AB4A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHHKZFBrbHy7OkL0ojZGFN4Km2GRykOnLnoY2iQS6QQfORwudkWOF1leIHp-YLuZlMfEX1Wk9WxCxmu0UIdDnlvN6-iyRiVeBNoR93pX9HAj8HdGUtP6ARmpkAUJ4iqPf-PHyzakv0-uNfXWW5XaLKFNo_cP-K-D6UhibkJoO3ZzgFvqfCHCrxik4sQ/w435-h326/4E2F3CA6-6FF0-4EA7-BA4B-939F3985AB4A.jpeg" width="435" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a couple of really nice days before the storm hit, and we explored Charleston by foot, scooter and rollerblade. There were lots of colonial buildings from the 1700’s and 1800’s. We also went to a Slave Market Memorial Museum in Charleston which was heartbreaking, but very educational. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKbhdFHeWdYwyNbmH5xfu8YFEy4w2pC8mIV6gp6QSyNWL2ZbocaP1WqT_whTgR65F3KpNAt3NWT0OSfR60HoJTYEGWKHatPQCM_-AlFwipptVcPFHhpkckGVL7t7UoJY2Tqc7BBkpPvu6UXZ8ungAKFfeqBG0s_zQhwYP1gC1v5MvhcN0NelKl-4AdQ/s4032/97191970-D6F2-4042-8841-E882B8DBC592.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKbhdFHeWdYwyNbmH5xfu8YFEy4w2pC8mIV6gp6QSyNWL2ZbocaP1WqT_whTgR65F3KpNAt3NWT0OSfR60HoJTYEGWKHatPQCM_-AlFwipptVcPFHhpkckGVL7t7UoJY2Tqc7BBkpPvu6UXZ8ungAKFfeqBG0s_zQhwYP1gC1v5MvhcN0NelKl-4AdQ/w431-h323/97191970-D6F2-4042-8841-E882B8DBC592.jpeg" width="431" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The day after the storm passed, we caught the eastern side of the low (now blowing from the south). We knew this weather window was also going to be brief so we planned on making it to Beaufort, North Carolina, 200 nautical miles to the north. On our 36 hour voyage, a small bird (likely blown out to sea by the high winds), took refuge on Oyai. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwB-P6GXl-JRVJRl6Yn-8oRf3NdpqcLtnEfKjur1kVU356czxdaGzcf9sSzg7CXzwWoBpozeImwKJxVEtbUnA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beaufort turned out to be another winner, with lots of history and many things to do. Our anchorage was just off of the small downtown and the sunsets were awesome. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUHUBlrev0OxKFdwGa5jKDM3cqN4bakTSbSAbgnXF602zhQlSQpXRtu94oHpEnzQMrGhRNW1cMZZgZCSLbQ-OyN-scl3MtKvxC4ZRxPOg0BxUL2ujMtG7Eec56nWrEdw5vGmchk9NtcQhce4_N462sL8JZBAO7MH5hVCFtPVvcOICOQPiXap4DN_TSA/s4032/10690D7C-2899-44F3-A775-7A64B2B3BDD5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="487" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUHUBlrev0OxKFdwGa5jKDM3cqN4bakTSbSAbgnXF602zhQlSQpXRtu94oHpEnzQMrGhRNW1cMZZgZCSLbQ-OyN-scl3MtKvxC4ZRxPOg0BxUL2ujMtG7Eec56nWrEdw5vGmchk9NtcQhce4_N462sL8JZBAO7MH5hVCFtPVvcOICOQPiXap4DN_TSA/w365-h487/10690D7C-2899-44F3-A775-7A64B2B3BDD5.jpeg" width="365" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Opposite downtown Beaufort (just behind our boat) was an island with a small population of wild horses. Though to have been abandoned here in the 1600’s by the Spanish, this horse population has thrived. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHmpzBDVqXfm7eMYGe1jy8TDpzoMNvJOR7YsAaqNcOviwc6fO2gufd3_9S6ewTn7XrF4RcRxc62h_sRosLDSddVH0E7U5ukHf-7RNN7Rw9yoyrMpYaqjHPJYQjcU5brqcZv3E1k8nOPq3RAFxC-77CfBRReWJhL1ag-T_HsM23Q3cE72YGGL_cgfDng/s4032/19B7E909-B469-46C4-B9DE-B437EE28563F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHmpzBDVqXfm7eMYGe1jy8TDpzoMNvJOR7YsAaqNcOviwc6fO2gufd3_9S6ewTn7XrF4RcRxc62h_sRosLDSddVH0E7U5ukHf-7RNN7Rw9yoyrMpYaqjHPJYQjcU5brqcZv3E1k8nOPq3RAFxC-77CfBRReWJhL1ag-T_HsM23Q3cE72YGGL_cgfDng/w482-h362/19B7E909-B469-46C4-B9DE-B437EE28563F.jpeg" width="482" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBankBIdxVo6Drl3za9ZnPU4pwC-94Od7PKkDjRMQTLnNXGh-7FfRKPDOjaOpvjnLM07jGXWAtvMX1zODkIMYKm-blT9Ka-IyL270MoE7RG59j4Jhc53ETdVNBYAYsZVZHw-wHXrz0lelk3_aUIryLv_oNGA4z3LY4rWhg_MHiNst8w6Q1sZr-tW7yw/s4032/615A4E86-0582-4D42-BAF7-AC635FD7A76E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBankBIdxVo6Drl3za9ZnPU4pwC-94Od7PKkDjRMQTLnNXGh-7FfRKPDOjaOpvjnLM07jGXWAtvMX1zODkIMYKm-blT9Ka-IyL270MoE7RG59j4Jhc53ETdVNBYAYsZVZHw-wHXrz0lelk3_aUIryLv_oNGA4z3LY4rWhg_MHiNst8w6Q1sZr-tW7yw/w426-h320/615A4E86-0582-4D42-BAF7-AC635FD7A76E.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was an amazing Maritime Museum in Beaufort. Blackbeard scuttled his flagship the “Queen Anne’s Revenge” here in Beaufort and there were many artifacts from the wreckage at the museum. As part of homeschooling, the girls used the museum’s library to research and write about a topic of their choosing. Aria wrote about the fisheries around Beaufort and Micah did a project on “Queen Anne’s Revenge”.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxK33aB4oK9Mt8Pd3HXDRvdLvqJYuzqhMSLostwiQvJAmVXPzyAtUnItDt2nIVMDnTbeSaZdOmcMSqfPeM57eLH2Q-LL6wBOlII7jeQafJ2vNhhdFdETXExdDm8yaPx1TxGe9WZPrwvZzHtJzMAJ0Uuy6fe2eNn7U1QOI1WqzfKgNX4GRxGLDIO8ing/s4032/4CDCF870-6483-4C08-9658-3E8AE2A97319.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxK33aB4oK9Mt8Pd3HXDRvdLvqJYuzqhMSLostwiQvJAmVXPzyAtUnItDt2nIVMDnTbeSaZdOmcMSqfPeM57eLH2Q-LL6wBOlII7jeQafJ2vNhhdFdETXExdDm8yaPx1TxGe9WZPrwvZzHtJzMAJ0Uuy6fe2eNn7U1QOI1WqzfKgNX4GRxGLDIO8ing/w443-h332/4CDCF870-6483-4C08-9658-3E8AE2A97319.jpeg" width="443" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beaufort had a really good Saturday market, and there was a booth promoting local wildlife rescue. Aria & Micah were able to get up close and personal with an albino rattlesnake named “Blanco”.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmyDcbRT8HlkkkcjY1xonkM2Zdb15Qu4KnGrJ9Lu4dzdvPqVKy6DXsCd1WZ0SNLrwvWJrDaBTjhyTbxQfzp4Ox_t8LY4BZPDs6P39tQyXOOEslVaaQ0lnVlwq3rsaH4I8QB1PHQiuUQor86e8NabDYZd5vtKRBmq4FJg7ab45J2iFB2JXh6k3DH1C3A/s4032/7F7F8D36-F6F5-4702-B44B-E9B9621C6C04.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmyDcbRT8HlkkkcjY1xonkM2Zdb15Qu4KnGrJ9Lu4dzdvPqVKy6DXsCd1WZ0SNLrwvWJrDaBTjhyTbxQfzp4Ox_t8LY4BZPDs6P39tQyXOOEslVaaQ0lnVlwq3rsaH4I8QB1PHQiuUQor86e8NabDYZd5vtKRBmq4FJg7ab45J2iFB2JXh6k3DH1C3A/w446-h335/7F7F8D36-F6F5-4702-B44B-E9B9621C6C04.jpeg" width="446" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Chuck had been with us, sailing and waiting for weather, for 2 weeks. He was a huge help, but had to get home to Vancouver. Once the weather started looking more promising to make it safely around Cape Hatteras (the most dangerous area on our path northwards), we called up Oyai’s next owners Noel and Sue. You see… way back in February, they had expressed serious interest in being the next owners of Oyai. So…we called them to see if we could get some help with the next leg of our journey to the Chesapeake Bay. Noel quickly obliged, and made it down to Beaufort in record time to help us get around Hatteras. Luckily, the weather was mostly calm and we motored into the Norfolk, Virginia area on June 6th. We will spend a few days here and report back about our activities in the southern Chesapeake soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-23256098457832208412023-05-31T14:10:00.001-07:002023-05-31T15:31:42.531-07:00Working our way north in the Bahamas <p> After leaving Georgetown in the middle of the Bahamas, we did lots of short hops up the Exuma chain of Cays. There is so much to see and do in the beautiful aquamarine water here. One of our first stops was on an island with an underwater piano for snorkeling. We think the island was owned by David Copperfield. Micah is getting so good at diving deep after weeks of being a reluctant snorkeler. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHh22_oJ0nfImeHHBWX7cXZFcHipPS6IHmHsjp1YpMMV-JxTK9saM0h7DbHl5TK5YdYvhaWnhzjWf2O-KzADXtr4CzOeBsXG3E8J3frUxJqn3NDW4Y4fMkAir8I4axCWc6No1-q_ADLzxIL2QAxpEvhVbxj7pwgnH960_sUv3U1xacpwOol__tlZXvA/s4000/C6839CAA-B541-44AA-A523-B17E289C966E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHh22_oJ0nfImeHHBWX7cXZFcHipPS6IHmHsjp1YpMMV-JxTK9saM0h7DbHl5TK5YdYvhaWnhzjWf2O-KzADXtr4CzOeBsXG3E8J3frUxJqn3NDW4Y4fMkAir8I4axCWc6No1-q_ADLzxIL2QAxpEvhVbxj7pwgnH960_sUv3U1xacpwOol__tlZXvA/w467-h350/C6839CAA-B541-44AA-A523-B17E289C966E.jpeg" width="467" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Attached to the underwater piano was the statue of a mermaid. It was really interesting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisttZIm57wJTipNRKWreNjewP0aGBADFGnwIxBdOmqYsCWOvK2dd6MTfTzGiEDdyR7AA-H_e7SoBekLG8B_yCSRa5Yc2Hhb8p4udiodCIM-EqR9Fwc_RDxEXwdIr_cM2u2ql2RUJOTHBLrCAdR6vB5eUIErMjqd-J1ezw8nxJKrZ92AjrWU5U5hvrbbw/s4000/EDEE1D3B-CAA4-42F5-8BBF-3394BE0C1A6E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisttZIm57wJTipNRKWreNjewP0aGBADFGnwIxBdOmqYsCWOvK2dd6MTfTzGiEDdyR7AA-H_e7SoBekLG8B_yCSRa5Yc2Hhb8p4udiodCIM-EqR9Fwc_RDxEXwdIr_cM2u2ql2RUJOTHBLrCAdR6vB5eUIErMjqd-J1ezw8nxJKrZ92AjrWU5U5hvrbbw/w452-h339/EDEE1D3B-CAA4-42F5-8BBF-3394BE0C1A6E.jpeg" width="452" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UDU_h0lnQUBjWYfYMvyhi4vjj30p911xbU-QrxTfMRNvR3G90WP820m9jwo7tQ1zV-AWarcNXY4xtGvkbVWz9EW4FpdknkcV0VbOOm56Cp5taLJqylucErS2-IX88GVrBYQWPsG6cs2Onrkr_AMNhcI5y3vVlNJb5iWBa2Hv2dDDTcWdJjfsKtRRfQ/s4000/57E25476-92C2-4D65-872C-D5D2ADE0FA4D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UDU_h0lnQUBjWYfYMvyhi4vjj30p911xbU-QrxTfMRNvR3G90WP820m9jwo7tQ1zV-AWarcNXY4xtGvkbVWz9EW4FpdknkcV0VbOOm56Cp5taLJqylucErS2-IX88GVrBYQWPsG6cs2Onrkr_AMNhcI5y3vVlNJb5iWBa2Hv2dDDTcWdJjfsKtRRfQ/w455-h341/57E25476-92C2-4D65-872C-D5D2ADE0FA4D.jpeg" width="455" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few miles away there was a beach where a lot of iguanas would come out once we landed the dinghy. They were very hungry and looking for food. Some were small and some were really big. They were pretty friendly and we fed them some vegetables from the boat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEt_dERIDjwm81ZPaipuMxTLiat6LZaQbWrEAoeQgSM4VmCEgzWHbf63dnnyTWf1_zYlV14mu9zowSjRXn4lWZXQkP42kUgTHhPccWWcPolzs6wPW1UlcOqlRk5-n8nWh6fCfxbzLQmweYB2feEQu4MT9W_8swnGISN0gnGhFKUFqjnNzXYu7SKxVmtw/s4032/CA191432-2D3C-4FF5-BDF9-5F8D567A3C65.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEt_dERIDjwm81ZPaipuMxTLiat6LZaQbWrEAoeQgSM4VmCEgzWHbf63dnnyTWf1_zYlV14mu9zowSjRXn4lWZXQkP42kUgTHhPccWWcPolzs6wPW1UlcOqlRk5-n8nWh6fCfxbzLQmweYB2feEQu4MT9W_8swnGISN0gnGhFKUFqjnNzXYu7SKxVmtw/w454-h341/CA191432-2D3C-4FF5-BDF9-5F8D567A3C65.jpeg" width="454" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwKHeEf_I-5tn6YAxrHjAjdN5BXJwyhaMtzqGk29QZ0yHhBEuiYy02kD4luHViqnX2R-IfoZbgaAyGjl4kJvQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Exuma Cays were all limestone with many cliffs and caves to explore. This cave was at the waters edge and had a tiny little beach inside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGqeta5nor_DLVkj0lrkEeqKYFu-RURP9lBp6zK6EGyA-1dSkuT--pHNfDWdI9G_tacyFjKPKKVgaw8jmjHFEKtw2NlvcGULHhib4euf70AUgd-IxXYnR9jA5n2ZlD0498HT-Ph7KtmoYRipItUCx4FUkqkAGlY_7hUHSaKOn3pV-TL-rFlYbdz4K7w/s4032/872775C1-7688-4CD2-90EA-DACDA4460CA9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGqeta5nor_DLVkj0lrkEeqKYFu-RURP9lBp6zK6EGyA-1dSkuT--pHNfDWdI9G_tacyFjKPKKVgaw8jmjHFEKtw2NlvcGULHhib4euf70AUgd-IxXYnR9jA5n2ZlD0498HT-Ph7KtmoYRipItUCx4FUkqkAGlY_7hUHSaKOn3pV-TL-rFlYbdz4K7w/w364-h485/872775C1-7688-4CD2-90EA-DACDA4460CA9.jpeg" width="364" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72S7dO2NM8KmlHuvixlwUsvGJIkuZG15Cysn22da6jju7lq2ch9VLT1FweUzRHpR73YilzI9-yowFCB33W4HXs-xnMXKEpWl6M665eQd7aqu2QuKNVhrigBdAIofHT4VJR5je8x5dKowA-9ZPFbxU5q_uUR-46GPHZGlqy01ce9dwTdzF0FmvIHx6sQ/s3737/561FFF83-A16F-41E5-BD2F-51EA85E48903.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2464" data-original-width="3737" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72S7dO2NM8KmlHuvixlwUsvGJIkuZG15Cysn22da6jju7lq2ch9VLT1FweUzRHpR73YilzI9-yowFCB33W4HXs-xnMXKEpWl6M665eQd7aqu2QuKNVhrigBdAIofHT4VJR5je8x5dKowA-9ZPFbxU5q_uUR-46GPHZGlqy01ce9dwTdzF0FmvIHx6sQ/w456-h301/561FFF83-A16F-41E5-BD2F-51EA85E48903.jpeg" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx8rBl_CdnvywAQKx8TXlrHaTJQgWpacMobTA1SDHAgUt3jdII2RP8OHwRcetaMTJGFYU2qeW3I6hy_4A61kX9xPgZXt8Y_rTzaaIZl3g-WmoJRKBcbBgXOnCpI6H4Uz-8ngtRaHkrbErxoqGTkJ91CIet1o5j7SfhLu35dk-bxtv9z5XQGJKHRhvzw/s4000/D9CC4296-E066-441B-92E9-E6ED2D0964E2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx8rBl_CdnvywAQKx8TXlrHaTJQgWpacMobTA1SDHAgUt3jdII2RP8OHwRcetaMTJGFYU2qeW3I6hy_4A61kX9xPgZXt8Y_rTzaaIZl3g-WmoJRKBcbBgXOnCpI6H4Uz-8ngtRaHkrbErxoqGTkJ91CIet1o5j7SfhLu35dk-bxtv9z5XQGJKHRhvzw/w476-h357/D9CC4296-E066-441B-92E9-E6ED2D0964E2.jpeg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While we were anchored next to the cave, we did some filming with the drone to get some shots of us and the surrounding area. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzeYVak7Taa20GbQuNa8oBPVjvsE6X8lv3iF8LAH1KKDM5OvJij20xHQmMwtrap6CH3AbSEoAMJlIU7B-RGQQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxhw9XXNR6-fQylE9JReBXTkUofa3oXSifCl23Mjlp4SgyH2SWIaVrhb3RhFmGNgT5tGoEJtxQHj8jeGWVhsQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw-tuSAfJ2G7uf57kwkDrqj-EMmvc-bS7lvgwnMhOVe6NGL1Eb9IJcitt_KM_zTYfaV-HI8sR03w9zZ2UaKBg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The beautiful days and nights just blend into one another out here - in a really nice way. We have such a pleasant routine of daily living, learning and exploring. Red sky at night, sailors delight!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qco-M1WyI5U9ZeJubdFqto86FuKhPqtMGbCbGelV3nvdtm_fU1YDkDUyumGq2aIDur88taX-l2IHtT81ot3Am6noXOc5B3XCupZdLXJheQEQyFQSgdLbpWkNFxjOAiE055yDYpzCkBA2YMs8-NaosqG3JHnxlSyVm3shMrH2udPyjc_6aocjXSOjNw/s3508/699C9087-C8CD-44B5-A955-A07A13A80970.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3508" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qco-M1WyI5U9ZeJubdFqto86FuKhPqtMGbCbGelV3nvdtm_fU1YDkDUyumGq2aIDur88taX-l2IHtT81ot3Am6noXOc5B3XCupZdLXJheQEQyFQSgdLbpWkNFxjOAiE055yDYpzCkBA2YMs8-NaosqG3JHnxlSyVm3shMrH2udPyjc_6aocjXSOjNw/s320/699C9087-C8CD-44B5-A955-A07A13A80970.jpeg" width="276" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next up, we went to an island with a bunch of resident wild pigs. They are a local tourist attraction, so they are very used to being fed by people - to the point of being quite aggressive when we showed up in the dinghy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2e3dPGWKTPqbkrkG0VuB529xwijGwEnQKHxhlF_Kxkt_WFNf7mryTzDLXcFI8f7tjwda6Q1DrS6vv96vO6QxKKLVfups4J0qbCP5geMK-MlldViu8D-BxnzqC96AvYwYXPDjbxFNochg7o-O9_ARBsOZypd90IHgAcP_EXZ2vT-vVBCgVJg8LSwxCA/s4032/A3B04E4E-D534-4467-9A80-7ED612FB3D15.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2e3dPGWKTPqbkrkG0VuB529xwijGwEnQKHxhlF_Kxkt_WFNf7mryTzDLXcFI8f7tjwda6Q1DrS6vv96vO6QxKKLVfups4J0qbCP5geMK-MlldViu8D-BxnzqC96AvYwYXPDjbxFNochg7o-O9_ARBsOZypd90IHgAcP_EXZ2vT-vVBCgVJg8LSwxCA/s320/A3B04E4E-D534-4467-9A80-7ED612FB3D15.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This video catches the feelings of the kids quite well! They were not big fans of the pigs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy3QRBYuMMiWON697RNxQQbb13juIvKPdOubm2HFFPihA6df-MpM7tNqjGKuTG-EmXLQRW1SfZR96Glc6OkzA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We discovered a beautiful grotto that was featured in the Bond movie “Thunderball”. It was a huge cave with underwater entrances. Some entrances were easier than others. It was breathtaking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXP31j50tp8_UhJn2O23dRMRoBDecO0rYB8jezuiIfJUQGyexyPAQMfLXJW1yQbFgOnpLcGAX5YRo4CgDGiplL3TKY0bnERBb6DOg6rZb5sdKnBb3OAGHuSwGbh_4PkjS-2ZaEjLwnTKd98Uxc1TuhBpc1bB940lySxNJabNfSQ2bBRfYtiSWdLdXxg/s4000/3A068209-6D43-4476-B635-D1E7587CB19C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXP31j50tp8_UhJn2O23dRMRoBDecO0rYB8jezuiIfJUQGyexyPAQMfLXJW1yQbFgOnpLcGAX5YRo4CgDGiplL3TKY0bnERBb6DOg6rZb5sdKnBb3OAGHuSwGbh_4PkjS-2ZaEjLwnTKd98Uxc1TuhBpc1bB940lySxNJabNfSQ2bBRfYtiSWdLdXxg/w481-h361/3A068209-6D43-4476-B635-D1E7587CB19C.jpeg" width="481" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyuHEve6-ZvGTpr_tawmykhzOHNdqDZi0gvTOdfz0RQdr0gbWTS3vCfNfu135pYFEPPqpIPDZhN50yE3m1BmQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5JKNtBRmCQML8QDCLSUZxsWY2Y5nzGy35v7iMVbLPAT-bBaxwAdzAnuhCr7iarkHSBhkU6lBpPkc6hH45KxGbgLPuBMKxSTJCRGPHz0olTHtvo1oHzZNitRzuLhxaK_DByBernSi2RgnoLLvXBos-4JKw3iE6SnWSIdVdjYmlPjeeWgOp5B5PTrMMQ/s4000/7FA47AE8-FA1F-458D-9C97-4D80DA168FA2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5JKNtBRmCQML8QDCLSUZxsWY2Y5nzGy35v7iMVbLPAT-bBaxwAdzAnuhCr7iarkHSBhkU6lBpPkc6hH45KxGbgLPuBMKxSTJCRGPHz0olTHtvo1oHzZNitRzuLhxaK_DByBernSi2RgnoLLvXBos-4JKw3iE6SnWSIdVdjYmlPjeeWgOp5B5PTrMMQ/w450-h338/7FA47AE8-FA1F-458D-9C97-4D80DA168FA2.jpeg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sharks are everywhere in the Bahamas. Reef sharks, Nurse Sharks and many others. They particularly like hanging out in marinas where fishermen clean their catches. At one marina, they came so close to shore that you could easily touch them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3jn6busnbfITNyw5s96nCxko5XU2NqnHTVNrt279lex9DnAgcqR9pjym-zGKXuePUHCVRk-NkPEurUY7jvMeNU-37T1uKqjXJeZYJg118VcKt6hwrmcBrk1OaI58wtN6APCXCw1pgQh2DJR0SKKaa1STCZxDcjNntOSnBrN39mI8HwPXIqS_VQZDmg/s4032/A129E7E1-8BDC-42C2-9038-DC38FDBCFE02.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3jn6busnbfITNyw5s96nCxko5XU2NqnHTVNrt279lex9DnAgcqR9pjym-zGKXuePUHCVRk-NkPEurUY7jvMeNU-37T1uKqjXJeZYJg118VcKt6hwrmcBrk1OaI58wtN6APCXCw1pgQh2DJR0SKKaa1STCZxDcjNntOSnBrN39mI8HwPXIqS_VQZDmg/w349-h465/A129E7E1-8BDC-42C2-9038-DC38FDBCFE02.jpeg" width="349" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are endless places to see cool stuff underneath the surface of the ocean, and all in shallow water. We found a sunk Cessna airplane that may have been used for drug running in the 80’s. The Bahamas were central in the drug trade back then. This plane was just off of an island owned by Johnny Depp. We never had a sighting of Cap’n Jack Sparrow :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkX8PelzcWVYEDnEBFVje2jguszTbSbBzLbLDQ4OKl0pM5ATlUzP18FUgsA_2arG4Eph-fMAlQ1yav4xPWp3MG5tqPpBomnP9G9gzQXtUNmHZu_r2aT-18fCWpPx2LyFMZnBVjZt6p0gt07-CjRVVrAUDlOFGUK3i5lPczWE77bzHy_QpyLH0Xe0ZSAQ/s4000/320EA7AE-E71F-47C7-9D01-5F16B4DA58C3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkX8PelzcWVYEDnEBFVje2jguszTbSbBzLbLDQ4OKl0pM5ATlUzP18FUgsA_2arG4Eph-fMAlQ1yav4xPWp3MG5tqPpBomnP9G9gzQXtUNmHZu_r2aT-18fCWpPx2LyFMZnBVjZt6p0gt07-CjRVVrAUDlOFGUK3i5lPczWE77bzHy_QpyLH0Xe0ZSAQ/w452-h339/320EA7AE-E71F-47C7-9D01-5F16B4DA58C3.jpeg" width="452" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On our way north, we stopped at Waderick Wells which is a spectacular marine park. There were kayaks to use on the beach and apparently lots of ghosts ashore that spent the nights moaning and wailing. We never heard them, but they were supposed to be from when people were left stranded there by pirates. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqRyT4SDSPBvLG3NQm2C6ToZKInMmdTWwpgqmW-BMuHLiV6TMeGhTjk8g8LlZy_sIVRR93ZKmWyMTdSni1PF9jdBX4tJHtEPWhExLnPKt8ssrEmyrGjWGMZfyHOxHYuZk9H6cu8BSWNiNRgodbzY9D0T7vrQJ47Ufn6w1p78hwLlO6dXPzljbqJSt_g/s4032/A0C902CD-7328-48DE-BF58-496D8829BD77.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqRyT4SDSPBvLG3NQm2C6ToZKInMmdTWwpgqmW-BMuHLiV6TMeGhTjk8g8LlZy_sIVRR93ZKmWyMTdSni1PF9jdBX4tJHtEPWhExLnPKt8ssrEmyrGjWGMZfyHOxHYuZk9H6cu8BSWNiNRgodbzY9D0T7vrQJ47Ufn6w1p78hwLlO6dXPzljbqJSt_g/w435-h326/A0C902CD-7328-48DE-BF58-496D8829BD77.jpeg" width="435" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFmY_lIS3WssX5YyXku4rpFhytqjKl-ht1_-JFxMdA3Fx9iHLiWAK3AQaYd29FXvOd2sZ0BCoWX3TQSkK4gt8T1Mz8QsR735Yiy4q0p8M4dYU53v-ZPvOlGeyNT8U9ZBWWr3B_033SgMTBiEDTp2pKf3p8zTwjEIk6UhqXs3fCzuu2k5X_eYsGzMsXA/s4032/D59A71E2-04C0-4881-A4AE-263DEA0A897E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFmY_lIS3WssX5YyXku4rpFhytqjKl-ht1_-JFxMdA3Fx9iHLiWAK3AQaYd29FXvOd2sZ0BCoWX3TQSkK4gt8T1Mz8QsR735Yiy4q0p8M4dYU53v-ZPvOlGeyNT8U9ZBWWr3B_033SgMTBiEDTp2pKf3p8zTwjEIk6UhqXs3fCzuu2k5X_eYsGzMsXA/w446-h335/D59A71E2-04C0-4881-A4AE-263DEA0A897E.jpeg" width="446" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After getting our fill of snorkeling in azure, warm water, we headed over the Exuma bank into Nassau. We had been dreaming about the “Disneyland of Waterparks” called “Atlantis”. The Atlantis complex is on a huge piece of land that includes thousands of 5 star hotel rooms in huge towers, mega aquariums with sharks, mantas and many other kinds of fish, and an amazing array of water slides and tube rides. We spoiled ourselves and spent 3 days moored at their marina alongside all of the visiting super yachts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5OvgudI8nJvgtl0FOUJ2AkhP96KB_IbEUcmC--4Sidog55suMv0uzOTTYLf2LYM3HIoGN9IUNbMz1-Q5uqBBuMtxZR1ZvbgAjSwfxgk4wMtB3jpeL0VKwvyAHNA7-CfQ3dETRuxO38tIChOUri1Eu7xMY9BRxoKZgJmg9mQ7zGm0rqIqWm4mxhLYBg/s4000/B6563516-DB04-429D-96F2-0645B21D1DA3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5OvgudI8nJvgtl0FOUJ2AkhP96KB_IbEUcmC--4Sidog55suMv0uzOTTYLf2LYM3HIoGN9IUNbMz1-Q5uqBBuMtxZR1ZvbgAjSwfxgk4wMtB3jpeL0VKwvyAHNA7-CfQ3dETRuxO38tIChOUri1Eu7xMY9BRxoKZgJmg9mQ7zGm0rqIqWm4mxhLYBg/w467-h351/B6563516-DB04-429D-96F2-0645B21D1DA3.jpeg" width="467" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The slides were intense! Some started close to vertical and then shot you through a tank full of live sharks! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyKb7U3TiEEiU1wUGOKFh6N1iwsXyUjXiis8BMUzP-5VLHs2l-vcqNWHx4Btc5I6B9PxQFAsTfhfsKmID25TQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzMkcdhY0KpVbg57UYdKZuJ8nFnRrPIykVTeAxA4xqg3EtHfy9DZCeIAxfoqK96ke_J1SzyrojtBnwgTjFpmw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here, Lana is on an inflatable tube (inside of a glass tube) floating through the shark tank!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dypqk6Y9LvnJ4FBon1Q73F2vnCXxZDS-3rlB1xfhr9P5MLpZMJeqFMd-iKzroeIdKchMYM95pf-RTA9OGmqsA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The tube rides were super awesome. They all ended up in a lazy river that had rapid sections and a long wave pool section. The whole loop took over 30 minutes. It was gigantic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxVUpA1l3fOSUxFFPknY43XoJlkZMXsP8nsfwbqseW41WK47NBX75G3huxkW7YFloCgBaXte-ReXYbswXex5Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzq3PMbbQCBoW5xL97lnCBt43jcE9Lf0txf3hEv1fJ3hy9zNhjNAuGSlZEFm3NngsgIFlh5SKNEYd9uJ662oA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Atlantis was like a crash immersion back to opulent civilization for us. We all adjusted quite quickly :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmbmFiutZTsmt0ap4Q-R_hfdfPE60ZRlyJ6PDkSiYz-FtUpvn4jxQqp-tfmrkWE0Du-qQpuzHtoWHl-2o_pPNou-Mohhlgm4FSqveH8LElJMAbPN9_rX-e9VyNrv9fi5Vu3w0JXZaSp_UPLOnE0g82mzQmcVm0shleDuc8b-Fgx1vk6J76Xbh4EcB9A/s4000/28B5BFF7-D2C9-4FFD-B6B7-E6A40A8D606B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmbmFiutZTsmt0ap4Q-R_hfdfPE60ZRlyJ6PDkSiYz-FtUpvn4jxQqp-tfmrkWE0Du-qQpuzHtoWHl-2o_pPNou-Mohhlgm4FSqveH8LElJMAbPN9_rX-e9VyNrv9fi5Vu3w0JXZaSp_UPLOnE0g82mzQmcVm0shleDuc8b-Fgx1vk6J76Xbh4EcB9A/w492-h369/28B5BFF7-D2C9-4FFD-B6B7-E6A40A8D606B.jpeg" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also spent a few days at anchor to reprovision and see the “real” Nassau. There was another great pirate museum, and lots of interesting shops to peruse. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCphR-JJzSoRocqwybys1fjd3z150lklFv0CHZRMcyKm_IQ2x-bpitmsisBxBRRTem61JbFVnSQY_3CzfCUEg073yDcCppMs-_xxSOB1PamPKRq32BG2_6-y0vptMmnyALsdk2Evo2maIKZsPCFXBmq7736UCx19XXqA3xUptEpYwAYh5PIFjCDLI5w/s4032/8A7372E6-B823-4B80-9363-2274A1B5D07A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCphR-JJzSoRocqwybys1fjd3z150lklFv0CHZRMcyKm_IQ2x-bpitmsisBxBRRTem61JbFVnSQY_3CzfCUEg073yDcCppMs-_xxSOB1PamPKRq32BG2_6-y0vptMmnyALsdk2Evo2maIKZsPCFXBmq7736UCx19XXqA3xUptEpYwAYh5PIFjCDLI5w/w500-h376/8A7372E6-B823-4B80-9363-2274A1B5D07A.jpeg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIggKViK9SX41noORISuNMp5wbJ_nDPezik3Ea5pr14jQrY35rgHV1C6MSwztPrPMmgsjK4CiIN6P5Mc7_bVnKTkE-KDN2QHsh_IZe75nbmZ-BQZTC-y9dkdDek6RQYOJKgPbqj8Pzjj69om6-kCgduvaWHQyDHA7MdwdqLE9gujmHA6mqmWoJl7Szw/s4032/89153FF0-F99C-4930-BA25-E48ECBB83965.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="487" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIggKViK9SX41noORISuNMp5wbJ_nDPezik3Ea5pr14jQrY35rgHV1C6MSwztPrPMmgsjK4CiIN6P5Mc7_bVnKTkE-KDN2QHsh_IZe75nbmZ-BQZTC-y9dkdDek6RQYOJKgPbqj8Pzjj69om6-kCgduvaWHQyDHA7MdwdqLE9gujmHA6mqmWoJl7Szw/w366-h487/89153FF0-F99C-4930-BA25-E48ECBB83965.jpeg" width="366" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a week, or so, we left Nassau and headed north towards Freeport. We planned to wait there for a good weather window to head to the US East Coast. It’s a long trip and involves the Gulf Stream, which adds significant challenges. Chuck, a good friend from Vancouver and previous crew-mate, would join us in Freeport to help us make our way north. On the way to Freeport, we caught 2 Barracudas, but had to throw them back because they aren’t good to eat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVv8r8rbaqGBu3TMidL0r8PJJKd2zp2wdEYbvn_BuDMU4dpF5DQDDGHDFLoDNVIwmPI8CrQFwEU1K-9scwmanNfbam4T1ytiCd8MBAjxgwcDPFVjIfwglBzZzzGFAvsnJwVcGh4jMhk6fC3q5dwlzff2SxTf0MVV1fRAyiY81VEEt_422feWzelbaLMQ/s4032/36EBFA77-A9CA-4538-A851-2837DE61AA66.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVv8r8rbaqGBu3TMidL0r8PJJKd2zp2wdEYbvn_BuDMU4dpF5DQDDGHDFLoDNVIwmPI8CrQFwEU1K-9scwmanNfbam4T1ytiCd8MBAjxgwcDPFVjIfwglBzZzzGFAvsnJwVcGh4jMhk6fC3q5dwlzff2SxTf0MVV1fRAyiY81VEEt_422feWzelbaLMQ/w460-h345/36EBFA77-A9CA-4538-A851-2837DE61AA66.jpeg" width="460" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In Freeport, we met a great family from Wisconsin who are living aboard their sailboat “Puddlejumper”. We hit it off right away and the kids played cards on the dock until after dark. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAMQstk49UzwnB4p0BK6n2hYUD7FqT_YPGA7b7VQKn5tynv64wFBOErgDcrPbxTABD-EFgbtUIoALKpWRptvUn2ZF5fTQ4EyTfIuUS7FeVmZkUDZ1XfPKYVszV87LQ9ZT16SuDA60SCY6j9D_ej6KCuvBqk3WjfJ2LycD47EX6kGF7di5NnThnGeH7A/s4032/2ACFE003-6213-4A00-8B3A-5EDD262C4A10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAMQstk49UzwnB4p0BK6n2hYUD7FqT_YPGA7b7VQKn5tynv64wFBOErgDcrPbxTABD-EFgbtUIoALKpWRptvUn2ZF5fTQ4EyTfIuUS7FeVmZkUDZ1XfPKYVszV87LQ9ZT16SuDA60SCY6j9D_ej6KCuvBqk3WjfJ2LycD47EX6kGF7di5NnThnGeH7A/w486-h365/2ACFE003-6213-4A00-8B3A-5EDD262C4A10.jpeg" width="486" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Keep checking back to the blog for our next adventures as we battle our way up the coasts of Florida, Georgia, South and North Carolina. Thunderstorms, Gales, and the Gulf Stream…oh my!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-83936524021516189592023-04-30T08:05:00.000-07:002023-04-30T08:05:22.882-07:00Da Bahamas!<p style="text-align: center;">We had heard from our trusted sailing friends on “Jayana” that the Bahamas had incredible cruising. They were right! The amazing wildlife, crystal clear water and endless anchorages make it a place that we could spend a lifetime. </p><p style="text-align: center;">When we arrived here, we had a great opportunity to visit a very remote atoll in the southern Bahamas because of a stretch of very settled weather. It was called Hogsty Reef and it was an unprotected dot in the middle of the ocean. There were many wrecks to dive, fish to hunt and even a few sharks around. All of this made for some very interesting snorkeling. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcP6DeCma6AJN4PxLb5v50Y4v7uTFOQaH1WRpiPMNZhi9rBOPbhV-Q1LA0zNWyVBI6TioBFTxX3vW-jy1vkp4CmhHd--r8U0Eg64gig8kVM5fYwlp35PaXrhjLY7eczV6MrnlLSjkunS809Z5WFz3842POeMcE8mjW8b54zDFNC-hFpEEHGn5r9yXDw/s2048/0C40C06A-E8A3-41D6-914C-A5687A2E2383.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="2048" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcP6DeCma6AJN4PxLb5v50Y4v7uTFOQaH1WRpiPMNZhi9rBOPbhV-Q1LA0zNWyVBI6TioBFTxX3vW-jy1vkp4CmhHd--r8U0Eg64gig8kVM5fYwlp35PaXrhjLY7eczV6MrnlLSjkunS809Z5WFz3842POeMcE8mjW8b54zDFNC-hFpEEHGn5r9yXDw/w530-h296/0C40C06A-E8A3-41D6-914C-A5687A2E2383.jpeg" width="530" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The visibility in the water was unreal. We have never been able to see nearly this far underwater anywhere else that we have visited. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzrdlX-CSpEj1vDowo8S3ybWXTRINX8CN5hZguy-leK5Ppuv8TyO0ORRkNGKeRn-IPwCXiXrscGVOcd5C3E0w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We saw many sharks while we were anchored at Hogsty Reef. It was unnerving to see them while we were snorkeling, but we quickly got used to it. It helped to have a spear gun - just in case! They are incredibly graceful and beautiful underneath the waters surface. We saw blacktip reef sharks and nurse sharks. None over 5-6 feet long. After the swimming was done, the kids decided to tie a fish head to a rope and attract all the sharks at once. It was a highlight for them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxONXIDQQItN23M7eOVCG7m4I6QN0hc8SzRx0ZEpn8K3QlMHX54guJ8QAytaj4TkwpKFOzSJ1dSb915MAUpGQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We managed to get some frightening close-up footage of the sharks with the GoPro as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dycPqHaoAwmbIPifQHXH9lJJJ8a4tlIgiqSJcburUISJ7BhRquL9R6AU5FesUvnElZmo3tZvxBabffRGFcCzQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, we found a nice & remote stretch of beach to chill and have a marshmallow roast. The water was super warm and we saw rays right from the beach. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4uDrXS4cB_tVsxEjlP00DyGb1cytnSugZg_plxWtGuD0byZqz5uuXj5mTjhXpfB0BnDgMxex1cFQxZoth8CnvtSfncWOVagZN8miUmFvXia_Ho13Q7ph_gNHROPjUOWm8qbo1wgMSZUGEj1gbJr448oQJcmq5kddsTf104X-dzUHX-MnnmUBTPHTkw/s960/2E4F095C-B9B6-40E2-B893-B80A8711FDA8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4uDrXS4cB_tVsxEjlP00DyGb1cytnSugZg_plxWtGuD0byZqz5uuXj5mTjhXpfB0BnDgMxex1cFQxZoth8CnvtSfncWOVagZN8miUmFvXia_Ho13Q7ph_gNHROPjUOWm8qbo1wgMSZUGEj1gbJr448oQJcmq5kddsTf104X-dzUHX-MnnmUBTPHTkw/w505-h284/2E4F095C-B9B6-40E2-B893-B80A8711FDA8.jpeg" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The anchorages in the Bahamas are so vast. It is shallow for miles, so you can literally put your boat anywhere you like. It’s pretty crazy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzKI1P-mtnfFclAS-cBSrg0hYlnqJ402DloMTumE7Zv8qPi_tvoNKaW9r3r1_XsQoHGVp8smVJeGz7DvECZlw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have become comfortable with snorkeling and holding our breath, so we wanted to visit a “Blue Hole”. These are narrow, very deep holes that are typically used by free divers to practice their craft. Dean’s Blue Hole is on Long Island in the Bahamas and is the second deepest blue hole on the planet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GfQat0LXajTmhnyQTnumz8SXiQqa6p_044E8oEhlkIG9KRw-cIQnZHrBSR2yCVftgW4MLmQIezl3IvwYhcJP0MXmggfM-ea--MRHAi75mtj6i9iJYMIXK37ved6L6i6cYpIkgb3Z-yVb-fmoXk8eXaajULo5lbjPC8atZtCweIskjY8VzafhCTeB_Q/s3525/D7617197-717E-455A-B298-5DE995BE7DFE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3525" data-original-width="2794" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GfQat0LXajTmhnyQTnumz8SXiQqa6p_044E8oEhlkIG9KRw-cIQnZHrBSR2yCVftgW4MLmQIezl3IvwYhcJP0MXmggfM-ea--MRHAi75mtj6i9iJYMIXK37ved6L6i6cYpIkgb3Z-yVb-fmoXk8eXaajULo5lbjPC8atZtCweIskjY8VzafhCTeB_Q/w358-h451/D7617197-717E-455A-B298-5DE995BE7DFE.jpeg" width="358" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The blue hole was surrounded by a conical sand beach that sloped down briefly and then dropped off into the abyss. The hole itself was only about 15-20 meters across, but was over 200 meters deep! The way that the sand fell slowly into the hole was mesmerizing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyGS7Ao-z9NRA8kvPJERx2YXv9t1jtXPAGDkSy2o1zH-g7EGm4A5BMt2PlSDL67rKpFKe-WILT_OqMsdCWKUw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stu tried to swim down as deep as possible, but only made it to 15-20 meters deep. Interestingly, once you reach that depth, you are no longer buoyant and you start to sink (because of the compression on your lungs). It’s an advantage for the free divers, but it’s a very creepy feeling. While we were there, some pro free divers were practicing for an upcoming global competition. One diver made it down to 110 meters that day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyQ0fygpLtuTAzK8QqG1lshn3jfMbxyWaPq6YVPMzuE07oBUPoVt4G66ukrXSwVNk-SmKvGb5QgejCAy83PCA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The free divers used this rope tethered to the bottom for safety. It was useful for the kids to pull themselves down to see how deep they could go. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyBxIn47l-IFSh-I2m0oLlrfy3wtBR3gXLexn59I-pN6GqRxcslJ9jMHBuRt6VMG7JqNlrctyb91uzlhwL6aw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The kids are growing up so fast on this trip and seeing so many wonderful things along the way. Micah had her 9th Birthday and got a nice boat cake! The candles spelled “Congrats”, but she wanted it to say “Goats” instead :). Eva from “Nahla” was there to celebrate with us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivREUCIJw5ERVCiGnui-nPAnp4XNeMAzpgMR5iStMpGK8FU_fno8R65tMDKunQqOlYhTmcRRQ_foeRSQf5V0II4Dz8TT4ImS_HlYHHL4RF7m1Mzn4MQJXDz7fdprBUw4RVmFc7FahlKzkskCVdDFuvaBAOqSRi9Gy78UlasEx_4gHWP9nBezTHtYXv3Q/s4032/B41A9A46-E7BA-47F5-9C45-693AA4FB82E6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivREUCIJw5ERVCiGnui-nPAnp4XNeMAzpgMR5iStMpGK8FU_fno8R65tMDKunQqOlYhTmcRRQ_foeRSQf5V0II4Dz8TT4ImS_HlYHHL4RF7m1Mzn4MQJXDz7fdprBUw4RVmFc7FahlKzkskCVdDFuvaBAOqSRi9Gy78UlasEx_4gHWP9nBezTHtYXv3Q/w477-h358/B41A9A46-E7BA-47F5-9C45-693AA4FB82E6.jpeg" width="477" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Bahamas are where Christopher Columbus first made landfall in 1492. We anchored near where it’s believed he and his crew first sighted land. Conception Island is now a nature reserve and it was stunningly beautiful. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxVXe3ijqN-eFdRmsgTFCTDXsOSD2KK8yl0NBBHKKykaXBM2lPGlpqsBxGXH6h-HTNGAHeqC3IG-c-Lc32FDQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We snorkeled near a tiny deserted island off of Conception Island and flew the drone for some scenic shots. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkx2LSrWfcAUNgHjxap7w6ouKsHc53o71tlGNCtBNOl8vaUgpT2HNPuA5C3RcukNTVmROjXz3dmO6ZKZq8H6bCOfRxYpCCzL-cYq1BtIHGqYzDXmE_bE6QpYO44PDwUzCH-9FJddVjcy5jtEFQVOklMV_ApeUTNobS7D_oV4SNJoKLiNdtVRGnCYXAQ/s960/C37AEADC-9194-42AE-9612-EE1C2F94D1A0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkx2LSrWfcAUNgHjxap7w6ouKsHc53o71tlGNCtBNOl8vaUgpT2HNPuA5C3RcukNTVmROjXz3dmO6ZKZq8H6bCOfRxYpCCzL-cYq1BtIHGqYzDXmE_bE6QpYO44PDwUzCH-9FJddVjcy5jtEFQVOklMV_ApeUTNobS7D_oV4SNJoKLiNdtVRGnCYXAQ/w539-h303/C37AEADC-9194-42AE-9612-EE1C2F94D1A0.jpeg" width="539" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At Conception Island, we dinghied up a tidal estuary and saw many rays and turtles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubvNLqa6E5A0GisJDya7qLYK2Fj76ZLhU3teFIHxkTMlB5bt-2p-O7063Z55dxusvGLxv6SGImnHMZR6zw0kuIhFXgZW-P6_V9oPbUK28qEmHNKV4dEYTtT_-fWu5TJgH0e4OGR092ChPxbafKn_LDf_ck7aL6P0R0C1rsao0S1U_nAzaOZBZwQFWyg/s4000/ADD89778-9303-4F6C-A7A8-E4D9C60560F9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubvNLqa6E5A0GisJDya7qLYK2Fj76ZLhU3teFIHxkTMlB5bt-2p-O7063Z55dxusvGLxv6SGImnHMZR6zw0kuIhFXgZW-P6_V9oPbUK28qEmHNKV4dEYTtT_-fWu5TJgH0e4OGR092ChPxbafKn_LDf_ck7aL6P0R0C1rsao0S1U_nAzaOZBZwQFWyg/w517-h388/ADD89778-9303-4F6C-A7A8-E4D9C60560F9.jpeg" width="517" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwYMwmunfPfCLCZqEQ6-d_8QVtzEoj9lwlNkuqtSI9vOhLouaUPhl5JGTF9R2jcLCkjftdaKTc6Xyx70UsbQw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyut42rxcv8grklsC8c_norqe8lDwrw4fvsSHm1XyGYj9sk7F9WFc4Gb1PqJITa17WV5lS1IZGWO6fg5BUcYg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a couple weeks of remote cruising, we were ready for some civilization. We sailed to Georgetown, the largest town in the Exuma Cays. It’s a place where a lot of Canadian and American cruisers spend the whole winter season. During our sail over, we got to practice our light wind sailing techniques, and flew the mizzen staysail. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sH8udgoBO4DBvqhoDtXGhAfQEwW1PzMs4XI7TcSPLy0eOD4FRsjfb0Vwilzh8tglGSoa-Wji0ofZUOsmPhyHxNL7NsAWcD_9EWxTAZjsCe10_cL11Rm9A_AtzbktYpSsPjZ5-fEE90qvc7Ot4rH5xYhMJxK6RUhCCvwx33_c3h4oKZSW4SDiG_eyWw/s4000/2B2E0CC7-F48D-4710-9235-38F6B7CFA199.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="535" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sH8udgoBO4DBvqhoDtXGhAfQEwW1PzMs4XI7TcSPLy0eOD4FRsjfb0Vwilzh8tglGSoa-Wji0ofZUOsmPhyHxNL7NsAWcD_9EWxTAZjsCe10_cL11Rm9A_AtzbktYpSsPjZ5-fEE90qvc7Ot4rH5xYhMJxK6RUhCCvwx33_c3h4oKZSW4SDiG_eyWw/w401-h535/2B2E0CC7-F48D-4710-9235-38F6B7CFA199.jpeg" width="401" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While we were in Georgetown, The Bahamian Annual Family Regatta was on. Teams come from all over the Bahamas to race traditional Bahamian Skiffs. The racing was awesome to see as we chased the sailboats around in our dinghy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX__enElz6PjMtE9x2APy_gOmV7qa-yY477rMDcaKfWY8AteYk-XAHGAlksfblGcP3MulfcMlFAXsjfQfbQC_ST4aBUpHHUValPbsQyLqnerlTyUCIluMbfMdIsWHnUweJWAApxijg3rnAYTEl54o7NR30D0jaui30ulK-bnOfqG_qvWk2-t0u8jk8Og/s4032/99DF4E12-2EBA-4F25-B8AD-B8EF22C98FF4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="523" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX__enElz6PjMtE9x2APy_gOmV7qa-yY477rMDcaKfWY8AteYk-XAHGAlksfblGcP3MulfcMlFAXsjfQfbQC_ST4aBUpHHUValPbsQyLqnerlTyUCIluMbfMdIsWHnUweJWAApxijg3rnAYTEl54o7NR30D0jaui30ulK-bnOfqG_qvWk2-t0u8jk8Og/w392-h523/99DF4E12-2EBA-4F25-B8AD-B8EF22C98FF4.jpeg" width="392" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the cruisers restaurant called “Chat-n-Chill”, the stingrays have gotten very accustomed to people and would come by for a quick touch on the back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dykEAE6D8sn9MkpBurKwdbCuQoA-zQrBR-m_4dhqN1afZNIJrqSqSig-CIY-oiOHvg88x6XSwTC-CDNYxaNWw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzpkqSVmdaHYeu_sijIucRwAtQOHXLy58_cPaXxa76YerudPT5FudNynJQhEj2wQLuE99U-AjOPOq2Rnv7X4A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Near Georgetown was a defunct marina complex with a blasted-out canal for dinghy access. It was great for cliff jumping!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbE0t1i0f5CXl-X4JjWU0hQjBlIN2dt_A7cwEAsJcMD_m7rqErl_VT43Z0FhTEa6xupV5HHlcTrZA0gJ81HRU07Fm9Knz9h92RaC4PMyd-BSNu7CTYDrUT15o7BpxHWYlPw8pCf-9jQe83TJW1XuZjQyMrv68IShN4lm8DWqKQspuKNv6ewjJmgSofQ/s4032/FC346B3C-EF7A-4906-A2DF-3EFD410E199F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbE0t1i0f5CXl-X4JjWU0hQjBlIN2dt_A7cwEAsJcMD_m7rqErl_VT43Z0FhTEa6xupV5HHlcTrZA0gJ81HRU07Fm9Knz9h92RaC4PMyd-BSNu7CTYDrUT15o7BpxHWYlPw8pCf-9jQe83TJW1XuZjQyMrv68IShN4lm8DWqKQspuKNv6ewjJmgSofQ/w488-h366/FC346B3C-EF7A-4906-A2DF-3EFD410E199F.jpeg" width="488" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were a few turtles in the canal as well and we got to swim with them too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahx-9LSSQwUEiDh0LZe4Vk6EBj4asf6WUEbGmalE4SJMysS4FXZZhmharXtdPstONcCrenzf898WxPxyInDXYE0J85LoWvIGbD-kFOXKpTb_pT7LTmaJNjVXJUNvf5_BfaT4zNWAilrLx2eBovNMuQOgG_01mb5yE1bvLcIXEVssim_32hwZ-AWiLRw/s4000/AC28697D-46A3-439B-834A-1176B83FE1AA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahx-9LSSQwUEiDh0LZe4Vk6EBj4asf6WUEbGmalE4SJMysS4FXZZhmharXtdPstONcCrenzf898WxPxyInDXYE0J85LoWvIGbD-kFOXKpTb_pT7LTmaJNjVXJUNvf5_BfaT4zNWAilrLx2eBovNMuQOgG_01mb5yE1bvLcIXEVssim_32hwZ-AWiLRw/w492-h369/AC28697D-46A3-439B-834A-1176B83FE1AA.jpeg" width="492" /></a>I</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzhrLzmIglrFhhz0JRyY-cI94lMwUWslf0r6fn0MWq59eMyiZtRmG9O6TDu5QVs1Fq7Dd5xlu7475vKApH8pQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After Georgetown, we will continue to sail north up the chain of Exuma Cays. We will take our time in this part of the world because it is unbelievably beautiful. We have plans to be in Nassau by the second week of May. Thanks for watching & reading! Feel free to comment or send us an email :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-13316691085978242632023-04-21T10:08:00.000-07:002023-04-21T10:08:04.777-07:00Walmart, horseback riding and flamingoes!<p>We have had to make quick miles northwestwards because we have a lot of ground to cover. We want to spend at least a month in the Bahamas, so we brushed the surface of both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. That involved some beautiful downwind sailing, and a couple overnight passages. </p><p>We stopped in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It has a rich history of Spanish settlement, fortification and has a very European feel to it. We anchored in San Juan’s big natural harbour. The harbour was the main reason this place was a perfect transfer point for all of the plundered riches of Central & South America (on their way to Europe in the 1500’s & beyond). The Spanish-American War in the late 1800’s saw the US take over control of this island. We were now back into the world of Walmart and cheeseburgers!</p><p>Right next to our anchorage was an “urban park” with 100 foot wide, overhead screens and fake grass. It was very surreal. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3YfApYfdvl2dz2gwqtrGq8ihC9z9EUyS6UqImpvky9_xWE49juux3xFZYwerJZIXdbNvJY5Z2RfbLcaNbkEaeNOcUS_xHnJsl1K-vU-m0Q_QD0-NTyRn3j5sJZf9F08p3HErKfHh2LQXVRb4baCatiaWbbz0x7l3WHHLK1xSlLSTtuCOHzG0UY2xVA/s3088/682F4931-1A8A-4672-859D-FA951E6DF848.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3YfApYfdvl2dz2gwqtrGq8ihC9z9EUyS6UqImpvky9_xWE49juux3xFZYwerJZIXdbNvJY5Z2RfbLcaNbkEaeNOcUS_xHnJsl1K-vU-m0Q_QD0-NTyRn3j5sJZf9F08p3HErKfHh2LQXVRb4baCatiaWbbz0x7l3WHHLK1xSlLSTtuCOHzG0UY2xVA/w501-h376/682F4931-1A8A-4672-859D-FA951E6DF848.jpeg" width="501" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The old fort had an amazing setting looking out over the Atlantic Ocean with cemetery in the foreground. This tells the tale of a long history of European occupation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtTMQQv0MXfy5KHy68XsIB_Zpmpc3Or5xuDarzZByxAThpj3MN7ZHs2SU_IAb4tCYGl3ZvQq5oQRFu-m7ym2Ke2EZLO6We_MMiAYDO02pW790592mwVca9mmKVfDRC2uir1p0rAIlQkrQcwzQa5ClJA5vXWZ1VzYtAszZuAldVv72Txc0eyAIvNq5cw/s3062/7DD0317C-43FD-4ACD-B9FB-F9DF42AE6E42.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="3062" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtTMQQv0MXfy5KHy68XsIB_Zpmpc3Or5xuDarzZByxAThpj3MN7ZHs2SU_IAb4tCYGl3ZvQq5oQRFu-m7ym2Ke2EZLO6We_MMiAYDO02pW790592mwVca9mmKVfDRC2uir1p0rAIlQkrQcwzQa5ClJA5vXWZ1VzYtAszZuAldVv72Txc0eyAIvNq5cw/w529-h266/7DD0317C-43FD-4ACD-B9FB-F9DF42AE6E42.jpeg" width="529" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The fortress was very impressive and was built in the 16th & 17th centuries. It was mainly used to defend attacks from rival European fleets and later from pirate attacks. It had massive walls that eventually included a large part of the old town. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3YKXgAykTy8ayMaBw6SOt5pXfa-diu5VqdGFoE9JIU6WpPqw6F2dEV-ndCffmKdOkerfGW7mL27OmT87tYl9yvAN-CbBAVPG1AN2fJJB-WvFeJAlqJRUgri3dKY7l-bgr_napF02YZ3MOW8sQYA3Qq0X6PZIA5Xc8u5rmTYxlo5Lz0JMXKaYMNnoBQ/s4032/9C6B155D-B73C-4324-9FF1-6D2B64667FFA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3YKXgAykTy8ayMaBw6SOt5pXfa-diu5VqdGFoE9JIU6WpPqw6F2dEV-ndCffmKdOkerfGW7mL27OmT87tYl9yvAN-CbBAVPG1AN2fJJB-WvFeJAlqJRUgri3dKY7l-bgr_napF02YZ3MOW8sQYA3Qq0X6PZIA5Xc8u5rmTYxlo5Lz0JMXKaYMNnoBQ/w530-h398/9C6B155D-B73C-4324-9FF1-6D2B64667FFA.jpeg" width="530" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Old Town San Juan was very cool with centuries of history and various eras of architecture. Touted as the “oldest city in the USA”, if feels very European because it was part of Spain until about 150 years ago. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dFxhzQdegMFB1LnmFi3_3NOIi1YLUjCbUqQhiCi1j_PTyIJD8-dVpLA5qMrMvemBq1_quk5gnmkvXLs1brRnDIBk859GSrMXKB0cypJv0AXDwh-o6-xZ0ZmMJlSJkyWeyzr3uIN6Xqyd7cqSYRoN6hXBSxkaQgCYSt21vTNx_OcJznf78QTACSW09A/s4032/5E5F42E5-2F2C-4232-BD3D-50A2840E9446.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dFxhzQdegMFB1LnmFi3_3NOIi1YLUjCbUqQhiCi1j_PTyIJD8-dVpLA5qMrMvemBq1_quk5gnmkvXLs1brRnDIBk859GSrMXKB0cypJv0AXDwh-o6-xZ0ZmMJlSJkyWeyzr3uIN6Xqyd7cqSYRoN6hXBSxkaQgCYSt21vTNx_OcJznf78QTACSW09A/w487-h365/5E5F42E5-2F2C-4232-BD3D-50A2840E9446.jpeg" width="487" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Many of the streets were beautifully decorated and the atmosphere was very festive. Generally, San Juan felt very safe, clean and friendly. We took the opportunity to re-provision the boat, take the girls to a modern mall, and be proper tourists, in general. It was a nice urban stop and our only landfall on Puerto Rico.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4v43hrDBZDsI6N2T9AuXIShJmGjfX87NYmbm13odXu8UYwSe0R7Y-CpvjHBEG9-r8aFYgzxl124MYEiS5lrd-Bt-9Re1Zta7erxE_7jFsYQtZY1a83hQH3rSpf1sDrw2DME0LeUPcG0syuer0UF1ARbCPsuQEXGWMWnSQSN5m2ndn6w7apwxU3cs7Q/s3088/D4A357AA-6B5C-4866-B51A-2EA7FB3A4008.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4v43hrDBZDsI6N2T9AuXIShJmGjfX87NYmbm13odXu8UYwSe0R7Y-CpvjHBEG9-r8aFYgzxl124MYEiS5lrd-Bt-9Re1Zta7erxE_7jFsYQtZY1a83hQH3rSpf1sDrw2DME0LeUPcG0syuer0UF1ARbCPsuQEXGWMWnSQSN5m2ndn6w7apwxU3cs7Q/w554-h416/D4A357AA-6B5C-4866-B51A-2EA7FB3A4008.jpeg" width="554" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was a small park where we could feed the local pigeons. They were very used to people and quite aggressive at times. It was fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJBSXIMRJOi7En74jZT372y0Cg3gywSAWTxnmFQxnnjwW2ueH5sUTOrMIe65C1t-Ax_TXAMuZHOJZrja--EmjxZ8ww_-RoYpwPJ-85QcVdozLDHWD17tv3xkkmtHHD4Y5xtV4yRkXrRooDZLtZOynGWdSE4XDFGopPKc3lVcu3OrmnNOBDtDn7SSWgg/s4032/235FA5C4-2201-484B-9305-55AA1EF7A70F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJBSXIMRJOi7En74jZT372y0Cg3gywSAWTxnmFQxnnjwW2ueH5sUTOrMIe65C1t-Ax_TXAMuZHOJZrja--EmjxZ8ww_-RoYpwPJ-85QcVdozLDHWD17tv3xkkmtHHD4Y5xtV4yRkXrRooDZLtZOynGWdSE4XDFGopPKc3lVcu3OrmnNOBDtDn7SSWgg/w352-h469/235FA5C4-2201-484B-9305-55AA1EF7A70F.jpeg" width="352" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUA_IDbl10uHvZwXVcBgyp0LCJBP2R5ibdNBoGwXJt9v0wP2pn5xi9bqYE1lnKVSohRZJ_LplbgwClFmHKgMhZ0bScCzO8CbFYZOVnvpdbbFhgTrse6XudcUqUaUUk6DHhac1l2E4uvNmspSQlPDbjyDoo8CC4iNaYpgwO-zzw1LP0i6TqTK0gK9AYQ/s4032/915CA2EE-8B1E-4A50-858A-2FC30C32AC0A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUA_IDbl10uHvZwXVcBgyp0LCJBP2R5ibdNBoGwXJt9v0wP2pn5xi9bqYE1lnKVSohRZJ_LplbgwClFmHKgMhZ0bScCzO8CbFYZOVnvpdbbFhgTrse6XudcUqUaUUk6DHhac1l2E4uvNmspSQlPDbjyDoo8CC4iNaYpgwO-zzw1LP0i6TqTK0gK9AYQ/w464-h348/915CA2EE-8B1E-4A50-858A-2FC30C32AC0A.jpeg" width="464" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">San Juan has many feral cats which are well looked after by the locals. Micah stopped to visit all of the cats that would let her pet them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsqALW14l3CZcNJByjZfO2iOqfFLTVdpcIsbJzAvZaOcae-wDgdS5ASPHGeZDcDqii3YdpiWo1m_L8yBDNhh66Bj9oLDa6S406Cklo7-yr-ghxdpXde5Ljp7OmDrbePRoCI4jKpbSBM84QSNkrLDm9OhXh_FTTm-z3FxBRkK0PheGKD1QjsMFGMUxLA/s4032/EC51B3CC-8677-4A0B-993B-8EC939322B5B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsqALW14l3CZcNJByjZfO2iOqfFLTVdpcIsbJzAvZaOcae-wDgdS5ASPHGeZDcDqii3YdpiWo1m_L8yBDNhh66Bj9oLDa6S406Cklo7-yr-ghxdpXde5Ljp7OmDrbePRoCI4jKpbSBM84QSNkrLDm9OhXh_FTTm-z3FxBRkK0PheGKD1QjsMFGMUxLA/w518-h389/EC51B3CC-8677-4A0B-993B-8EC939322B5B.jpeg" width="518" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, we spent 48 hours on passage and landed in the Dominican Republic. Luperon is a favourite with cruisers for its protected anchorage, friendly people and cheap prices. It did not disappoint, and had all of those things in spades. During our trip here, Stu almost amputated his right big toe by dropping a heavy hatch cover on it! Luckily, it ended up just being badly bruised and he hobbled around for a few days while healing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWSfIckkweDXiWDXTdHurfWY0S_F4kuAZEKIVv6yzwa8JJAQY_k_mr6t7u9J8Ls2tBlgecilGoU6NsYdo16uNfsZXXcHR4GaWahLZsnOmJ4SLXG6l5Q73luo4HNivGkjlDIDiSmDrjpXgzk5njN6iKMZlrId5tcB0W_m3cxBKWiyfmrx8Jr7v98v2Yw/s4032/380FA4F3-E0AE-4A8D-8980-87E6E48FF2C6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWSfIckkweDXiWDXTdHurfWY0S_F4kuAZEKIVv6yzwa8JJAQY_k_mr6t7u9J8Ls2tBlgecilGoU6NsYdo16uNfsZXXcHR4GaWahLZsnOmJ4SLXG6l5Q73luo4HNivGkjlDIDiSmDrjpXgzk5njN6iKMZlrId5tcB0W_m3cxBKWiyfmrx8Jr7v98v2Yw/w506-h380/380FA4F3-E0AE-4A8D-8980-87E6E48FF2C6.jpeg" width="506" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The check in procedure was very extensive, but friendly. The naval officer who inspected our boat (Richard) had a father-in-law that had horses - Micah’s dream! So we arranged some horseback riding through him. It all felt so welcoming and quaint. Richard gave the crew a ride to the ranch on his motorcycle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK74SFkCuIEylfBpE6QO4KgHlfP9WV7m139o2VGvX5GETRDC8Rvcly-3b5J75ccBbQVqdUkJuRlpOhnR8NuVLRLUgwdoJ12j3Efpc2hDP8Qd7i0lYozEHVGksCERi_P_HlAaTqRlmMLpwhrcahqDyg3oreIicW9yT3Us-GgF4lkQJmCNOJxG8GiKsI_A/s4032/CC64D7A0-850D-4FF3-B7C0-66E0A3EC3512.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK74SFkCuIEylfBpE6QO4KgHlfP9WV7m139o2VGvX5GETRDC8Rvcly-3b5J75ccBbQVqdUkJuRlpOhnR8NuVLRLUgwdoJ12j3Efpc2hDP8Qd7i0lYozEHVGksCERi_P_HlAaTqRlmMLpwhrcahqDyg3oreIicW9yT3Us-GgF4lkQJmCNOJxG8GiKsI_A/w478-h359/CC64D7A0-850D-4FF3-B7C0-66E0A3EC3512.jpeg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The surrounding landscape was very dry and interesting at this time of year. The horses were great and the hosts were super friendly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1R8CLlKmgbC9lqcq_FhNH40BF6-2chR4ZAsQL8x-emzUYbIfHjr4fsykHJA0eAALCKs1tDfisddaDNcaErxhc6JHOy3AE6D3YFXxMc4lKXoyCLgA-4yPW8wVcbYqb4SouPxYmjIri3kY4ZS0H9mXoJjYxFPretO4EYysDSdapMLnxUM7opLdUscJA-A/s4032/046D69D6-1E18-4DC5-8946-0FBCE32A4969.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1R8CLlKmgbC9lqcq_FhNH40BF6-2chR4ZAsQL8x-emzUYbIfHjr4fsykHJA0eAALCKs1tDfisddaDNcaErxhc6JHOy3AE6D3YFXxMc4lKXoyCLgA-4yPW8wVcbYqb4SouPxYmjIri3kY4ZS0H9mXoJjYxFPretO4EYysDSdapMLnxUM7opLdUscJA-A/w463-h347/046D69D6-1E18-4DC5-8946-0FBCE32A4969.jpeg" width="463" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The trails were right above the anchorage and you could get views down to the ocean all the time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gr1v8IHib0xY_XCfuRYD_MRP7acoOGovMXq_EPhR2RaV6ZHWX-wCwtkzmn2WLjMYzvFVCgCX2z7avGPltNlic2i0Pw__vEzejeP_trRTdKISKcbCmriVcG7T6qr7R_ro_qP_1Eg4S9G7yEcEVQZNNwSDeoK5vf25NUPNe4MRdULmOmu0ylYNQ_68-Q/s4032/4F8267EB-0273-4EAB-9FA7-EB8F23D01E22.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gr1v8IHib0xY_XCfuRYD_MRP7acoOGovMXq_EPhR2RaV6ZHWX-wCwtkzmn2WLjMYzvFVCgCX2z7avGPltNlic2i0Pw__vEzejeP_trRTdKISKcbCmriVcG7T6qr7R_ro_qP_1Eg4S9G7yEcEVQZNNwSDeoK5vf25NUPNe4MRdULmOmu0ylYNQ_68-Q/w453-h340/4F8267EB-0273-4EAB-9FA7-EB8F23D01E22.jpeg" width="453" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of the trails would wind through surreal landscapes that looked like something out of “The Lord of the Rings”. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwPt37S7GbjJRyQITnXNKW-tZCXurrpS7DKp58HfMOaXJr9CaT3eWexawLwzyRlYURHhrUYeRTGJzzvvAVFJA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The DR is very into baseball and softball. We watched a game one evening and were impressed by how skilled the players were. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWyGlw113JlIRw4AqLeWxRoPucD3VIi_fdFFbtxzKG0KqNmBllbefabR0p4WfN-KM7sHQ26JSZ_xuS6A66yGcGYCdgouSy4yTv8xDVWOLG3L3oxl6wbVZFYc92raJbH9W4ty7cnbeXcsqZRdeHdz0BfLoGgWA5AH5SYSX_4wW0LXlygMaHdWPSd7Tyg/s4032/5A8AEAD4-86C1-49C0-BFEF-15BF879D6377.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWyGlw113JlIRw4AqLeWxRoPucD3VIi_fdFFbtxzKG0KqNmBllbefabR0p4WfN-KM7sHQ26JSZ_xuS6A66yGcGYCdgouSy4yTv8xDVWOLG3L3oxl6wbVZFYc92raJbH9W4ty7cnbeXcsqZRdeHdz0BfLoGgWA5AH5SYSX_4wW0LXlygMaHdWPSd7Tyg/w492-h369/5A8AEAD4-86C1-49C0-BFEF-15BF879D6377.jpeg" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On our last day in Luperon we made friends with a family who had a Chihuahua puppy named “Dumbo”. He was the cutest little thing we had seen in a long time. He weighed about one pound and was very cuddly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8hTtcaG__4yPaoS49_xoXimYWuA2J2eLJd1k6FuDmTGqwmiqbcTPHrqDkbF4YnInoCctDdYF33nw3W9Ei6N7d4pl0DpcsPiAwNTQhQanCfgUAbkP0hjRVPPdgsEEjW35Dyep_R16ymFIMaWTCjZo4UZwaeND_aRxmkC_ldivwipSiYWNT4jw1QWzYw/s4032/49AD173E-DC49-45D6-9078-61DEAD6D2953.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8hTtcaG__4yPaoS49_xoXimYWuA2J2eLJd1k6FuDmTGqwmiqbcTPHrqDkbF4YnInoCctDdYF33nw3W9Ei6N7d4pl0DpcsPiAwNTQhQanCfgUAbkP0hjRVPPdgsEEjW35Dyep_R16ymFIMaWTCjZo4UZwaeND_aRxmkC_ldivwipSiYWNT4jw1QWzYw/w337-h449/49AD173E-DC49-45D6-9078-61DEAD6D2953.jpeg" width="337" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After leaving Luperon, we sailed north to the Bahamas and checked in at Great Inagua Island. The Bahamas cover a huge area, so we will keep moving north towards Nassau every few days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We reunited with our Québécois friends aboard “Jayana” here and met some new friends aboard “Nahla”. With them, we did a back-of-truck tour of Great Inagua Island. It’s known for salt production, flamingoes and a huge lighthouse. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSatvAPtPMiHgcDq1DPtlCH_yfNlBJuc0AzEQ6Cvt5_E76NPpO7sh9JM7BxJRQFU_aOZXzlxaifwEoNIyQwDiEwCMuTV0mu3KyGO1Prh9wnalmgKi2DQ44_5GlTmmxLN8VuouKwtoQL9n6XA2KKthr2TPhTHJ3UhxGXa3FDIy7ZKD2cdIAn89OMiKDQ/s4032/F68C2323-D644-44A2-A94E-C5393BF1AA0C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSatvAPtPMiHgcDq1DPtlCH_yfNlBJuc0AzEQ6Cvt5_E76NPpO7sh9JM7BxJRQFU_aOZXzlxaifwEoNIyQwDiEwCMuTV0mu3KyGO1Prh9wnalmgKi2DQ44_5GlTmmxLN8VuouKwtoQL9n6XA2KKthr2TPhTHJ3UhxGXa3FDIy7ZKD2cdIAn89OMiKDQ/w510-h383/F68C2323-D644-44A2-A94E-C5393BF1AA0C.jpeg" width="510" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were mountains of salt as far as the eye could see! It is harvested from evaporated sea water that sits in the enormous natural pools near the shoreline. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoEWPUfFSnoKADzS8SA5WvLULRWj2et6P_gwu4OWLCQu4lUsNsj0cts0WYiFaadfO9EStRP_pJqYgfePYkwhSsWWzspjCS4x5Kfu4grK3Zd4oSDVoMKRFH9p_NiiFiBSNnEZbKEcD475mN9gxm4MrofiOc34RhKNw7XY49V-FYwj8YhQkTwTp-SIrFw/s4032/7B6CF495-00E5-4B67-907C-2F795AE5111E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoEWPUfFSnoKADzS8SA5WvLULRWj2et6P_gwu4OWLCQu4lUsNsj0cts0WYiFaadfO9EStRP_pJqYgfePYkwhSsWWzspjCS4x5Kfu4grK3Zd4oSDVoMKRFH9p_NiiFiBSNnEZbKEcD475mN9gxm4MrofiOc34RhKNw7XY49V-FYwj8YhQkTwTp-SIrFw/w466-h350/7B6CF495-00E5-4B67-907C-2F795AE5111E.jpeg" width="466" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDJsgvD0xJ7Xa1irtgmSDOzrzIVnYptFXj8hEYKX25H8FfhaZ8mJb_v0A4uw5pSwtrizRBFOpn94HDVS1viORmEE3eCCYduXEvRt7MITPQiHF6UX27IfGhckssIMe85qi06Idz9gxAZg895PuBQpm9BFNRqmeuGBV-SCb_hPYhk9mQu9LLxqDOfkMTA/s4032/09B4F255-CB7B-4668-9570-F5C7AE17380B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDJsgvD0xJ7Xa1irtgmSDOzrzIVnYptFXj8hEYKX25H8FfhaZ8mJb_v0A4uw5pSwtrizRBFOpn94HDVS1viORmEE3eCCYduXEvRt7MITPQiHF6UX27IfGhckssIMe85qi06Idz9gxAZg895PuBQpm9BFNRqmeuGBV-SCb_hPYhk9mQu9LLxqDOfkMTA/w373-h497/09B4F255-CB7B-4668-9570-F5C7AE17380B.jpeg" width="373" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The wild flamingo population is thriving here and was rehabilitated by naturalists many years ago. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5VO0LaPuKRe5HkgXdSrRybQ0jrMbzvBw1RkyP7L5Z5j7mytwjOgwdD4YsOxkO48k1uqK3syYJxizcEuyakLHPhyfw6zGG-mK2LlgLlZNuzWcNEyI6XVPTYEuH3MJicMZOYGXLVIsVruAYYr4X019BILeq1936UazcqtA9af44smgwHQLZ7gDwH3GiQ/s3434/D297DCE7-1642-4B08-A719-0C8079B4705B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1846" data-original-width="3434" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5VO0LaPuKRe5HkgXdSrRybQ0jrMbzvBw1RkyP7L5Z5j7mytwjOgwdD4YsOxkO48k1uqK3syYJxizcEuyakLHPhyfw6zGG-mK2LlgLlZNuzWcNEyI6XVPTYEuH3MJicMZOYGXLVIsVruAYYr4X019BILeq1936UazcqtA9af44smgwHQLZ7gDwH3GiQ/w538-h289/D297DCE7-1642-4B08-A719-0C8079B4705B.jpeg" width="538" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also visited an old decommissioned lighthouse that was about 100 years old. All of these islands are extremely low-lying and were very difficult to see in years past prior to modern GPS navigation. Before the lighthouses were built, shipwrecks were a regular occurrence around the Bahamas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj588vN3wO1-PHHaVc_03_SuFvWVnI4QK24NfBWPoMUYSrYn77c-qcCLuqFGenoOdFnzN6m3Ex2frr0ogjJxt-InFq7RdffqyGyFFoWhDkGpDOkdc9FcWdvpGqTHIp-4JvA-4RycIDFdEnve5O3LbJGFIeAEvWtWS4XjOQUz9OFbvWpJ_4xfZ2PoEr7eQ/s4032/18EC7579-D43C-4E4F-8C39-64FA5DD74F04.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj588vN3wO1-PHHaVc_03_SuFvWVnI4QK24NfBWPoMUYSrYn77c-qcCLuqFGenoOdFnzN6m3Ex2frr0ogjJxt-InFq7RdffqyGyFFoWhDkGpDOkdc9FcWdvpGqTHIp-4JvA-4RycIDFdEnve5O3LbJGFIeAEvWtWS4XjOQUz9OFbvWpJ_4xfZ2PoEr7eQ/w456-h342/18EC7579-D43C-4E4F-8C39-64FA5DD74F04.jpeg" width="456" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdolO5BXAbaXy_f8s0QyJPNVUX-tBSRjzMD2-mmHfQpYvCziFzCSOz31X0Xshn844UoYMxHmc4mM7B73uDCzLWQwI4yit-yL5v6vb8bUPg3kJiz30e9lZ2BZ_UvKh0kvvyPh63IEN0SYQAOrMnHqmvVoA2FYfz_hzpd16CsBakmRwS69BreFidMqghA/s4096/751F927C-EB55-4723-8426-A3D6E492CA7B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="4096" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdolO5BXAbaXy_f8s0QyJPNVUX-tBSRjzMD2-mmHfQpYvCziFzCSOz31X0Xshn844UoYMxHmc4mM7B73uDCzLWQwI4yit-yL5v6vb8bUPg3kJiz30e9lZ2BZ_UvKh0kvvyPh63IEN0SYQAOrMnHqmvVoA2FYfz_hzpd16CsBakmRwS69BreFidMqghA/w651-h142/751F927C-EB55-4723-8426-A3D6E492CA7B.jpeg" width="651" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Climbing the spiral staircase inside the lighthouse was a dizzying experience. It was about 150 feet tall!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_TrIiFjeb1s7wQ5_Ix9X7ntfhNXvzmOsaI3L0GBxBvjZfqx3mX7BDBaJAxnif-kkZuvy-w4TrXsK8MrKANX8cPqEpPLwg0fRhG4QzqrSWutdOCdDFCcCl0lBP__OkBntlgulwrFcfiXFpkFHlKCKhg5yIA63WIP0QrZlKV7iH2GeqvLDor9vaw3jxA/s4032/B1479DE8-39CC-4FDE-BF36-BB390D490BA8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_TrIiFjeb1s7wQ5_Ix9X7ntfhNXvzmOsaI3L0GBxBvjZfqx3mX7BDBaJAxnif-kkZuvy-w4TrXsK8MrKANX8cPqEpPLwg0fRhG4QzqrSWutdOCdDFCcCl0lBP__OkBntlgulwrFcfiXFpkFHlKCKhg5yIA63WIP0QrZlKV7iH2GeqvLDor9vaw3jxA/w398-h531/B1479DE8-39CC-4FDE-BF36-BB390D490BA8.jpeg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We will continue northwards in the Bahama Island Chain. With its stunning azure-coloured water and its endless number of protected anchorages, we really think we’re going to love it here in the Bahamas. We will take our time and explore this water world before heading to Nassau by mid May. There, we will wait for a suitable weather window to make it up the Chesapeake Bay by early June. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-87023154596226194112023-03-25T15:54:00.004-07:002023-03-25T15:54:59.523-07:00Antigua & The Virgin Islands<p> We are finally catching up (in the blog) to where we currently are right now… The Virgin Islands. We didn’t know this, but there are British, US AND Spanish Virgin Islands (the latter are part of Puerto Rico).</p><p>After we left Guadeloupe, we headed due north to Antigua, which had a very British vibe to it. We had to say goodbye to some close friends that we have loved traveling with over the past few months. James, Kathy, Max & Bea aboard “Luna” have ended their boating adventure in Antigua and plan to travel around Central and North America before heading home to the UK in the summer. Simon, Penny, Oscar & Skye aboard “Starry Knight” were slowing their progress north because they aren’t heading to the USA as we are. They will go back south for Hurricane Season.</p><p>We had so much fun with all of them. Here Officer Micah has Pirate Max prisoner at Nelson’s Dockyard, on Antigua.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUJDnA4_S5v0GCkCI7M5vjMn0y6UpGnP-u7FMFs_b9IcWuLz9Ib1G5WDUNrk2SiQjyplKeyxXHhkFtQiiUOJOHPsF3AdUZ4RSkLdVnKc4TejsOBLjETh8HO0qK4BEuADSixtTGRzRv41rfdaeQ3o8oMWGlsfq5fkk1TrpKwxnYdmLhvqTRs7lrhuQNA/s589/BB94301B-D75C-4268-96A6-0EEC4CE1180D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="589" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUJDnA4_S5v0GCkCI7M5vjMn0y6UpGnP-u7FMFs_b9IcWuLz9Ib1G5WDUNrk2SiQjyplKeyxXHhkFtQiiUOJOHPsF3AdUZ4RSkLdVnKc4TejsOBLjETh8HO0qK4BEuADSixtTGRzRv41rfdaeQ3o8oMWGlsfq5fkk1TrpKwxnYdmLhvqTRs7lrhuQNA/w499-h267/BB94301B-D75C-4268-96A6-0EEC4CE1180D.jpeg" width="499" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nelson’s Dockyard was a very interesting British Naval Outpost which was established in the 1700’s to protect England’s Caribbean interests. The site is extremely well fortified and preserved with a great museum. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXw72zYlbH4NAe0T2lK-urvDWNXUGylAsNcBtHnHebRYpJxPf9LDMEu5v2qStBCjHeFG0MPuW3gvT3h-zNygRCHuTcdNq4vELjWYaslH2j_OdmVz0VHQ-khkAB_G1FMStzdO_1BJON6EoKSzTwcU2e4SXrbb3vXz-oPpHvH2_7NW490n_21cKvQveArw/s4032/7EB3E571-8E35-43C6-8DE9-3DF51F93BDF1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXw72zYlbH4NAe0T2lK-urvDWNXUGylAsNcBtHnHebRYpJxPf9LDMEu5v2qStBCjHeFG0MPuW3gvT3h-zNygRCHuTcdNq4vELjWYaslH2j_OdmVz0VHQ-khkAB_G1FMStzdO_1BJON6EoKSzTwcU2e4SXrbb3vXz-oPpHvH2_7NW490n_21cKvQveArw/w495-h371/7EB3E571-8E35-43C6-8DE9-3DF51F93BDF1.jpeg" width="495" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxwWdy0njZs0TPZIUvFGeLcZmpKw5QRgZgxDU4PCKQlWkHC8wkHEBp33rGbTwzPo4UeIMwRYwbzcTIPQoV2yJ--DTeBWo45gHeZp2n8WQ4XEwaW8VCF71d5hkblba4h95f1xTo4tEuXJzG2HV6NpwwFDE4alJvB09XQIKbuITFVSxX8vsTZDbZB6pAA/s3398/9E8BEF70-118D-4D2B-936E-C42B5E952448.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2692" data-original-width="3398" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxwWdy0njZs0TPZIUvFGeLcZmpKw5QRgZgxDU4PCKQlWkHC8wkHEBp33rGbTwzPo4UeIMwRYwbzcTIPQoV2yJ--DTeBWo45gHeZp2n8WQ4XEwaW8VCF71d5hkblba4h95f1xTo4tEuXJzG2HV6NpwwFDE4alJvB09XQIKbuITFVSxX8vsTZDbZB6pAA/w486-h386/9E8BEF70-118D-4D2B-936E-C42B5E952448.jpeg" width="486" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The dockyard is still active today and has a marina, sail loft and lots of interesting things going on. Aria & Micah got along really well with Max & Bea which made traveling together so fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbyuvELJyrt6OEaHxPnxrvs4kIcZXDneCRgBN8apMuk6JjAakhEKb6-Q1YnyzWYC9STgsYDuHzV1WnXbl4ukZ5PmPn9BfgwJGtXGU4tatzBUTFIsVcVpWIu4ugXh15mEAnmj4TfDtkkC0ckziRjFNQaMdNozSOM9cEvOMdxWrg6eUWilH67Y6LVT1ow/s4032/4496FDD6-FCE7-4197-B162-ED4FB32AAA01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbyuvELJyrt6OEaHxPnxrvs4kIcZXDneCRgBN8apMuk6JjAakhEKb6-Q1YnyzWYC9STgsYDuHzV1WnXbl4ukZ5PmPn9BfgwJGtXGU4tatzBUTFIsVcVpWIu4ugXh15mEAnmj4TfDtkkC0ckziRjFNQaMdNozSOM9cEvOMdxWrg6eUWilH67Y6LVT1ow/w502-h377/4496FDD6-FCE7-4197-B162-ED4FB32AAA01.jpeg" width="502" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the marina in Jolly Harbour, Antigua, Micah got to go up the mast to help with some lines that are led up there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKq3Ppnc8zjAbVg-C7S4KGCrEwEEh82x0qmJsH08_Kg5lUe0EI2sEzjftYcOXWeBDZi1u7fOcDH1552G-TB6tr6KfpumR-1itiGneCV9lAXumc1nJFLaBxFROU5jqTny71OjJD5IMzPsqhFllAIO_xG9U2Udm-_uN0_5cWZrf_fSg-XAWiJbPl49reQA/s4032/980AF3C2-7DF0-4668-9482-7125FFB6987E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="495" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKq3Ppnc8zjAbVg-C7S4KGCrEwEEh82x0qmJsH08_Kg5lUe0EI2sEzjftYcOXWeBDZi1u7fOcDH1552G-TB6tr6KfpumR-1itiGneCV9lAXumc1nJFLaBxFROU5jqTny71OjJD5IMzPsqhFllAIO_xG9U2Udm-_uN0_5cWZrf_fSg-XAWiJbPl49reQA/w371-h495/980AF3C2-7DF0-4668-9482-7125FFB6987E.jpeg" width="371" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unfortunately, the time had come when we had to say goodbye to all of our amazing friends from “Luna” & “Starry Knight”. Until next time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxmY_oScC9Z37KCbjVM7FZmuHgySg-ygGKReMsKp0l9dEj086rzcZ41pM-48DVQF7qr4kotTh3vc4yChDsRk49A3nFIf2D-b6q8jwq-hVXi3D6eQw4Ye7s_WIdeio_r6UJD3LxZW5w0WnaVQ7-Tj9UTlq-7es8wTpIHdhl7T2_45YyWLzaAJzXNxM4A/s4032/C290E1D2-2C86-4915-9ECA-D48631DE4D17.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxmY_oScC9Z37KCbjVM7FZmuHgySg-ygGKReMsKp0l9dEj086rzcZ41pM-48DVQF7qr4kotTh3vc4yChDsRk49A3nFIf2D-b6q8jwq-hVXi3D6eQw4Ye7s_WIdeio_r6UJD3LxZW5w0WnaVQ7-Tj9UTlq-7es8wTpIHdhl7T2_45YyWLzaAJzXNxM4A/w490-h368/C290E1D2-2C86-4915-9ECA-D48631DE4D17.jpeg" width="490" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, we did a 48 hour sail to the British Virgin Islands. We checked in at Soper’s Hole and headed to the north side of Tortola where we found some surf! This is Cane Garden Bay, but we couldn’t stay there because the anchorage didn’t feel very secure. We headed further around the coast and found an amazing, quiet bay with perfect 2 foot waves. Stu caught a few nice waves on the inflatable SUP!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yPQhFpCZi4_kzzCTA730J-sn9NQsZqebP_-OxV07a5gw2meUvovj4BUKbeq5ftxVtuEyzkFaI89BNSrJ1mHBzo6N9CIPlZ-TYAFOFbiZNd2PyKdqcMOj9AihQ4VMlduHmMN3tR_2YUWiapWIbOcfe3ySOluPUV--8pVvXoyzYh5MDRJywOtgpn26PQ/s3014/945B3D7C-ADBB-4D28-9687-4062062EE47C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2097" data-original-width="3014" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yPQhFpCZi4_kzzCTA730J-sn9NQsZqebP_-OxV07a5gw2meUvovj4BUKbeq5ftxVtuEyzkFaI89BNSrJ1mHBzo6N9CIPlZ-TYAFOFbiZNd2PyKdqcMOj9AihQ4VMlduHmMN3tR_2YUWiapWIbOcfe3ySOluPUV--8pVvXoyzYh5MDRJywOtgpn26PQ/w481-h335/945B3D7C-ADBB-4D28-9687-4062062EE47C.jpeg" width="481" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bay with nice, small surf was called Long Bay, and the beach had a sign pointing to Tofino. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeIkTv5vlCHKiGKgJQxzCv8wp8E7oHHVgLy8_Ydd8PAk3ZNfGd9NjjKLr7HmdPFx4obFPzvCzmExiKJfqbI6PqTb8GoT35WOn2guy2YJjSoAnHssmFfSzTTH4ea9I8NE3fVdy489sJQ27jdBFwB_nNOPiJT1yOiy7vD8-0va8L4mVcL921-TwsYQDXQ/s4032/EB3A6857-49D2-4E2C-9A4D-3899687D073B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeIkTv5vlCHKiGKgJQxzCv8wp8E7oHHVgLy8_Ydd8PAk3ZNfGd9NjjKLr7HmdPFx4obFPzvCzmExiKJfqbI6PqTb8GoT35WOn2guy2YJjSoAnHssmFfSzTTH4ea9I8NE3fVdy489sJQ27jdBFwB_nNOPiJT1yOiy7vD8-0va8L4mVcL921-TwsYQDXQ/w372-h496/EB3A6857-49D2-4E2C-9A4D-3899687D073B.jpeg" width="372" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We stopped in Road Harbour for the day and found a wonderful bookstore (and got really, really close to a moving cruise ship!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmNqWCLTVCuqS3duKgZXBitm54uvJvH1MrKCBca7MdcWN05If7PDXpxLxqHJeYlxZHkfp7GVhs4hxtr_NE9Ghteha4D6gEU_FXHTQGdlVp6qlMJmdyUYaX7rULs9v8MEW7ELvWNIBg2IohXisQEH-R4T_dqeYqm0khyyu42VO6XB6tr-3vjl7t4TeVg/s4032/E77B775E-0F31-43A2-A66F-DACC918A4163.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmNqWCLTVCuqS3duKgZXBitm54uvJvH1MrKCBca7MdcWN05If7PDXpxLxqHJeYlxZHkfp7GVhs4hxtr_NE9Ghteha4D6gEU_FXHTQGdlVp6qlMJmdyUYaX7rULs9v8MEW7ELvWNIBg2IohXisQEH-R4T_dqeYqm0khyyu42VO6XB6tr-3vjl7t4TeVg/w498-h374/E77B775E-0F31-43A2-A66F-DACC918A4163.jpeg" width="498" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, we sailed over to Norman Island (everything is super close in the BVIs), and went to a floating restaurant/pirate ship called Willy T’s. Aria & Stu jumped off the back of the restaurant many, many times. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_CK4jhP9Md23cpQYhf6bKq6XOpXRV1AmsSbXIDsQDLTCDpulzTRMvgjtSsUQwYL1hqv9OQYXZaSt83gMAJO2RU4VvHKzBmr9iuhC3rF1QGCKx_NzkIoFBcZJRVFPBHXmRwv6DSoWgNPWiXYNVOqRF4TtVSRr2F252OZM51dkfUzTMXDlGFYre0Z2gQ/s4032/9A87D302-3974-4674-8409-230D1BCD3469.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_CK4jhP9Md23cpQYhf6bKq6XOpXRV1AmsSbXIDsQDLTCDpulzTRMvgjtSsUQwYL1hqv9OQYXZaSt83gMAJO2RU4VvHKzBmr9iuhC3rF1QGCKx_NzkIoFBcZJRVFPBHXmRwv6DSoWgNPWiXYNVOqRF4TtVSRr2F252OZM51dkfUzTMXDlGFYre0Z2gQ/w507-h380/9A87D302-3974-4674-8409-230D1BCD3469.jpeg" width="507" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Around the corner from this anchorage were some breathtaking caves that we snorkelled into</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAErzAvV-oROJjL0l68Z2dDRyGafvR6SmaaX-t4KMhs8tMkBGyV9gEGSPO_f_oU0BzWDU5nq-epkBhb81iVCB-0K5fjnh42rUkzIE5LKE_4lq6fLW213xA_nO_aOYt2Bqnu08eGMXyUNF7gyyvsTZKNZUgeMY8PsvN1HIrJhCAJ_1c_WgpnoiFpv8LJQ/s4000/73CE8C74-E6E1-4C33-901C-69A0DC16C7D8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAErzAvV-oROJjL0l68Z2dDRyGafvR6SmaaX-t4KMhs8tMkBGyV9gEGSPO_f_oU0BzWDU5nq-epkBhb81iVCB-0K5fjnh42rUkzIE5LKE_4lq6fLW213xA_nO_aOYt2Bqnu08eGMXyUNF7gyyvsTZKNZUgeMY8PsvN1HIrJhCAJ_1c_WgpnoiFpv8LJQ/w483-h362/73CE8C74-E6E1-4C33-901C-69A0DC16C7D8.jpeg" width="483" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwOFjpN6xZU6cvsiQjiiQapvbeJ0Z5C6W2wPikE2_GuEPK2n9b8d2GbZN15pGmJ8pgfMDSkNphL8eC5AV4wuQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The life around the reefs down in the Caribbean continually blows us away. Here is a video of some really cool needle fish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxPaaY6QulJa7Id_w67CavZ4oByBz7J3Xz390pg8CCqgZhOnZ_OvgpJbym9t2x2ZXOAnaLvdO-OaS-cl_L7ug' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are starting to feel a bit of pressure to push northwest towards the Bahamas, so we moved onto the US Virgin Islands after only 5 days in the BVIs. The USVIs have a very different feel, but we enjoyed them a lot. We anchored in the main harbour of Charlotte Amalie, the city on St. Thomas. There is quite a bit of pirate history here and we dove right into it. There was a great pirate museum in town. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMZzs6ymx-K30D-cFMDt0WHa41DDreWNU03KmvxmZvxhySXSTDpTLQoO0yFJzf55eOkuyBh2KqWWV3jH35-H_idemOY97RkV85dJeBBtVoXbsN9pCVAn9AdfVPeGy7Q-uTk_dVcyLswHzgABg4OQP6diqDU-MxpBBFWnx0RLSrWBRwksrSmE6ELRp2w/s4032/30934CDD-7A83-4320-9DAC-AC64F97200E3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMZzs6ymx-K30D-cFMDt0WHa41DDreWNU03KmvxmZvxhySXSTDpTLQoO0yFJzf55eOkuyBh2KqWWV3jH35-H_idemOY97RkV85dJeBBtVoXbsN9pCVAn9AdfVPeGy7Q-uTk_dVcyLswHzgABg4OQP6diqDU-MxpBBFWnx0RLSrWBRwksrSmE6ELRp2w/w493-h370/30934CDD-7A83-4320-9DAC-AC64F97200E3.jpeg" width="493" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We checked out Blackbeards Castle which was originally built by the Danish in the 1600s, but later used by the famous pirate as a lookout. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHoMaYA4oCZG0fMXpMzjneR5ckDv2bZgiqGte0zbuKt2foojCwW0oGNHVhCtlw-_KOk_-iQFo85DdnyABZMo2FF_eKXqiS4HJ-MV3xJHvhEnhsZGBYXNULkezYI8K9UaWPY2mPkKjptwNRVFOiRuIeThSKCjcUNgFLrdpeNopTd2RzMYXlMCp4EVtAw/s4032/EB6431A9-059A-4C7E-9B4B-5E5B328E46A4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHoMaYA4oCZG0fMXpMzjneR5ckDv2bZgiqGte0zbuKt2foojCwW0oGNHVhCtlw-_KOk_-iQFo85DdnyABZMo2FF_eKXqiS4HJ-MV3xJHvhEnhsZGBYXNULkezYI8K9UaWPY2mPkKjptwNRVFOiRuIeThSKCjcUNgFLrdpeNopTd2RzMYXlMCp4EVtAw/w505-h379/EB6431A9-059A-4C7E-9B4B-5E5B328E46A4.jpeg" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It rained really hard one day and gave the boat a good rinse. The rainbow at then end of the storm was spectacular!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgQQ6Ef2IExu7Kg8x3KCj_9xQybRQnp_cLfeGQw_NZaOo7pMZTTOECrTotUxGM1UM93UdHGbWYsm2-_AA7MboxagrBAtA6bvIARl7AgTu-CiivhW3yg75Gu7_qUL9lfQ3uCXZvsLeCxpy00usX0jweRYUWeN3cLSY0d2VycAcAt8YPY0errXrIBZF4A/s3024/08318CDF-A6CD-4B60-BD55-64350D53844F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2174" data-original-width="3024" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgQQ6Ef2IExu7Kg8x3KCj_9xQybRQnp_cLfeGQw_NZaOo7pMZTTOECrTotUxGM1UM93UdHGbWYsm2-_AA7MboxagrBAtA6bvIARl7AgTu-CiivhW3yg75Gu7_qUL9lfQ3uCXZvsLeCxpy00usX0jweRYUWeN3cLSY0d2VycAcAt8YPY0errXrIBZF4A/w510-h367/08318CDF-A6CD-4B60-BD55-64350D53844F.jpeg" width="510" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before we arrived in Charlotte Amalie, we had been in contact with another kid boat on a WhatsApp Group especially for connecting kids. They also had 2 girls, 13 and 8 years old. Our kids became fast friends and hung out together a lot while we were there. This life on boats is so interesting that way… total strangers can quickly become friends with so little effort because you already share similar interests. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo60iVS-1PDDuC6bISP_Fmdzm6xZIz6If-EqUvjw3mYH-Sz1QSoYGN-ITnBimAjmfYExfcbPsDeozO3BeKqG6eHpHU0dKEsJ0S16lVIFwkUWISblYuKhQjWogecoNrvEYc50WCU0-YuEdKN2ZC7fy30x6kSjSNkJR09Cu_SPDWUYpACiF679xvrF5jQ/s750/D9540BAE-5B7C-40C5-9B1E-28FB83FBF140.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="750" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo60iVS-1PDDuC6bISP_Fmdzm6xZIz6If-EqUvjw3mYH-Sz1QSoYGN-ITnBimAjmfYExfcbPsDeozO3BeKqG6eHpHU0dKEsJ0S16lVIFwkUWISblYuKhQjWogecoNrvEYc50WCU0-YuEdKN2ZC7fy30x6kSjSNkJR09Cu_SPDWUYpACiF679xvrF5jQ/w485-h467/D9540BAE-5B7C-40C5-9B1E-28FB83FBF140.jpeg" width="485" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRv2CUvBiXIjjkLF6xWkdOhIP0yfcb869gvEGWl-SEzMqmRCaHllZEsktRWGL5jgPZOaNu_zKjQnLV1rMG3iaMedcWBYJ19iUHwq9U8erNtwxfdSwdlAGyaX9OWRMuIpgksMoRPTDtQpV6wmuETtsaVzcdUcE1Y_aI3F2f7gJBfGrvzQHfqa7JA_a9w/s4032/FA09AE8A-0825-418B-907C-CB2AA148BE47.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRv2CUvBiXIjjkLF6xWkdOhIP0yfcb869gvEGWl-SEzMqmRCaHllZEsktRWGL5jgPZOaNu_zKjQnLV1rMG3iaMedcWBYJ19iUHwq9U8erNtwxfdSwdlAGyaX9OWRMuIpgksMoRPTDtQpV6wmuETtsaVzcdUcE1Y_aI3F2f7gJBfGrvzQHfqa7JA_a9w/w492-h369/FA09AE8A-0825-418B-907C-CB2AA148BE47.jpeg" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today we sailed over to Culebra, one of the Spanish Virgin Islands. We will stick around here for a few days before heading to San Juan, Puerto Rico. There was a low bridge in the dinghy channel and Aria decided to grab the rope swing hanging off of it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqw_L6WGO-9k33ayZi2yVYzTWNRaBiLILcwzxk1LbOXcNzu2a33sLkFZujPFsY0fcILhU3ir3Pn3DNV5LtPwCfzG-PmoSc5Q20HbQoMFUNMH9LM8qE29s5cGGC7y8EozuSfAtEda130ZXWRZbZjY_l4hMDWsFm9EwMORQATFMM32CobgWDSS8a2CAXEg/s4032/9D29702B-544A-4DBA-8B51-9BE4B36B8FCC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqw_L6WGO-9k33ayZi2yVYzTWNRaBiLILcwzxk1LbOXcNzu2a33sLkFZujPFsY0fcILhU3ir3Pn3DNV5LtPwCfzG-PmoSc5Q20HbQoMFUNMH9LM8qE29s5cGGC7y8EozuSfAtEda130ZXWRZbZjY_l4hMDWsFm9EwMORQATFMM32CobgWDSS8a2CAXEg/w497-h373/9D29702B-544A-4DBA-8B51-9BE4B36B8FCC.jpeg" width="497" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are really looking forward to getting back out to sea and doing more overnight passages to the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. We will then make our way slowly north through the Bahamas and really savour those amazing Islands and Cays. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-19402538572592253432023-03-19T07:59:00.004-07:002023-03-19T07:59:59.818-07:00Martinique, Dominica & Guadeloupe!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our Adventures have continued in the beautiful Caribbean. We have moved north through the islands of Martinique, Dominica & Guadeloupe. Martinique and Guadeloupe are part of France, but Dominica (right in the middle) is independent. The history is fascinating because the indigenous Carib people (originally from the Amazon area) successfully fought off the various Europeans who were continually squabbling over the islands in this area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let’s start in Martinique and try to have as much fun as humanly possible! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0vOyonO642pZv4t2uOlDpHjx4P1ahHg12Q3Q-aOpv0gpyRY3RFW1toSNhKv7vgQWbxsB-Qxv9p6-eHUz1LL0WUjgx_j5VdrLyGM6L2b6M7HSlGNZ99tyMENOO1My25uad9l-_H1RQUoaxNPWihcLYkyMWTyetYN9NKEa3xzlc1DKThonG9BI7YBQzQ/s4032/79C8E113-9FC8-4E28-8493-D5F4E88155F3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0vOyonO642pZv4t2uOlDpHjx4P1ahHg12Q3Q-aOpv0gpyRY3RFW1toSNhKv7vgQWbxsB-Qxv9p6-eHUz1LL0WUjgx_j5VdrLyGM6L2b6M7HSlGNZ99tyMENOO1My25uad9l-_H1RQUoaxNPWihcLYkyMWTyetYN9NKEa3xzlc1DKThonG9BI7YBQzQ/w489-h367/79C8E113-9FC8-4E28-8493-D5F4E88155F3.jpeg" width="489" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a date with a potential buyer for Oyai and a survey & haul out scheduled. We cleaned and tidied, but had lots of fun along the way. Micah’s dream came true and there was some great horseback riding. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtsONlMdF68ewc7wK0TIouTd6Hatrc0LH7CUorcmG1RqBn1zQD4RK9FkYhH8Zcru6BUp6S_2k8yid8A969f6Z4YiAsDyJfX1BD-ijV7CI2J0JMLfQBqe5GppT5BAazGEIBaUuyW3wl4ECqfV5uZ1cUEiDHe9zDgVMlKlwLVa2eCdeZBMxndsDxO_PPA/s3024/9090F630-6F4B-4C6E-AF59-B2EC3E2715E2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2865" data-original-width="3024" height="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtsONlMdF68ewc7wK0TIouTd6Hatrc0LH7CUorcmG1RqBn1zQD4RK9FkYhH8Zcru6BUp6S_2k8yid8A969f6Z4YiAsDyJfX1BD-ijV7CI2J0JMLfQBqe5GppT5BAazGEIBaUuyW3wl4ECqfV5uZ1cUEiDHe9zDgVMlKlwLVa2eCdeZBMxndsDxO_PPA/w472-h447/9090F630-6F4B-4C6E-AF59-B2EC3E2715E2.jpeg" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUzTxRlObYsqMbQcOHMa5LGjjEmOpnkSkHBQY4WGakkrqhKEgb7ZjNGr4a7S1CWh5ZfALMJmvMH4gdtE0Kd3SNCiWIJH-slHSoud2AnLDBl48TYYQJH9f6dacdJxUPcgYvo7M6rXSBqUd1ORVdhFFT7DimoPx_yScJwG07Ft9zRxQz1M5vpThEjv_4Q/s4032/F3D0983C-1CFF-4A18-AAD7-1619D2EB19DC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="493" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUzTxRlObYsqMbQcOHMa5LGjjEmOpnkSkHBQY4WGakkrqhKEgb7ZjNGr4a7S1CWh5ZfALMJmvMH4gdtE0Kd3SNCiWIJH-slHSoud2AnLDBl48TYYQJH9f6dacdJxUPcgYvo7M6rXSBqUd1ORVdhFFT7DimoPx_yScJwG07Ft9zRxQz1M5vpThEjv_4Q/w370-h493/F3D0983C-1CFF-4A18-AAD7-1619D2EB19DC.jpeg" width="370" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We worked hard during our time in Martinique and did a few boat jobs, including painting the bottom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xPB4VvYyEgybNBSn88ewgTtsyZWTl-W36SVau6SiTlf1TmAVrmdhRN0CcbA-7gPZXFh4g6lYt3WRxKTMiExn7sVBmzfxD6rAklT_NXOjQacpf5siHNltGQGeKs_dMK0gzW9tetrS0u8f30_imYqq1_wLuI7K09gD35mKXqji_jn1PC-d5BpdOk00BQ/s4032/E8DD1E77-A18D-4BFF-A4C7-2D572E808545.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xPB4VvYyEgybNBSn88ewgTtsyZWTl-W36SVau6SiTlf1TmAVrmdhRN0CcbA-7gPZXFh4g6lYt3WRxKTMiExn7sVBmzfxD6rAklT_NXOjQacpf5siHNltGQGeKs_dMK0gzW9tetrS0u8f30_imYqq1_wLuI7K09gD35mKXqji_jn1PC-d5BpdOk00BQ/w470-h352/E8DD1E77-A18D-4BFF-A4C7-2D572E808545.jpeg" width="470" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were lucky to be in Martinique (Fort-de-France, to be exact) during “Festival”. It’s a week-long celebration that goes 24/7 and includes theme days. This day was the colourful day…</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84pMOc9JPqA-ecwLVpM1b-4znqSfwq-ELWoeUxJsMhlHIf0xeaGuz19CaiS4NkIgtvZF0coipUZPzeaVM-5GniGUjFBurfcEPZqkSnHalTi0tJ7TW7Os859HG9MsGnfbDdK3dkWriq-SzW2h8lpFflISjFoUh76SQy4JZ4g75x2YVEly51yWiEABgSA/s1440/4E7C1A2F-F8AF-4149-95D9-E7D4FFC60967.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84pMOc9JPqA-ecwLVpM1b-4znqSfwq-ELWoeUxJsMhlHIf0xeaGuz19CaiS4NkIgtvZF0coipUZPzeaVM-5GniGUjFBurfcEPZqkSnHalTi0tJ7TW7Os859HG9MsGnfbDdK3dkWriq-SzW2h8lpFflISjFoUh76SQy4JZ4g75x2YVEly51yWiEABgSA/w540-h405/4E7C1A2F-F8AF-4149-95D9-E7D4FFC60967.jpeg" width="540" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We caught an incredible parade that was so rich in culture and history. Many of the performers were telling a story through their dances and actions. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdoQSv7wwUbfsiBQW5t-oSgxmoMkXlzf9GcSaVm-OJeCWWbTD0x92v4spQiMR1qxg3DxJbx9BTyffeLrtMp-2SuG0ZZoaSScZVaI6syB3oLh-RxjO0kCT5WbXf5tsF_zJS_wmYgHmQ4vj12a8-Jal8KiQtb5NhVlMSztaYZf2eribuwA38a9nBHZ-nQ/s4032/E6D6F502-BE3E-43B9-88D0-1A09059681E2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdoQSv7wwUbfsiBQW5t-oSgxmoMkXlzf9GcSaVm-OJeCWWbTD0x92v4spQiMR1qxg3DxJbx9BTyffeLrtMp-2SuG0ZZoaSScZVaI6syB3oLh-RxjO0kCT5WbXf5tsF_zJS_wmYgHmQ4vj12a8-Jal8KiQtb5NhVlMSztaYZf2eribuwA38a9nBHZ-nQ/w339-h452/E6D6F502-BE3E-43B9-88D0-1A09059681E2.jpeg" width="339" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwhF6JtpxgM2yFj_dETo6H16OFqcrPliG_lSlmz5a2xROf_QPN4SFEtvIgLkPsyWo1xnvoWkmlCKBj20S50Sw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While anchored in St. Anne off Martinique, the kids were learning how to wingfoil with borrowed gear from our sailing friends. Aria was doing really well and had tons of fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixozDXNQBSVItjzgnZktGd-PS0nnTsTOcrCWcxh_YmHf20ryqY14CQqoXhV2qDqZpnissEaayr46Dxo_cG-5BxS_JBpccElwTLXd-zqn5dNgfADxqCI0A8BAldyUf70uUxJ1uGzSWrrAj8jrOHOtYuMLfs_TWB5uVitWD0gg4zhcJzt13hZMqbTWUjng/s4032/6893EDC4-5B4D-4CBD-B2E7-FE08ECCE7D36.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixozDXNQBSVItjzgnZktGd-PS0nnTsTOcrCWcxh_YmHf20ryqY14CQqoXhV2qDqZpnissEaayr46Dxo_cG-5BxS_JBpccElwTLXd-zqn5dNgfADxqCI0A8BAldyUf70uUxJ1uGzSWrrAj8jrOHOtYuMLfs_TWB5uVitWD0gg4zhcJzt13hZMqbTWUjng/w483-h362/6893EDC4-5B4D-4CBD-B2E7-FE08ECCE7D36.jpeg" width="483" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx_3dEDADA9QLiwd_i3kc9UgABVoNCXQkafw_5XZ84xVRH8OCra5GeGM1ofNErfDzmBxXU7de0SBn6IcNVduA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We sailed to the northwest tip of Martinique to a town called St. Pierre that was wiped out by a volcano in the early 1900’s. Over 30,000 lives were lost and the reminders of the tragedy are still visible throughout town. There was a great little zoo in this small town and we spent the morning there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMXUnnggGlW2OscA42zNzMZy5IxtdkBog3GPd-9BSLYfSA2HShvRB2XgwA_jDOIQ-F--QcvoamnvnBYM9FeBb-h-LZ-MhbqDw-LD9MLxCvaqClQ_5KVxyaFDwmFKQbItBP9phuTA-04lEW_FwsWDUDw8aEoE32s9KZjKcSytpeRPYbguc2KRLgAnrlQ/s1440/993354DD-F054-4250-A472-3BB6048FB8D1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="1440" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMXUnnggGlW2OscA42zNzMZy5IxtdkBog3GPd-9BSLYfSA2HShvRB2XgwA_jDOIQ-F--QcvoamnvnBYM9FeBb-h-LZ-MhbqDw-LD9MLxCvaqClQ_5KVxyaFDwmFKQbItBP9phuTA-04lEW_FwsWDUDw8aEoE32s9KZjKcSytpeRPYbguc2KRLgAnrlQ/w482-h273/993354DD-F054-4250-A472-3BB6048FB8D1.jpeg" width="482" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUkNdQgrKx7Gpo7U_PDuDWto69PPCH5EV4DC4NWUEVDecJYYtAHFVv6RuG0HKNWAhRTgESiO9ToGoyjFPnhNTTVa0KvA2kAKM321oqvWM5dQvFN1pCUcEvY82YeEOXHJ5bTEoPJlPZeAwxdvd-ibK1osiJP4kbM3eO28WmpfvAdWMaI0wfPlJhVj4ZQ/s4032/E90CF742-A1F4-4CD8-9348-C5D705A27EFD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="511" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUkNdQgrKx7Gpo7U_PDuDWto69PPCH5EV4DC4NWUEVDecJYYtAHFVv6RuG0HKNWAhRTgESiO9ToGoyjFPnhNTTVa0KvA2kAKM321oqvWM5dQvFN1pCUcEvY82YeEOXHJ5bTEoPJlPZeAwxdvd-ibK1osiJP4kbM3eO28WmpfvAdWMaI0wfPlJhVj4ZQ/w383-h511/E90CF742-A1F4-4CD8-9348-C5D705A27EFD.jpeg" width="383" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the zoo, we found a proper Tarzan vine to swing from and everyone had a go. In this video, a great friend and boat dad, James, got some amazing hang time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw6pUBHDlRUgBubgQmygnI7TQvnVJrXmU0X6yzEyKAXtevKNTfoeVH6wi6Nwtl1YD7ANfuyTi6Tpsi2phFoRA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next up on our adventure was a short 5 hour sail to beautiful Dominica. The vibe there was much more wild and Caribbean with unlimited natural beauty. The people were incredibly welcoming and friendly as well. This has been one of our favourite places on this entire trip! On day one in Dominica, we did a 7 hour hike to a huge boiling lake in the caldera of a volcano. Words can’t describe how spectacular it was. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBMh8xeUXf81n2qvvg9aOG6f9yBLQEAyqj-41L7DejXA_tv1yVNwfpekRoN2PZLapgkQP5cIU1MK0McIEoR_UqUPElBG9FmkIrQe8XogfGNCASgZnJXN-RlbjWTL7m7s2WI4XmdS9QLZddlV_Un7Z-jKshXvOekldX98RJfk0-qGgTwM9gf-K9_d6nw/s3784/2BFB1561-E16C-48D7-9723-371EE0E4C88D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="3784" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBMh8xeUXf81n2qvvg9aOG6f9yBLQEAyqj-41L7DejXA_tv1yVNwfpekRoN2PZLapgkQP5cIU1MK0McIEoR_UqUPElBG9FmkIrQe8XogfGNCASgZnJXN-RlbjWTL7m7s2WI4XmdS9QLZddlV_Un7Z-jKshXvOekldX98RJfk0-qGgTwM9gf-K9_d6nw/w505-h205/2BFB1561-E16C-48D7-9723-371EE0E4C88D.jpeg" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cloud forest hike was unlike anything we had seen in the Caribbean so far. We were so thrilled to be hiking with our new close friends from “Luna” and “Starry Knight”. Here, Lana and Kathy are all smiles during the descent down to the caldera. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0WTiZ4zMj2PdZpTblD3Q5KABHet89nUa7D1BhqsjKPqyOLdttdcWIC5aDcjTm-Wg4LJw6JHg8xHZGfqt4SYIZ75gEA4uY7GicXOdGqlsL2eJDqCANQ73MrKDW_yYa4igHRwP3c3T4k9ArdZ9Cr4CUoU8UC4sd0RLtavpakkrdRwUV6AN6UqqrNvFtw/s1800/5F8101BB-9A05-4652-A138-864315FAB749.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0WTiZ4zMj2PdZpTblD3Q5KABHet89nUa7D1BhqsjKPqyOLdttdcWIC5aDcjTm-Wg4LJw6JHg8xHZGfqt4SYIZ75gEA4uY7GicXOdGqlsL2eJDqCANQ73MrKDW_yYa4igHRwP3c3T4k9ArdZ9Cr4CUoU8UC4sd0RLtavpakkrdRwUV6AN6UqqrNvFtw/w373-h466/5F8101BB-9A05-4652-A138-864315FAB749.jpeg" width="373" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course, there were also some natural hot springs to soak in during the hike as well. Paradise!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IB3L9a9x1EzBJZDSYUYTtkuLllbhIOkTc3uK6n8jPKv1iyIRzCfG2G1nNrB6PZGtufaD4dXoAUKEixS2BGx9G6BBtb4JoUnFibvgb_dFwLmo_SBxvFffavfNOegbc3ZnNRMgP7peq48lEFY7gZNFXArZmOYdRiDSv2Zjbq_7LtASb1IoLzBfVNDEDA/s4032/47A6FAA6-1D2D-47FE-83DD-570091553462.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IB3L9a9x1EzBJZDSYUYTtkuLllbhIOkTc3uK6n8jPKv1iyIRzCfG2G1nNrB6PZGtufaD4dXoAUKEixS2BGx9G6BBtb4JoUnFibvgb_dFwLmo_SBxvFffavfNOegbc3ZnNRMgP7peq48lEFY7gZNFXArZmOYdRiDSv2Zjbq_7LtASb1IoLzBfVNDEDA/w450-h338/47A6FAA6-1D2D-47FE-83DD-570091553462.jpeg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have been so fortunate to be traveling on & off with superb friends who we crossed in the ARC with. We have regular gatherings and bond over “sundowners”.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPJz8UyYfDRHtSFvIefNnKQgI1Ay8t8nAFpoYPhTomB8hf8IiM_MdUYxMiDZctw9LKtOVBft207WfkOlamfpVR_eEYPmgmDbht_a-g5oSlmfx_LVfoEa4dWYkUw53xUQ5otr8SU2MMC9ccM-eNKLyxJnwnJXTN1IJ4yYeXuGVjK6clDe44gdno1k6SQ/s3768/309DF917-0280-4648-B9E7-1F960285E5A5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2826" data-original-width="3768" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPJz8UyYfDRHtSFvIefNnKQgI1Ay8t8nAFpoYPhTomB8hf8IiM_MdUYxMiDZctw9LKtOVBft207WfkOlamfpVR_eEYPmgmDbht_a-g5oSlmfx_LVfoEa4dWYkUw53xUQ5otr8SU2MMC9ccM-eNKLyxJnwnJXTN1IJ4yYeXuGVjK6clDe44gdno1k6SQ/w491-h369/309DF917-0280-4648-B9E7-1F960285E5A5.jpeg" width="491" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We moved up to the northwest corner of Dominica and experienced a National Park called the Indian River. We got to see so many cool animals, plants and beautiful scenery. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwSPsFEoG9ME8g6AupX64U3UkUq0kVUaQ6IQWT0aibjzuaPB9m2yjnI7f0vUcEYXbffqNlte4POQlHiU8FRIBtCqYHvSwhHs4wAJlQNJkHBLtTrfYHNaD_lbuFQC8PhoxnrVpYJ6R9Ocei93a2Jil8ZYwmfKrWFgUh8XcTYtidnGrTV7tHG69Y0QaRQ/s4032/46E2BD14-75FA-455A-BD37-EAABA13B8DA1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwSPsFEoG9ME8g6AupX64U3UkUq0kVUaQ6IQWT0aibjzuaPB9m2yjnI7f0vUcEYXbffqNlte4POQlHiU8FRIBtCqYHvSwhHs4wAJlQNJkHBLtTrfYHNaD_lbuFQC8PhoxnrVpYJ6R9Ocei93a2Jil8ZYwmfKrWFgUh8XcTYtidnGrTV7tHG69Y0QaRQ/w488-h366/46E2BD14-75FA-455A-BD37-EAABA13B8DA1.jpeg" width="488" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAmkVWzFl4LGkxNcBwPXsLWSVlS2r_INh7zK8CEPC8iWszGdhJFOiIQQ3N1JhQJgA0Qs34i0In0U4LrtfRE7GRiJEXO3da8XVmu38i7K-7CV7_UjVBn6jzOBPtYeSH4OCa47f8P_nnlVT2Nvuv447PKGGl9DAKc8dJ-Bhmd5RZhFzTANFaVJwt8symA/s4032/824C5E70-3182-456E-9990-1B016F04C453.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAmkVWzFl4LGkxNcBwPXsLWSVlS2r_INh7zK8CEPC8iWszGdhJFOiIQQ3N1JhQJgA0Qs34i0In0U4LrtfRE7GRiJEXO3da8XVmu38i7K-7CV7_UjVBn6jzOBPtYeSH4OCa47f8P_nnlVT2Nvuv447PKGGl9DAKc8dJ-Bhmd5RZhFzTANFaVJwt8symA/w489-h367/824C5E70-3182-456E-9990-1B016F04C453.jpeg" width="489" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivN1oeah00POT5gXDIX6HUmo_gWw5h1fw9gWYJEZi8xM1NFYYBnw8QNcRxrM3d77tRLKh6CMq7FlbTwQTgRrD8IyFAzFduLHdeNe7ajNiS288bBHrjI9HcUgyydTxymS0Ql8WeuMxFugglpekzEzk-dFL4TwIAA-NKeQ_1uTiLvJn4iIpy6JeMoQqBJg/s4032/DA313D03-EE80-4BA4-9C1F-530CBE314AC4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivN1oeah00POT5gXDIX6HUmo_gWw5h1fw9gWYJEZi8xM1NFYYBnw8QNcRxrM3d77tRLKh6CMq7FlbTwQTgRrD8IyFAzFduLHdeNe7ajNiS288bBHrjI9HcUgyydTxymS0Ql8WeuMxFugglpekzEzk-dFL4TwIAA-NKeQ_1uTiLvJn4iIpy6JeMoQqBJg/w504-h378/DA313D03-EE80-4BA4-9C1F-530CBE314AC4.jpeg" width="504" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was the site of one of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie scenes and the shack they built is still there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fdU3br6cf4EGpmZZ6zCYsN-rz9F3m6LIAyCtQud4ZsPPXwopx04yj6KHTBWJar1S_4j3tqagRrTuyNkT4d_1ES6aIqw9pRbYeKxk1v7VNQ-V6dOwo4rFhshuTWOVLr7J1fmKoF9S0p68FZGGr6--DSbYY2x4WGVY0jKfE59qOzaxXsX44D9KcaPupg/s4032/BA2C5D48-06A4-46C2-A4FD-C95FE7A86832.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fdU3br6cf4EGpmZZ6zCYsN-rz9F3m6LIAyCtQud4ZsPPXwopx04yj6KHTBWJar1S_4j3tqagRrTuyNkT4d_1ES6aIqw9pRbYeKxk1v7VNQ-V6dOwo4rFhshuTWOVLr7J1fmKoF9S0p68FZGGr6--DSbYY2x4WGVY0jKfE59qOzaxXsX44D9KcaPupg/w506-h380/BA2C5D48-06A4-46C2-A4FD-C95FE7A86832.jpeg" width="506" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvV76ckndKGaFMUgG4PyrovJEfCs3FrrmSIamDHQHggMcj4tIfkC8oRmowFMZHZW2zUW7PPWjkbhc1tjP_Qe-0CZ2ghyylXP51yD4D83-9djAPQ_uiMjausKmrP_ribhPBoHZN_ctVdiSjhwn9igFkWu65GH_XDNfAWLD213RZIeW-4MdOpaG4cdET4Q/s2697/6EC7CDCA-B04C-445B-8D18-4CAD202871F6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2697" data-original-width="2064" height="547" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvV76ckndKGaFMUgG4PyrovJEfCs3FrrmSIamDHQHggMcj4tIfkC8oRmowFMZHZW2zUW7PPWjkbhc1tjP_Qe-0CZ2ghyylXP51yD4D83-9djAPQ_uiMjausKmrP_ribhPBoHZN_ctVdiSjhwn9igFkWu65GH_XDNfAWLD213RZIeW-4MdOpaG4cdET4Q/w419-h547/6EC7CDCA-B04C-445B-8D18-4CAD202871F6.jpeg" width="419" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On our last night in Dominica, the kids had an “Emergency Survival Drill” and used an expired liferaft from “Alchemy”. They spent hours getting to shore, making shelter, building a fire and cooking for themselves. They LOVED it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENxegnMpjP-PfOI6O3rUJgvJOucy6CiYdLvqYIhdRf24pmv0eLIFiIug2GwgaHfLGwjgsaZDfFqpLy7-XOtAZvg8zc7xDngfYbtlHGYEhuGR2uvpJU1G2bzoGWcSVgwGIH-6dYmEHVtEreQGjqAwidDreyWntHUKYJfyCb1qi_UlQU8a073SHplHvfA/s4032/C98200CC-73A0-4E52-A5DF-B7166F768229.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENxegnMpjP-PfOI6O3rUJgvJOucy6CiYdLvqYIhdRf24pmv0eLIFiIug2GwgaHfLGwjgsaZDfFqpLy7-XOtAZvg8zc7xDngfYbtlHGYEhuGR2uvpJU1G2bzoGWcSVgwGIH-6dYmEHVtEreQGjqAwidDreyWntHUKYJfyCb1qi_UlQU8a073SHplHvfA/w476-h357/C98200CC-73A0-4E52-A5DF-B7166F768229.jpeg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwIq-fluLI6rK0cfo7BcR9lq3hFmjcqhDb6qsm0MjTwC3C6Qy3bW9FICyBwTo8zX5W5NzuvZk1Xya10dBbQBw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_yZ9z-DY30MPuxAXnt65F9dDNUQxq_tF93gQ8wFXS4gZR0jI8A8wHixjdBOAkQZMjK5S4-lX8NgumzsURb-RUY-cwHC5IGpm3mYGa24_I_JvCY86XYZ2QfNlfVAJXfj9MLF6D1mZm9xf-3yBNTlmpeB2I5-PViIPSg4fx6s_Fv9DaGy753Q9BNYYcA/s4032/F3B25F32-71E0-4606-B35E-37A4C08BF8DD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_yZ9z-DY30MPuxAXnt65F9dDNUQxq_tF93gQ8wFXS4gZR0jI8A8wHixjdBOAkQZMjK5S4-lX8NgumzsURb-RUY-cwHC5IGpm3mYGa24_I_JvCY86XYZ2QfNlfVAJXfj9MLF6D1mZm9xf-3yBNTlmpeB2I5-PViIPSg4fx6s_Fv9DaGy753Q9BNYYcA/w491-h369/F3B25F32-71E0-4606-B35E-37A4C08BF8DD.jpeg" width="491" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ibQgVwtLQn3mqxTAzLYtsaI6yZYYf7xoQxihVtuprTPeXWlFziENuNUrTgpcH5kEQ3TTvTY0XgCcm5AjZ3Emxwvv5zvCXN7m92npRwHGxHDH5rZLNLnCOkgKXJ-swOReUZISRKadPPs62eanZo_SW3vapyiz1B_RYURo3IaCqfAkd0KJ6RIA62e6Cg/s4032/F481FA54-4C94-4B2C-868A-C20A46BD8513.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ibQgVwtLQn3mqxTAzLYtsaI6yZYYf7xoQxihVtuprTPeXWlFziENuNUrTgpcH5kEQ3TTvTY0XgCcm5AjZ3Emxwvv5zvCXN7m92npRwHGxHDH5rZLNLnCOkgKXJ-swOReUZISRKadPPs62eanZo_SW3vapyiz1B_RYURo3IaCqfAkd0KJ6RIA62e6Cg/w381-h508/F481FA54-4C94-4B2C-868A-C20A46BD8513.jpeg" width="381" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In amongst all of the sailing and adventures, the girls have been thriving with their “boat school”. They usually do 2-3 hours, 5 days per week of focused learning. Math, language arts, science and history are part of their learning which is facilitated by Lana and their distance education teacher Lisa. It’s been a very positive experience and has taught them a lot, including self-motivation. Here Micah demonstrates a science experiment they did to discover which common liquids are acids (or bases).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGw95hBY-tBh34r7y9mkuVG4sE9UDJ6N4IbxpatsncDQDfqOttot_k85s5yGIZl_-waPCPQurgx3Mbs-DCRP6MS7FuQabUfry9HPkVrhhVTgisvyf2MpZQYmf6yO9kOuHPmpZYIgtLc0Jl9wLSsPGco2IW6JMTkcGxhERAxeHLuxmg3q9MKReJHdJPTw/s4032/516CA627-50B9-4C27-8027-022ECABCCE6B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGw95hBY-tBh34r7y9mkuVG4sE9UDJ6N4IbxpatsncDQDfqOttot_k85s5yGIZl_-waPCPQurgx3Mbs-DCRP6MS7FuQabUfry9HPkVrhhVTgisvyf2MpZQYmf6yO9kOuHPmpZYIgtLc0Jl9wLSsPGco2IW6JMTkcGxhERAxeHLuxmg3q9MKReJHdJPTw/w364-h486/516CA627-50B9-4C27-8027-022ECABCCE6B.jpeg" width="364" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So much of our daily lives revolves around learning in this unique environment as well. We are so proud of our kids for embracing this life and learning as much as possible during our year away. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5jf53QU6wd5KSrX03rraTHs4tB1yx8a8LfHyo3mQIQCwXggHSNT-gNYjO-ORctUAAMAfedQUyGs0-A7hxX86ZMu1rWsVNYl10Nk5HSDtpC5m_RzidVkjecm5R2s065V2ZhCOewD6bbDmyjVc3_pn5EcGPK6BmtPqB5rBxQLIFZqtbQiVXrHDcNwAog/s4032/D1613218-6362-47B3-B83E-33B6E42F7403.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5jf53QU6wd5KSrX03rraTHs4tB1yx8a8LfHyo3mQIQCwXggHSNT-gNYjO-ORctUAAMAfedQUyGs0-A7hxX86ZMu1rWsVNYl10Nk5HSDtpC5m_RzidVkjecm5R2s065V2ZhCOewD6bbDmyjVc3_pn5EcGPK6BmtPqB5rBxQLIFZqtbQiVXrHDcNwAog/w378-h504/D1613218-6362-47B3-B83E-33B6E42F7403.jpeg" width="378" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruRA0V0BiyzF9qs9EZAJm5Ed_DZ4EgS20li7O52GsYuf9cG9-dRMu66-2VieGTBESFKCw2pAGMpbNYT8Nuwc6AZZfYlFeXRaGqdxWSD_JfSC7etqMN_E6rUcwNVBUKCOtcgGigVavCZti2zmU60AIJ1tjnMd64YAfrF9DD9gLNks3xTWpJB7Qaagzdg/s4032/FF3021BC-1C09-4770-B095-8B074EDA67D6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruRA0V0BiyzF9qs9EZAJm5Ed_DZ4EgS20li7O52GsYuf9cG9-dRMu66-2VieGTBESFKCw2pAGMpbNYT8Nuwc6AZZfYlFeXRaGqdxWSD_JfSC7etqMN_E6rUcwNVBUKCOtcgGigVavCZti2zmU60AIJ1tjnMd64YAfrF9DD9gLNks3xTWpJB7Qaagzdg/w343-h457/FF3021BC-1C09-4770-B095-8B074EDA67D6.jpeg" width="343" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAeoXV8B0lXZZfqgM3-DN65CxlMdW1kJn5OOT5DBLfbcnaJRrW5Dex48HPHQ4MVympDmIzYssRF1cMWKI0tPtoivH9rlXLRxVK058RzoU2GeZIVAgmnIfaVZQKLX7RrPRBGWwFml79GO3y6WLKgB4SEXP1Dmyp83naFS7w7PxgoEQIC_R-7TpCsCpZw/s2048/17DCD915-CFE8-4877-8FC4-FC6C96B58E71.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAeoXV8B0lXZZfqgM3-DN65CxlMdW1kJn5OOT5DBLfbcnaJRrW5Dex48HPHQ4MVympDmIzYssRF1cMWKI0tPtoivH9rlXLRxVK058RzoU2GeZIVAgmnIfaVZQKLX7RrPRBGWwFml79GO3y6WLKgB4SEXP1Dmyp83naFS7w7PxgoEQIC_R-7TpCsCpZw/w476-h317/17DCD915-CFE8-4877-8FC4-FC6C96B58E71.jpeg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We kept moving north and had a few days in Guadeloupe, another French island. It had a nice feel as well, but very different than Dominica. We were anchored in a bay and had close encounters with some wild dolphins! The kids eventually were able to put on masks and go swimming with the dolphins - a truly magical experience. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dypX06w8FlKc4Gmleva6cfFLOvDkgespxGrTsdTWRR_0VozTAYNEEpfJUVoVSgwd3qR-Y6xtrLBBLB3IKzSMA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oyai had to stick around Guadeloupe for a couple of extra days while we waited for a part to be delivered from Martinique. There is no customs between these islands and flights are frequent, so the delay was minimal. We made the most of it with our friends (one of whom has the exact same boat as us!). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNY8c5TlOWYfT9jz-R1zxFiIOljp6BNwkpB05oZiND5iVbWUM8OwfEE5Ebu9e3eHlvsUuUbOagmfuLLFNdjIjN9nh6BViGscfouUfimPxxY-79ysvByHHBGur0CWJMcrwhFuoIhzVYDUIH500E2YLW6FupqQ01sN0gbb03UHGY_AkwS7Rurf8rc4iqw/s3546/966C051B-0B95-4B00-8E40-945FF5F31242.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2502" data-original-width="3546" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNY8c5TlOWYfT9jz-R1zxFiIOljp6BNwkpB05oZiND5iVbWUM8OwfEE5Ebu9e3eHlvsUuUbOagmfuLLFNdjIjN9nh6BViGscfouUfimPxxY-79ysvByHHBGur0CWJMcrwhFuoIhzVYDUIH500E2YLW6FupqQ01sN0gbb03UHGY_AkwS7Rurf8rc4iqw/w535-h378/966C051B-0B95-4B00-8E40-945FF5F31242.jpeg" width="535" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Simon, Penny, Skye & Oscar hosted all of us aboard their beautiful catamaran “Starry Knight” for a day sail in Guadeloupe. It was super cool. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyKC6xBRm8hcdcLIZt9nKS9ZagifNrYwZ8QauUCOPFrtne4dTgf413HoNQ_YNMr5ntDnMkqAnWL-c6rNZZiuA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From Guadeloupe, we will head to Antigua and the British Virgin Islands. This will mean we are starting to head west towards the Bahamas (and eventually the east coast of the USA). Follow along over the next few weeks!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-11533413281074711172023-02-24T06:40:00.000-08:002023-02-24T06:40:01.625-08:00Visitors from home!<p>We have been neglecting our blogging over the last few weeks! Sorry about that, but we have had some awesome times, including when our friends Addy and Erica came to visit us in St. Vincent & The Grenadines. We kept busy sailing, hiking, snorkelling and just generally exploring!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirr6BTEBfABcNqG7Fq3-2cXtsDxIZOrwgFEPn0BnMqLzOCDkX0mSeFd3qszTowpOH3jAl7avFFPmZr2Nonil_oW0lovRMr_1mVtaj1Q2x1l018EeZK1LdhvkRjcfXDPecQOokTyRrc9KiXeMg1qjM0qRC02_m0a5JkKWBVS1P8aA0DWjTjKizSrPdOnA/s4032/093BE503-C04B-4217-B768-741E7285DD73.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirr6BTEBfABcNqG7Fq3-2cXtsDxIZOrwgFEPn0BnMqLzOCDkX0mSeFd3qszTowpOH3jAl7avFFPmZr2Nonil_oW0lovRMr_1mVtaj1Q2x1l018EeZK1LdhvkRjcfXDPecQOokTyRrc9KiXeMg1qjM0qRC02_m0a5JkKWBVS1P8aA0DWjTjKizSrPdOnA/w469-h352/093BE503-C04B-4217-B768-741E7285DD73.jpeg" width="469" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYE29l90hNMpdg3zHYSwByZlkOF5ysuRqWboV5GQ591HyaOlAJJLE5a9IQIjaNCUgXkyDBA7eukKgLpRrlfMOGjxlZtFHXIZj7xq1Q5ugeHRdx8wmcSqUnflvb6_VWGgAe-ZrZgLB9BG9vyE9SKJVg9hyF_S2128XITutYoKBxb3Rd6c8qdU6bgiolg/s4032/48ACC74F-9273-4D3F-ABD8-B3DF8171B8E4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYE29l90hNMpdg3zHYSwByZlkOF5ysuRqWboV5GQ591HyaOlAJJLE5a9IQIjaNCUgXkyDBA7eukKgLpRrlfMOGjxlZtFHXIZj7xq1Q5ugeHRdx8wmcSqUnflvb6_VWGgAe-ZrZgLB9BG9vyE9SKJVg9hyF_S2128XITutYoKBxb3Rd6c8qdU6bgiolg/w477-h358/48ACC74F-9273-4D3F-ABD8-B3DF8171B8E4.jpeg" width="477" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vcGp24uq6HNEqmdEgqaXCmx87HE19EnsOlbaWczoReOM9JVZ242QdWRIOcHICUOTdd_hWNFfClvgk9T45ME_tJj9ILIbvlh8TVCXKkAjKcsMq1gWtVEnybKQYafObYfysb44HBIwKATcNfiGwMJ5YXkohDKXVr64dEr-_tFMeqQRZV5B3UXI8we70w/s4032/415432AA-B767-4EB9-842E-A9286CD1E008.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vcGp24uq6HNEqmdEgqaXCmx87HE19EnsOlbaWczoReOM9JVZ242QdWRIOcHICUOTdd_hWNFfClvgk9T45ME_tJj9ILIbvlh8TVCXKkAjKcsMq1gWtVEnybKQYafObYfysb44HBIwKATcNfiGwMJ5YXkohDKXVr64dEr-_tFMeqQRZV5B3UXI8we70w/w488-h366/415432AA-B767-4EB9-842E-A9286CD1E008.jpeg" width="488" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We picked up our guests in St. Vincent and sailed south to Bequia which was our base for a week. We had an awesome day sail to a deserted island (inhabited only by hundreds of tortoises) called Baliceaux. The island was incredibly beautiful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOB2OoRCwqBEx886z42rYkt5XFMkE4roT8HpA4aRd8pcmNO3aKTjhFxQ5WpXO6gTckuNO-7cLJxcJxrnDhA18kjdSfPbYGPqYBNvvTGqtfOrzHR-VgLfJqEh7l3jAR9EbsFAKg4MbGRM3IABnMrFxsuhapzUgs_WpOm_jlpaRuxPCqjmwQiwuqKfw7tA/s3830/0F3A55FC-7AA7-45C5-BEED-6E56A60282DD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="3830" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOB2OoRCwqBEx886z42rYkt5XFMkE4roT8HpA4aRd8pcmNO3aKTjhFxQ5WpXO6gTckuNO-7cLJxcJxrnDhA18kjdSfPbYGPqYBNvvTGqtfOrzHR-VgLfJqEh7l3jAR9EbsFAKg4MbGRM3IABnMrFxsuhapzUgs_WpOm_jlpaRuxPCqjmwQiwuqKfw7tA/w591-h236/0F3A55FC-7AA7-45C5-BEED-6E56A60282DD.jpeg" width="591" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJJl6dXNDRvQLM6rCrkcdxTSFaoF2u_Q3vRDY9oFtNwE-wO_z-hxxDVOB82ejyhcELGk1gaHErEGkkClGeCCA63c4Wbay8r7iA35ciJ4nISq93TZt5T1pli4kAMTZp2Z2PQv3h0eXniVpjeM-RG-KHIudrByoPB-2v05VmASQbJGv86g780dgJmsXhA/s4032/9EA69AFF-69FD-43C8-BD6E-4CA75332158F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJJl6dXNDRvQLM6rCrkcdxTSFaoF2u_Q3vRDY9oFtNwE-wO_z-hxxDVOB82ejyhcELGk1gaHErEGkkClGeCCA63c4Wbay8r7iA35ciJ4nISq93TZt5T1pli4kAMTZp2Z2PQv3h0eXniVpjeM-RG-KHIudrByoPB-2v05VmASQbJGv86g780dgJmsXhA/w447-h335/9EA69AFF-69FD-43C8-BD6E-4CA75332158F.jpeg" width="447" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had ourselves a good old-fashioned tortoise race. Everyone picked their favourite tortoise and after about 20 minutes, the exhilarating 2 meter race was over! Watch it here in time lapse. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzkD7iVr8E96XQ0Xsa9IKZVejgv0mrTxSLVh2O1FPEWIP6DY-pgXCGnZ5LYv5To7qsHXLBncudSQMB5llUewQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The girls had so much fun in each other’s company during our time in Bequia. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp01lfWzuC76BfCILOnWyUwqIK7WIJjFsj0Vyr3J9XYajX8DT5RchPYelyz9eeSTE79eMluQFFFdOqdFXUA2YK3TGQfSsi_ojRijtaD7FCuJbTEdQLnG1f5vKnPJ0K_aw4mujuwQqtpxWNISVCCX06NJXylHT_JoqndW_W0OWL74xbcUYKyBtimIjuwQ/s4032/5507D2D2-E6F2-45F8-9412-12236624C6FF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp01lfWzuC76BfCILOnWyUwqIK7WIJjFsj0Vyr3J9XYajX8DT5RchPYelyz9eeSTE79eMluQFFFdOqdFXUA2YK3TGQfSsi_ojRijtaD7FCuJbTEdQLnG1f5vKnPJ0K_aw4mujuwQqtpxWNISVCCX06NJXylHT_JoqndW_W0OWL74xbcUYKyBtimIjuwQ/w462-h347/5507D2D2-E6F2-45F8-9412-12236624C6FF.jpeg" width="462" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSrPb-4d1ZuwH-hByJn2nD5sU2efW5vhaDRGjUaqXwhqSenOTjjJf2-spJcWgK6mDwkUGDS84U0Rl8A5yMcl-YYkQv7-XNyCrqZYK5nlqavsnDZdbgc5yaZNKPPyUuMbIci3_b17M_lZejOSp9xnjcsZ8hSuMn_DRXj6-FjC6XGFml_T1jd5kZ8uuHA/s4032/A96E1E2E-2A76-4B8B-92D2-F8D5ABE932CD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSrPb-4d1ZuwH-hByJn2nD5sU2efW5vhaDRGjUaqXwhqSenOTjjJf2-spJcWgK6mDwkUGDS84U0Rl8A5yMcl-YYkQv7-XNyCrqZYK5nlqavsnDZdbgc5yaZNKPPyUuMbIci3_b17M_lZejOSp9xnjcsZ8hSuMn_DRXj6-FjC6XGFml_T1jd5kZ8uuHA/w456-h342/A96E1E2E-2A76-4B8B-92D2-F8D5ABE932CD.jpeg" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-52jSt7QBFeogI-xIfaSxu-9HXpT5KmMIuG6PPEt2UU6MNFCRmPXoLgLQj5XBvHRLGNPwRb0O1uW-1-njeS7owktQ40KnCbSwxsV2d-62a9RfnJ3Ly84wvxJf3H4Z5wvGwBXIrIJk1-Q4Kuw5lRNzCmSu84PpmgPxGBRyADvjErZrYXrkdSs-3vwK4w/s4032/047DC2CD-378C-4DAC-807A-67A3848F5A30.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-52jSt7QBFeogI-xIfaSxu-9HXpT5KmMIuG6PPEt2UU6MNFCRmPXoLgLQj5XBvHRLGNPwRb0O1uW-1-njeS7owktQ40KnCbSwxsV2d-62a9RfnJ3Ly84wvxJf3H4Z5wvGwBXIrIJk1-Q4Kuw5lRNzCmSu84PpmgPxGBRyADvjErZrYXrkdSs-3vwK4w/w355-h473/047DC2CD-378C-4DAC-807A-67A3848F5A30.jpeg" width="355" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpJieO3uLo3MOC1WE3yyTuj1GKDTG2Je5VvqAD1Amrl3xO1QGftWWAceUNQYzYcpjMdnXjN_Q0SNMh--ozf4XYfHtwGJmSnbkOdV9zxCqkSYAwnpXtyg_YwWULlX9EiawhrafM_CGkP7Fjma73Phg1Os0xq0ULuUuP1PGagzgeocbxQpvD2hYe7bEDQ/s4032/C419A3E7-CBC9-4BBB-80AD-EC052C2504FA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="527" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpJieO3uLo3MOC1WE3yyTuj1GKDTG2Je5VvqAD1Amrl3xO1QGftWWAceUNQYzYcpjMdnXjN_Q0SNMh--ozf4XYfHtwGJmSnbkOdV9zxCqkSYAwnpXtyg_YwWULlX9EiawhrafM_CGkP7Fjma73Phg1Os0xq0ULuUuP1PGagzgeocbxQpvD2hYe7bEDQ/w395-h527/C419A3E7-CBC9-4BBB-80AD-EC052C2504FA.jpeg" width="395" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We all did some unique snorkeling around a wreck and some underwater coral nurseries. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqFV84GdDqkd2uZwWJGfQs5MiwMSfP9LeFjDAOKPnN5cmZpza0NBqykdUDHI_XN2nuhAVeQmdN5apTzeVeEcBYs8Nn-t4aDkUY2pqUkGiuaA5uoTtSBuGaVv6ZQ1ioe7dHB_zF2tJFUdLs9HlbHmW799EZyai6DCaeALg09Nz9DU8zxAQCnKT7EV-Sg/s2029/8BDDF42D-63F2-41A6-8F09-C3D8F937BA8C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2029" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqFV84GdDqkd2uZwWJGfQs5MiwMSfP9LeFjDAOKPnN5cmZpza0NBqykdUDHI_XN2nuhAVeQmdN5apTzeVeEcBYs8Nn-t4aDkUY2pqUkGiuaA5uoTtSBuGaVv6ZQ1ioe7dHB_zF2tJFUdLs9HlbHmW799EZyai6DCaeALg09Nz9DU8zxAQCnKT7EV-Sg/w466-h265/8BDDF42D-63F2-41A6-8F09-C3D8F937BA8C.jpeg" width="466" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyBAc6YFEZMxD1PWleFok70TBZLzff04zA-k9MDxFlpe60qqE0y-ptEVaa5uY5qz8ZIrZKwv8zwp8ZP-_5bmA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzJIUxEnuMrAjfj876Z-4ZJLZebDCR2N79vWuMU5yW3L3X5XaMuhG40dR6_YimxptMQeUzOgU6ao2_dMO2cCg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxFgNLH6wTRHwJcCNuYm1nX46xJa5OWRL8f4lTNZ_tcnlRrUXxihM6wuhK6fIcXscc9qYwECV6U-1AbBH61xg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Addy & Erica after about a week and Oyai started to head north again. We had an appointment in Martinique to get our boat surveyed for a prospective buyer. That meant we had to pick a good weather window to head upwind about 150 km. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzLTwmu8_Fq_wwTOxd0xYvGlCxa3dpGW3V6l_gz2lgRxit96r7hYrH62ZZ8NvEDU54mP7pf7T4FU3SJe8rzOA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In Martinique we were busy taking care of our boat-job list and cleaning from stem to stern. We took a few fun days to stretch our legs as well. We will post all the action in an upcoming blog post. Stay tuned!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-48782865150169113172023-01-24T17:03:00.000-08:002023-01-24T17:03:27.191-08:00Sailing in the Windward Islands<p style="text-align: center;"> We have left Grenada and headed north. The trade winds seem to blow from the NE at this time of year and that is the exact direction we want to go! So… we waited for a day when the wind shifted a little from the south and beetled our way up the Windward Island chain to Carriacou. From there we visited Petite Martinique (which is nowhere near Martinique!). This little island is packed with character and friendly, helpful people. This is a photo of us and the welcome sign for the island.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYenOqCOKWQCgDnEwGacDtjW7bEoebTB8thl_g9Kw4s-w-cqXtve-sqiioTN0BpLgBqDV5uJLhJFCV3dpoCPsesCkdVwaOnd4JalJdCMsC1cg4H60DB8K442BGgWkUsvIotkUy-BY7MuiRINd64DWav5jPV7cm7tZCyp3-Oa4JSRX0dsXjzq0Oe9EVHg/s4032/D966BCCC-65F1-4AA4-BBE7-6A516C84B2D4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYenOqCOKWQCgDnEwGacDtjW7bEoebTB8thl_g9Kw4s-w-cqXtve-sqiioTN0BpLgBqDV5uJLhJFCV3dpoCPsesCkdVwaOnd4JalJdCMsC1cg4H60DB8K442BGgWkUsvIotkUy-BY7MuiRINd64DWav5jPV7cm7tZCyp3-Oa4JSRX0dsXjzq0Oe9EVHg/w432-h324/D966BCCC-65F1-4AA4-BBE7-6A516C84B2D4.jpeg" width="432" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">We hiked to the top of the Piton on Petite Martinique (an extinct Volcano) and had the place all to ourselves. What a view!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYhIP2ENoFCpfMLv2pFbIDlrGJfb__efULGCELIkOy4AWUzfkG17nPQEAVVfsWn_BXC_RaXnYbHKk7NqH1RlqQM7YIcPh-Jwc2TbIQcOGXP2NQcGwpb0kRiutovDBrcvmJgRDtW1sIbEa_XFN4BpYtxic8aceheVQ0x3lo_pGEN0EZgCno48KclzLHQ/s4032/A63010DB-32FA-43DA-BEDA-11AA8D65B62E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYhIP2ENoFCpfMLv2pFbIDlrGJfb__efULGCELIkOy4AWUzfkG17nPQEAVVfsWn_BXC_RaXnYbHKk7NqH1RlqQM7YIcPh-Jwc2TbIQcOGXP2NQcGwpb0kRiutovDBrcvmJgRDtW1sIbEa_XFN4BpYtxic8aceheVQ0x3lo_pGEN0EZgCno48KclzLHQ/w331-h441/A63010DB-32FA-43DA-BEDA-11AA8D65B62E.jpeg" width="331" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcsZux25hjL83zv1hHPODXWTB2RM7OQHnjnHaMwtO4eBsPG0wlxQ9bDClDRn7Losbe_r67hPGpyYon4YHYvdkOKNQK1-NdnPjlWXEuT2JFl-jr-3mh2qUsFF-LPpyZw3GrR5V7kipg4WCe0POvKNSutZydxI-GAzB1RC_uZUqaIkk4pxjQeVTwVg26g/s4032/F72B798F-2E08-40A0-B14F-7A0D49D05964.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcsZux25hjL83zv1hHPODXWTB2RM7OQHnjnHaMwtO4eBsPG0wlxQ9bDClDRn7Losbe_r67hPGpyYon4YHYvdkOKNQK1-NdnPjlWXEuT2JFl-jr-3mh2qUsFF-LPpyZw3GrR5V7kipg4WCe0POvKNSutZydxI-GAzB1RC_uZUqaIkk4pxjQeVTwVg26g/w416-h312/F72B798F-2E08-40A0-B14F-7A0D49D05964.jpeg" width="416" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, we headed back to Carriacou to visit its main town of Hillsborough, a very cute, quintessentially Caribbean village. We had homemade Roti, and stocked up on supplies. This photo is of Oyai sitting at anchor just off the main pier in town. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMTtlHtaueh36ZU0byxrVXAwh2VWc-xm4q_gTaoaOtdhXVsIMledDIwbTq_ANN51dtFp2yEXwtYH6FOHrwIANBXgNKQBNVQLM_SzF5v6n76yaQiNaCwsstY3LulEZPtUw-Q7sHYR8FPR1NofOsQESVPWnIJ8S9fZfhlEVfK_xuhpDpsMEklbYb0QgWQ/s4032/0CBCF797-7B46-4E98-99CB-59F35FDC69A4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMTtlHtaueh36ZU0byxrVXAwh2VWc-xm4q_gTaoaOtdhXVsIMledDIwbTq_ANN51dtFp2yEXwtYH6FOHrwIANBXgNKQBNVQLM_SzF5v6n76yaQiNaCwsstY3LulEZPtUw-Q7sHYR8FPR1NofOsQESVPWnIJ8S9fZfhlEVfK_xuhpDpsMEklbYb0QgWQ/w444-h333/0CBCF797-7B46-4E98-99CB-59F35FDC69A4.jpeg" width="444" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In Hillsborough we went to the Paradise Beach Club where they encourage visiting boats to leave some art with the boat’s name on it. So we painted up our “Oyai” sign and left it there for posterity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gVseo4_vkCgWZnXjPNok0Xu3pRcPCLSFqM1DU35AblqFzHNa7ij46hFnJ1TmanuIfBTY7xUEpa6To_GmT1pAXJi6puSjQgEu2Wbw3k-3R5c-4zzNB1w05Gc0YDeRi5BA7VHij4d7dx4AhaCQu6JkJMChcfVX5s9_lbPpbpIVhhH7vRA4iogC0X9JoA/s1082/12B74823-212C-47F8-8E4E-A65AF4206AF4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1082" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gVseo4_vkCgWZnXjPNok0Xu3pRcPCLSFqM1DU35AblqFzHNa7ij46hFnJ1TmanuIfBTY7xUEpa6To_GmT1pAXJi6puSjQgEu2Wbw3k-3R5c-4zzNB1w05Gc0YDeRi5BA7VHij4d7dx4AhaCQu6JkJMChcfVX5s9_lbPpbpIVhhH7vRA4iogC0X9JoA/w435-h328/12B74823-212C-47F8-8E4E-A65AF4206AF4.jpeg" width="435" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While we were there, Aria had a homeschool class using the club’s Wifi. Thanks Lisa and Self Design! What a place to go to school!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAgYqgX10Qyc1j8FXC1TST1HUYJhNzyr2e5j1c5mGvaHObIIRjAjbdYhRSNnE9Sz52jffa-ajBLwI0GaZWiTlNHfm-siyU9VIPJV6xpxM1A04KRUAC4FBoAZlKrhmrIbmQ8G9ixmC92tSSN4cfFbzZijw19fMdL3chKzK15009W2yC0Q1VHiKP6bWQg/s4032/5E18ED9E-B689-45CB-9B3A-D9A8FCBD3F53.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAgYqgX10Qyc1j8FXC1TST1HUYJhNzyr2e5j1c5mGvaHObIIRjAjbdYhRSNnE9Sz52jffa-ajBLwI0GaZWiTlNHfm-siyU9VIPJV6xpxM1A04KRUAC4FBoAZlKrhmrIbmQ8G9ixmC92tSSN4cfFbzZijw19fMdL3chKzK15009W2yC0Q1VHiKP6bWQg/w428-h321/5E18ED9E-B689-45CB-9B3A-D9A8FCBD3F53.jpeg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On our way over to Carriacou, we made a quick stop at the smallest island we have seen so far on the trip. It was about the size of a small house and totally breathtaking. It’s name is “Morpion” and we had a 20 second race around the little island. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzH62exp4f3fDrDfE-rCEln_0sfslo9TBxN6Kbn_9KVrisAH9buJ9cFEyWQIHFk_GgAWkI8SJdkRiV-lUzv_g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We could have stayed on this island all day, but we had to get moving as it wasn’t very protected for the boat at anchor. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSOmUzcAj69un9YT-wC9yfYWdVg4P-lgh-7gV7IbMi_1CWnZ_sMJMUBfg8AFf_B2leIOgYDaSU_c7WEORZP8sbZdezQFHU2xl_D9W4PAgY1SCMYtI1NWkVaKY6-BRz9bgsqgtRD1hhMhDTR8Q_Zoa9DJdSAIfFw8mKww0bdbQktEZX8CBsgBlQJj8Jg/s4032/8DFCF06D-3231-4565-8740-035B39CE234D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSOmUzcAj69un9YT-wC9yfYWdVg4P-lgh-7gV7IbMi_1CWnZ_sMJMUBfg8AFf_B2leIOgYDaSU_c7WEORZP8sbZdezQFHU2xl_D9W4PAgY1SCMYtI1NWkVaKY6-BRz9bgsqgtRD1hhMhDTR8Q_Zoa9DJdSAIfFw8mKww0bdbQktEZX8CBsgBlQJj8Jg/w438-h329/8DFCF06D-3231-4565-8740-035B39CE234D.jpeg" width="438" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>We have been exposed to the most amazing wildlife here in the Caribbean. Monkeys, lizards and bugs. This was one of the more beautiful caterpillars we have ever layer eyes on. This guy was just hanging out at the beach with us.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlM-iwGso5a8NwU-d8kAH5PtIr6G5aAGr2QBA-8UBkzTOFHWLbm4yFlvt6LLnmtHkN8hrDwXPPRZa0P68z9J8xx3mgARep80AqaXUNXbDuGOk9sN5E4-BDY7hW-4Ohnqog0ghGM1WEIgCrdcGwcjcXcqP_oion0tnRNBJNaPdri3Pd38coynviWZiNg/s4032/A6B5DF46-CB21-4EF9-8A51-145C119FE736.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlM-iwGso5a8NwU-d8kAH5PtIr6G5aAGr2QBA-8UBkzTOFHWLbm4yFlvt6LLnmtHkN8hrDwXPPRZa0P68z9J8xx3mgARep80AqaXUNXbDuGOk9sN5E4-BDY7hW-4Ohnqog0ghGM1WEIgCrdcGwcjcXcqP_oion0tnRNBJNaPdri3Pd38coynviWZiNg/w435-h326/A6B5DF46-CB21-4EF9-8A51-145C119FE736.jpeg" width="435" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After Carriacou, we sailed more north to Union Island to check into a new country (St Vincent and the Grenadines) then onto Bequia. We were close hauled, and the sailing was pretty boisterous in 20-25 knots of wind. Luckily, we were able to make our destination with just 3 tacks, and a little motoring. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzDpY6PXqhn2ckcwcSefgcz9r86wwVF6QxxM1vREr0CaZr-Qzd5TpTpeBGyxdqkCEtz4ogc-La1YswOcZwytA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We came through Bequia at Christmas on our way south and love it here. This island has so much to offer and everything is so close. There are many cruisers here and we love the vibe both on the water and in town. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3hQ1TY8JFodVniwl12XhxL8Tb1DM0gADCXI5cRtDigIk38zW2oN4fpUqipygUWPRetGytecXuj2RN1uVXULC5PtLX22TiMSRpqBumyr2qX6jg6mdzLknNxocIjZkQze2k-S7gjCJS9SkNjAtX7EbzZxLTNdJCQfibSf-J5K5pvQm6WnsX7Q6vvLKQQ/s3732/1334F44C-17F3-4DE6-A6EE-FCA49AF016B3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="3732" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3hQ1TY8JFodVniwl12XhxL8Tb1DM0gADCXI5cRtDigIk38zW2oN4fpUqipygUWPRetGytecXuj2RN1uVXULC5PtLX22TiMSRpqBumyr2qX6jg6mdzLknNxocIjZkQze2k-S7gjCJS9SkNjAtX7EbzZxLTNdJCQfibSf-J5K5pvQm6WnsX7Q6vvLKQQ/w471-h194/1334F44C-17F3-4DE6-A6EE-FCA49AF016B3.jpeg" width="471" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once you step on land, the signs are welcoming, and the people are all smiles!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIA--vS_2xqwSRu0eNB4QWzfY5JanCqK4DJ-oAMIGIJCXPWun8dr45jnFwd-avUlMUtSZGu_KlVcPmqu78D3lOxFvHjr_fMr_tmRTRROAzBZceWCmhFd_TVYBxbkJ9vcW41EIT0kdo6LH_aIp1GcMm7xmS2p-OdrHtaYCR5B_SPWuQIPqeuWe1w1E0w/s4032/EC1D0AA9-BE91-42B8-9EA7-32C67C63D606.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIA--vS_2xqwSRu0eNB4QWzfY5JanCqK4DJ-oAMIGIJCXPWun8dr45jnFwd-avUlMUtSZGu_KlVcPmqu78D3lOxFvHjr_fMr_tmRTRROAzBZceWCmhFd_TVYBxbkJ9vcW41EIT0kdo6LH_aIp1GcMm7xmS2p-OdrHtaYCR5B_SPWuQIPqeuWe1w1E0w/w336-h448/EC1D0AA9-BE91-42B8-9EA7-32C67C63D606.jpeg" width="336" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Next up, we are looking forward to having visitors from Canada for a week! Addy and Erica from Comox will join us for some sunshine and sailing. It’ll be a blast!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-11960875513150774702023-01-15T16:56:00.004-08:002023-01-15T17:06:02.861-08:00From The Grenadines to Grenada<p><br />We have sailed south from The Grenadines, and have spent the last week in Grenada. This will mark the southernmost point of our trip! We will savour a slow journey back north after this. The crew had been adjusting well to life on land (mostly) and we have visited more than one chocolate factory while we've been here! Micah loves munching on raw cocoa nibs.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpnvENjrFAHWPJbaazkXuqFyAaJN9q8uz6UkwQUE5St45Bek-JahO346M1L1fF0cltnvXyEaPgaXcN0ZR-PVJQkWc0ao5tZaHrbTdDy1vEuOmn301p43r9BXhqmMkWHoN6ea2yBpoEN75pIGHxCw4xifYJOgGb8QGq2di9eIcl47mcbu2xvQadvv_Xxg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpnvENjrFAHWPJbaazkXuqFyAaJN9q8uz6UkwQUE5St45Bek-JahO346M1L1fF0cltnvXyEaPgaXcN0ZR-PVJQkWc0ao5tZaHrbTdDy1vEuOmn301p43r9BXhqmMkWHoN6ea2yBpoEN75pIGHxCw4xifYJOgGb8QGq2di9eIcl47mcbu2xvQadvv_Xxg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Grenada is absolutely beautiful! It's not a very large island and has only about 110,000 people. Everyone here is very friendly and helpful, and there is a harmonious mix of people from all over the world. Things are very well organised for cruisers (people like us, living on boats) and there are social events, bus rides, tours and even a weekly running event called "The Hash".</p><p>The "Hashers" call themselves "Drinkers with a running problem" and host a walk or run through the jungles and pastoral lands of Grenada every Saturday afternoon. We were lucky to participate in Hash number 1,226 (or something like that). Lots of sailing friends from the ARC were there too!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2Y7nGsFG_iMv6Rm3r73sRaHqE1q0y_nc9zkWQLoH2J_EIXvCxawi87tZEKxzdat2Wi6xD2E3rsC6y5zasLXDPzEB7Y6Eo54nHlSbWfZzvlRCSXjlprNMePZupK9ZzZ3J30l06MggnH2ygr6xM7MsrhQtOTU9a5GGlr2Lz0c6l019zsWdcrheNeBnWYQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2Y7nGsFG_iMv6Rm3r73sRaHqE1q0y_nc9zkWQLoH2J_EIXvCxawi87tZEKxzdat2Wi6xD2E3rsC6y5zasLXDPzEB7Y6Eo54nHlSbWfZzvlRCSXjlprNMePZupK9ZzZ3J30l06MggnH2ygr6xM7MsrhQtOTU9a5GGlr2Lz0c6l019zsWdcrheNeBnWYQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy0t9ihqDcVmjNBI6JWYLffLKqzbrIttKlOO6hkx1XWDpL7KOWgz6DnIQJU_3IGFW-V8T51OtvJvx5M8pq9Ag' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeWT1CjeyDrq0M-Hg1-eWbaN_1dP5V7vBbnIvC6NGeZKQksQ7udypNgkcrFIoqTVcjLpANMI3U1jRq0XHthb3Jyg5lqdpTSIeOQ4s4rActXXOvq6gsTUAM2QjvGQivScFJE89P3oju-O9PWKTCJ1Dn4S7e7yjca4-qkXbRo0TvZxM2fu1w50Ljjzt5KQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeWT1CjeyDrq0M-Hg1-eWbaN_1dP5V7vBbnIvC6NGeZKQksQ7udypNgkcrFIoqTVcjLpANMI3U1jRq0XHthb3Jyg5lqdpTSIeOQ4s4rActXXOvq6gsTUAM2QjvGQivScFJE89P3oju-O9PWKTCJ1Dn4S7e7yjca4-qkXbRo0TvZxM2fu1w50Ljjzt5KQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">A couple of days later, we hired a local driver and had 2 days of amazing touring around Grenada. His name was Patrick, but he is known locally as "Shademan". His Toyota HiAce was well past its prime, but got us around the island in style! Our family really enjoys hanging out with our new Quebecois friends from the boat "Jayana", Sylvain, Sounda, Mael and Lohan. Bret, Amanda & Renner from "Out of the Woods" have been super fun as well. Lana has been put in charge of hairdos for the boys, and they love it!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEHziJyTOwpQj22R3Tks0vPt-fgUbJwjYCXYEFINn1WYZayMC-nL_HDj3A1i7NN71pGYuLn-HFyC9mL_NhYxjTe3OcTsPi03TfTw1pR2GnkVWNE1AZGw66kL9-NP5_GkLGB_GfFcuRwGJE98Z8XM2apTTeY0i6GWvIr-NLCFRLWM_TYHf614JnouAQEQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEHziJyTOwpQj22R3Tks0vPt-fgUbJwjYCXYEFINn1WYZayMC-nL_HDj3A1i7NN71pGYuLn-HFyC9mL_NhYxjTe3OcTsPi03TfTw1pR2GnkVWNE1AZGw66kL9-NP5_GkLGB_GfFcuRwGJE98Z8XM2apTTeY0i6GWvIr-NLCFRLWM_TYHf614JnouAQEQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br />We drove for an hour to reach a famous Grenadian Chocolate Plantation/Factory - Belmont Estates. We learned how to make chocolate, from tree to chocolate bar. In this photo, Micah takes a raw cocoa bean after Sheldon picked a ripe cocoa pod from a tree. The raw beans are coated in a very delicious slime that tastes like sweet lemonade.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVAzYABQnFlS2GZ0QL-O_9yCMpzqJ6IJxlutOgeYwU_g-PDKPpn6zlEMFnHHYZht8BzbxoaGXNwa5HvRVuYFnqsNw6dr8-UipxTxmn7Z1xqf32c0ukTVVVwpN0iMEpjphQYZIB4fhSQeWT_va-aN6H9benCJ1dygK06xibsIwZE_aR_coMD3mts6FFCQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVAzYABQnFlS2GZ0QL-O_9yCMpzqJ6IJxlutOgeYwU_g-PDKPpn6zlEMFnHHYZht8BzbxoaGXNwa5HvRVuYFnqsNw6dr8-UipxTxmn7Z1xqf32c0ukTVVVwpN0iMEpjphQYZIB4fhSQeWT_va-aN6H9benCJ1dygK06xibsIwZE_aR_coMD3mts6FFCQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Next, the cocoa beans are fermented for 6 days under a bed of banana leaves. After that, the beans are dried in the sun and, traditionally, workers would walk through the beans daily to aerate them and help in the drying process.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0QwQzAUSj8bvuP1PevdP3JcZ__peT5CFuPJ80gfIHVZiLXwBUt0ycrZmwqDP-yjRBNIHyIZiMn32iguiojKT5hEWP1XhqASV5ezTW4CTP6CWnHTo07gI2msTIkiWiYbIM91hKhAlNIfqWRwKgxBJf5vEr_urUm-rPd4B4H7HlqgvsorWidapr6mPt2A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0QwQzAUSj8bvuP1PevdP3JcZ__peT5CFuPJ80gfIHVZiLXwBUt0ycrZmwqDP-yjRBNIHyIZiMn32iguiojKT5hEWP1XhqASV5ezTW4CTP6CWnHTo07gI2msTIkiWiYbIM91hKhAlNIfqWRwKgxBJf5vEr_urUm-rPd4B4H7HlqgvsorWidapr6mPt2A=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br />We tried some raw, dried cocoa nibs and they were very bitter. A lot of sugar and dairy goes into the chocolate we all know and love! The factory also brewed us some traditional chocolate tea that was so-loved by the Brits who started Belmont Estates about 100 years ago. In fact, it was their main way of consuming the chocolate for many years.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmZ_2nMtnfR5f8PtNHfvU6_F45sNoc3uSsTWWHmc01FfIgslCXWJJpz3gSzsvoxHM_I9vorpMMAGw-QbvMDCAtF1RUIhHoLDavfQzmMySZ58cI1OnyKnBYRqUEkHx5OUg9KNwJsMVMQKkadWoDE5ebqFTDFZfSwwdeTIXzdmzxajy7sj2P9qemZhtJNQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmZ_2nMtnfR5f8PtNHfvU6_F45sNoc3uSsTWWHmc01FfIgslCXWJJpz3gSzsvoxHM_I9vorpMMAGw-QbvMDCAtF1RUIhHoLDavfQzmMySZ58cI1OnyKnBYRqUEkHx5OUg9KNwJsMVMQKkadWoDE5ebqFTDFZfSwwdeTIXzdmzxajy7sj2P9qemZhtJNQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">On the way home from the chocolate factory, we visited the mountain monkeys that were imported from South America many generations ago. They are quite tame, and clearly were looking for hand-outs from the tourists. Brave Aria put some food on her head to entice a monkey to land on her.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVEHdaoMgTze27iGM8BGLx0mVvMYjai3hQngBH6L3BWJpdnJtwuWHfg6mc28SoL7PsFfPa-HWNuTX0h94zLbd5PPzMtlD4U2aPoU3biFOfkcA0Cxj2EKKSZQsmpGvXTyPSp5RqBWXIqRleohIXNxBrRuQb3NvJ1CqfWbxVm7ArCL5mLvW0iUmKl9eUFg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVEHdaoMgTze27iGM8BGLx0mVvMYjai3hQngBH6L3BWJpdnJtwuWHfg6mc28SoL7PsFfPa-HWNuTX0h94zLbd5PPzMtlD4U2aPoU3biFOfkcA0Cxj2EKKSZQsmpGvXTyPSp5RqBWXIqRleohIXNxBrRuQb3NvJ1CqfWbxVm7ArCL5mLvW0iUmKl9eUFg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPK627JYAcXmrivC0BZQBDfjUTodYRoWhDjPxJpblDIkG1N0AzBy4C4wFgGEoNuO7_MwKMAs3OxZ2wC1lGu5ZxLHL7w8fqrwnebYROpV_zFnLG6JMhmw3vuYQN8Rb5AwSpPIlure3Cg_GOv25DVTuz4mBUyTdXX4yMeA6N6y4gLjvL352ey5JyPpm2PA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPK627JYAcXmrivC0BZQBDfjUTodYRoWhDjPxJpblDIkG1N0AzBy4C4wFgGEoNuO7_MwKMAs3OxZ2wC1lGu5ZxLHL7w8fqrwnebYROpV_zFnLG6JMhmw3vuYQN8Rb5AwSpPIlure3Cg_GOv25DVTuz4mBUyTdXX4yMeA6N6y4gLjvL352ey5JyPpm2PA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br />Micah also got very close and personal with the mountain monkeys.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzOGoyIuDt4lvv85vWxuLyBpHCqm-NFhgcVbiEDYTXk9pspIntoq9pBJ7s-UWb0gQ_D0qMSk_76wiOr8XyfvA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the monkeys, we had the chance to hike to a spectacular waterfall up a meandering creek and muddy trail. The jungle was lush and wonderful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ5A7PUd1qJueZQYVQqjd6YABf-T9Uqru1Iv03JH7vKsKq2ZPpYGd9u2co185EeQRc2ix-tHATd_PgU73ES_D6xTWj9JwOaFMcx0PlucpzQdSRdeNnqceDO79rmWY1PYQIyVlGx75Da33-LiT45sfKTCRksPcbp7vdh-i2W5p86w-Z4IrKBS5gPmcstg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ5A7PUd1qJueZQYVQqjd6YABf-T9Uqru1Iv03JH7vKsKq2ZPpYGd9u2co185EeQRc2ix-tHATd_PgU73ES_D6xTWj9JwOaFMcx0PlucpzQdSRdeNnqceDO79rmWY1PYQIyVlGx75Da33-LiT45sfKTCRksPcbp7vdh-i2W5p86w-Z4IrKBS5gPmcstg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">There was an amazing spot to do some cliff jumping into the pool below the waterfall, and all the "kids" threw themselves in with wild abandon.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF2lHCJF63nCtJFY2aE7YjGqVbeIO0KQq9YrPGtUjKeo9pkso26XSAYJgi7bQCBNn2l_rOBusMUJdalcq0NMQlE6Y98yEYzZU7T8_sP_cCYr0j96qvtBQqgOTs6m1wd6XJd3z8ujdf3Lo-wIDu8gorA7kwUeR47Qx52wN-Y-YKtQGcziwg6d-xDRnnGg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF2lHCJF63nCtJFY2aE7YjGqVbeIO0KQq9YrPGtUjKeo9pkso26XSAYJgi7bQCBNn2l_rOBusMUJdalcq0NMQlE6Y98yEYzZU7T8_sP_cCYr0j96qvtBQqgOTs6m1wd6XJd3z8ujdf3Lo-wIDu8gorA7kwUeR47Qx52wN-Y-YKtQGcziwg6d-xDRnnGg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpd7DQNSeotvaYe47APmYn1mCUEQCawJ8lh5Ye6j7PqshA8_kpu0rEmYtYPQhQQetavFMAvyqEVjTq6W4BYedYOrQt-lnKU00RXqQjxLsj5QrrddhWNSvPlB0gGA0lSc5HhZIK_IADm7zuC-x8QcaHoG9uAZAwuy3JrkAm1MbpRmKaOSDn6Ogl9JNUrw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpd7DQNSeotvaYe47APmYn1mCUEQCawJ8lh5Ye6j7PqshA8_kpu0rEmYtYPQhQQetavFMAvyqEVjTq6W4BYedYOrQt-lnKU00RXqQjxLsj5QrrddhWNSvPlB0gGA0lSc5HhZIK_IADm7zuC-x8QcaHoG9uAZAwuy3JrkAm1MbpRmKaOSDn6Ogl9JNUrw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJbWqepS-EObDZX1sjPWX3qyTWhhNmMS3enMeH69a7XG-rsQTDJP_9dWVgqr0It9etZsa1zBAv69Ya5HMnP0XN5vCO0RVyWprkl_hwJVroZk3O380x0BhG6KtFeNGG08Ze-lAJbPrWe42FhxAiplF5UCCDReF-vke2yVQ-3t72T8sETrRcxgZDxK_rOg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJbWqepS-EObDZX1sjPWX3qyTWhhNmMS3enMeH69a7XG-rsQTDJP_9dWVgqr0It9etZsa1zBAv69Ya5HMnP0XN5vCO0RVyWprkl_hwJVroZk3O380x0BhG6KtFeNGG08Ze-lAJbPrWe42FhxAiplF5UCCDReF-vke2yVQ-3t72T8sETrRcxgZDxK_rOg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwMC0xug9M84uFAm69CNTbzRgg2kVGrZkLfv8zXs3gSZ4uzerjrC6p9WgEu7b2PWFCUTJCTYNbpcWEyw9cdnA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzkmX_dCfww0MiSFRhmp_PSA8Pr7EfZ2i3zDXEFhv0ymJ8Tsngs6w8MAylA4YTCcmsCZGGDzVzyfaRZdpEcMg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">During our last couple of days in Grenada, we stayed in a quaint little Marina named La Phare Bleu. There were many new kid boats there, and the girls had a great time playing with all of their new friends. Moored at the same marina was an antique, restored Swedish Lighthouse Boat that the kids played hide-and-seek on.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKnX6KsnLiwDYwcnklZmm5NFOaboVFPqD0ha2MA_ZAqvKywPu8Ys3CxoAo3caPYA_lMgFWzmFRywPt5gDU4hgvoijTPqMT5PKCtUPl3pxyK2VeTV3RsSSepLBK-ALzlJCsX8mCnY5Z8vL3eaYPKAl_hrhkHku43ehwWts8-zCv5yy1u6i-hY0-fmWRvw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKnX6KsnLiwDYwcnklZmm5NFOaboVFPqD0ha2MA_ZAqvKywPu8Ys3CxoAo3caPYA_lMgFWzmFRywPt5gDU4hgvoijTPqMT5PKCtUPl3pxyK2VeTV3RsSSepLBK-ALzlJCsX8mCnY5Z8vL3eaYPKAl_hrhkHku43ehwWts8-zCv5yy1u6i-hY0-fmWRvw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our time in Grenada is coming to an end, but we have been very impressed with this little island in the southern Caribbean. It's clean, safe and friendly with lots to see and do! We will definitely be back one day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjejnOEu1etM09HWKDBpZ56LGB4k-moe4X_UlgxXq8D-KME8w8pn7ink8t_JUW2mAL9mh_-PAdRErfLuPpfWgq4Oq9RXyqpphF5Qm9JlKeMJxiKmmrBmQiRP2Fd_lwKi4_xeXkPq2HcjM0jEgdD9GQcTsN8z0M3Wn3LmdzoCm4jnVN_P07lGdtM1HEYMw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjejnOEu1etM09HWKDBpZ56LGB4k-moe4X_UlgxXq8D-KME8w8pn7ink8t_JUW2mAL9mh_-PAdRErfLuPpfWgq4Oq9RXyqpphF5Qm9JlKeMJxiKmmrBmQiRP2Fd_lwKi4_xeXkPq2HcjM0jEgdD9GQcTsN8z0M3Wn3LmdzoCm4jnVN_P07lGdtM1HEYMw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>During daily life, Micah has taken a keen interest in boat handling skills. She coils lines, presses buttons, steers the boat, and just generally likes getting into the sailing. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYkqn6ycGJogk44ESVMi0MtICz0KXkl4uywnr2er-QfMaIc9a4ZdXkvs4SpBPbLQi54iCDRvzASR1hshUzI4BTAjuieWRPZdh1wRYMJRSnI6qSs07-Bt5APbvk6qb8Ye3iSsi6lP0-wbTtcoRK-XFDi9Z1KOMuVgQhkZPoAQTtLJ9mdCV6JFZpPGflrA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYkqn6ycGJogk44ESVMi0MtICz0KXkl4uywnr2er-QfMaIc9a4ZdXkvs4SpBPbLQi54iCDRvzASR1hshUzI4BTAjuieWRPZdh1wRYMJRSnI6qSs07-Bt5APbvk6qb8Ye3iSsi6lP0-wbTtcoRK-XFDi9Z1KOMuVgQhkZPoAQTtLJ9mdCV6JFZpPGflrA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Next we will sail back north back into the Grenadines which is usually an upwind affair. We will try to choose days with favourable winds (lighter and slightly from the south, if possible). That way we will keep the crew's stoke level high, and be easier on the boat, in general. We are very excited to be hosting Aria's good friend Addy, and her mom Erica for a week at the end of January. We have so much to show them - snorkelling with turtles, cute little Caribbean villages, sailing around idyllic islands - the list goes on and on!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></p>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-81620212865241664642023-01-04T13:51:00.002-08:002023-01-04T13:51:43.018-08:00The Caribbean is Unbelievable!<p>We have been slowly readjusting to life off of the high seas, and have been chilling Caribbean Style!</p><p>After arriving in Saint Lucia, we have made our way south towards Grenada. Our last week has been spent in the Grenadines.</p><p>There is so much to see and do here. The many amazing friends we have made as part of the ARC have been our constant companions since we arrived! The weather here is always perfect, and there is always somewhere to go, or something to do.</p><p>Christmas was so special because we had dozens of great friends to share it with. Lana organised a gift exchange for the kids and for the grown-ups.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGv3b9VXw6-_IOzTDLPAF8zxu-9foLGAugpPxDu26G1GURraRcMNons0FeJwgQ8-W_zSJWcqL3QGUiNB51VbyuZIeYPTALpqZl23wF9PHIXFlBZTWyWV90XVruWGyWeUN8-Bobh4sTNk3x_fvSlWTsOiZlXC-R59mTamAY357I-1mDS5Oq8gx6AlkRoA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGv3b9VXw6-_IOzTDLPAF8zxu-9foLGAugpPxDu26G1GURraRcMNons0FeJwgQ8-W_zSJWcqL3QGUiNB51VbyuZIeYPTALpqZl23wF9PHIXFlBZTWyWV90XVruWGyWeUN8-Bobh4sTNk3x_fvSlWTsOiZlXC-R59mTamAY357I-1mDS5Oq8gx6AlkRoA=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4TjJuGsFOlR1gUyN_JxPmOfnbAqgjbB2VJCwQMViQlWAxsemcVF5Hd5xAVtlzWj2na-wSvQl3fFNpZyxREC80RdbGVWMckcBmtMtSk-TnwJFV4VODcvoFDV5H3TcyEtmfZZquFuJTqYO7-uBwo3DWuan_GepT5zpCRBhu8rRtb45kOte4zTnLr9RC0g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1599" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4TjJuGsFOlR1gUyN_JxPmOfnbAqgjbB2VJCwQMViQlWAxsemcVF5Hd5xAVtlzWj2na-wSvQl3fFNpZyxREC80RdbGVWMckcBmtMtSk-TnwJFV4VODcvoFDV5H3TcyEtmfZZquFuJTqYO7-uBwo3DWuan_GepT5zpCRBhu8rRtb45kOte4zTnLr9RC0g=w400-h190" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, we had a wonderful Christmas Potluck and Beach BBQ organised by one of the other ARC boats. Instead of Ugly Sweaters and Turkey, we had Hawaiian shirts and Jerk Chicken. On Boxing Day, yet another boat organised the First Annual International Beach Olympics! The teams included, North America, Scandinavia, Great Britain & Germany/Switzerland. There were lots of fun games, like tug-of-war, silly relay race and a blind-folded SUP race.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVVUDLZ8MKtbbdlkH36rsme0h7jnHuNkuohjjbIjMSYkJOQyqKhjiuF7kceaN2Gx4UxynzWRPMuz_Fy0al0Ksk2qp4iSJbDSyIKw5O7sbO79S7A4gN8JQLCYUo1ampjJ2d3kFJu14pwrXrBlwBOvAPEAOxUCgZtEInDwhvB40l6ysp-75C-uhLSsgGFA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVVUDLZ8MKtbbdlkH36rsme0h7jnHuNkuohjjbIjMSYkJOQyqKhjiuF7kceaN2Gx4UxynzWRPMuz_Fy0al0Ksk2qp4iSJbDSyIKw5O7sbO79S7A4gN8JQLCYUo1ampjJ2d3kFJu14pwrXrBlwBOvAPEAOxUCgZtEInDwhvB40l6ysp-75C-uhLSsgGFA=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiovE5S2zSjsCNQqwgmzyi3SS1D8Q7rUkAv50AaxXDM9BhLEVpHkJ_rATcW94YVp2ht10KRHntC_UlpkI5hNbZHXlVsv6YaNWRz_lTUwN-FQT4lwszA0LkbU-eD_jzcAFzklzryfGBoA88ZYb1M2ts4coijUM7tlubYaCprNbAJZqVVnHFEPTPR5n9hSg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiovE5S2zSjsCNQqwgmzyi3SS1D8Q7rUkAv50AaxXDM9BhLEVpHkJ_rATcW94YVp2ht10KRHntC_UlpkI5hNbZHXlVsv6YaNWRz_lTUwN-FQT4lwszA0LkbU-eD_jzcAFzklzryfGBoA88ZYb1M2ts4coijUM7tlubYaCprNbAJZqVVnHFEPTPR5n9hSg=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEw_1VzRwoisQWlT_KE2lRlob0r-HoN3ZjjF316KlSq2E4jd9N8nvJObIJ_K_S2sflcSmvPsD0vIiGIxKJ5iAOBfNf8mudZf_7p9IJO-Bct2cUDNiQ_PXR8WHp1cj7go-cAPZMeW1IYmTQ15mwMQsp31vPlgVOz1lOt5zaSzpBiE4lnMp61ZabXkblKw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="744" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEw_1VzRwoisQWlT_KE2lRlob0r-HoN3ZjjF316KlSq2E4jd9N8nvJObIJ_K_S2sflcSmvPsD0vIiGIxKJ5iAOBfNf8mudZf_7p9IJO-Bct2cUDNiQ_PXR8WHp1cj7go-cAPZMeW1IYmTQ15mwMQsp31vPlgVOz1lOt5zaSzpBiE4lnMp61ZabXkblKw=w332-h400" width="332" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The snorkelling has been absolutely mind-blowing! The variety of coral and fish is impressive. We try to find a new snorkelling spot every 2-3 days. The girls have become very comfortable under the water, and Aria has been able to free dive to 20-25 feet deep.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx-aCiPnNN0SZhhOm6AK4-1tL_JRg3NLg_bmAA5LXmNOuqeMR3h_fMIiIkxp4B0hHo5jkCvgKGOeSyu5Q3OTg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7HD5gz2K0ecKfs6aktGKJw0Dt82L2Qzw7C0LKSjQa1GPU2mM6ZFd1Mn33bFa-iH0hongvPKgXUiD4O2ZzCus7qyHPKUzYPaQwCDwr-EUHpRjVa-hvXmZgjJlQj-IfgNmHYcUMIuOm0cdh76TiPCN4_H1XYBCFs11q8Mds8_VoxTT4GWVH0-NfsHYIkw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7HD5gz2K0ecKfs6aktGKJw0Dt82L2Qzw7C0LKSjQa1GPU2mM6ZFd1Mn33bFa-iH0hongvPKgXUiD4O2ZzCus7qyHPKUzYPaQwCDwr-EUHpRjVa-hvXmZgjJlQj-IfgNmHYcUMIuOm0cdh76TiPCN4_H1XYBCFs11q8Mds8_VoxTT4GWVH0-NfsHYIkw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwvGG1j8LUhWBmfk3SEvL1kN9eEbVpxjed9uXN1vJ7ZflXsBLlHsnkbm82cp2eH-31CnnubMs1gg7CyLFRuAg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The hikes have been beautiful, and even on small islands, there is always a trail to get to the top of something. Aria is pictured here with friends from Montreal and Sweden. This was taken on an island called Bequia which is part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGWZ6CAQ24y4vthvUZfeB54qOdlYAR3AFUL2Wgm0BziGnQNLTUXWDxBXMZFlKT83wLJxMJuYcp9-8anW0e22Qdnv36Ef5ByJHCiMz8U-toPnoAnWz83Mq4XZySTeD52NLeLslMfIiOgFJUnx_t5-vLEgbR9X8WytfY0ucQWMHaW9_AkERGfIZn68i8HA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGWZ6CAQ24y4vthvUZfeB54qOdlYAR3AFUL2Wgm0BziGnQNLTUXWDxBXMZFlKT83wLJxMJuYcp9-8anW0e22Qdnv36Ef5ByJHCiMz8U-toPnoAnWz83Mq4XZySTeD52NLeLslMfIiOgFJUnx_t5-vLEgbR9X8WytfY0ucQWMHaW9_AkERGfIZn68i8HA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have been trying to eat as local as we can. Coconuts are plentiful and plantains are amazing when fried.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDwUmUe7sLTwxnZJXvvGq-yiKa-cAOfdWFDtszi9hQkCiNKouFvvWjJv3POv-QAg2gCpkKoE-5MTnk7PdWcDNRWaTsQraZK_Io8dQUGqmqb9vW8a0wbWZvPpB6O224T-8nKzzRUVLn5BOShbHDAd1hPpNxQYemh8FFBJbgmmpjD1t2PhE2WZBcEpQo0w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDwUmUe7sLTwxnZJXvvGq-yiKa-cAOfdWFDtszi9hQkCiNKouFvvWjJv3POv-QAg2gCpkKoE-5MTnk7PdWcDNRWaTsQraZK_Io8dQUGqmqb9vW8a0wbWZvPpB6O224T-8nKzzRUVLn5BOShbHDAd1hPpNxQYemh8FFBJbgmmpjD1t2PhE2WZBcEpQo0w=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>In the recent days, we have been snorkelling with turtles, and spending some quality time at anchor with friends doing water sports. There has been some foiling behind the dinghy, kids group SUP, and Opti sailing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzMs7_y3-HqM3HYpDhM1xNmJ7P-FVKBUcqJhGl7_5EUdnoMU4b4GdTXrd9XF3SxrWs0CfBw2QIYvFWPjHBs2g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyhmfF6pydD1F7JrjdJYWbgqYQd5Z7X6WrNLA4rE6njuV51tB1oKXyt-lkEJ-lEr3Ptp2Sa8uGX0FY0TJayEA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have also been able to figure out our drone somewhat, and have done a few flights to test it out. This is our anchorage on Mayreau Island in the Grenadines. Such beautiful, clear, warm water! Oyai is in the centre of the shot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dweO-QueHk0GGi7ZEapBIp2Wfy19iYhfcEsEjQ91qpSBSaf8GeMg2ukqDty9oja9hJQbL-_uz9unTMTZ_dXVw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In this video, Aria and her friend Molly are swimming next to Oyai.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwIQQGME_zhZfEhvEMoQzhJNCbSiuATwStfgyvJ61wIkTz1jaluKpoAJVkp-scI-jEDxL_xQwCTfmFUpMrCMA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><br />Sailing on a small boat may bring-to-mind a life of isolation, but nothing could be further from the truth! We have met so many great friends, all who have kids of similar ages to ours.<br /><br />We have been having so much social quality time with friends and going to party after party. Its been wonderful!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEER9moZEurxEgdk5uxnNkYwXYrhUsxjBb_UmcQ-4YxvlNHIC77bj7YbGmeIhWaD23uxAcUBpAyNYv44_D3mifgHvetrm0wnd94eI1MZn-cudsQSPHnOY9v40CZRy7Eaam1zp-VOYazptffXcdqOlYD0Bid1NK8golCBJUVbwMDo0T4WLthHQvwEhqyQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEER9moZEurxEgdk5uxnNkYwXYrhUsxjBb_UmcQ-4YxvlNHIC77bj7YbGmeIhWaD23uxAcUBpAyNYv44_D3mifgHvetrm0wnd94eI1MZn-cudsQSPHnOY9v40CZRy7Eaam1zp-VOYazptffXcdqOlYD0Bid1NK8golCBJUVbwMDo0T4WLthHQvwEhqyQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHCr5-4LCMRTecu8UapMqDFu1xZMoGOrd1aBGTv_b4aQTDh5oW_ja8hdjd_3vx_4ImGPBXAZoRMekqO2y7vyzRVnBfRqMGd126KYauE9GeNfWPRxnZO-IAVaxuKJ8Xe68KWYYBTGmHS7UPx4-KRKLCsrwbIPar_Qmv6JjMh6W6Gk0yxUpa3hwUkgx2fA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHCr5-4LCMRTecu8UapMqDFu1xZMoGOrd1aBGTv_b4aQTDh5oW_ja8hdjd_3vx_4ImGPBXAZoRMekqO2y7vyzRVnBfRqMGd126KYauE9GeNfWPRxnZO-IAVaxuKJ8Xe68KWYYBTGmHS7UPx4-KRKLCsrwbIPar_Qmv6JjMh6W6Gk0yxUpa3hwUkgx2fA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgo1kniZZurPjIPQYwvFWQ9JCAadyf_25W_zNVfUCbq4d8DtNSgroFfV-WqHuOx_45KHg80beqP0EhBKr7CYi2ItObATqeEicqw7nA4ecmvSq3xfHtwW2szuSaNTFvAAmfVfbszN5p7QeMGfDq4IQrIa5PcLaEiIReTv3hh5AXPCATNew9qShvJ-a3ejw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgo1kniZZurPjIPQYwvFWQ9JCAadyf_25W_zNVfUCbq4d8DtNSgroFfV-WqHuOx_45KHg80beqP0EhBKr7CYi2ItObATqeEicqw7nA4ecmvSq3xfHtwW2szuSaNTFvAAmfVfbszN5p7QeMGfDq4IQrIa5PcLaEiIReTv3hh5AXPCATNew9qShvJ-a3ejw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNP7Myx0hyxw9K8nXyQzdgkqi2hmtDhVVUaGvfgqiqU8eeQsXSexciVFHE5o8Plv0EUcqNZ06TErk0NTzHdfjr-xR4TYXYTfSAe_RQsV6vx2JWWagdvZe1Mgkz00kaYHcoBCqZeuMw_iaaxucTXAx__jSezNsgVNgtOLqUu8cmnFoajmeQ8WMYJxZEXw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNP7Myx0hyxw9K8nXyQzdgkqi2hmtDhVVUaGvfgqiqU8eeQsXSexciVFHE5o8Plv0EUcqNZ06TErk0NTzHdfjr-xR4TYXYTfSAe_RQsV6vx2JWWagdvZe1Mgkz00kaYHcoBCqZeuMw_iaaxucTXAx__jSezNsgVNgtOLqUu8cmnFoajmeQ8WMYJxZEXw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, we plan to head to Grenada and explore that island for a couple of weeks before meeting some friends from Comox back up at Saint Vincent. We will have seen so many great places to show Erica and Addy once they arrive in 3 weeks!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-68457755506514106642022-12-24T05:37:00.002-08:002022-12-24T05:50:39.223-08:00Crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a sailboat (part 2)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We had so much footage of our crossing and so many great moments, that we wanted to spread them out over two posts. Our daily routines were often interrupted by dolphin sightings, swimming in the deep blue water and catching fish. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">This was one of our more successful catches - an Atlantic Bonito. Other boats in the ARC were much more skilled than us at fishing and some caught Mahi Mahi, Tuna. Someone even caught a Blue Marlin!</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlJG2n78G2nVzYWnX30-7ptzcznLbsjmnw_Dd-q8iVRmqJTqv-HGecjUY4DYcPApwwG8ovBfQ0a7UdyIo38q8lnr9RcCjC_ir9jA9zqZZA_CqrywyC9OtbXc6JMZ1DChp9S44G93gwJuIIA_bnRKRO1FDBNLNPLHuXZdzkStE8SvDLVwnkA6dkuBCTg/s640/IMG_2380.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlJG2n78G2nVzYWnX30-7ptzcznLbsjmnw_Dd-q8iVRmqJTqv-HGecjUY4DYcPApwwG8ovBfQ0a7UdyIo38q8lnr9RcCjC_ir9jA9zqZZA_CqrywyC9OtbXc6JMZ1DChp9S44G93gwJuIIA_bnRKRO1FDBNLNPLHuXZdzkStE8SvDLVwnkA6dkuBCTg/w400-h300/IMG_2380.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a few days at sea, the kids really began to embrace the experience and enjoyed the daily activities a lot. Fishing, baking, doing watch, etc. Watching the sunset was a favourite pastime and we were always pointed west, so the sunsets were right in front of us!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRLUDnThScMPJz5xHd_lBfvcD1IdWnQ9kSOmqONhANA-7ZoSXptu7WJAmzwzoaZSc8vi3Ncd2rE0lxL-NoKos-_ZFBtvoBpSyk5gMZxp4aWR5NLmy1XvbLfYey97EmOYnMnN2tBc7IkagR5mxIh9X7Q_YQVKkz_8zs7i4qNfKht8V5HQlTuRZKo-4Ng/s640/IMG_1034.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRLUDnThScMPJz5xHd_lBfvcD1IdWnQ9kSOmqONhANA-7ZoSXptu7WJAmzwzoaZSc8vi3Ncd2rE0lxL-NoKos-_ZFBtvoBpSyk5gMZxp4aWR5NLmy1XvbLfYey97EmOYnMnN2tBc7IkagR5mxIh9X7Q_YQVKkz_8zs7i4qNfKht8V5HQlTuRZKo-4Ng/w400-h268/IMG_1034.jpeg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Being on a small sailboat in the middle of the ocean is a crazy experience. Your world shrinks down to this small space where you can only take a few steps at a time. Anytime we were on deck, outside the cockpit, we were strapped into the boat on "jacklines".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGqMdWZs3iOfXL0RMzRdnjCKCWY0uP8CZWtvyyzBcZGLgNIdudTxRTh78Qz7muKcog74dj285N88tF4G546EzlRpcghONNdu6pOWup5_w5t10BREb3FHNPrLP9tFihRo5DGv1Qk8Eyrnc95DQeVfExKZRYdIPFvjcGfv9UiPgwPDMJII8PZ6M5WoZ6g/s640/IMG_1039.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGqMdWZs3iOfXL0RMzRdnjCKCWY0uP8CZWtvyyzBcZGLgNIdudTxRTh78Qz7muKcog74dj285N88tF4G546EzlRpcghONNdu6pOWup5_w5t10BREb3FHNPrLP9tFihRo5DGv1Qk8Eyrnc95DQeVfExKZRYdIPFvjcGfv9UiPgwPDMJII8PZ6M5WoZ6g/w400-h268/IMG_1039.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had some very settled weather for a couple of days, and decided to go for a swim in the 5 kilometre</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> deep water! Stu had to go under the boat and scrape off some barnacles from the propeller anyways, so we thought it was the perfect time for everyone to join the Mid-Atlantic Swim Club!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzG-EO9J6aIvtwX2mmCMT3OiLmNsT2bKAQcSBLEMq7V_GDv24Jf5FmONTtTNOAKsY7elOLrZUi3eLd06SKdhw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEE7KeWprILngqg-qFgvEjWQ9idMgx0za34vcDeB7qWWvlOQwPPBKmCfv-URlFANkNhJNA5nR8x8pv6khGffKPkW9lDf4D7l7c9FnZ5e6ESS5h_rr1FlqgH7Psf-nHAb5DlbTqxKn_wc5uKPtBcXu399Q6Hod5rCj7YgaYgPyxH3Hv8kZsJzSUNvWug/s640/IMG_1043.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEE7KeWprILngqg-qFgvEjWQ9idMgx0za34vcDeB7qWWvlOQwPPBKmCfv-URlFANkNhJNA5nR8x8pv6khGffKPkW9lDf4D7l7c9FnZ5e6ESS5h_rr1FlqgH7Psf-nHAb5DlbTqxKn_wc5uKPtBcXu399Q6Hod5rCj7YgaYgPyxH3Hv8kZsJzSUNvWug/w400-h268/IMG_1043.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The incredibly deep water was such a magical shade of blue! James swam under the boat for some great video footage. We didn't see any big fish during our swim, but it was definitely on our minds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxfRbTwSgqrrhxzTQ5v2F6rAzgFKQXYbOCr6eQ5XSlXaiLuh1DMFjY1Qd0M7YqvehWZ9xVVb4krqtPL7ei43Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRBd6UcCu-MkTKQjnEjMp1rma4JRVAjjxP1XlMzFFuGtgi6L5saVB9NN8Wimt9EbxdJX0p3F_B5f14Rmt9ota18ACzXRu9O1bgnBc4RqbvWG5GRDS63qzBibOKqh01ckBro91fl4MZzaBbJ5luro1acD9Y0XERgW84-4ml8kZt6cQxSmMq95hdIGFxw/s640/IMG_1068.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRBd6UcCu-MkTKQjnEjMp1rma4JRVAjjxP1XlMzFFuGtgi6L5saVB9NN8Wimt9EbxdJX0p3F_B5f14Rmt9ota18ACzXRu9O1bgnBc4RqbvWG5GRDS63qzBibOKqh01ckBro91fl4MZzaBbJ5luro1acD9Y0XERgW84-4ml8kZt6cQxSmMq95hdIGFxw/w400-h268/IMG_1068.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our last few days were calm and peaceful with light winds and beautiful weather. We were either hard-on-the-wind sailing or motor sailing for the last 48-72 hours. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwnyIL2YQBdGL_F9THoevutZsIuB1f6x0lcXHYu74wErDxMgoCTWKj1CSARYWXWK7b6Fu90O6y66U83dinSvA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dolphins came to visit us on multiple occasions, and we caught some great video of them riding our bow wake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz-0ZQ_4NOG8Uwz3V9rwIuWmQKq_Xti-myX8sO9BT7l0zq7NzauLA3WABxOTRx6_b2VNezGQFqUQqgCArR1Sg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGnJXZM9d0sciEP1hzUME99hx0n0PScxWHcLJEmdozboV8jhBcUS308TGSl5OWqW7Ez3ja3fNTP7vgowflD1wuc9ZcsCI5Vn6TNGPvTRiddb_BSYieuMGzm4dN9lpfbIPakhTzHf6ed8OOJhexdopy0pnYJ6oLvGD-ayrI7O5IywGjsD0nSNf7Hox4A/s640/IMG_0180.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGnJXZM9d0sciEP1hzUME99hx0n0PScxWHcLJEmdozboV8jhBcUS308TGSl5OWqW7Ez3ja3fNTP7vgowflD1wuc9ZcsCI5Vn6TNGPvTRiddb_BSYieuMGzm4dN9lpfbIPakhTzHf6ed8OOJhexdopy0pnYJ6oLvGD-ayrI7O5IywGjsD0nSNf7Hox4A/w400-h300/IMG_0180.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our arrival in Saint Lucia was surreal. There were so many other boats around and the smell of land was delightfully overwhelming. Once we got into the marina, many of the other ARC sailors, who had arrived before us, honked their horns and cheered loudly for us. It brought tears to our eyes. What a welcome!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqetJquQzNIz_GQZlFwTUxFB5qZu3yIAPm6j8EF78GApkzZJ03pfj4NHx6AtuHh6iSuOwrpTjs6eG0urUG8pRhAklLGn77xGir8Wi65ZJ_mBWYcTQs0czT8sLTPHLUU_43I8GXf4S6Au9q4ei-aoHAL4KTF0QvfXDOUg1n7tOy9-TVpJr5H3xqYUizA/s640/arc22-1395%20(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqetJquQzNIz_GQZlFwTUxFB5qZu3yIAPm6j8EF78GApkzZJ03pfj4NHx6AtuHh6iSuOwrpTjs6eG0urUG8pRhAklLGn77xGir8Wi65ZJ_mBWYcTQs0czT8sLTPHLUU_43I8GXf4S6Au9q4ei-aoHAL4KTF0QvfXDOUg1n7tOy9-TVpJr5H3xqYUizA/w268-h400/arc22-1395%20(1).jpeg" width="268" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mJ7nmH5sYcuinnfIKLMjMzBJIA9b5ZlwLjNzA2mOeC1p513MS7FFrXVMn7oqcZe6x33IFKCEojeBbgidv5dM6B3G6otFTbsOx3EWeS1cfrhJHBcUkbBPvsdQ9KZWoCT3Sa3UrtIcPhQaSIoxZupAXGH1rNcb2zHm5YyUWtejps410ZEDIm-CCudjrw/s640/arc22-1393.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mJ7nmH5sYcuinnfIKLMjMzBJIA9b5ZlwLjNzA2mOeC1p513MS7FFrXVMn7oqcZe6x33IFKCEojeBbgidv5dM6B3G6otFTbsOx3EWeS1cfrhJHBcUkbBPvsdQ9KZWoCT3Sa3UrtIcPhQaSIoxZupAXGH1rNcb2zHm5YyUWtejps410ZEDIm-CCudjrw/w400-h268/arc22-1393.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now that our Atlantic crossing is behind us, we plan to take some time to rest, clean the boat and just generally enjoy exploring on land for a few days. Our wonderful crew mates Amelia and James will say goodbye and fly home to Canada. Thanks so much for all the help and warm company! It was an amazing experience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFep_EcdpfWn4Nd1l3gsyeHufiOfPscwWvgNVx1_KMlovBCzVSr9oIaYitCOo8Q_NhzyVjvQDGexDdNVbnFAOTW9ysebOuGzgkacVl3isJzzOenhRBNQl52Of4TcfCLLfjmOEHGFuzoZ_Gv94vr4_8dm9HDmiCWbCyN9xG8hk3EuU6RfS_bmKNAmbcw/s1401/Screenshot%202022-12-24%20at%205.29.46%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1401" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFep_EcdpfWn4Nd1l3gsyeHufiOfPscwWvgNVx1_KMlovBCzVSr9oIaYitCOo8Q_NhzyVjvQDGexDdNVbnFAOTW9ysebOuGzgkacVl3isJzzOenhRBNQl52Of4TcfCLLfjmOEHGFuzoZ_Gv94vr4_8dm9HDmiCWbCyN9xG8hk3EuU6RfS_bmKNAmbcw/w400-h303/Screenshot%202022-12-24%20at%205.29.46%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-3384379948507434702022-12-15T07:11:00.003-08:002022-12-15T07:11:58.712-08:00Crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a sailboat (part 1)<p> We have now arrived in the Caribbean after a wonderful crossing aboard Oyai. It took us just over 19 days and we had lots of different conditions along the way: strong winds, ideal winds, very light winds, sunshine, rain and squalls. The sunsets, sunrises, stars and moon were our constant companions guiding us along the way.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGeUba06n9svsNKlTngYQ6wGgxKjdMleJthcjcrXcl01D8CV-RjVOh2gjlq7BBAKz3f_CSfvOF6rgolzZGIPyjLmoZKdLkThAWvGw0oo4d6tyK6bkeveiPxVTkisqlsXMf_EmNwAjUdo4yJ2NDCnJm6gE_sifyPm-8K7Rv97Dz9nR09Xh4jIVqDJiwhg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGeUba06n9svsNKlTngYQ6wGgxKjdMleJthcjcrXcl01D8CV-RjVOh2gjlq7BBAKz3f_CSfvOF6rgolzZGIPyjLmoZKdLkThAWvGw0oo4d6tyK6bkeveiPxVTkisqlsXMf_EmNwAjUdo4yJ2NDCnJm6gE_sifyPm-8K7Rv97Dz9nR09Xh4jIVqDJiwhg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>We left Las Palmas in grand fashion, with all of the other 150-ish ARC boats as a mass start. It was pretty amazing to see that many sailboats all charging off together. The start of the ARC was scheduled for November 20th, and the wind was quite strong, gusting to 45 knots on the southeast side of Gran Canaria. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZHGyO64TazZ6iJsvMsGPIiO0l29eYE-85i2jaOSxiPXuvBBPZZiUcHY-AlUzb5kOdtki70nNrDGsOcL5O3I1rX8gr9orDNompSpI8zKCrn4g2QAxYxxQ0NNxVu6uEcGVyzFvkz1FTtVg4ga3ybFVNLqA9kzDGxrWTTJ5gTriapH91PwB4I-Yek3qA0A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZHGyO64TazZ6iJsvMsGPIiO0l29eYE-85i2jaOSxiPXuvBBPZZiUcHY-AlUzb5kOdtki70nNrDGsOcL5O3I1rX8gr9orDNompSpI8zKCrn4g2QAxYxxQ0NNxVu6uEcGVyzFvkz1FTtVg4ga3ybFVNLqA9kzDGxrWTTJ5gTriapH91PwB4I-Yek3qA0A=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiMWVXvlVtXvdoUmNqoLtb0JBaS5LeLcC1vIGVhSBpZzg8OrN4SVQVKR1vapf7fPdo0978d1Au74MKE6DKL60I_R7VTVh6kFrt43MTs8C2H8ERJ-_TiiBva49NH-FDWZpPrmz-HucCswTUnAG3mwJaWPM4OsUwrKoGG06_i0GcEWR2hpKkvBMrKdXW7g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiMWVXvlVtXvdoUmNqoLtb0JBaS5LeLcC1vIGVhSBpZzg8OrN4SVQVKR1vapf7fPdo0978d1Au74MKE6DKL60I_R7VTVh6kFrt43MTs8C2H8ERJ-_TiiBva49NH-FDWZpPrmz-HucCswTUnAG3mwJaWPM4OsUwrKoGG06_i0GcEWR2hpKkvBMrKdXW7g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiMWVXvlVtXvdoUmNqoLtb0JBaS5LeLcC1vIGVhSBpZzg8OrN4SVQVKR1vapf7fPdo0978d1Au74MKE6DKL60I_R7VTVh6kFrt43MTs8C2H8ERJ-_TiiBva49NH-FDWZpPrmz-HucCswTUnAG3mwJaWPM4OsUwrKoGG06_i0GcEWR2hpKkvBMrKdXW7g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiMWVXvlVtXvdoUmNqoLtb0JBaS5LeLcC1vIGVhSBpZzg8OrN4SVQVKR1vapf7fPdo0978d1Au74MKE6DKL60I_R7VTVh6kFrt43MTs8C2H8ERJ-_TiiBva49NH-FDWZpPrmz-HucCswTUnAG3mwJaWPM4OsUwrKoGG06_i0GcEWR2hpKkvBMrKdXW7g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPnjLyPMyOETrhn5t08QFc-y-mHsAWQ8FkYQue-3F1Bc6lP4NmQ3E_JK2mY9mep8qVxDSDNfVfQigOS3Zsobx12Ls-u1b8xeZH_I1l-Y38Xgsfv-UfyuKKffZbL5iOlKswHMuajJXAAS5gt8jLpnfM7zNnK6JRAiTv5ERzTAQJ4mEADQn3_2nce72vdw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPnjLyPMyOETrhn5t08QFc-y-mHsAWQ8FkYQue-3F1Bc6lP4NmQ3E_JK2mY9mep8qVxDSDNfVfQigOS3Zsobx12Ls-u1b8xeZH_I1l-Y38Xgsfv-UfyuKKffZbL5iOlKswHMuajJXAAS5gt8jLpnfM7zNnK6JRAiTv5ERzTAQJ4mEADQn3_2nce72vdw=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEis0YXMaBqWXhuHo1CsEUhv3ZH9fCmLyYnDZ0O1CNTG00bO9o47mut0BKzsI1D2_Ep6rqnvRyjjVJqf_CtZE1g4aB0rNuEA0u2S8LwuOT6IqgYvQ2bulGZfJchrvjNTSO7p9wKettYfh3saMep3RYBhNsK56QuXEDO95ddUPn5OKnuMKcBYxCsMThTqwg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEis0YXMaBqWXhuHo1CsEUhv3ZH9fCmLyYnDZ0O1CNTG00bO9o47mut0BKzsI1D2_Ep6rqnvRyjjVJqf_CtZE1g4aB0rNuEA0u2S8LwuOT6IqgYvQ2bulGZfJchrvjNTSO7p9wKettYfh3saMep3RYBhNsK56QuXEDO95ddUPn5OKnuMKcBYxCsMThTqwg=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPY2NISp4uPm-wXDR7otH573c140nZU3fjH_XmjHHmRWz-UKsbIFFlqCywwqMFcdpxRL-lczjdwPXBO98swByzZpaV-YXFEqewljRkf74UtoQid4IAh7TDOH890nkcLLBNDLAdW1XeEXor73qWiN2nf52MgPlUV4rWr8808PeG1RML8LQqw-Q4B8uQBg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><br /><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Crossing an ocean brings many experiences and emotions at different times and we are proud to have experienced them all! From elation to fear. From boredom to sheer joy. Life quickly finds a way of shrinking down around you, allowing you to feel all of these things so simply and intensely. It is truly an amazing experience - one that we will all cherish for a lifetime. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYtza_UHP4xT6QoATfOHgs8o2dpNEn-_MoPcmW4Sk5mTzeIuv48hOAc1gZIh_yzfXsjUlfl_u5F7nRXgcZt3LwdMFucOxFc5aa90K9BPU_iLgceVtp4pgAXryoVuuGUyosH7SKIg8IvO1SXeH0b6ssJhdTKYW2cYipppiszyOZY-UtKp3GkdotEHTwBg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYtza_UHP4xT6QoATfOHgs8o2dpNEn-_MoPcmW4Sk5mTzeIuv48hOAc1gZIh_yzfXsjUlfl_u5F7nRXgcZt3LwdMFucOxFc5aa90K9BPU_iLgceVtp4pgAXryoVuuGUyosH7SKIg8IvO1SXeH0b6ssJhdTKYW2cYipppiszyOZY-UtKp3GkdotEHTwBg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibnLG9_uF9OAt_4wXgQnPvLc8n8zPJR05puZoyMtp-gCl2eG5nO9e6vez6we0gKHOuIPZzQsb4oGEpoeV6NGzoC5gPReV_CUFS-qBJSIwEaizbQQsHeZYPUEffRb6mCvCJLTgSmnaNgAiz2DWbGnMhgjeNvctOGWdAf-YKEPXAik_6H6HEattxI6mvqw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibnLG9_uF9OAt_4wXgQnPvLc8n8zPJR05puZoyMtp-gCl2eG5nO9e6vez6we0gKHOuIPZzQsb4oGEpoeV6NGzoC5gPReV_CUFS-qBJSIwEaizbQQsHeZYPUEffRb6mCvCJLTgSmnaNgAiz2DWbGnMhgjeNvctOGWdAf-YKEPXAik_6H6HEattxI6mvqw=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9kVO_L-zrYAZYc0DWf9Sy9AIusQuTrT8DCK1jyj0Kp1YnCq1iIRXxtvNeLLvNiZnSsfuvTWOE32PrwiB3M5qvYk2fYPzNZT4KyZIfDonU_ZTVs4AoNtwZFYQ3AVqnyaC7bRBjh4sagYZIYMd0-iqoI5-D3UuNVyUkpVk3TNAOb1DXblKxPNORi-7s2A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9kVO_L-zrYAZYc0DWf9Sy9AIusQuTrT8DCK1jyj0Kp1YnCq1iIRXxtvNeLLvNiZnSsfuvTWOE32PrwiB3M5qvYk2fYPzNZT4KyZIfDonU_ZTVs4AoNtwZFYQ3AVqnyaC7bRBjh4sagYZIYMd0-iqoI5-D3UuNVyUkpVk3TNAOb1DXblKxPNORi-7s2A=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">In the next sunset photo, you can see our map and where we are on day 7 (far off of the west coast of Africa).</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYAYFlJmoR5tvMnGF38B3MD7adDAz7_e4-lRJ7b4FShchm-ZossJ9eUBgxezUyVwB42FUBk8cPCdsTsuj1O9fv929ziwgetdy9oV90n0sAZ81lBuEf9ywIMVpSgnKQoN_-0OoGaK6qOcorYwWk2u19SQgmr_xUXFTmGK3khz4hcdM9x1FCLHOkZmP7rw=w400-h266" width="400" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We tried our hands at fishing, but were only able to entice very small fish on board. This was an Atlantic Bonito which is a small type of tuna. It was tiny, but still delicious. We caught 3 of these and nothing else on our crossing. We did have something big on the line at one point and we saw it jump out of the water. It quickly bit through our steel leader line and was gone with the lure. Perhaps its best we didn't try to haul that beast on board!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfVvUII4rNDREOJBEmLq7W-_M5xF6rZyF95iKoCEZ6MFR5gDFZOfCzRp899zPnVQzr-57oSsk7CRvy63AafteO4Wcg3T1WX4R_J_PqHZlVsfItRLTKQoD1TFIgWRRUULdTSu14xC7c6inrh6RDaqjvbxRYlbLUC0neFhGvWG6P6AZQXEKj1xj6GcvOQw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfVvUII4rNDREOJBEmLq7W-_M5xF6rZyF95iKoCEZ6MFR5gDFZOfCzRp899zPnVQzr-57oSsk7CRvy63AafteO4Wcg3T1WX4R_J_PqHZlVsfItRLTKQoD1TFIgWRRUULdTSu14xC7c6inrh6RDaqjvbxRYlbLUC0neFhGvWG6P6AZQXEKj1xj6GcvOQw=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>The sailing was sublime for most of the trip, and Oyai was purpose-built to sail in these tradewinds. We mostly sailed dead downwind for the first week under twin headsails. We would average a speed of about 7 knots day and night while sailing in the trades.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><u><br /></u></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzOSvb-IO3KJlmnQeuMwYTL8QKCZV2in72kpBCcLy-F_acpscNINsh-T5Hi634IZN-gAaNAukj_PnCR2rpENg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Having the ARC fleet of boats to share the experience was also incredible. We stayed in SSB radio contact with a few boats, but rarely saw anyone on the horizon - the ocean is so vast! All-in-all there were just under 150 boats in the rally, and we got to know most of the crews. We especially made close friends with all of the "kid boats" that were part of the rally and have made bonds which will be lifelong. </span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIzjA3N1fJcTy6XE1qjhDPnrUUNvEgadO5mBj8DiaVE7axjrA6_WceQonPa7vBLTWnF-zm7ZkrdwFdRT5mDw18ke5jfD6mtwEEPz86Mqg-UdkM1pDIcynWWf7TCZmDuLJ-3mOc6pujvO9HhPl20Imv3d-0p2SPTx9U4OjGDfh7eHBDV_zN_7gtpvq1ag" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIzjA3N1fJcTy6XE1qjhDPnrUUNvEgadO5mBj8DiaVE7axjrA6_WceQonPa7vBLTWnF-zm7ZkrdwFdRT5mDw18ke5jfD6mtwEEPz86Mqg-UdkM1pDIcynWWf7TCZmDuLJ-3mOc6pujvO9HhPl20Imv3d-0p2SPTx9U4OjGDfh7eHBDV_zN_7gtpvq1ag=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />We would all occasionally sit at the bow of the boat and have our feet splashed by the bow wake. The water got quickly warmer as we nudged into the tradewind belt south of 20 N latitude.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZyHMdtn7UOzlwahvJ9hI-EkyfbD5rcnlUeQb9iVxxFc7rv82XkTHZYbIK6gnXW7dnEl4816yAQ7HtYqzXcmpEyF1AQ6dLhdfsBmJNdyU-4UuT_RvOM7KpUt_6z0nmn2Dy8xy981ICKHfL2_KYpPuxcqFwxKvunjR15kdsb4U-TXjtoGUhW-Kmz0c6sw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZyHMdtn7UOzlwahvJ9hI-EkyfbD5rcnlUeQb9iVxxFc7rv82XkTHZYbIK6gnXW7dnEl4816yAQ7HtYqzXcmpEyF1AQ6dLhdfsBmJNdyU-4UuT_RvOM7KpUt_6z0nmn2Dy8xy981ICKHfL2_KYpPuxcqFwxKvunjR15kdsb4U-TXjtoGUhW-Kmz0c6sw=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dysObbs5z4HKzhcyr1I8VnDAUL6gh3fBX16yrhlG9fTzr5mgjLr1ndTzvc4fNL5EAqObSyodWexXnmi9Fitmg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The fleet had its share of issues, as one would expect when crossing an ocean. The most dramatic event happened about 7 days into the rally when a Swedish "kid boat" was dismasted in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Luckily nobody was seriously injured and they cut away the rig quickly without damaging the hull. With the support of a handful of other boats, they were able to get enough fuel to motor all the way to the Caribbean without further incident. They have quite an harrowing story to tell!</span></div><p></p><p>We will post a second blog entry in few days about the second half of our Atlantic crossing. So many memories and photos/videos to share! Next up will be mid-ocean swimming, dolphins playing in the bow wake, squalls and more! Stay tuned and share the blog with anyone you think may be interested in our voyage.</p>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-41211696221699957752022-11-19T06:42:00.000-08:002022-11-19T06:42:00.824-08:00Explorations and fun on Gran Canaria! And it's the day before departure <p><br /> We did take a few breaks from boat maintenance to explore Gran Canaria. We rented a car and travelled to the third highest point on the island, Roque Nublo, which means Rock in the Clouds. It was formed by a volcanic eruption around 4.5 million years ago. Surrounding the rock and summit were pine forests that thinned out to reveal a moonscape of volcanic rock. The girls discovered slivers of obsidian stone along the way and fascinating holes in the rocks created by past volcanic activity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXhXsec5nGFwfwZxZIg4KhcKatgmuPtJQK0NqHG99YauZwlKpZmLKacESu_EU-oA1SLieGYy1_NTv_VgSyeVI56fNKjMXvFEpMsfBp2kAeqcOUdayIrFrK9k2RK4FQM1u2fuPvXzdCI7US4QjnuHlPme5RkBOal4scd08YGy8C9qirWW_J0l9Zor76cg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXhXsec5nGFwfwZxZIg4KhcKatgmuPtJQK0NqHG99YauZwlKpZmLKacESu_EU-oA1SLieGYy1_NTv_VgSyeVI56fNKjMXvFEpMsfBp2kAeqcOUdayIrFrK9k2RK4FQM1u2fuPvXzdCI7US4QjnuHlPme5RkBOal4scd08YGy8C9qirWW_J0l9Zor76cg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Roque Nublo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmt1TtLV2hycyWRvMjwRhD2Qrffux-bmqyD33RrXbuqcCnBMm0uhPpk_x09jBoNR4Ybe_fyTs9T8okhmE58k5U_EC_o5IxnBp4jRQL0sFdMO6CAGxCzOiqZEM_Q5gVjWho3Mzkiqh5Cuzx3tXehL-79EkSzJhObYyxhUl8mHTdv8EPVQFlSITpbNeA2A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmt1TtLV2hycyWRvMjwRhD2Qrffux-bmqyD33RrXbuqcCnBMm0uhPpk_x09jBoNR4Ybe_fyTs9T8okhmE58k5U_EC_o5IxnBp4jRQL0sFdMO6CAGxCzOiqZEM_Q5gVjWho3Mzkiqh5Cuzx3tXehL-79EkSzJhObYyxhUl8mHTdv8EPVQFlSITpbNeA2A=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIFoHoKMRuF82yAdXOb14uLYN_V296P65AOliJzonM74jKnVHkOSSfchVHEM3LufRH5b4qmklag-x7310UjK6twMecfT52pDGDbDBKIhVsyFiw2o4Blvoq6FhEt5mZILuLuwukZJdHujxZEKr8srt3Z3OSN7yPYrFgG8UudE5REp0GBhJXWvRs4MsJQ/s4032/IMG_7668.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIFoHoKMRuF82yAdXOb14uLYN_V296P65AOliJzonM74jKnVHkOSSfchVHEM3LufRH5b4qmklag-x7310UjK6twMecfT52pDGDbDBKIhVsyFiw2o4Blvoq6FhEt5mZILuLuwukZJdHujxZEKr8srt3Z3OSN7yPYrFgG8UudE5REp0GBhJXWvRs4MsJQ/w400-h300/IMG_7668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The drive was unlike any we have done before. The roads were in good condition but narrow and very, very steep. Also, there were about 17 winding routes to take you to the same spot. The scenery was spectacular with flowered covered homes clinging to the terraced hillside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0klVF3WRncbgp51RG-oxAfPqa-U5uyWvdxSs3xcri8jIrvIw_a2fHpsICBtqC7xaJa0o-SKZMFW1FxyZHMS-chC7wwolAgNgRLFNVndI106TSGFvfkWrTybNzXtF_HfLuEo_mbkPUW8hNzTrSmPPrcgDdRMefs74GiKe6HVm7Cs6rdcRE8US5GrX6Dg/s4032/IMG_7666.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0klVF3WRncbgp51RG-oxAfPqa-U5uyWvdxSs3xcri8jIrvIw_a2fHpsICBtqC7xaJa0o-SKZMFW1FxyZHMS-chC7wwolAgNgRLFNVndI106TSGFvfkWrTybNzXtF_HfLuEo_mbkPUW8hNzTrSmPPrcgDdRMefs74GiKe6HVm7Cs6rdcRE8US5GrX6Dg/w400-h300/IMG_7666.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Lunch was at Tejeda, described as one of the prettiest villages in Spain. We had a selection of local dishes which we shared, including rabbit. Despite Aria's expression in this photo she loved it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglY3dHQmmxf1T4N-S4omTN9o2TBpqxiTGL-uiRrpreENO1ueFutIRDN7Og0uUErxSez1_iJXxKb0Ou1XVTZvno3vnGgxlFRidb7h_7RmYbTIIE1kOIOBTZTXS8gGQ3PWCfqNGPfh7AFr7MdUmI0AFt2Q_pAT0-S5GtISgjTglI0Ep7f-qtziQ3MHD7g/s4032/IMG_7662.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglY3dHQmmxf1T4N-S4omTN9o2TBpqxiTGL-uiRrpreENO1ueFutIRDN7Og0uUErxSez1_iJXxKb0Ou1XVTZvno3vnGgxlFRidb7h_7RmYbTIIE1kOIOBTZTXS8gGQ3PWCfqNGPfh7AFr7MdUmI0AFt2Q_pAT0-S5GtISgjTglI0Ep7f-qtziQ3MHD7g/w400-h300/IMG_7662.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Back at the marina Aria and Micah joined the other ARC children for Kids Club and Lana and Stu spent 2 mornings surfing. A taxi from our marina took about 10 minutes to get to the surf beaches at Playa de las Canteras. We have discovered that Gran Canaria has plenty of surf possibilities. We would love to explore more of the breaks surrounding the coast but boat preparations and fun with fellow ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) participants have us back in marina.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JQDVK3eHdFOJ6lOifi4wcJaDad57CyjYXMcscfV80KXNwHZJUArem397c2toerZH4r0omw9dcxWIj0FQD0n4DD_71Qg7_uScwxQ1HBpa8c2qPwJgeSamQ913lchRIQQ9VC0DOirMfmc9IeD1UXy7xfsYW5Iq97NN7aYke5dlgWXNWgmkjZeW80cnBw/s4032/IMG_7780.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JQDVK3eHdFOJ6lOifi4wcJaDad57CyjYXMcscfV80KXNwHZJUArem397c2toerZH4r0omw9dcxWIj0FQD0n4DD_71Qg7_uScwxQ1HBpa8c2qPwJgeSamQ913lchRIQQ9VC0DOirMfmc9IeD1UXy7xfsYW5Iq97NN7aYke5dlgWXNWgmkjZeW80cnBw/w400-h300/IMG_7780.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Lana, Aria and Micah joined with other ARC folks and a local reforestation company to learn about forestry practices on Gran Canaria and to help out by planting native tree species. It was an interesting day as we learned that the 2 varieties of tree we were planting were native only to a few islands in the area. These trees had thrived during the ice age as the islands remained slightly warmer than the mainland due to being surrounded by ocean. Many of the native forests had been decimated, down to 3%, over the past several centuries as the trees were harvested for home/ship building or used as fuel for fires. Replanting of the forests on Gran Canaria is undertaken by private companies and it was an honour to be able to assist them.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsFPn6IsfT0qXsl-5hQ0uloX7osyutZkBEJYLKqe_c0PJCFZaOA8jlDHC-XoMcDqlu_QwbwkEAiSQj8YT2cKTy8n6JlOGI-vugztQoTY6GIRP1NJGzqAeHlIv8f1abfdrz-_0qN3vE7lfBZzOa5ffmTafp3qU87lNRp3_1yr-6B7GRo2gDE5wnCxNfQ/s4032/IMG_7700.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsFPn6IsfT0qXsl-5hQ0uloX7osyutZkBEJYLKqe_c0PJCFZaOA8jlDHC-XoMcDqlu_QwbwkEAiSQj8YT2cKTy8n6JlOGI-vugztQoTY6GIRP1NJGzqAeHlIv8f1abfdrz-_0qN3vE7lfBZzOa5ffmTafp3qU87lNRp3_1yr-6B7GRo2gDE5wnCxNfQ/w400-h300/IMG_7700.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1O5XF_pRZngUlvQ8vUZmVrSikNbCPw4yVi54SdbkugfCk0y3E4GcN3dLHW_wH1-WfV9fBsZIXN3TeBJkU4iuW-bbUheyatiip8k-hEg_HSeBlQKOuZtf4tJkV66YZpJbTx3zP6Yu9JRxzg_oXx5I1ztvgLm-kC4JTNLE_uRiToIoQ5KGpXMmOIqZYYA/s4032/IMG_7719.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1O5XF_pRZngUlvQ8vUZmVrSikNbCPw4yVi54SdbkugfCk0y3E4GcN3dLHW_wH1-WfV9fBsZIXN3TeBJkU4iuW-bbUheyatiip8k-hEg_HSeBlQKOuZtf4tJkV66YZpJbTx3zP6Yu9JRxzg_oXx5I1ztvgLm-kC4JTNLE_uRiToIoQ5KGpXMmOIqZYYA/w300-h400/IMG_7719.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The docks were quite empty when the ARC+ left but the slips have gradually refilled with boats who will depart with us on the ARC November 20. There was a grand parade complete with 2 bands and a procession of nations being represented. Locals lined the avenue and cheered us on as we made our way through the marina. There are only 2 boats from Canada and we were proud to carry and raise our flag with them during the ceremony.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1o3QFVCwSFd896GMZdb1qcR0jOQnk3aaahrYvdZdk1VROr2-Kle6yxsLFLpNmEf7WB4K7IcPE3sx6wpjgWs9NRNZJ2Sm_GfdD1zcytuafzGdcTFcgHTdSAsJNnuRKDMY3TeYLSX99qz0D4V-qcCh66mmvg6KiUTGJ536xEajlG49NAWN0SdI_ZmsQA/s4032/IMG_7740.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1o3QFVCwSFd896GMZdb1qcR0jOQnk3aaahrYvdZdk1VROr2-Kle6yxsLFLpNmEf7WB4K7IcPE3sx6wpjgWs9NRNZJ2Sm_GfdD1zcytuafzGdcTFcgHTdSAsJNnuRKDMY3TeYLSX99qz0D4V-qcCh66mmvg6KiUTGJ536xEajlG49NAWN0SdI_ZmsQA/w300-h400/IMG_7740.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ei_R4nPLQG9EEOF72x9k_D1A9_LMAFsnY1eQI1pry9fU5FQaJX_3KTXtoFug4KkYDlgN4JQSQAsm5ioOwptY8nqxLJSRvmqTqTquqFD6S_83CJWOPa99DM8m_7ZGlgjOkny85WeQA1b1m_XZE-9QwPO62dq8u3PNeKgReKsm20Y1Cq449qvwXmLEGw/s4032/IMG_7755.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ei_R4nPLQG9EEOF72x9k_D1A9_LMAFsnY1eQI1pry9fU5FQaJX_3KTXtoFug4KkYDlgN4JQSQAsm5ioOwptY8nqxLJSRvmqTqTquqFD6S_83CJWOPa99DM8m_7ZGlgjOkny85WeQA1b1m_XZE-9QwPO62dq8u3PNeKgReKsm20Y1Cq449qvwXmLEGw/w300-h400/IMG_7755.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwfM-dKEY54BGnquGgF4rGQnG536npOUXJRjoxcSayJUeKh2y52dVm_cT0S4DkW6wCUJKbUMbv7ZqI6phro0VznHZ0CWAhN-IJ02fEWOj4twBWjH53DK5dpmdoHBSbYum_7qAiFJQKnLckHBXBYPefiRHSm9S_tXDfne9IWXO0J_RmN4IR743OqQTNA/s4032/IMG_7752.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwfM-dKEY54BGnquGgF4rGQnG536npOUXJRjoxcSayJUeKh2y52dVm_cT0S4DkW6wCUJKbUMbv7ZqI6phro0VznHZ0CWAhN-IJ02fEWOj4twBWjH53DK5dpmdoHBSbYum_7qAiFJQKnLckHBXBYPefiRHSm9S_tXDfne9IWXO0J_RmN4IR743OqQTNA/w400-h300/IMG_7752.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduQ4eM-j3oGskiA6opsolnBOVipPn3irPEA11PtRN4O5BuxU_Nte-Mehj6EpPa6jxopYdgszmGll5RSyU2BzLK1Mvt85UZinsoUtgQIfyOi5GEfIdcSlj2VHzXDfyQyS8ZXoHE9IZ5gN7J9c_L5PlTlVVcz8MMqYXofW_tb6mdNPU3AiLOdeqPF_lAQ/s4032/IMG_7763.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduQ4eM-j3oGskiA6opsolnBOVipPn3irPEA11PtRN4O5BuxU_Nte-Mehj6EpPa6jxopYdgszmGll5RSyU2BzLK1Mvt85UZinsoUtgQIfyOi5GEfIdcSlj2VHzXDfyQyS8ZXoHE9IZ5gN7J9c_L5PlTlVVcz8MMqYXofW_tb6mdNPU3AiLOdeqPF_lAQ/w300-h400/IMG_7763.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Aria and Micah from Oyai, Comox, BC</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lohan and Mael from Jayana, Montreal, QC</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ready to raise the flag for Canada!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A new group of kids has become a solid pack of international friends. The clackety clak of their scooter wheels can be heard up and down the dock throughout the day. There is always some kind of plan being hatched and they have been organising their own activities of swimming, art, cards, movie watching, excursions into town as well as attending the kids club every morning. These photos only captured a few of them: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lCEIFbBnkrkomjIJVTR3aT7y94m6i9u-TGX6Cz8EGGXUo9pe_ZZWpjdZn3742BDYz4wci8ZgabOKd5mQTeEMtIwstnJH_50dJh6Crdg3K6ZYt2BH9_J09B0Cccbz-JLBfhVnNqkuApFotoL_1JMwXiQZTLincP3dvTvmtpdGJGTWhNlh9J_ziBZbAw/s4032/IMG_7679.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lCEIFbBnkrkomjIJVTR3aT7y94m6i9u-TGX6Cz8EGGXUo9pe_ZZWpjdZn3742BDYz4wci8ZgabOKd5mQTeEMtIwstnJH_50dJh6Crdg3K6ZYt2BH9_J09B0Cccbz-JLBfhVnNqkuApFotoL_1JMwXiQZTLincP3dvTvmtpdGJGTWhNlh9J_ziBZbAw/w400-h300/IMG_7679.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ellinor (Sweden), Skye (UK), Aria, Luise (Germany), Jules (Germany), Alek (Sweden), James (UK) and Lohan (Canada)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokUI1Hnh5TzFzKXz1mUQhaEcHTKDuhJdXJEEW1CFs-zBEWVOgcXlstFEdqRJmdi1cBg6g-9ETPU9pU4ra9PnX2ReCgFBVdXEV3cPyC6hBQpMZiRO7bTZpZHdIxlV_sFfgeOvErSi0tUHGGUkj2JOTxBjFIrr_2p9ec5uOjyCovbfV-JGDIFBVUq3mRg/s4032/IMG_7786.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokUI1Hnh5TzFzKXz1mUQhaEcHTKDuhJdXJEEW1CFs-zBEWVOgcXlstFEdqRJmdi1cBg6g-9ETPU9pU4ra9PnX2ReCgFBVdXEV3cPyC6hBQpMZiRO7bTZpZHdIxlV_sFfgeOvErSi0tUHGGUkj2JOTxBjFIrr_2p9ec5uOjyCovbfV-JGDIFBVUq3mRg/w300-h400/IMG_7786.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bea (UK) and Micah</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP--PqNRhS_T8NnfMrGRLs8aQpg3m4ghL55-GDtxOZqwLOGkz9wmOgcU6ykfgX5mlVly37CsjCVE7IY9NsU49ZnFSroqZ1-NvpVmF_TD-C6TxabofpX0Qg1DTQGIIaaWAIbmXkjuuAWHfYQBbsKkTDwe5qkknSP2U37oGCNy0N_TF4n0SfV-eMW-H7Jw/s4032/IMG_0615%202.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP--PqNRhS_T8NnfMrGRLs8aQpg3m4ghL55-GDtxOZqwLOGkz9wmOgcU6ykfgX5mlVly37CsjCVE7IY9NsU49ZnFSroqZ1-NvpVmF_TD-C6TxabofpX0Qg1DTQGIIaaWAIbmXkjuuAWHfYQBbsKkTDwe5qkknSP2U37oGCNy0N_TF4n0SfV-eMW-H7Jw/w300-h400/IMG_0615%202.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aria and Jules (Germany)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mdiaUqK2GxEDvjWI2wwntFolgKngvjwYDy7Xpe6NvA1ssSycf1MI0vhW2OdnFlaGDwaBHLFX62mUQ_t82jmUwQ8HRaGMoEwVXMEhslr8owvSsu2aLbXHHh45n76huzoMTD9iPDUEebHEgyHmYB8jqTNhJFyCjJdictbR2DcoByG0AHnrL7LZxuImDQ/s4032/IMG_7552.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mdiaUqK2GxEDvjWI2wwntFolgKngvjwYDy7Xpe6NvA1ssSycf1MI0vhW2OdnFlaGDwaBHLFX62mUQ_t82jmUwQ8HRaGMoEwVXMEhslr8owvSsu2aLbXHHh45n76huzoMTD9iPDUEebHEgyHmYB8jqTNhJFyCjJdictbR2DcoByG0AHnrL7LZxuImDQ/w400-h300/IMG_7552.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Vilde (Norway) and Aria</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx99Zfni1UMNnsM-tMm6xNU7NwYm87a2zb4gFqNeFwNxvhZiwSzCdSiS8vMikKTXGUylC7IP_fDUSDAy6OvEQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy_TSeo6rwQaiD5bB5JS4L2XO8tdHgSqjbPIWfp4itvLOWZ0d0ODqZSt2QIcDRPdj9OC4hqsrb7N-as4hXUag' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">One of the social highlights was the ARC 70's Disco Party! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv3EhGVfwXTYn7GwyiYTk9iFKdnON6eMkhkd_KcmTBRS92qEjhUA6tECevJ4BHTGF0xUndRJ1YmChtBHQSiw8nu1P240nY3ZAFevWFQIAtFTafYRQLv-Dt4rcA5LIAQslmmXp2l91c-gu4u38Sjq5nDhmel2_woAhXXRpS7jAlXrLEssTO-k8FjCxGfQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv3EhGVfwXTYn7GwyiYTk9iFKdnON6eMkhkd_KcmTBRS92qEjhUA6tECevJ4BHTGF0xUndRJ1YmChtBHQSiw8nu1P240nY3ZAFevWFQIAtFTafYRQLv-Dt4rcA5LIAQslmmXp2l91c-gu4u38Sjq5nDhmel2_woAhXXRpS7jAlXrLEssTO-k8FjCxGfQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here we are in our spectacular costumes. The venue was packed and everyone made a big effort with their 70's garb.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZWZyrFh04dQ3jiHT8_caEnoYdSGZZKz9ot_2ExJA_1WCjKvrE09ZmZheXc8f-KQXUWlDzI19a9DHojYsoV0U8vFhQx0aeZXtAHr3s-egFTL6cfKibAiFtpnAzJNRjSu0pK7ShwWPN-HgmlT7DP2qkk3Y6hWjJsgeyR6gCjpwnlFJEGMqjTJNz4Ievg/s4032/IMG_9740.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZWZyrFh04dQ3jiHT8_caEnoYdSGZZKz9ot_2ExJA_1WCjKvrE09ZmZheXc8f-KQXUWlDzI19a9DHojYsoV0U8vFhQx0aeZXtAHr3s-egFTL6cfKibAiFtpnAzJNRjSu0pK7ShwWPN-HgmlT7DP2qkk3Y6hWjJsgeyR6gCjpwnlFJEGMqjTJNz4Ievg/w400-h300/IMG_9740.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The kids also went all out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVJyDQx7jgOlOlQXVbkPYPJuiZfFtjWwivJQCspulGK7SFLolo-stemgERK6_VwDm9eluIA3TiCtMdvJPRvngRDr4RZ2sI1afX_mCxxWkpbW3ABuscBrDT13-pD8qiR4CuctVMEQh3SE5M4eJWXP29KcoPhUHOV5YF1fppqoYD92zLHAi2UiQfbz1feQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVJyDQx7jgOlOlQXVbkPYPJuiZfFtjWwivJQCspulGK7SFLolo-stemgERK6_VwDm9eluIA3TiCtMdvJPRvngRDr4RZ2sI1afX_mCxxWkpbW3ABuscBrDT13-pD8qiR4CuctVMEQh3SE5M4eJWXP29KcoPhUHOV5YF1fppqoYD92zLHAi2UiQfbz1feQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Micah won a prize for best costume!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We participated in the deployment of a life raft, hopefully the only time we will ever do this, in the safety of the swimming pool. Being inside the raft with 7 other people was hot and smelly. The raft was wiggled to simulate being on the ocean and even a small amount of movement was nauseating. This experience was so helpful though as we got some realistic experience in safety at sea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dgTTk-iewyOfE8Oj7bmysPn9SKhe5BrPSbfdPIdMhS3QioZL2LEfupAFg4f2Eg4T081X7FUykDyL38NLlbi8_XWNyULjBHsNBIpZgN9zhpxijdfxDke4RVR_2QIyftpLJNoB9XYLxd3BdeYlf8SN8CN2yuDdoLLWOkihrUaYYQPgLGaSzdbdjprerw/s4032/IMG_7803.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dgTTk-iewyOfE8Oj7bmysPn9SKhe5BrPSbfdPIdMhS3QioZL2LEfupAFg4f2Eg4T081X7FUykDyL38NLlbi8_XWNyULjBHsNBIpZgN9zhpxijdfxDke4RVR_2QIyftpLJNoB9XYLxd3BdeYlf8SN8CN2yuDdoLLWOkihrUaYYQPgLGaSzdbdjprerw/w400-h300/IMG_7803.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are so excited to welcome our crew aboard Oyai!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">James has logged many blue water hours and we are so thankful for his ability to jump into action at at moments notice. Whether it's finding us a new washing machine in the depths of Las Palmas 48 hours prior to departure or being given 70's disco attire and partying into wee hours with us after just arriving on Gran Canaria. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Amelia has coached both Aria and Micah as part of the Comox Bay Sailing Club. She has slipped into a routine here on Oyai getting to know our crazy girls a bit better and taking time to explore Gran Canaria. She has also been kept busy scrubbing and polishing, helping with shopping and preparations for life offshore. We are looking forward to utilizing her creative skills in keeping our smaller crew occupied on passage. She will also get to translate her dinghy sailing skills into sailing a big boat on the Atlantic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4IfNdXAhabs9fpisRQ1AcrIr-HlmQsmWAXvD9M5-FMA2KIEmxSsHYyi3jjSvmTg6t8EnoNzsfcBP8wsmFPbQnOIsV7Wr0aQM6HArtq0ESWeDMQcrIFrPyzQ4miOJnDnagIKuk4eFgG7OYnBvJFP2olewjtyJg7HG7KoHGvhipAUVbx1aRZ-Bl1fxMg/s4032/IMG_7819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4IfNdXAhabs9fpisRQ1AcrIr-HlmQsmWAXvD9M5-FMA2KIEmxSsHYyi3jjSvmTg6t8EnoNzsfcBP8wsmFPbQnOIsV7Wr0aQM6HArtq0ESWeDMQcrIFrPyzQ4miOJnDnagIKuk4eFgG7OYnBvJFP2olewjtyJg7HG7KoHGvhipAUVbx1aRZ-Bl1fxMg/w300-h400/IMG_7819.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">James and Amelia</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is now less than 24 hours until departure. I have to admit that taking the time to post this has been a bit stressful as there is still so much that needs to be organised. I have been picking away at this post between washing and storing fruit/veggies, helping install a washing machine, organising the boat and feeding the kids. That being said, everything will get done and we are all so excited. I think I will do one last trip to the grocery store as there is room in the freezer for some ice cream :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please continue to follow us by tracking our progress with the PredictWind link! Our next post should be from Rodney Bay, St. Lucia sometime in early December!🌎</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p></div></div></div>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-87500433338774927712022-11-05T12:32:00.005-07:002022-11-06T00:24:26.976-07:00Marina life in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria<p>Well, here we are in Las Palmas....our last stop before leaving Europe and setting sail across the Atlantic. The marina is full of boats who are part of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC). Most of the "family boats" are on the same pontoon together so we have had an instant group of international friends to meet and play with. Our neighbours on either side are from Sweden and Norway. Just down the dock are families from Mexico, the UK, Denmark, Portugal, USA, Germany, Belgium and even from Alberta 😀There will be a large number of boats leaving tomorrow, November 6, as they are part of the ARC+. This group will stop off in the Cape Verde Islands on their way to the Caribbean. Our group, the regular ARC, will be departing November 20 and will sail non stop from here to St. Lucia in the Caribbean. When the ARC+ sailors leave their slips tomorrow the empty spaces will be refilled over the next week with more new friends who will be on the same crossing as us. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGXWh37e_IXoDcKmjVdrd-2MtI2ZmcJWG9HH6sS4BEr1Ot0bGHZbksWnrPNZJLcG2Bowj1hD3QyvQXHWpvwjNxhL1bXb7C5dK1PdooqKSjM1yhvJdVB1Po6-gsZsZBrUPYekWsXelY30acdRLNqZIyJDjTLh6kOWpPfYkQ5ShZDY5BENfQoKCT_Wl2bQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGXWh37e_IXoDcKmjVdrd-2MtI2ZmcJWG9HH6sS4BEr1Ot0bGHZbksWnrPNZJLcG2Bowj1hD3QyvQXHWpvwjNxhL1bXb7C5dK1PdooqKSjM1yhvJdVB1Po6-gsZsZBrUPYekWsXelY30acdRLNqZIyJDjTLh6kOWpPfYkQ5ShZDY5BENfQoKCT_Wl2bQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTwUcwwXRbwwrHXl7Ko2QIEJbhEP2d_UOJWawLhhgyoCRkl3Ay3TnSksHncDhiHVqbMYITylHnhc1OjBiUTo_DlBhtGU7WsxTBeldNw7-cdA-s5UXjaxqh0pPC-t3DjWeoqP8d14lQYNDbh4vz0bGDLXDu32ZHv03_8QqcKR1-BD_FWGHOQWX_DdZe7A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTwUcwwXRbwwrHXl7Ko2QIEJbhEP2d_UOJWawLhhgyoCRkl3Ay3TnSksHncDhiHVqbMYITylHnhc1OjBiUTo_DlBhtGU7WsxTBeldNw7-cdA-s5UXjaxqh0pPC-t3DjWeoqP8d14lQYNDbh4vz0bGDLXDu32ZHv03_8QqcKR1-BD_FWGHOQWX_DdZe7A=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our last 20 hour passage before arriving in Las Palmas was textbook happy sailing. </p><p>Here is a photo of us taken by another boat when we had both our head sails up:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1klIDVv_usBmtP-J7dQfwiXyuc8x5sIwyGb45lH2f8NwOcuq3DFVfQ32R0sdQ8o1N-RqGB0UagDumvLQkW3H0NtpXyJbUSQGS-9JjvV7yc1DcYriXxrwM2W9YlDFS2CSQsGVI27ymD7cXNlkDJCpyugNKbJCu-H2iwLSNATD-7j12kLL7BMtUkxjSoQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1klIDVv_usBmtP-J7dQfwiXyuc8x5sIwyGb45lH2f8NwOcuq3DFVfQ32R0sdQ8o1N-RqGB0UagDumvLQkW3H0NtpXyJbUSQGS-9JjvV7yc1DcYriXxrwM2W9YlDFS2CSQsGVI27ymD7cXNlkDJCpyugNKbJCu-H2iwLSNATD-7j12kLL7BMtUkxjSoQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At dusk, we took our spinnaker down and continued through the night with our poled out genoa sail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz_-qoJfZq5Fxhzyswf3MtmNmQ85CuOAiooDuQYJlPC1jERNq_pVqwbOAEe_VWO6_K-sURKhBfUD06HR1C0AQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Aria and Micah were quite keen to get to Las Palmas for Halloween. While Stu and Lana were napping and recovering from night watches they got busy and created their own Halloween costumes. There were no pumpkins to carve but some boats were decorated and we put up a sign to welcome trick or treaters. And yes, there was candy!!!</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjk_mWpdwkWvc2eZUJIiIwVQmf90q_UKyPZhpC9osua3cii1dHWSjeIHSRwJEKAAC_pRydMJLD_NrcYW9T5gVkRvFavM5J9ehBIBwomH3XWeYmJcZLBO4EVDN_S8T90Kx48fKKKb3JNRcE3FUHx7ZB9klXVp8oY9z1s3cS-sZvZqiU1Zp9nTpNASspxgg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjk_mWpdwkWvc2eZUJIiIwVQmf90q_UKyPZhpC9osua3cii1dHWSjeIHSRwJEKAAC_pRydMJLD_NrcYW9T5gVkRvFavM5J9ehBIBwomH3XWeYmJcZLBO4EVDN_S8T90Kx48fKKKb3JNRcE3FUHx7ZB9klXVp8oY9z1s3cS-sZvZqiU1Zp9nTpNASspxgg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWGeEZadvd7cq573ArCUOzPQh0izSFMtnlES7kAyCWgjim72QEmVFqf12xq0Y1p_cGGhhbhU6RdLMsWbWw1UHLN4j-s_5_0SKCli9ENYtUGVPUDb7GmRDiREnvXmDJFVS5XUB3qiSdYORAjPb07_QWgHDc-8mC0-yFpqFEkJI7xCuqcJdQQd0cWw1Usg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWGeEZadvd7cq573ArCUOzPQh0izSFMtnlES7kAyCWgjim72QEmVFqf12xq0Y1p_cGGhhbhU6RdLMsWbWw1UHLN4j-s_5_0SKCli9ENYtUGVPUDb7GmRDiREnvXmDJFVS5XUB3qiSdYORAjPb07_QWgHDc-8mC0-yFpqFEkJI7xCuqcJdQQd0cWw1Usg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is always work to be done on a sailboat, especially when you are preparing for a large crossing. Everyone around us is in the same state of repairing, replacing, provisioning, cleaning and maintaining. It is a great space to be in as everyone is focused on the same goals. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aria and Stu are servicing one of our winches here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAw-l9-Z2d-2PFYWB8zZPRgHWhdxw45--zdTkWSlhxldByxe2fprOgsZraFoVNyZN21NnyycAXGLwBpYetJcL6p6jfi6YNdArpJQMRGzLicaFCl_P5aLwT8-9le10gPvkh7fjLZpnVP0MSG-4kjgGWkPWouL4Z6EICnomLjozOAiRP2pN4vHhqnvq0eA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAw-l9-Z2d-2PFYWB8zZPRgHWhdxw45--zdTkWSlhxldByxe2fprOgsZraFoVNyZN21NnyycAXGLwBpYetJcL6p6jfi6YNdArpJQMRGzLicaFCl_P5aLwT8-9le10gPvkh7fjLZpnVP0MSG-4kjgGWkPWouL4Z6EICnomLjozOAiRP2pN4vHhqnvq0eA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />We have been exploring a little bit but mostly just to marine supply stores, groceries and a couple of meals out. The girls stuck to the familiar burgers and pizza while Stu and Lana enjoyed a tapas plate of local fare. It was delicious! We love to try anything new we find in the fresh fruit and veggie markets too.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd1KySoTNRc0C8Rr4Qvp6L6tNXkVCZDjLDBEwclM9UDOLyGHWxjM-nolhruqvd_6z-4ALGUp1lItS2sBYzF0CZkusQPQIVZv2kGmlGUaXJXs3Y0q29Z1eSAhhQn1hdkPMekrbZQ8xuZEkpc2HSMSWJmD-ze_pXwmOe5h7-jaEYkO2OJWDuaZ4v09YKLg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd1KySoTNRc0C8Rr4Qvp6L6tNXkVCZDjLDBEwclM9UDOLyGHWxjM-nolhruqvd_6z-4ALGUp1lItS2sBYzF0CZkusQPQIVZv2kGmlGUaXJXs3Y0q29Z1eSAhhQn1hdkPMekrbZQ8xuZEkpc2HSMSWJmD-ze_pXwmOe5h7-jaEYkO2OJWDuaZ4v09YKLg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwgkQ2vJMzX4ZaTLXEFWMaI-d0BC4OgKDRLhM3_5T0tcmEFFBzMhMkTYWJh8SvxbJZer3ErOR_7M7FJFAdYpplwqbMot1WYMrG28OKYJHBa_n9XAseG1cDk3Bl1PdGyc3xSH3LPVTMlt5aJDwPEfm_Py92rWl9x6DPzUbzNBTq_Wa0r10hSWwZVlTcOw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwgkQ2vJMzX4ZaTLXEFWMaI-d0BC4OgKDRLhM3_5T0tcmEFFBzMhMkTYWJh8SvxbJZer3ErOR_7M7FJFAdYpplwqbMot1WYMrG28OKYJHBa_n9XAseG1cDk3Bl1PdGyc3xSH3LPVTMlt5aJDwPEfm_Py92rWl9x6DPzUbzNBTq_Wa0r10hSWwZVlTcOw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Dragon fruit and persimmons!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyTTxRopxtEDtiyQFAPsLBp_Eu6BLeJTz2vC-4M0znDB3OiaxHGrikkGsnVOF0af_CC-D4qxrkg-dAsLtbnVg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>The scooters and rollerblades are in constant use. There are lots of paths for moving around the city safely.<p></p><p>We were even able to get our covid boosters at the Vaccuguagua!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMUMWcIa6XW5aY7zZ92cctTSJOeOCEY9y8FNn7zwKss--nf5nhHHdfeBLMz3caMBzCgT_1mJSzfOZr7T1aoQK5cGwNFnp1iL6HJd0MKlJvmBiSWHbgMJSLlPpmCjiqtVp9iggCZxS228ShrmHjzK0UvWrwhJkkdPmNnCoFlM-S6pBvl1I3j5u_EjvvuQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMUMWcIa6XW5aY7zZ92cctTSJOeOCEY9y8FNn7zwKss--nf5nhHHdfeBLMz3caMBzCgT_1mJSzfOZr7T1aoQK5cGwNFnp1iL6HJd0MKlJvmBiSWHbgMJSLlPpmCjiqtVp9iggCZxS228ShrmHjzK0UvWrwhJkkdPmNnCoFlM-S6pBvl1I3j5u_EjvvuQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The marina here has rooftop pool at the clubhouse. Our days have easily slipped into a pattern of boat/school work in the mornings and then the afternoons are spent with friends at the pool.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyIiBnB-SiL8zyWdBvad0ity3VCiUUVPOupIp0cWNdj5VYdFLEJLftvMY3HALJvqHYFueu8qH6Wp-Mc2Ia7Wg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />We are looking forward to exploring more of Gran Canaria in the next 2 weeks before we untie our lines and set our sails for the Caribbean. Check back in a week or so to find out what we get up to.<br /><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p></div>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-92103217545028483142022-10-29T06:10:00.003-07:002022-10-29T06:16:14.040-07:00Onto the Canary Islands!<p>It's been a couple of weeks since our last update, and we have done and seen so much! Lots more time in Morocco, and then a passage to the Canary Islands.</p><p>We had a wonderful time in Tangiers, Morocco and spent a week getting acquainted with all that city had to offer. The Medina (old town) was amazing and there was a huge variety of local crafts people that were available to help us make/fix things that we needed for the boat. The sites, smells and sounds of the old town were beautiful.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcUx4kCHQViDJBzEABvBbZL31ucfDA4S_TmyC_wgbR92R_xIYc_0QmqS9qpH5W4cfnCKInmmJomDcPogdon4YQlRHEUGOI9_Gm82GaoJJoH4vjtwl-kxKr3vxn9w9gIeRVw1c27SphG3YDSQRs1Klim7Lro50WEz-S3AJaAb0EA9Yx3S5cD1gxXQ7p6w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcUx4kCHQViDJBzEABvBbZL31ucfDA4S_TmyC_wgbR92R_xIYc_0QmqS9qpH5W4cfnCKInmmJomDcPogdon4YQlRHEUGOI9_Gm82GaoJJoH4vjtwl-kxKr3vxn9w9gIeRVw1c27SphG3YDSQRs1Klim7Lro50WEz-S3AJaAb0EA9Yx3S5cD1gxXQ7p6w=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> Micah and Aria had the opportunity to ride camels and horses on the beach (5 minutes from our marina). They were in heaven.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAgbzVntXvyjAmHDI1j17v_hS_Ji1FUHiVfzPhBQU5SSdegMBbrMnLwu6_WnXm9picy-3QTZoJgfmex9Lb1OawCvazLJkSBmwTUj6QC9Hc0yfsDq7zIaKnW8PRNdhjsG2cZPfNXZEQDStTHWfEeI5kbmaIGLoLSN_2Aiymxyl17BvDJVWCpGniGQ_8Xw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAgbzVntXvyjAmHDI1j17v_hS_Ji1FUHiVfzPhBQU5SSdegMBbrMnLwu6_WnXm9picy-3QTZoJgfmex9Lb1OawCvazLJkSBmwTUj6QC9Hc0yfsDq7zIaKnW8PRNdhjsG2cZPfNXZEQDStTHWfEeI5kbmaIGLoLSN_2Aiymxyl17BvDJVWCpGniGQ_8Xw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvmG1cOOUfhxl-fBWz5nEMqIu5h1__wZud5UyPJ22GrHVumG8cVmexfJe8TVVikihxM8NE4dnAI1HA7iWEwhwnLc1C_dmx-Cs3LsUnwrG8ONCmJ1uDU7MZsaStEXNhWfDQJyzhMGUPE8HINWcK31qwIX0QoeS7e9ePeD3olCGz0eb6Hnhosyy4G9SFhA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvmG1cOOUfhxl-fBWz5nEMqIu5h1__wZud5UyPJ22GrHVumG8cVmexfJe8TVVikihxM8NE4dnAI1HA7iWEwhwnLc1C_dmx-Cs3LsUnwrG8ONCmJ1uDU7MZsaStEXNhWfDQJyzhMGUPE8HINWcK31qwIX0QoeS7e9ePeD3olCGz0eb6Hnhosyy4G9SFhA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br />Oyai was all tucked into the modern marina in Tangiers. We met many folks from other cruising boats here as well. We were all waiting for good weather to head south to the Canary Islands.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQmYKDNnbUKNBryLI4TSucAIt9Djy1ab_RCuo6XSSBqJ5ZNmXq3Y4GS5cjxsITWY7Q4kmYjJFMxF0QkFq3DzBYfzp8253acfUaEeVFv0ltEqhL2c63gzVg0QlvHMYCspusqlLBaKuvQFzSiCnWsJsbLecAAaV3Lp1wT6U6RuBOY8Z6BEvGNtnI2damBw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQmYKDNnbUKNBryLI4TSucAIt9Djy1ab_RCuo6XSSBqJ5ZNmXq3Y4GS5cjxsITWY7Q4kmYjJFMxF0QkFq3DzBYfzp8253acfUaEeVFv0ltEqhL2c63gzVg0QlvHMYCspusqlLBaKuvQFzSiCnWsJsbLecAAaV3Lp1wT6U6RuBOY8Z6BEvGNtnI2damBw=w493-h370" width="493" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In our wanderings through the spectacular Medina, we were constantly amazed by the kindness of people and how clean the streets were kept. The streets would sometimes narrow down to the width of two people walking side-by-side. Muslim prayers were broadcast on loudspeakers throughout the city 5 times per day, and became part of our daily rhythm.</div></div><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_qTnD6u-pgpHGa3gYyTgd3T60t6WItbbT5Bwsp2LredOQepWk9z3bpYa9A4INrANNzog1Ao-4rLxj5dVgitdU0ChPk05f4Yc155ZrZsAwxt5wo0QjCd9NhY8Hs1C7-sk4Dvp5zonG3btBlsB13uyiqQ5kCq3pfgNLTkka7lo5yl6XJ_g8xliYGSmKPQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_qTnD6u-pgpHGa3gYyTgd3T60t6WItbbT5Bwsp2LredOQepWk9z3bpYa9A4INrANNzog1Ao-4rLxj5dVgitdU0ChPk05f4Yc155ZrZsAwxt5wo0QjCd9NhY8Hs1C7-sk4Dvp5zonG3btBlsB13uyiqQ5kCq3pfgNLTkka7lo5yl6XJ_g8xliYGSmKPQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtFbaFuRBdEy0Z1B3FHJDYltYq9jFdqWscPUF1p84aX506PXdHqTNlE5ZPyIFtyaFKnru4i6LST3AJBSJmHb5_i2g56bP98jKXrG1fWxZRRBA2w37ZI4JmJSOykxdlFtypIG2d8OhP332jK2g-pXqL-btyfIC-x44VjjaIiMSFuEPbU2TyRqqdTlWfw/s4032/IMG_9380.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtFbaFuRBdEy0Z1B3FHJDYltYq9jFdqWscPUF1p84aX506PXdHqTNlE5ZPyIFtyaFKnru4i6LST3AJBSJmHb5_i2g56bP98jKXrG1fWxZRRBA2w37ZI4JmJSOykxdlFtypIG2d8OhP332jK2g-pXqL-btyfIC-x44VjjaIiMSFuEPbU2TyRqqdTlWfw/w300-h400/IMG_9380.heic" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We indulged in another traditional Moroccan dinner that was so uniquely tasty! Oranges with cinnamon, pomegranate with lemon and many other different savary flavours. It was amazing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitqqhXp6HEcyQuMiaK2CdpLsX9kLmyqI0R7yW9HRyJrkuqLEMU3rIcoaOU0bid6QbZPGbu8D-eglOX85d99CtIUhmBA44wQw9Ttz5DFGvY4DL7qS4yeZTdeQe2-d3_QEceOD38sJZc2OOi582OxLwODhOTomlL8R53wffaCRkmBt5VHRxnksXgyoyjvQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitqqhXp6HEcyQuMiaK2CdpLsX9kLmyqI0R7yW9HRyJrkuqLEMU3rIcoaOU0bid6QbZPGbu8D-eglOX85d99CtIUhmBA44wQw9Ttz5DFGvY4DL7qS4yeZTdeQe2-d3_QEceOD38sJZc2OOi582OxLwODhOTomlL8R53wffaCRkmBt5VHRxnksXgyoyjvQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is our restaurant in the Medina - a beautiful view from on top of the ancient city wall!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMvwTc21xnUDxhWYuPPXY0D3VST9-gQ52G5tG2OH2m5uR25icQMZZ_irBQ_3RUm8M2ACiUOhiFNToIXV90yXCBNjPcskXqt8UYPWMKy75NIL6zk-K6qNv5-kyJsWEaWGpjaEHbVqupz7DslaqVFsw604d522KGqkFj5nZfiqTRnJRdaMAqi4fP_KpNMg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMvwTc21xnUDxhWYuPPXY0D3VST9-gQ52G5tG2OH2m5uR25icQMZZ_irBQ_3RUm8M2ACiUOhiFNToIXV90yXCBNjPcskXqt8UYPWMKy75NIL6zk-K6qNv5-kyJsWEaWGpjaEHbVqupz7DslaqVFsw604d522KGqkFj5nZfiqTRnJRdaMAqi4fP_KpNMg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Kasbah Museum was also very interesting with a really well-preserved palace and gardens at the highest point in the walled city.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZm4Ai-j-enPU7gEd7WCUibJnyjGkwPbG52-z-yiUL5OToO16-k-jTApvR9BEaxR5t5OPmchguytfgOW_DKX_xFz717dfyZWm8V7pM0zSCQZFfmMM6QVfztw3W4eVcG1RJyodSH7pFbF-zz_EeKHZ_8xmNaAUc68Zv9zOOTjmGuDtJ0fzsyYjt6fTRpQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZm4Ai-j-enPU7gEd7WCUibJnyjGkwPbG52-z-yiUL5OToO16-k-jTApvR9BEaxR5t5OPmchguytfgOW_DKX_xFz717dfyZWm8V7pM0zSCQZFfmMM6QVfztw3W4eVcG1RJyodSH7pFbF-zz_EeKHZ_8xmNaAUc68Zv9zOOTjmGuDtJ0fzsyYjt6fTRpQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQICFSkO0wqbqbRZ1Qx4mLMXWzPVBI1OPkJlTIzQGP_42OmMzXaFks5YnQImqZPh1whDlgGrQAhfEaIBQTOi-s9ijEIMLdeQS1dptMenogDCZf_zmHdr7iiRl6PKZYLYZbocO-VQPcmTxMT5M8SohV5t9gbXcjfm67JS8JA5gaScebPDoBhNpJkBhNZw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQICFSkO0wqbqbRZ1Qx4mLMXWzPVBI1OPkJlTIzQGP_42OmMzXaFks5YnQImqZPh1whDlgGrQAhfEaIBQTOi-s9ijEIMLdeQS1dptMenogDCZf_zmHdr7iiRl6PKZYLYZbocO-VQPcmTxMT5M8SohV5t9gbXcjfm67JS8JA5gaScebPDoBhNpJkBhNZw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAq3x5Vowsg1ed9wshVp5kPxmFDeQE5jSESXYa_HqdvNE-9T5vtzWCZGgJPGDicIPTa6GXxg1AUe9qm_AHbttStlvqstV2UiaFMXXXsup_XJkYrMX8acqzJqLXA-P8T2HpCzLoqZNJAwyCIw95l3c93fuKVTASumT702RpibXaSwl0sZoyZpAlfNpPfQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAq3x5Vowsg1ed9wshVp5kPxmFDeQE5jSESXYa_HqdvNE-9T5vtzWCZGgJPGDicIPTa6GXxg1AUe9qm_AHbttStlvqstV2UiaFMXXXsup_XJkYrMX8acqzJqLXA-P8T2HpCzLoqZNJAwyCIw95l3c93fuKVTASumT702RpibXaSwl0sZoyZpAlfNpPfQ=w543-h408" width="543" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We met a new friend in the Kasbah. He looked like he had been tending to the gardens there for many years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgp04PufBLUzALamFnjPjO_YbD5RL4WwjdQFxQr-maJf33YBTYPlGGl7_4F11a_OoaR57veQD8U0bnpkIlihON_ucz1aGDPaxZAa7p2az9z0SNPSLwDeBpQ_8X5XP6tRwkZQ3p5Uf6J-l8KnmhBG0e-kmMW-h-XafO13-eCedr4WHFaChmloYP8JYCArQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2434" data-original-width="3474" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgp04PufBLUzALamFnjPjO_YbD5RL4WwjdQFxQr-maJf33YBTYPlGGl7_4F11a_OoaR57veQD8U0bnpkIlihON_ucz1aGDPaxZAa7p2az9z0SNPSLwDeBpQ_8X5XP6tRwkZQ3p5Uf6J-l8KnmhBG0e-kmMW-h-XafO13-eCedr4WHFaChmloYP8JYCArQ=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While we were in Tangiers, there was an international Triathlon event held a few minutes down the beach from us. Also, on this waterfront promenade, near our marina, there was a new fountain feature that had been created. Micah took full advantage of the water because it reminded her of the play fountains in Nice, France.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dye3TF7Oi7OOdxV21VjYZ-qVuNrwLz0HCaR9M2UBBQ65xvQZ3OiW2UejzoN_n-c8_6IpZMFEHnkJIz8LJtKqA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had been monitoring the weather for our southern passage to the Canary Islands, and it had shown lots of wind going in the wrong direction for weeks. So when a relatively calm stretch of weather showed up, we jumped at the opportunity to make our way south using our trusty diesel engine (mostly). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNj9V_yyVYgD0x4xuZXlCDswN4eNQ0OKPodY2k9Bncr2Z2nIDAZmHr15bmVxE9UYHkOrzj6dP1KFXp84KT9mjQC-4yJJnUOFwBHwWhe-eXY0hukVtX602L8IgLI9ditMgjhsY1-F1HUDzmi4GaWwsVegs_ctkwdL6mLmVULm3HxOCTDgxYYc9-s1Qs_A/s1622/Screenshot%202022-10-29%20at%204.24.11%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1622" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNj9V_yyVYgD0x4xuZXlCDswN4eNQ0OKPodY2k9Bncr2Z2nIDAZmHr15bmVxE9UYHkOrzj6dP1KFXp84KT9mjQC-4yJJnUOFwBHwWhe-eXY0hukVtX602L8IgLI9ditMgjhsY1-F1HUDzmi4GaWwsVegs_ctkwdL6mLmVULm3HxOCTDgxYYc9-s1Qs_A/w400-h269/Screenshot%202022-10-29%20at%204.24.11%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a mellow 4 day trip. Lana, Stu and Aria took turns doing watches and the hours flew by. We played lots of games, read lots of books and listened to music and audiobooks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxxHSyEvc-JQWKT5slVr5xDFWAae021thkju1P9bS0nQeTME4Ctg0sNUBeJ3MLPRJ_8ltia7P8jmsHcbCTJp7TOSp9Nsiiq_-1DyasYeJoXsPeDyRLYxgDnOj3zsL5QZf3OqNitDNQ36N-DQi0aPk9YH5H9IPkX7miSPKKRD6oKquXOePL4x_IYpidfg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxxHSyEvc-JQWKT5slVr5xDFWAae021thkju1P9bS0nQeTME4Ctg0sNUBeJ3MLPRJ_8ltia7P8jmsHcbCTJp7TOSp9Nsiiq_-1DyasYeJoXsPeDyRLYxgDnOj3zsL5QZf3OqNitDNQ36N-DQi0aPk9YH5H9IPkX7miSPKKRD6oKquXOePL4x_IYpidfg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have been asked about pirates off of the African Coast, but this is not an area where pirate attacks happen (luckily!). Its much more likely that we would have encountered a ramshackle migrant boat full of people trying to escape from Africa to the Canary Islands. Thankfully we didn't have to rescue anybody. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also had an incredible visit from a huge pod of dolphins on our last day at sea. They hung around for about 15 minutes and were jumping, riding our bow wake and turning their bodies so they could get a good look at us (as we were gawking at them!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzIzhc-_zJzaDa-d3EhtoVjwCpm35gRIldWsY0pfFW6Egy0eEijNNHJ61cm7v_42MXvVGzCOMdgNPvvj4FeWg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We arrived to the Canaries at dawn on our 4th day at sea. The weather is quite a bit warmer here, and the winds much more consistent from the north. The Canary Islands have been described as having a climate of perpetual spring, and we can see why. Its the perfect temperature. The landscape is very volcanic and rugged.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrtG38r7ooNHibkqwAT3JVRd0Ik4tslkQN-mi-97YsO5GLamgBWJu-U8e4LuduGhsW1TV5geteaEVD1f-1keduH8DRwTdBdVeFbmr1SWJTvXQ80jsbVoUjjgGZ22qhSxjaEyKeGvzJSWviN8_n11d0WdF2urHNYw7FdDISAX2WOiluf6ot9n3NeWYO3w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrtG38r7ooNHibkqwAT3JVRd0Ik4tslkQN-mi-97YsO5GLamgBWJu-U8e4LuduGhsW1TV5geteaEVD1f-1keduH8DRwTdBdVeFbmr1SWJTvXQ80jsbVoUjjgGZ22qhSxjaEyKeGvzJSWviN8_n11d0WdF2urHNYw7FdDISAX2WOiluf6ot9n3NeWYO3w=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxQI7PU7Gl9apLWSWVVPBjraGdn8FpLzzO5H9udNXazhXK86A1ZutaCaSNDYEpqXMinztkAuAoSdu0xn-QB5M0y8M0cQ9ylUygr5ZEQihngVsM-cAOVpqLw5wywl1fIqz-ii4CKEpNRmbOdbIRYvAgQc_rq2jHZ3fhn_c94S0Ml6hD3bu1XJ5QvSfVzg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxQI7PU7Gl9apLWSWVVPBjraGdn8FpLzzO5H9udNXazhXK86A1ZutaCaSNDYEpqXMinztkAuAoSdu0xn-QB5M0y8M0cQ9ylUygr5ZEQihngVsM-cAOVpqLw5wywl1fIqz-ii4CKEpNRmbOdbIRYvAgQc_rq2jHZ3fhn_c94S0Ml6hD3bu1XJ5QvSfVzg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />We will now be in the Canary Islands for about 3 weeks while we wait for the start of our rally that will take us across the vast Atlantic Ocean. We have signed up for the ARC 2022, a rally that has 200 boats participating. We will all cross the Atlantic together and have many social events in Las Palmas (on Grand Canary) prior to the start of the sailing. The kids are really looking forward to hanging out with other kids. Stu and Lana are very interested in the instructional seminars offered on all topics sailing. There is also happy hour, a costume party and many other social events. It should be awesome!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of our crew from Comox as well! Amelia is Aria & Micah's sailing coach from back home and has been so helpful in arranging logistics and bringing things we need from home. James is an experienced sailor as well, and just a great all-around guy. He has been renting our house back home, so is helping us in more ways than one! We can't wait to see you guys.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please click on follow at the top right of the blog. I think you need a Google account. Also, feel free to comment on anything you see here on the blog. Stay tuned and follow along in our ongoing adventure! </div><br /><p></p>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-55358387643197121382022-10-19T14:03:00.000-07:002022-10-19T14:03:59.488-07:00Goodbye Gibraltar. Hello Morocco!<p> The 3 weeks we spent in Gibraltar were amazing and we got lots of tasks done on the boat. Lana worked hard at provisioning the boat for the Atlantic crossing and even joined a gym for a week. The girls had unparalleled freedom in Gibraltar, and wandered the streets freely as a team, which they loved. </p><p>We had some interesting company in the marina and there was a huge super yacht that used to be owned by a Russian Oligarch (not sure which one). It was seized and auctioned off for half its value (a paltry 30 million!). Every day we would walk past it and admire the infinity pool on its back deck!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTDShQmligaA9rJrf-ht-zXL41BL-P5VDN-eD3ehWWrOfL8OHi-BJI7k45bCYe6EhQ8ym4ildPcAgiCPTzn0HIG2DJNtmx7CBiiOd2J2YWjF_dLl4G9-ppIkO6UFvN8jsEI4u2SrZ0oqqgekx0tU9DhZqrMhg5iftlBBkjAxmUTR8X6OtBd96LPWzlw/s1280/GPTempDownload%2010.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTDShQmligaA9rJrf-ht-zXL41BL-P5VDN-eD3ehWWrOfL8OHi-BJI7k45bCYe6EhQ8ym4ildPcAgiCPTzn0HIG2DJNtmx7CBiiOd2J2YWjF_dLl4G9-ppIkO6UFvN8jsEI4u2SrZ0oqqgekx0tU9DhZqrMhg5iftlBBkjAxmUTR8X6OtBd96LPWzlw/w443-h332/GPTempDownload%2010.jpeg" width="443" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was also one last round of family 10 pin bowling. The girls had improved so much in the 4 games we played. Maybe there is a future professional bowler in our family?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx3g0No7-Pm0CRo6-2oBnwot-WsP79mF7nOgK6uaMKG2hytjKFloH5F29KK6YL_ixoU6amhocY4RNY8n4OX8Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">But, it was time to move on and see someplace new. So we untied from the comfy marina in Gib, and headed 30 nautical miles to Tangiers in Morocco. The Strait of Gibraltar acts as a wind tunnel and is notoriously windy with a fair bit of current to make the sailing spicy. So we timed our trip with some good wind (going in the correct direction) and a minimal amount of current.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirK3yuc7erBd5IQ_2Job7ZcVWZ4YtBWWMi-pLGPzyXVuEm6EaoyCTQbmGFm75MIUKbHgBDRSrvrdeduIupMYyLje1mn4G0oBNWj0J2XfGrmvyVMI2dx1TPOj9BvGtDGvD5Tg16nbSb7LGY7Zno71f2rdStGNkvkjx1ESlv-AMHPv9z7_qzfArHtuT-lg/s1280/GPTempDownload%2011.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirK3yuc7erBd5IQ_2Job7ZcVWZ4YtBWWMi-pLGPzyXVuEm6EaoyCTQbmGFm75MIUKbHgBDRSrvrdeduIupMYyLje1mn4G0oBNWj0J2XfGrmvyVMI2dx1TPOj9BvGtDGvD5Tg16nbSb7LGY7Zno71f2rdStGNkvkjx1ESlv-AMHPv9z7_qzfArHtuT-lg/w504-h284/GPTempDownload%2011.jpeg" width="504" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The wind in the Strait was predictably strong and maxed out at about 30 knots. It was a bit bumpy, but the sailing was fantastic, and we made it to Tangiers in record time. Here is a quick video of the crossing shenanigans.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx7r9kMfYCahVg0RJK-JxAEnglD_iASQg1r6Hm1KOa7RQ9U9de0v_MjFAdcLuyF42Y6HQCCLJKND27Q1g2N3Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The happy crew upon our arrival into Tangiers. The port is lovely and very new in Tangiers - it was built just prior to COVID.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzF4HD6Q2iOMCjY0vJbn6jGQUsazV2dQiLxI1uXB10uVMsa8_USfl9hQKAHbyHFWlv20SviiJCx4ax3t6VxoSp4YAPxlmlD2gWmCxJvn1aE-6CAaRuIbTJvr_UR9zWpqHoGLCqDXHBpChaVCNsUlkAScr-EImV668g8tiIGHuoKLzGtfIagd9HVPnO0Q/s1280/IMG_7376.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzF4HD6Q2iOMCjY0vJbn6jGQUsazV2dQiLxI1uXB10uVMsa8_USfl9hQKAHbyHFWlv20SviiJCx4ax3t6VxoSp4YAPxlmlD2gWmCxJvn1aE-6CAaRuIbTJvr_UR9zWpqHoGLCqDXHBpChaVCNsUlkAScr-EImV668g8tiIGHuoKLzGtfIagd9HVPnO0Q/w469-h352/IMG_7376.jpeg" width="469" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once checked in and tied up snugly in the marina, we ventured out into the old town Medina of Tangiers. It was beautiful and packed with interesting nooks and crannies. This photo is taken from a prominence in the Medina and looks back out over the marina where Oyai is moored. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4njkUrz6WRXzGnds2-5u5hnQMsqirZBeNhUBl1VTTTd_hU2oHuT3cHJYnSouvRi6xX2D2jt1hpDcVV3bxW8b-G3ZNDzA954CpX05mlEnFy3wM2lk-LWSaYk5te-4GHc9BtcT_w-6GrCkw0xgufodKArP9HdjrwkEfO4wWGF6vgR8-C9FUp-9O1kbpw/s1280/IMG_9343.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1280" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4njkUrz6WRXzGnds2-5u5hnQMsqirZBeNhUBl1VTTTd_hU2oHuT3cHJYnSouvRi6xX2D2jt1hpDcVV3bxW8b-G3ZNDzA954CpX05mlEnFy3wM2lk-LWSaYk5te-4GHc9BtcT_w-6GrCkw0xgufodKArP9HdjrwkEfO4wWGF6vgR8-C9FUp-9O1kbpw/w525-h289/IMG_9343.jpeg" width="525" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First stop: Traditional Moroccan dinner with Cinnamon Chicken Couscous, and Lemon Chicken Tangine. So delicious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZL3d8WZ-mhsuc8PaoFuRxHlqHFnAJFloZ95-Hzh8eVehtK2Mg-ZADLCTt0D3-B2rqPb_RJiOGdTCT_NDn43zfNXHSNeN8UneqijDGzWfhji2aNlhF55M8McdNV_uXrQS9lIByECZlWc0Ajb5qDuwtOj_GIxfm2FGl6g-JUIRUoxU0IA-tOcmDD2DvQ/s1280/IMG_9345.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZL3d8WZ-mhsuc8PaoFuRxHlqHFnAJFloZ95-Hzh8eVehtK2Mg-ZADLCTt0D3-B2rqPb_RJiOGdTCT_NDn43zfNXHSNeN8UneqijDGzWfhji2aNlhF55M8McdNV_uXrQS9lIByECZlWc0Ajb5qDuwtOj_GIxfm2FGl6g-JUIRUoxU0IA-tOcmDD2DvQ/w512-h384/IMG_9345.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wandering around town, we discovered endless street markets and local culture. You can find everything from school supplies to fresh meat and underwear within the same stalls. The family has all been very engrossed in absorbing the local sights and sounds that are around every corner. Everyone here is very helpful and friendly. We occasionally are approached to come look at Moroccan rugs, but we politely decline and everyone parts as friends :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfqRqpJOwvwu_thuuKai8U6ZSYzp-5fpbGXtBEleRmmQn-NvaitMQFXpRYso0tB5Nw-8HP9S1Q0WIumP60u05-mHsLAjf4hBkSS7Lc1sbL4aMXYAnTAj89gDk-G_qfUyH5rD9OD_fcUty9V4VVEsFV1uIIFGsHsoR8mA7XHXIoGvpSo6hfCsZjwTgAQ/s1280/IMG_9358.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfqRqpJOwvwu_thuuKai8U6ZSYzp-5fpbGXtBEleRmmQn-NvaitMQFXpRYso0tB5Nw-8HP9S1Q0WIumP60u05-mHsLAjf4hBkSS7Lc1sbL4aMXYAnTAj89gDk-G_qfUyH5rD9OD_fcUty9V4VVEsFV1uIIFGsHsoR8mA7XHXIoGvpSo6hfCsZjwTgAQ/w368-h491/IMG_9358.jpeg" width="368" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Micah has been asking to have a pet chicken on board Oyai for a couple of months now (seriously). We thought she was kidding at first, but she is very committed to this plan. Here we came across some live chickens for sale and she got very excited!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyX-THkRyiUfASkhwJ0XScXr3zxo1N-ZE92FVOvFoFK08RCOpb-tbz4GwlR-Zx9LmNw6WJkvrmE_70kG1-lXA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lana took the girls to a Moroccan Spa/Hammam. Lana enjoyed the vigorous exfoliation and relaxation, but the girls were less than impressed with the scrubbing experience. Lets just say that they won't be asking to go to the Spa again in Morocco. Live and learn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIdPBEzXXxAiO7wsATy-ilVexOaayxN-n8oRBSLc9i71U0LXd65tt1jWMfsn3BCVhw9BkSuGINyHvqqP5Rf43YSakkJdo7fvPEzHDHO_wDhJB0EOA6QdRsOzTEZbiH0DDP-oRX0orYADvSvyc1rYfULGk90BnTwOUqtRWJVpEgvXfZgt-EEynA7vVGg/s1280/IMG_7378.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIdPBEzXXxAiO7wsATy-ilVexOaayxN-n8oRBSLc9i71U0LXd65tt1jWMfsn3BCVhw9BkSuGINyHvqqP5Rf43YSakkJdo7fvPEzHDHO_wDhJB0EOA6QdRsOzTEZbiH0DDP-oRX0orYADvSvyc1rYfULGk90BnTwOUqtRWJVpEgvXfZgt-EEynA7vVGg/s320/IMG_7378.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We will stay in Tangiers for about a week while we wait for suitable weather to blow us south towards the Canary Islands. It's about a 4 day trip and we will likely leave sometime next week. Stay tuned for more Morocco adventures, and please consider following our blog and leaving any comments you'd like to share! Until next week...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-52040303868895181762022-10-11T02:43:00.001-07:002022-10-11T02:48:41.681-07:00Thankfulness during our Gibraltar Time<p>We have been spending the last 2 weeks enjoying some "downtime" in Gibraltar. It has given us time to reflect on all the things that are truly important in life. Family, friends, happiness and good health! There is so much we are grateful for and being together on this grand adventure reminds us of how lucky we are. Happy Thanksgiving to all!</p><p>We have settled into a routine of home-schooling, fixing things on the boat, and preparing for our upcoming offshore passage to the Canary Islands and beyond. This is what our typical mornings look like: the kids doing school work, and Lana offering support while making frozen pre-prepared meals for our crossing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmKXSSmpmCv0vtnETAZ1cgjLMKoJEDGKB8yUYQWJ_POfCqURtGLn4R2R_kRL2vIsFli5p9MQy7qHBwicxl2A_dbNpbi_frU5qcnnGPuw8urLtDPUtVfNlpIzrtIyBE8b_o_AF5F3SIwY-ZrxRYusj2e5Auo0nWqe37JEBjEleg64fakW_09KEJdbt4w/s960/GPTempDownload%204.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmKXSSmpmCv0vtnETAZ1cgjLMKoJEDGKB8yUYQWJ_POfCqURtGLn4R2R_kRL2vIsFli5p9MQy7qHBwicxl2A_dbNpbi_frU5qcnnGPuw8urLtDPUtVfNlpIzrtIyBE8b_o_AF5F3SIwY-ZrxRYusj2e5Auo0nWqe37JEBjEleg64fakW_09KEJdbt4w/w417-h313/GPTempDownload%204.jpeg" width="417" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the dockside view from the stern of Oyai. This is looking towards the town, and the Rock of Gibraltar. There are nice hot showers at the end of this dock that we frequent! We have met lots of other cruisers in the marina who are mostly heading south like we are planning. We are looking forward to crossing the Atlantic Ocean in the company of 200 other boats as part of the ARC Rally. It'll be very social!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIdP9kMzBZABj3o34U_CdjGF9X3GeLU6tWcYfv0h8LS8qh8DO5SoyPT_rK3BGj6lxIoKrrE9k511V4ImcBRIrCgU4JfuQTKUNL8eCMIgOjMCn8Y7NRqnEs-yQglP_TiDznqJqd8sC5sJ162MEGD1GxhYzIuBCgTSTRqtOIgiIG9V83pYJJymg-arn8Q/s1280/2EAC731B-1037-42C7-8151-A087F82E3B00.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1024" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIdP9kMzBZABj3o34U_CdjGF9X3GeLU6tWcYfv0h8LS8qh8DO5SoyPT_rK3BGj6lxIoKrrE9k511V4ImcBRIrCgU4JfuQTKUNL8eCMIgOjMCn8Y7NRqnEs-yQglP_TiDznqJqd8sC5sJ162MEGD1GxhYzIuBCgTSTRqtOIgiIG9V83pYJJymg-arn8Q/w325-h406/2EAC731B-1037-42C7-8151-A087F82E3B00.jpeg" width="325" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We hiked around the east side of the Rock on "The Mediterranean Steps". It's a beautiful walk up a 300 year old trail that was used as a lookout trail by the English Navy. The limestone cliffs surrounding the hike and the sheer drop-offs that skirt the trail keep things very exciting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUie1vXFG7hsuS0mJdhCtP7qFy-vVZuBT12HxxOQTSrIVvVccs43u4dtvZ6TzIggZ3svau_4IWumn5iFEgKJIRpP3LVZe9_ujUC27DiH_7HXFYNxARB66ZIrXEYwamcI4qURDYKtlU0yqcnmz7mSBPu5Op2YPSH8tMSPUxX8xebGOKNhAPSz2g6G5V7Q/s960/GPTempDownload%205.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUie1vXFG7hsuS0mJdhCtP7qFy-vVZuBT12HxxOQTSrIVvVccs43u4dtvZ6TzIggZ3svau_4IWumn5iFEgKJIRpP3LVZe9_ujUC27DiH_7HXFYNxARB66ZIrXEYwamcI4qURDYKtlU0yqcnmz7mSBPu5Op2YPSH8tMSPUxX8xebGOKNhAPSz2g6G5V7Q/w420-h315/GPTempDownload%205.jpeg" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxzhn6oH2qPwVFo5o8jiQIbZ_QEOrsZlCNkZjM-BoIwdHCY_AfQQfJo9LA6MNfup4OFHWmxJEtLMMn5V2U48w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PX8lcqCwsElD_dhqCRAcUVsbo6qt_TNMYky0Ti7cz4Or3e-kZWIF_S2bP6Bw2WJR79sdvd0_wAPkAp-3XABY4q-9NmJm4h083CgOrGUY8RibROJWv6PfPiEdHPpt29aCGRjMeS74qXcNwZAXvGNNRQnYV4W3zkDtcCXzJhXon-xY6_iEjTzxw3X_qg/s960/GPTempDownload%206.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PX8lcqCwsElD_dhqCRAcUVsbo6qt_TNMYky0Ti7cz4Or3e-kZWIF_S2bP6Bw2WJR79sdvd0_wAPkAp-3XABY4q-9NmJm4h083CgOrGUY8RibROJWv6PfPiEdHPpt29aCGRjMeS74qXcNwZAXvGNNRQnYV4W3zkDtcCXzJhXon-xY6_iEjTzxw3X_qg/w461-h346/GPTempDownload%206.jpeg" width="461" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The monkeys at the top of the Rock never disappoint. They are so habituated to humans that you can walk right up to them. We were lucky so see a baby monkey this time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyEJViyvJvKYLQK3w2Gx09nN675rm7V-psdG2HCwap7H6bagr939WiIFcO3ownrrIuWbADhCg8IpuCbKEOlpg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The monkeys sit and scamper on the thinnest of ledges hundreds of feet above the ground. They think its no big deal, apparently.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOi_HogyspA5nIda7mheBF84ZdgThdvPpvZX-55KVyIyX2jj6Ww1-T33ddLEcY7o2B8BDyrmxc6OX7vgGKmueZ27IG8LWmwKr-FTm2cpNGZ9kI6xSEUDcQw6IUjXJ7zQ3Ex6u4Gi7glIv7k0V4l6VABRK9Iq2YBT9I19WkWJlECsin8zFd_uEls1ieXw/s960/GPTempDownload%207.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOi_HogyspA5nIda7mheBF84ZdgThdvPpvZX-55KVyIyX2jj6Ww1-T33ddLEcY7o2B8BDyrmxc6OX7vgGKmueZ27IG8LWmwKr-FTm2cpNGZ9kI6xSEUDcQw6IUjXJ7zQ3Ex6u4Gi7glIv7k0V4l6VABRK9Iq2YBT9I19WkWJlECsin8zFd_uEls1ieXw/w440-h330/GPTempDownload%207.jpeg" width="440" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sometimes they give you a signal that you're getting too close. Watch this clip to see the round-mouth warning that we were getting up in their space.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz2EYKzkde_b3Md7z0GtC-RBDdrsgKFeWXhNHYCqaGMhsJ2m-cFaDkFpmNKJrSBiYy5IalFFoqfajyQZS_Ufg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've all had this feeling :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX53Yp0FQ4WajdLvanBh-_kUmTx3K_lNxMLE1KFkJuFBS1RkvTis0-JLuYWs8Mfss6RqxaYB7lwt3Oow4YzIk5g3Fh6qL-r6qQPkpVHFzMXw1hFXRjq5Mj_Hz8SFidXVKSzphW33WeFK3ycnIuDCN64xTmFVb-fzPl28J45-5GLmI0l1ND6kaB3u1H_A/s1280/IMG_9274.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX53Yp0FQ4WajdLvanBh-_kUmTx3K_lNxMLE1KFkJuFBS1RkvTis0-JLuYWs8Mfss6RqxaYB7lwt3Oow4YzIk5g3Fh6qL-r6qQPkpVHFzMXw1hFXRjq5Mj_Hz8SFidXVKSzphW33WeFK3ycnIuDCN64xTmFVb-fzPl28J45-5GLmI0l1ND6kaB3u1H_A/w490-h367/IMG_9274.jpeg" width="490" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The limestone of the Rock lends itself well to tunnelling and cave formation. The St. Michael's Cave is very impressive and huge. It's lit up in interesting ways to make it more engaging. This was our second visit and it was just as good this time around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyId3ADM_hXrTpNqNVps_mJVHRbt86qZeG6vE6xuLEW1OC9mnPtAOGvGKh4_REuAHox_OgZviyWSRSmKOjf8g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a legendary "angel" formation inside the cave that is about 6 meters tall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDCWH1JLj6sgJimrlPNH3dAQJSSpgIpZNxLt82fdDpu9-HloCJGRpX9LfC5GttquJ6yvWKexpnnGksJ9ohGjNm2HDCBlyoY1qbChPEpTv5HIt1YkjmtaPPDXCH8YTfoQg3w1rKGdjZJ40SqvL-8I6xqZvWIvWUuRmsNXUCUiEKD1WHjxsyh6nRxfsHA/s1280/IMG_9286.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="509" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDCWH1JLj6sgJimrlPNH3dAQJSSpgIpZNxLt82fdDpu9-HloCJGRpX9LfC5GttquJ6yvWKexpnnGksJ9ohGjNm2HDCBlyoY1qbChPEpTv5HIt1YkjmtaPPDXCH8YTfoQg3w1rKGdjZJ40SqvL-8I6xqZvWIvWUuRmsNXUCUiEKD1WHjxsyh6nRxfsHA/w382-h509/IMG_9286.jpeg" width="382" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is an awesome rec centre about a 5 minute walk from our marina. It has bowling, climbing, movie theatres, and an arcade. The whole family has been known to wander down to the arcade for some high-action gaming.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy4cXVuRYlwmVzGWnNuIUZBGRYvAb3xLyw0yg158AirX0biGfeE8brNAocCrQOE4coq3br__8PXw8S_v55iyg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are keeping busy fixing and upgrading things on Oyai as well. Sailboats are notoriously high-maintenance, but with a well-made boat these tasks are much easier and more enjoyable. Our winches and furlers are electric and have been very reliable, but occasionally need attention. Here is the foresail furler motor out for repairs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQoZsUM1EYP5b9QqS-xrYp7Gix10iyY2WT4wnZnjJJW5YzidmCLpy-pQ21unCqphuZKLGYd9Vo3iha6nPwJVz2Z957mW6CZ60tzmPZh9iOM9pKd3KPhMT2IsuT-Wl4Sv0r2ccIUbRxfniItm29zu4VbK_JBiEZhaGmeVOwUf9q8db16tZ1-BbHAC-Cw/s1280/IMG_9168.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQoZsUM1EYP5b9QqS-xrYp7Gix10iyY2WT4wnZnjJJW5YzidmCLpy-pQ21unCqphuZKLGYd9Vo3iha6nPwJVz2Z957mW6CZ60tzmPZh9iOM9pKd3KPhMT2IsuT-Wl4Sv0r2ccIUbRxfniItm29zu4VbK_JBiEZhaGmeVOwUf9q8db16tZ1-BbHAC-Cw/w451-h338/IMG_9168.jpeg" width="451" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqXd1rTLk3za6xvejN3QlYYBBOW-BeYf06P7QvlJKVwk8StR3KhVn0p84uv5wLVcm2uM-9QUb-qPMNlKOs-2sG0cXsf9vrcfJqfdXBYL_uAVtNU8eFWhgly93ldPF9h2UM5Od_F2hWYy-FHWWeEl1j_IF8h0twp3ugVS6hx-LDkf9Q3jaym7n_8KvpA/s1280/b17d2445-a5fe-4658-8448-714e04399cd1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="487" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqXd1rTLk3za6xvejN3QlYYBBOW-BeYf06P7QvlJKVwk8StR3KhVn0p84uv5wLVcm2uM-9QUb-qPMNlKOs-2sG0cXsf9vrcfJqfdXBYL_uAVtNU8eFWhgly93ldPF9h2UM5Od_F2hWYy-FHWWeEl1j_IF8h0twp3ugVS6hx-LDkf9Q3jaym7n_8KvpA/w274-h487/b17d2445-a5fe-4658-8448-714e04399cd1.jpeg" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Going up the mast is always exciting. Stu did a rigging inspection before our upcoming passage, and things up top looked ship-shape.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxkhNksC4p8NDfJa9eaw9QYaSzH39Z6so7Ygm9i5iqGoYG6We-XQsUPyj5YWy34p3LzjhnbNYBuKujoyhqQ4Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have spent lots of time improving the boat as well. Here is a spanky new mainsail that we had made and shipped to us in Gibraltar. So pretty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ibe_AD26tlry919TEFne-G6KADP_-ob4ZYjyO6p_wuKqAw3dem4lK-_xl7c5wRqWBFAYNDf7Zm1BKWuFzwszp9GzikefdFvs6agRRcJxYIDPm-nuYsjUkAJQaUn-9sSK6MLafqHPVrnM5UjAuLtB7E3MD5gwCZTHPVoss-e-8wzJGSd7bY7RLbanog/s1280/IMG_9208.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ibe_AD26tlry919TEFne-G6KADP_-ob4ZYjyO6p_wuKqAw3dem4lK-_xl7c5wRqWBFAYNDf7Zm1BKWuFzwszp9GzikefdFvs6agRRcJxYIDPm-nuYsjUkAJQaUn-9sSK6MLafqHPVrnM5UjAuLtB7E3MD5gwCZTHPVoss-e-8wzJGSd7bY7RLbanog/w451-h338/IMG_9208.jpeg" width="451" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aria has taken an interest in photography over the last couple of months. She is very creative and is getting some great shots already. Micah is, of course, her favourite subject. Here is a sample of their work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogezjrIDR2JjtOQ7jeF5JUDOwYf_-jXMzoN_TP05OqTwRKQAv20sfMYI-YHzIDb-yngPCqgRgeE8C9lqu4jywQ5dS3x6Bu9PE2FpWipadbJ-7voZSohQ811btjrBM5I7BrkcqTzvrwifEggZ4ZpvfMm_PYAh3k7oTJSYJXkikd-GPD_G59GZTeEYDsg/s1280/IMG_8618%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogezjrIDR2JjtOQ7jeF5JUDOwYf_-jXMzoN_TP05OqTwRKQAv20sfMYI-YHzIDb-yngPCqgRgeE8C9lqu4jywQ5dS3x6Bu9PE2FpWipadbJ-7voZSohQ811btjrBM5I7BrkcqTzvrwifEggZ4ZpvfMm_PYAh3k7oTJSYJXkikd-GPD_G59GZTeEYDsg/w359-h479/IMG_8618%202.jpeg" width="359" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are planning to head across the Straight of Gibraltar and stay in a marina in Tangier, Morocco for a few days. We will wait there for a good weather window to head directly to the Canary Islands. Its about a 4 day sail in open water because there aren't many opportunities to moor on the western Moroccan coast. We will take lots of footage of that crossing so stay tuned! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><br /><br />Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-82533005404256524182022-10-03T03:30:00.001-07:002022-10-03T03:30:41.866-07:00Some Mountain Time for Lana!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8bH8fvlfpF4YURX5KaUAHEHcWK26i6ziPURQ5isnwh0QB8uwuFhSU2GInRF0_UHB0PlrxgAh9O6ANZAwEWlDTNtB0U4qMY9ALULg_ySn-PMgrmB4Lvqx4aQjcT9mYeggeicUXrhtp4lrJGyVess565BvyvYmwjWxzxNdGsh4-ccbscFHBIdrlbSkLw/s4032/IMG_0739.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8bH8fvlfpF4YURX5KaUAHEHcWK26i6ziPURQ5isnwh0QB8uwuFhSU2GInRF0_UHB0PlrxgAh9O6ANZAwEWlDTNtB0U4qMY9ALULg_ySn-PMgrmB4Lvqx4aQjcT9mYeggeicUXrhtp4lrJGyVess565BvyvYmwjWxzxNdGsh4-ccbscFHBIdrlbSkLw/w400-h236/IMG_0739.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While Stu, Aria and Micah were exploring Granada I had the opportunity to meet up with my amazingly fun friends Chris and Dawn (from Squamish) in the southern Dolomites. I left the boat in Motril and made my way to the airport in Malaga, Spain to catch a 9am flight. By noon I was in Venice, Italy, met up with Dawn and Chris at the train station and then we were off to Madonna di Campiglio, a ski resort town in northern Italy. It was quite the transition from the hot weather on the coasts of Spain to the snowy mountains of Italy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnG_BdDicpnsxPy4Komg-9h8O2Ug7QzYZ-JVa4scO3qHdpOHCbP7VtjYaVgQ0TSD9IAVFJKVUrixxF52WUcTGMAQX1y1x90w-dBF6zkV0z1qP2hkPNtJilifKvgVOgmStfyNZ_Me8AelrdiKys_DyKR73e74tR8OL7kJYmOjowaMvNHYoCr2K3LlmsQ/s4032/IMG_0255%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnG_BdDicpnsxPy4Komg-9h8O2Ug7QzYZ-JVa4scO3qHdpOHCbP7VtjYaVgQ0TSD9IAVFJKVUrixxF52WUcTGMAQX1y1x90w-dBF6zkV0z1qP2hkPNtJilifKvgVOgmStfyNZ_Me8AelrdiKys_DyKR73e74tR8OL7kJYmOjowaMvNHYoCr2K3LlmsQ/w400-h300/IMG_0255%202.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We took a gondola up into the mountains where they had had about 10cm of snow a few days before we arrived. Chris had planned our adventures, doing tons of research beforehand. Many thanks go out to him for this! He booked the mountain huts in advance too. Though several were closed as it was the end of the season there were still options that worked for us. Following the via ferratas was fairly straightforward with signs at most junctions and red/white marks with your route number painted on the rocks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuuCUav-GUOytnAdiOsXPrhzpKZrGx0kaKyDeqK9wV1UuJ0otVKoboPPbEgVkn5iPNpwT6FDuOJYUIKcCXiSmjYns9PxOci3fT1m-9_HfvBjRWM3cU7rnSwCDLfAYMsz9k5EgvBK0jNyKmox17YX6tW66LE9RNw2xxVE_m2UZ09A59zI3W-meelp2DQ/s4032/IMG_0251%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuuCUav-GUOytnAdiOsXPrhzpKZrGx0kaKyDeqK9wV1UuJ0otVKoboPPbEgVkn5iPNpwT6FDuOJYUIKcCXiSmjYns9PxOci3fT1m-9_HfvBjRWM3cU7rnSwCDLfAYMsz9k5EgvBK0jNyKmox17YX6tW66LE9RNw2xxVE_m2UZ09A59zI3W-meelp2DQ/w480-h640/IMG_0251%202.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had stunning bluebird days to start and hardly saw any other people. The limestone mountains have been explored by several generations of climbers and we could see different options all around us. From hiking paths to via ferratas to serious climbs, the possibilities were endless.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKjCwCF9ORP09ubP6pWJfRy1zlWii4GQ8jf4xRurSexhnbsbZ7EJkfIAst-U8T792WChuC0SLXacuDwmGggVJsEKQcBxlq015AWtObQWshDeLziAre1SI2LLRen4pniyLsyBSFoUb7CYlewrkq5o44WzFQl5MmXZHLRhwZR1VTAdDHf77o39MDQShqw/s4032/IMG_6506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKjCwCF9ORP09ubP6pWJfRy1zlWii4GQ8jf4xRurSexhnbsbZ7EJkfIAst-U8T792WChuC0SLXacuDwmGggVJsEKQcBxlq015AWtObQWshDeLziAre1SI2LLRen4pniyLsyBSFoUb7CYlewrkq5o44WzFQl5MmXZHLRhwZR1VTAdDHf77o39MDQShqw/w480-h640/IMG_6506.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>There were lots of smiles. The sun felt amazing and we lingered in spots to take it all in.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGmn0J0r0Y_SqVUUW4SKPOLS4LsbMFRj7H0x1ux9i5mlsyzT2t1nyoMh43nrS1wVYPWhHJKNBnmrHUm0BlFVtSP7RwKIxGa0Za58ytoj9CyECBfRdZHbh6Y1Y3muzlFxK2cJiHstFMZgcOe86QaWcri3dzyCQo9bjyPXCoBKOobsrFUTdxdIiLUP7VA/s4032/IMG_0279.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGmn0J0r0Y_SqVUUW4SKPOLS4LsbMFRj7H0x1ux9i5mlsyzT2t1nyoMh43nrS1wVYPWhHJKNBnmrHUm0BlFVtSP7RwKIxGa0Za58ytoj9CyECBfRdZHbh6Y1Y3muzlFxK2cJiHstFMZgcOe86QaWcri3dzyCQo9bjyPXCoBKOobsrFUTdxdIiLUP7VA/w480-h640/IMG_0279.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Puffy jackets, toques and long johns came out as well as our crampons for some steep snowfields and icy rock and snow sections. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kAbOZTf5rDouwyi2JxYLP2olceOh5TADmELLkLAYsNsIAwIUg7FJJTObWiajz3dTd90gNSPlDGTzNAGs5Gw3hjEGKbyfnMFMB5J33v8Fo3gzlzFrJJVxuTTLP8mCpZSa1GfLy_feXhpu4E2wUmYxXF6xXduXVbHKeZk11woXbbyfdnK__UP-pxclxA/s4032/IMG_0330.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kAbOZTf5rDouwyi2JxYLP2olceOh5TADmELLkLAYsNsIAwIUg7FJJTObWiajz3dTd90gNSPlDGTzNAGs5Gw3hjEGKbyfnMFMB5J33v8Fo3gzlzFrJJVxuTTLP8mCpZSa1GfLy_feXhpu4E2wUmYxXF6xXduXVbHKeZk11woXbbyfdnK__UP-pxclxA/w480-h640/IMG_0330.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By our third day in the mountains the clouds were starting to creep in closer. We would start our days in the fog at a mountain hut but could quickly climb our way up above the mist. It was surreal looking down on a sea of white.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SPc8pwPdBKn5jPRqmD8ZNcAFTJQyms8LRi0vZuFS4Uy2C0vmdHrEMCZ0dNj8PM3AEOFL1UN9B9ms4CsOeI12qUVu_Hn8l7Zk7F2r_frq155U9an3uU5JPIsIF8CgMpTI7pG_V3ntu5YtcJcTNI93jvB0CJr4o06H2fgSH439GE0l38d3sdhquyD9LQ/s4032/IMG_0353.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SPc8pwPdBKn5jPRqmD8ZNcAFTJQyms8LRi0vZuFS4Uy2C0vmdHrEMCZ0dNj8PM3AEOFL1UN9B9ms4CsOeI12qUVu_Hn8l7Zk7F2r_frq155U9an3uU5JPIsIF8CgMpTI7pG_V3ntu5YtcJcTNI93jvB0CJr4o06H2fgSH439GE0l38d3sdhquyD9LQ/w400-h300/IMG_0353.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The via ferrata routes made the rocky terrain climbable without ropes. Ladders and cables helped us get through the tricky parts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESNMoxM0EVXje03_C0dSCfxXRo31DO9t5Wco8iB4nwu0lSVotWpkHwtA-ZoAX49vqTKqLRg4fDaf9IzP3Dh87aKp-mIqrz_I7j0r1IXYltd69rSCnhpgPksmbxMkw1I-927w7IbHIBS5EAPpWV2brePNMLE8IOT8CfhKYSc-YhHW-h5VFm1qclpIdQg/s4032/IMG_0511%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESNMoxM0EVXje03_C0dSCfxXRo31DO9t5Wco8iB4nwu0lSVotWpkHwtA-ZoAX49vqTKqLRg4fDaf9IzP3Dh87aKp-mIqrz_I7j0r1IXYltd69rSCnhpgPksmbxMkw1I-927w7IbHIBS5EAPpWV2brePNMLE8IOT8CfhKYSc-YhHW-h5VFm1qclpIdQg/w480-h640/IMG_0511%202.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The picture doesn't reflect how exposed this traverse is! The sheer rock dropped off endlessly beneath my feet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8zLQGBwvhlTSVzB6BAa__7zVbi62xYFT3EB2yjwJx_oJykg40MTyL1XdTOMNeflCBDWd_FHZXZYrkT3o9tNqJ8X6w4I-p826edAY3vV8new2GQ6fuKIEHQ_ggqxtqf9MsziausgmSuaqQb4q61heqU5nJGwrClZXVZ_MddHeJfz9Q0hO5ONYOLsmjw/s4032/IMG_0756.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8zLQGBwvhlTSVzB6BAa__7zVbi62xYFT3EB2yjwJx_oJykg40MTyL1XdTOMNeflCBDWd_FHZXZYrkT3o9tNqJ8X6w4I-p826edAY3vV8new2GQ6fuKIEHQ_ggqxtqf9MsziausgmSuaqQb4q61heqU5nJGwrClZXVZ_MddHeJfz9Q0hO5ONYOLsmjw/w480-h640/IMG_0756.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1ChSf84Cj8Pw8GnhsGHp6LR1LRBxgG6kKk6PXVCE25kmcKdL86m4mO46NmAwUjFLdfxlHARz6DcDeetMXV2QWTHkjH-nzWEi6J12nOyYad3BD8dVhz5lbyEHyUfEkozFA69ypKDDKHPJcJ9I8wSqi9onu7iIjrojv9VMME4atFbz8iUj7Fh-bN6KOA/s4032/IMG_0553.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1ChSf84Cj8Pw8GnhsGHp6LR1LRBxgG6kKk6PXVCE25kmcKdL86m4mO46NmAwUjFLdfxlHARz6DcDeetMXV2QWTHkjH-nzWEi6J12nOyYad3BD8dVhz5lbyEHyUfEkozFA69ypKDDKHPJcJ9I8wSqi9onu7iIjrojv9VMME4atFbz8iUj7Fh-bN6KOA/w480-h640/IMG_0553.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: center;">Here is one of the huts we stayed at. It was always exciting to spot the hut way off in the distance.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJzoYYS2l_YJdGy5PwTVKjg1FX72qmerQ9TZDX85gYx7bU8cC7-re-yDaev4ip1Sd4Up5vrlRJWle57HKIylg1zBtbczQjyfXSK7lFdvtGBcgBcg4JRsTsuYWEBzOCfXpaOvlo5GklgVB8QX3ohsa5xo3SoBu1fXt4S7xtVkvjo3XMjYrB3AGYTtTVg/s4032/IMG_0773.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJzoYYS2l_YJdGy5PwTVKjg1FX72qmerQ9TZDX85gYx7bU8cC7-re-yDaev4ip1Sd4Up5vrlRJWle57HKIylg1zBtbczQjyfXSK7lFdvtGBcgBcg4JRsTsuYWEBzOCfXpaOvlo5GklgVB8QX3ohsa5xo3SoBu1fXt4S7xtVkvjo3XMjYrB3AGYTtTVg/w400-h300/IMG_0773.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The food in the huts was a highlight after a big day. Dinners and breakfasts were included with our hut fees, usually around 50 euros. As well we were assigned a cosy bunkbed with a fluffy duvet. It was chilly up in the rooms but the dining areas were very warm. A couple of the huts had pay showers but water is a precious resource and very limited in supply. <div><br /><div>Each hut is owned by a different family and their meals often reflected their favourite recipes.<br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzWVzxbiXw45uX0VZEpdpvz0lR_Xy9tR2PLvGjnRcdu48TlZDMr35fMBq1q-51Kwc4ovOl1tRGC4vx_art6Dr6KwzBoDZ0R_zb1Kh_k3AJ35NySCJrLQZr6OtEN1uTrHWkK5C1Zi0vxtAlslnxSdqUSiiAGQ7uV8QQvagqzFx1T_Vsmsx_Cet3fyobQ/s4032/IMG_6515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzWVzxbiXw45uX0VZEpdpvz0lR_Xy9tR2PLvGjnRcdu48TlZDMr35fMBq1q-51Kwc4ovOl1tRGC4vx_art6Dr6KwzBoDZ0R_zb1Kh_k3AJ35NySCJrLQZr6OtEN1uTrHWkK5C1Zi0vxtAlslnxSdqUSiiAGQ7uV8QQvagqzFx1T_Vsmsx_Cet3fyobQ/w400-h300/IMG_6515.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotMeT65PWMYf55pow-R9q-rFYbZD9jqDVUU3Ep6Xm3DgZ0cHQJovLa5yQw-RsuBz2nrYb-nmBtzktd6pXEGJycs9MHNnloUC9bMHGVDyOuC9Q1NkRQ9WWtda6XwDx6Rr0WK4gaXbUuBFPpsAdY6TjKKKsiZ7iWs5wvqhOzdnNPWo6usOIv8zpHEcpJA/s4032/IMG_0842.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotMeT65PWMYf55pow-R9q-rFYbZD9jqDVUU3Ep6Xm3DgZ0cHQJovLa5yQw-RsuBz2nrYb-nmBtzktd6pXEGJycs9MHNnloUC9bMHGVDyOuC9Q1NkRQ9WWtda6XwDx6Rr0WK4gaXbUuBFPpsAdY6TjKKKsiZ7iWs5wvqhOzdnNPWo6usOIv8zpHEcpJA/w300-h400/IMG_0842.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>One of our favourite huts had a ceramic surround to the fireplace. It was the best, especially since the weather was changing and we had snow on our last night. We adjusted our plans and took a hiking route rather than a via ferrata to our next destination. The snow, ice and especially the thick fog would have made the higher rock routes too dangerous for us to traverse.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizQH5cZK-JwRg2qAcZSfNjawXZShIW0kWSbpfUck8AhCnzFuY6Odp3GkqWRVSxNUe5tW45w7keOFrDX_LLsD9ijJfRY1Rg5GBy9v-rrJRkLfcGNtAU-CT8IFPh2W56Gy68BRBoNJO7O5sXGo2riIzOj21PTfzOQZYKfEesiDofKtdgzcaiRzhmyfAXA/s4032/IMG_7074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizQH5cZK-JwRg2qAcZSfNjawXZShIW0kWSbpfUck8AhCnzFuY6Odp3GkqWRVSxNUe5tW45w7keOFrDX_LLsD9ijJfRY1Rg5GBy9v-rrJRkLfcGNtAU-CT8IFPh2W56Gy68BRBoNJO7O5sXGo2riIzOj21PTfzOQZYKfEesiDofKtdgzcaiRzhmyfAXA/w400-h300/IMG_7074.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even though the weather forced us onto a hiking route for the last 2 days rather than a via ferrata it was still incredibly beautiful. After snowing the previous evening the weather cleared for our hike out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQol-QNjOZtCLXqeErLuLr6J6ubTU5T_BpLgEkEnW87YY5q4bDIp-GPCA7HDlBSJ_15vcerEecgzXX80mfl1-gXewTqmWotner_YGK6PXDdBQDz-2qWVm-udTcJXrREHM_HI0XDT8IdRREnqiPpFtwDt_qisF3_oARdOsImK1LM1bGnJkenNThpzj9Pg/s4032/IMG_0922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQol-QNjOZtCLXqeErLuLr6J6ubTU5T_BpLgEkEnW87YY5q4bDIp-GPCA7HDlBSJ_15vcerEecgzXX80mfl1-gXewTqmWotner_YGK6PXDdBQDz-2qWVm-udTcJXrREHM_HI0XDT8IdRREnqiPpFtwDt_qisF3_oARdOsImK1LM1bGnJkenNThpzj9Pg/w400-h300/IMG_0922.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg9zhq1MOOnYzDYMpW-qD2Ols0CDhPUHxAn5wf2lA9NRHI8mukD-MBgXgpPESWglyBt_8HoDUQ0Xrsdv86l38Ik5-e2ctacxgqsSE3ZChcn3KzgXd9oOn71lBD8B7jAkrQfMFuLCUSxOh5EENHsW8HD9OZccNPr980ZDTG-BGiWNOV6K-Zf2hEKFycw/s4032/IMG_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg9zhq1MOOnYzDYMpW-qD2Ols0CDhPUHxAn5wf2lA9NRHI8mukD-MBgXgpPESWglyBt_8HoDUQ0Xrsdv86l38Ik5-e2ctacxgqsSE3ZChcn3KzgXd9oOn71lBD8B7jAkrQfMFuLCUSxOh5EENHsW8HD9OZccNPr980ZDTG-BGiWNOV6K-Zf2hEKFycw/w480-h640/IMG_0948.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We gradually wound our way down through the rocks and alpine into the forests. Hidden from view off the path we found a glacially cold swimming hole fed by waterfall. After 5 days of no showers we felt that a quick dip was required. No photos of the actual plunge but it felt so good (and painful)!</div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8p4U37QqnejTbDRm82OvcH9wFwNTHnj0r1b1xI73ecScSwhMVHBPBcw_cZW3m98k-v8qAhVAHBCg6d2m8FWLf6aBwoAz_O-U9jFHWqH1VRZ23tMfhOpw4BO6HjfZkw84368AO1Cvf7GFbvrMdPuZsLXLxQte65ytbODGFSo1Dytn0iMmUY9Oq1ujxcg/s3088/IMG_7134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8p4U37QqnejTbDRm82OvcH9wFwNTHnj0r1b1xI73ecScSwhMVHBPBcw_cZW3m98k-v8qAhVAHBCg6d2m8FWLf6aBwoAz_O-U9jFHWqH1VRZ23tMfhOpw4BO6HjfZkw84368AO1Cvf7GFbvrMdPuZsLXLxQte65ytbODGFSo1Dytn0iMmUY9Oq1ujxcg/w480-h640/IMG_7134.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you to Dawn and Chris for helping tick this off my bucket list. Though, it really just made me realize that after our sailing adventures I would love to bring the family to share in the mountains too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLh8rjUJn4UhRdhm1ZvKhOLpsgnjM3TzDY_ZRRsdF8wxSO05CZLN8SAPXGLHxubbz4t1UfKhepJqKomOYbCpuz4-yFpOv41sLkK3kxAYbbO2ZQGvAyfSASq84k89xXr_NGaUZpPTzQ9wQ-bavZRBTVPO0PEaFAziQkH2R9ubMTlqcw3E9lYZ6-I2E-Q/s4032/IMG_0471%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLh8rjUJn4UhRdhm1ZvKhOLpsgnjM3TzDY_ZRRsdF8wxSO05CZLN8SAPXGLHxubbz4t1UfKhepJqKomOYbCpuz4-yFpOv41sLkK3kxAYbbO2ZQGvAyfSASq84k89xXr_NGaUZpPTzQ9wQ-bavZRBTVPO0PEaFAziQkH2R9ubMTlqcw3E9lYZ6-I2E-Q/w480-h640/IMG_0471%202.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-58211465436319481642022-09-27T13:04:00.006-07:002022-09-27T13:04:45.024-07:00We are back in Gibraltar and on "boat time"<p>The last little while on the boat has begun to feel like life is slowing down a wee bit. Our pace of travel through the Mediterranean was quick because we wanted to see lots of stuff. Now, it's time to take it down a notch and spend a week or two in each place we land. That will give us time to explore, get stuff fixed, and just generally relax. The girls have started distance learning with their teacher in the Comox Valley (thanks Lisa!). They are both really enjoying it, and have been very self-motivated so far. Hopefully that continues!</p><p>About 10 days ago, we sailed from Cartegena, Spain and hopped our way westward along the southern Spanish Coast. The summer is drawing to a close here in Europe, and things are much less crowded than they had been in July and August. We had our first anchorage to ourselves a few hours east of Cartagena. There was a short hike to a beautiful lookout which was stunning.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBIf7sFXTpQOT0xKP8kGjwKr74ro2Fny7I3_6Ts66Qqr0MyX-v14P9zM2FoVSUetqVeHKc_PLHjRYsylOxhPahqRpZb2ZD9EHU1-QyCXusNZzdrb3jNISUCT7ZfNAbJtSTpNM5y3yOFkFn35RGQMXJEecm9T8dmdgRWdlCXg3SR-rxBGNzmmS7WZ_AA/s4032/IMG_6460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBIf7sFXTpQOT0xKP8kGjwKr74ro2Fny7I3_6Ts66Qqr0MyX-v14P9zM2FoVSUetqVeHKc_PLHjRYsylOxhPahqRpZb2ZD9EHU1-QyCXusNZzdrb3jNISUCT7ZfNAbJtSTpNM5y3yOFkFn35RGQMXJEecm9T8dmdgRWdlCXg3SR-rxBGNzmmS7WZ_AA/w400-h300/IMG_6460.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>We were visited by numerous pods of dolphins on our way west out of the Med. We hadn't seen any marine mammals for weeks, so this was a real treat. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyHR_YLROdGVui845NKo0zTgljUv4VCKqg5vUOo1XYl43LvmifgRP0v1q8E-CTd86WaCgsgHgnuc6Oc8yW9FA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div> <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When the crew gets bored on the boat, it is very interesting to see what they can come up with to amuse themselves. Here, Aria and Micah are dangling a piece of cauliflower on a string and trying to eat it without their hands. Who needs screens?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzogBW0YgpVGnvx2ucC35iSFhdJwQG8J5CYt2l58BTBrTCewpm_j0A6O1sxTN-OAlr2QJQSX2aXlQK8tf6U9g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /><p>Our eventual goal was to stay in a lovely family-run marina in Motril and head inland for a few days. Lana had a trip planned to do some climbing in the Italian Dolomites with our friends Dawn and Chris (a separate blog post on that is coming soon - stay tuned!). Stu and the girls made plans to meet up with some new friends in Granada. Steve, Lisa, Farrah and Fletcher have also left the Comox Valley for a year to spend time abroad, and have chosen the beautiful city of Granada to call their home-base. Their family has made a wonderful transition to life in Spain, and are learning Spanish quickly. They were kind enough to tour us around and give us many recommendations of where we should spend our time while in their historic town.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBY0KCmUzyuvqQ1EhrreQDcczuOT88rTswpQPBaaLaqxU1qhgbZkJz9vccHaj1vK2TAKOrxxHIGd4GYbZxRMQ4wjpLIHZZW4w7G9KM86-0Etu_2pLBxSAfHx8UCqfEZX5tek1DGacb8BdeA-JWSyDPoKZsv2bxfI3q4JCJVZMhn_eRYE4LDchCyNsvcw/s3088/IMG_9113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBY0KCmUzyuvqQ1EhrreQDcczuOT88rTswpQPBaaLaqxU1qhgbZkJz9vccHaj1vK2TAKOrxxHIGd4GYbZxRMQ4wjpLIHZZW4w7G9KM86-0Etu_2pLBxSAfHx8UCqfEZX5tek1DGacb8BdeA-JWSyDPoKZsv2bxfI3q4JCJVZMhn_eRYE4LDchCyNsvcw/w400-h300/IMG_9113.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiNPWMQbC-ErgIHVwqlKTnxTOtyI2mZGulyeY6e9wx6Ropl9O4gpblzvyweG3-fyBtCYarc9kjAfuW2WUUU0aD_kUF-D_ujgC4wn3Bb7aeQFA9lpNA8zRXVAomIyn2jwNp-lGlO9IzeL5dL4IXLYjQZwgT9XA4fRfBw7xhZ4M_hQmn1Er5mxapa0TfA/s8150/IMG_9144.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3628" data-original-width="8150" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiNPWMQbC-ErgIHVwqlKTnxTOtyI2mZGulyeY6e9wx6Ropl9O4gpblzvyweG3-fyBtCYarc9kjAfuW2WUUU0aD_kUF-D_ujgC4wn3Bb7aeQFA9lpNA8zRXVAomIyn2jwNp-lGlO9IzeL5dL4IXLYjQZwgT9XA4fRfBw7xhZ4M_hQmn1Er5mxapa0TfA/w640-h284/IMG_9144.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUBQqdhTJHlhE4vPYlccNyHY-V8o7SEPtqrIgb0HEcSHgSaJ9NUlyQoYHHfSUQaywqMHhgbQIyR423hu0QMKZ31glVNaBLepG2M1LlIcPnDGA8nXT9jyCSXDiYDqo33RQ_3C5gxZFSXvVkM_vHa8ZZTUd66hlBeAYbMIEkOy9xiC6k6SIhX-D8z3Uag/s4032/IMG_9095.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUBQqdhTJHlhE4vPYlccNyHY-V8o7SEPtqrIgb0HEcSHgSaJ9NUlyQoYHHfSUQaywqMHhgbQIyR423hu0QMKZ31glVNaBLepG2M1LlIcPnDGA8nXT9jyCSXDiYDqo33RQ_3C5gxZFSXvVkM_vHa8ZZTUd66hlBeAYbMIEkOy9xiC6k6SIhX-D8z3Uag/w300-h400/IMG_9095.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We got to experience authentic churros & chocolate. They were super decadent and greasy, but oh so good!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzSMfAzHApDucBDsiPRkIbFlZCAVoBmY1p6PEGe2sVvjZR-b170air3xwyhkQWah-D8ZYUUOu4u2PmiVwS-PA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1_bxhb_6F7ecL15AsLQStiopWhtBK3MFr45ui9Gvv5yjxm12M92AjesL8R4QhkCE1q0TpTgUyFPgwAPHs41dhBtQVuYIsiRZYobDWGi2VoP7eAkpChQiKbz52f_TyWKgii9fv8APE4Mic6APoulHeeHVKdV1c0FWAMt56i-P-WeEvLhQTep0-ADJWA/s4032/IMG_9121.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1_bxhb_6F7ecL15AsLQStiopWhtBK3MFr45ui9Gvv5yjxm12M92AjesL8R4QhkCE1q0TpTgUyFPgwAPHs41dhBtQVuYIsiRZYobDWGi2VoP7eAkpChQiKbz52f_TyWKgii9fv8APE4Mic6APoulHeeHVKdV1c0FWAMt56i-P-WeEvLhQTep0-ADJWA/w400-h300/IMG_9121.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">There is a beautiful river hike that we did near Granada called Los Cahorros which winds through a steep ravine peppered with suspension bridges. It had a very different flavour than most of the hikes we do at home. In a good way. The temperature was perfect for a mid-hike swim in one of the many swimming holes along the river.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOY-w7DCNAOFJPGvfhIVKFNerDim4fLc-uttWLdEUrjDE8qJOHCDoFPhk0v0YPGeb94iQgTAUH43_4yt0EWC9ePv7yiVNioSjPNLyJM5oCFnPDTbvkCgePKdzykM4J6pvpI3_SaNm-i-kQW-5vu_q1QzYE_L5taElWb7IYc1_TKuU4lrKXJ9ouv99vQ/s4032/IMG_9083.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOY-w7DCNAOFJPGvfhIVKFNerDim4fLc-uttWLdEUrjDE8qJOHCDoFPhk0v0YPGeb94iQgTAUH43_4yt0EWC9ePv7yiVNioSjPNLyJM5oCFnPDTbvkCgePKdzykM4J6pvpI3_SaNm-i-kQW-5vu_q1QzYE_L5taElWb7IYc1_TKuU4lrKXJ9ouv99vQ/w300-h400/IMG_9083.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwyus4TF3EEFWCtcJwYBsd-uO77eOdD_APA9vpyc3f1g6kHsht8Li7rlx4DjnJWYqN85m9U3-lee5U8K3g6Tw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTa0G-8PIxfF7xZZIwWufeNP8KwvKl-TSQzsBRqTXm1caADDNei49kFeh4LRci5IK_uWOKwyGwnomubkYOTnPZSirMjnmjZcksjASv8hIbKHemIkv80V6xFAsqHwkLQIFlXBv7pTe6e-jbm2mvI6LcL8DLcMtBIO8mxebJ95H5XvFHi6Fj8VYglesYw/s4032/IMG_9067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTa0G-8PIxfF7xZZIwWufeNP8KwvKl-TSQzsBRqTXm1caADDNei49kFeh4LRci5IK_uWOKwyGwnomubkYOTnPZSirMjnmjZcksjASv8hIbKHemIkv80V6xFAsqHwkLQIFlXBv7pTe6e-jbm2mvI6LcL8DLcMtBIO8mxebJ95H5XvFHi6Fj8VYglesYw/w400-h300/IMG_9067.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>In Granada, there is an ancient fortressed city called The Alhambra. Its presence dominates the entire city and is staggeringly impressive in both its size and history. Built on the foundations of an ancient Moorish Castle from about 700 AD, the "modern" history of The Alhambra dates back to its construction in the 13th century by the people of the Nasrid Kingdom. These Muslim craftsmen created an unrivalled monument of security and beauty that lasted hundreds of years and withstood many sieges. In 1492, the same year Columbus sailed to the Americas, The Alhambra was handed over to Spain. The King of Spain continued to build on the site of The Alhambra, but kept many of the beautiful buildings created by the Nasrids. Because of its continual use and restoration, the site is very well preserved and is the second most visited historical site in Spain (after the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-Hptk3o0jbL7nQ1HrZ-rL7NJZlBe4KS900BeGZ0Zk2T7XRy3K6QbWdX1o5Q27OMVfEiSihTHE1ivJzMQvpvIGEnUBj5HZvdxzCzOxSb3q88zmbQwZRQE_NgTH4cDwRfkorRBTi0APxht_w0pQovhs-XS17W5il7vavuemgn9xsPMuUMRm3uRiZvPAQ/s4032/IMG_9042.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-Hptk3o0jbL7nQ1HrZ-rL7NJZlBe4KS900BeGZ0Zk2T7XRy3K6QbWdX1o5Q27OMVfEiSihTHE1ivJzMQvpvIGEnUBj5HZvdxzCzOxSb3q88zmbQwZRQE_NgTH4cDwRfkorRBTi0APxht_w0pQovhs-XS17W5il7vavuemgn9xsPMuUMRm3uRiZvPAQ/w400-h300/IMG_9042.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvq7ROg4WEmin50QpMsqgwbp87C-C9Xbvdqf2duP6KPVRybOKpjx0sgmts_X-WEjt_LtVUBha184SUhKUV_7KfbWPmBsNqzzD67zcBravoIjIeMKXgEh9QtNfuTkm1uqRJcBqr5GP-vwA8o35zMwxVLNGfotzSlLoou6CmtYWbsb0YtiMbDrnFB38ag/s4032/IMG_9135.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvq7ROg4WEmin50QpMsqgwbp87C-C9Xbvdqf2duP6KPVRybOKpjx0sgmts_X-WEjt_LtVUBha184SUhKUV_7KfbWPmBsNqzzD67zcBravoIjIeMKXgEh9QtNfuTkm1uqRJcBqr5GP-vwA8o35zMwxVLNGfotzSlLoou6CmtYWbsb0YtiMbDrnFB38ag/w300-h400/IMG_9135.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>The details in the tilework, scrollwork and the gardens was unbelievable. Even the girls were impressed!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQK-41t1USyHukoyHqPbmVtwNZHK9cI8aKndCTdvUrc1QuLmmxv-Bw5dG9RS16TsVmZsjSd2vdT-EHu5_hczEtKkw-Vsss3ZcvE6xcz_WhiKeCLMSG2gxHB_-ThQpiCUXf1LhDG7EiDeOv9VDubhAm6JAJEXCjwbntEXqxJ_u12zRGP3uV8177nojyA/s4032/IMG_9128.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQK-41t1USyHukoyHqPbmVtwNZHK9cI8aKndCTdvUrc1QuLmmxv-Bw5dG9RS16TsVmZsjSd2vdT-EHu5_hczEtKkw-Vsss3ZcvE6xcz_WhiKeCLMSG2gxHB_-ThQpiCUXf1LhDG7EiDeOv9VDubhAm6JAJEXCjwbntEXqxJ_u12zRGP3uV8177nojyA/w300-h400/IMG_9128.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiuZzsceSa9TLOJADsPZk--GGeZQ5aYxDOzsDjMuXT09L3YAgGEs8UJg8mEB7-I6n4jth5-kmEROPAnjU3i3nnrKWmifwT9K41POT540sdyth6jId19qEyLRBfzKVYBhb8Ays-ZJ5WgiVK3rUjjFMjvt5Uw1IRABUhfpMJtMF6ZlUzuJQmtNJ1j1iYw/s4032/IMG_9143.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiuZzsceSa9TLOJADsPZk--GGeZQ5aYxDOzsDjMuXT09L3YAgGEs8UJg8mEB7-I6n4jth5-kmEROPAnjU3i3nnrKWmifwT9K41POT540sdyth6jId19qEyLRBfzKVYBhb8Ays-ZJ5WgiVK3rUjjFMjvt5Uw1IRABUhfpMJtMF6ZlUzuJQmtNJ1j1iYw/s320/IMG_9143.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Stu, Aria & Micah said farewell to Steve, Lisa, Farrah & Fletch and headed back to the boat. From Motril they sailed a couple of easy days to Gibraltar, where Lana would meet them in a couple of days. Coming back to Gib (as its called by the locals) feels familiar and comforting. Like a home-away-from-home. We have some boat jobs to take care of, and some preparations to make before heading out into the Atlantic Ocean. We are installing a new sail, repairing our headsail furler and doing a number of small things to make the boat ship-shape. Oyai has taken very good care of us, so we need to take good care of her! When we are not working on the boat, we have been occupying our time with lots of fun activities.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTKUZacZpnnlhKRg9-ndlaNCankoPOR5u0p8FPA5vtrCLSCq17iGduhTrC3OEVgQwc0jQ5DW48aJn7NfkjpNTkdOhUzIdRUo-J1lK_APg-ggn6dznDeiT_WqlQVTj6j5lUKhbmTvCHPcgBUCSQggvEu5ccDQ-JLFcIYDFOciP3BUqijg49KkPQNdDOQ/s4032/IMG_9160.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTKUZacZpnnlhKRg9-ndlaNCankoPOR5u0p8FPA5vtrCLSCq17iGduhTrC3OEVgQwc0jQ5DW48aJn7NfkjpNTkdOhUzIdRUo-J1lK_APg-ggn6dznDeiT_WqlQVTj6j5lUKhbmTvCHPcgBUCSQggvEu5ccDQ-JLFcIYDFOciP3BUqijg49KkPQNdDOQ/s320/IMG_9160.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDz8iQx7TFDZw9AFP-TsKBEDQvKqJcBV9Nk9adlA_lHQ7t65ucjWejeOOLXyW041ufionH2i2o6fz829pusbCy0bDkqy9geXH_QTI9N73ulVzAGNPFc5QvJNYVXI2-rE2iBl4TNyOH3vns_nDgLHdcJejB_y9GMpJJCUtjRqiFjr2O1BFYa1XPc12eA/s4032/IMG_9172.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDz8iQx7TFDZw9AFP-TsKBEDQvKqJcBV9Nk9adlA_lHQ7t65ucjWejeOOLXyW041ufionH2i2o6fz829pusbCy0bDkqy9geXH_QTI9N73ulVzAGNPFc5QvJNYVXI2-rE2iBl4TNyOH3vns_nDgLHdcJejB_y9GMpJJCUtjRqiFjr2O1BFYa1XPc12eA/w400-h300/IMG_9172.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkjiizIn-FDgPXRFH5G0ioI67GP9tK11seMBgMMLgo_I_cznGSOeOJgdwg5TN5v67t5RKwbpFqd_75J-dzxrM7IULqrQsWzEsh9qDJgmSO7N0UAKz31lfPStiYBiK1B-l9yYScGIN5zbyql6ofaLPryQ2GSyNaATJndzVIlzVmckH8N5AQ-hsg1RuUA/s4032/IMG_9178.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkjiizIn-FDgPXRFH5G0ioI67GP9tK11seMBgMMLgo_I_cznGSOeOJgdwg5TN5v67t5RKwbpFqd_75J-dzxrM7IULqrQsWzEsh9qDJgmSO7N0UAKz31lfPStiYBiK1B-l9yYScGIN5zbyql6ofaLPryQ2GSyNaATJndzVIlzVmckH8N5AQ-hsg1RuUA/w400-h300/IMG_9178.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>From Gibraltar, our plans will take us south to Morocco. Tanger will be our first stop just a short hop across the Straight of Gibraltar. This will get us past the wind tunnel of the Straight, and allow us to wait for a suitable weather window to make a break for the Canary Islands. We may stop at one or two other places along the Western Moroccan Coast, but the easiest course may be to stay offshore for 4 days and make landfall in the Canaries. We will keep you posted!</p></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-30572835738664692742022-09-15T12:06:00.003-07:002022-09-15T12:06:50.281-07:00Spain, Spain and more Spain. We love Barcelona!<p> After making our way from France to Spain, we high-tailed it for Barcelona. Our time in the EU is coming to an end because all of our efforts to get a visitor Schengen Visa extension have stalled out. The wheels of the Schengen Bureaucracy turn very slowly and we don't think an extension is going to happen. We also have to leave a few days (in our 90 day limit) for our stop-over in the Canary Islands before we head back west to the Caribbean. </p><p>So, in an effort to maximize our time left, we wanted to spend a few days in Barcelona and really take in this beautiful city. It did not disappoint! The Sagrada Familia Cathedral was mind-blowing. It was beautifully conceived by Antoni Gaudi, the architect of many buildings in Barcelona. It left a real impression on all of us, including the kids!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_BiEMomasmOu5-oRjEBwR2H2Dn3qAcgcYw8gTngIcUmXf72aUoeFYx2vKEdpVGhMr8xZmofwmAq510MAru_rIQPfkrMwz8HxWzli13tf3kDSD6kKwVQ5FOMMWVxR8HOSFxzd0mGdNIGCfq1yo-ESMp5H5_OFChKb7B-9Ah9HBN6Yo110JvrBIp2ygA/s1280/IMG_8914.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_BiEMomasmOu5-oRjEBwR2H2Dn3qAcgcYw8gTngIcUmXf72aUoeFYx2vKEdpVGhMr8xZmofwmAq510MAru_rIQPfkrMwz8HxWzli13tf3kDSD6kKwVQ5FOMMWVxR8HOSFxzd0mGdNIGCfq1yo-ESMp5H5_OFChKb7B-9Ah9HBN6Yo110JvrBIp2ygA/s320/IMG_8914.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our days in Barcelona were very full and we visited many sights including the Lego Store and the Chocolate Museum.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoFtsBYfzt5V4m3id6svVEAaRvODuKd0A7sWR0IeInNISgYeV2tBKN1aK76TJofC3aCQDJtYFdNKpAGBlIHk9EXF2-VVZwA2AbUBkmWTYOwm5HbUX6GYTOIBU9lFoThBNKae10L3-dwUCDvKqklONCUuwQ1oISwuVg8V0KfGsD6Zdoh9foRDyRbPizA/s1280/IMG_6344.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoFtsBYfzt5V4m3id6svVEAaRvODuKd0A7sWR0IeInNISgYeV2tBKN1aK76TJofC3aCQDJtYFdNKpAGBlIHk9EXF2-VVZwA2AbUBkmWTYOwm5HbUX6GYTOIBU9lFoThBNKae10L3-dwUCDvKqklONCUuwQ1oISwuVg8V0KfGsD6Zdoh9foRDyRbPizA/s320/IMG_6344.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bQm_CAdw7aKrY30nP5ktU-OyLCzy4pfpWjvX-z4FV4GhK-GSv3zBM-7fnb8P7c7_YSmv7YLgMW2Yi9n3L8kYrTsRq1GW6nLwarSmbnaWys-k5rYsARenatfgrqLfAKIOJNB3JMWY-dhLzqyAC1VJanH00xCoL1LnN894oLPoFO24yQl-LdGh4IOjpg/s1280/IMG_6411.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bQm_CAdw7aKrY30nP5ktU-OyLCzy4pfpWjvX-z4FV4GhK-GSv3zBM-7fnb8P7c7_YSmv7YLgMW2Yi9n3L8kYrTsRq1GW6nLwarSmbnaWys-k5rYsARenatfgrqLfAKIOJNB3JMWY-dhLzqyAC1VJanH00xCoL1LnN894oLPoFO24yQl-LdGh4IOjpg/s320/IMG_6411.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With so much to see, we thought it would be a good idea to have some personal transportation. So.... with the help of Decathlon (our new favorite retail experience), we bought Rollerblades and scooters. Aria/Stu chose to play homage to the 90's with the Rollerblades, and Micah/Lana picked fun scooters. We weaved our way through the streets of Barcelona and made use of their awesome bike lanes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx8Uw8JvDKxsXwzfUleQ9A8i_OdabHWKrzt_zni6dd0kaPuRST8_TfFzZlOyI5ttSWvkJBcZ6Kvyxoavh1xlw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyLR7CN2neTXZOK6PsCMDoyKthfiEwn8a-1ZXXEPQxZoPrD5XdJ1I1SPpc61xMS5vNnggmii7uH4S4WnDLHIg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of our favorite places in Barcelona was The Plaza of Catalonia which was always teeming with hungry pigeons. The girls loved feeding the pigeons, and the grow-ups enjoyed learning about Catalan culture. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxgCLsVs3H2u5Ut-H_9-BZRL-HYYoE6DpCJ0WjrWYiZbaL-3EM_qwx7hgTJqKXv5biLRUF95Ai3WHyreQ3HYA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We went to "Pigeon Square" everyday, and it was the kids' favourite place in all of Barcelona.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHySBYQ7lCuqtaRFPGpGwVckumPjwV-eQXXns59ObfPszl32_5tXEfaaWeOLVE5k4t8l2kyTlifPWbSMwzCE-Jibb2q-DXHEWYaSLSwW6ZcxRRXqEVSAJXQjkeyRgYzXpCmZFLPVBDL2WcrbvUdbqVIOZw2nQvpTY1-FFjJP58vIlhZV3ruaL4hQulsQ/s1280/IMG_6367.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHySBYQ7lCuqtaRFPGpGwVckumPjwV-eQXXns59ObfPszl32_5tXEfaaWeOLVE5k4t8l2kyTlifPWbSMwzCE-Jibb2q-DXHEWYaSLSwW6ZcxRRXqEVSAJXQjkeyRgYzXpCmZFLPVBDL2WcrbvUdbqVIOZw2nQvpTY1-FFjJP58vIlhZV3ruaL4hQulsQ/s320/IMG_6367.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolmecfMFO-uNUeVQAh5iFUfNgJbxI9eWnymu5FYF65tx49Y04FoXzNAdsHDji3cFa_Q2hytOpke61YugPtfNdoTKerj35quB9-4zLt4wIgnVUiCY1zKeLD2boyiDP6vhvdK147AhwwJccBdrP6mfttwcqzE2urs3D_-VcSBEDx-prZELudsE-zQzwdA/s1280/IMG_6381.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolmecfMFO-uNUeVQAh5iFUfNgJbxI9eWnymu5FYF65tx49Y04FoXzNAdsHDji3cFa_Q2hytOpke61YugPtfNdoTKerj35quB9-4zLt4wIgnVUiCY1zKeLD2boyiDP6vhvdK147AhwwJccBdrP6mfttwcqzE2urs3D_-VcSBEDx-prZELudsE-zQzwdA/s320/IMG_6381.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhA91Oz4V6hvIPaySPw0Fv9pldFgVa6xba0L5KjIGj_fWt73WV86g9q67kNr7Znh5wtOnPJ8DwbM5J60TDst2vjVQGnIFr3SqJcGsXdj80YDDM7Cp4rdG67UifbrMw70dAkqqJZ5VMgkmqu4Nx0C2NG8xRAIchEzkRbUYMP3PCZnOH1nezvKCJtOAmw/s1280/IMG_8928.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhA91Oz4V6hvIPaySPw0Fv9pldFgVa6xba0L5KjIGj_fWt73WV86g9q67kNr7Znh5wtOnPJ8DwbM5J60TDst2vjVQGnIFr3SqJcGsXdj80YDDM7Cp4rdG67UifbrMw70dAkqqJZ5VMgkmqu4Nx0C2NG8xRAIchEzkRbUYMP3PCZnOH1nezvKCJtOAmw/s320/IMG_8928.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before we came to Barcelona, we had no idea about the uniqueness of the Catalans and their struggles to keep their culture alive. In fact, while we were in the city, we experienced the anniversary of a day of protest for Catalan independence from Spain - super interesting. The Catalonian Flag was everywhere in the city.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmzTSf_t4e7yUwGs8M2vw5y5zrezVee9UYYOkjsQMM2iucffa3-p1LXkyfsKeZMNVRtQo4vK8rI_dROBHz6fawagQs4jEfw44DeZSeQ4s0s30YeDByK56QJ8rA46FR8Z1wnj1al5ubkmRWz90rBBnlhjueyHGax7_YXb1pMhlQ02G7dPVg-PKRbEL4w/s1280/IMG_8977.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmzTSf_t4e7yUwGs8M2vw5y5zrezVee9UYYOkjsQMM2iucffa3-p1LXkyfsKeZMNVRtQo4vK8rI_dROBHz6fawagQs4jEfw44DeZSeQ4s0s30YeDByK56QJ8rA46FR8Z1wnj1al5ubkmRWz90rBBnlhjueyHGax7_YXb1pMhlQ02G7dPVg-PKRbEL4w/s320/IMG_8977.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Barcelonis have a great fondness for Lana, as does the rest of our family. They have the graffiti to prove it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRd1QI8osd5x3NebaVnq59aCAoyBseLK3PEVnzuvUZZmoh265HAocke48s4DW5QyPPdSeFgpwqpXq89PPkZNE48A6hI7rr_Oe4pHbsFOscezMdJl-qg0T54JbW6EkzQE5orbc8ogDQOO6_ZXikWCHzsoMVc_AX20VuCmj-ZPZaiBBBa8n_Xv-9B14Vnw/s1280/IMG_8924.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRd1QI8osd5x3NebaVnq59aCAoyBseLK3PEVnzuvUZZmoh265HAocke48s4DW5QyPPdSeFgpwqpXq89PPkZNE48A6hI7rr_Oe4pHbsFOscezMdJl-qg0T54JbW6EkzQE5orbc8ogDQOO6_ZXikWCHzsoMVc_AX20VuCmj-ZPZaiBBBa8n_Xv-9B14Vnw/s320/IMG_8924.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As part of our desire to expose the kids to some Spanish culture, we each took a kid to something they were interested in. Micah and Lana went to a Flamenco performance while Aria and Stu went out for some traditional Spanish tapas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyA9RR2zzYYJjp8EK2Sz1aCQsowGoKEshSIL5rw5CCvsA9kyNo_jGk_MFHhJ_MUGf2e-LiAwryl0R996FPdUQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouZD2UuIY4-lAhbrsyBkdVb8WtxrLrPHqnhh_9PJ_I_VPAFnkiQvaM4E47V0GeBNmk8WDPjdW2k8aHzUutqE4ztZBDazjKvm8cVm2PM-BTIS39mFfeXvwQnMy1w4tizZpwwJH60Pp6keRhqOr0CYrmEXKwpsedFZuh0jYnmFgo9jtyzQk3cHJjX3akw/s1280/IMG_8933.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouZD2UuIY4-lAhbrsyBkdVb8WtxrLrPHqnhh_9PJ_I_VPAFnkiQvaM4E47V0GeBNmk8WDPjdW2k8aHzUutqE4ztZBDazjKvm8cVm2PM-BTIS39mFfeXvwQnMy1w4tizZpwwJH60Pp6keRhqOr0CYrmEXKwpsedFZuh0jYnmFgo9jtyzQk3cHJjX3akw/s320/IMG_8933.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our time at Barcelona had come to an end, and we had to make a weather window for some safe sailing southwest towards the exit of the Mediterranean. We sailed for 48 hours from Barcelona to Cartegena on the southeast coast of Spain. It was an amazing city as well! There were lots of Ancient Roman sights to see, as well as Moorish buildings and interesting contemporary buildings. Cartegena has been a crucial maritime city in the Med because of its natural port, and its strategic position. Many different cultures have used it throughout history for defense, including the modern Spanish Navy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP86xbH3LzgqqEwcGiZEdgVNvpjbWn7mGTqiBR1qkjhrsyIrqDTSFdMTgDIYzp2NsPHkL2TPVbRwK5bZvIB5TISMCxHJ-NE6wlRwlqokR6yWd_FmqydaDNm7RxzR5XQFV_USFDAsu8d3jOsxcdWyy8OFmy7x6r8d-e9rc10dZCWlGjXlmDkwG8OLwjzA/s1280/IMG_8992.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP86xbH3LzgqqEwcGiZEdgVNvpjbWn7mGTqiBR1qkjhrsyIrqDTSFdMTgDIYzp2NsPHkL2TPVbRwK5bZvIB5TISMCxHJ-NE6wlRwlqokR6yWd_FmqydaDNm7RxzR5XQFV_USFDAsu8d3jOsxcdWyy8OFmy7x6r8d-e9rc10dZCWlGjXlmDkwG8OLwjzA/s320/IMG_8992.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> This was the partially restored Roman Theatre which was surrounded by the modern city of Cartegena.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXgAd9c0qIQ1eTxyqnkYmvr8SbopTua6I8kKt7oJHYEcXYBxFFhNBm8VGeTPnCS6ROM5nsgYXr465GAPFdDTSLxwzJkd2wZJzCmV1YUODb_irw792hK91Ska2lIK7-5TgUtuVdEHVxop-yxk78ZAIDrUelK7oSUMCH0Hrk-6tTFZlVKFiJnkM0NsmIQ/s1280/IMG_8993.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="1280" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXgAd9c0qIQ1eTxyqnkYmvr8SbopTua6I8kKt7oJHYEcXYBxFFhNBm8VGeTPnCS6ROM5nsgYXr465GAPFdDTSLxwzJkd2wZJzCmV1YUODb_irw792hK91Ska2lIK7-5TgUtuVdEHVxop-yxk78ZAIDrUelK7oSUMCH0Hrk-6tTFZlVKFiJnkM0NsmIQ/s320/IMG_8993.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are having so much fun on a daily basis during this trip! We try to keep busy and see as much as possible, while still making an effort to be spontaneous and relaxed as well. It's been a good balance, and here are some random photos to demonstrate what we mean.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrMu3WMWGyWPLUX6zVfCbnqSXj7Wmt-qvhqGsUVXu_b9WYKoKTJYQ3cc_uJmJvqKlCkYwGcG1YQH0SumD_iNMkVVdaOaie4eg0vp0Jcl-2IkWu-8xzgxq_rNgrOyhZojbRwuWJ6KTx6RUOql9cvwPAFagJqqYAhxXktxVaGzGMKHil7PlR4zzgFE4Ow/s1280/IMG_6437.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrMu3WMWGyWPLUX6zVfCbnqSXj7Wmt-qvhqGsUVXu_b9WYKoKTJYQ3cc_uJmJvqKlCkYwGcG1YQH0SumD_iNMkVVdaOaie4eg0vp0Jcl-2IkWu-8xzgxq_rNgrOyhZojbRwuWJ6KTx6RUOql9cvwPAFagJqqYAhxXktxVaGzGMKHil7PlR4zzgFE4Ow/s320/IMG_6437.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_B0BF7bFqDrLUYMoq_pVQ3fds9uSVl87r17n7Saz2eQgeBArQLUuCuulrYlFViV68167fzJqisaDHQeCGAi_5d5oqbAm4kZcHjNmB--4ewm7TgS2gl-MG7fc6so99TpSjMicly9i9MKV6Fh8THVNCtSiTo9eKoXe77LlL0KZLWecTifTgUV5GcPODZg/s1280/IMG_8975.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_B0BF7bFqDrLUYMoq_pVQ3fds9uSVl87r17n7Saz2eQgeBArQLUuCuulrYlFViV68167fzJqisaDHQeCGAi_5d5oqbAm4kZcHjNmB--4ewm7TgS2gl-MG7fc6so99TpSjMicly9i9MKV6Fh8THVNCtSiTo9eKoXe77LlL0KZLWecTifTgUV5GcPODZg/s320/IMG_8975.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdpjLFgfv-ECPO3HFDio4ohsqEhVmLZAmJPqhKP_EHjMDBosUGl5bcKoltrF_zDBTP-NMeaWTWjouwdVUIaqCvcuQ3wo7xCD_fO0JEGVgzOizMLNe59y_5tgzXiHzODJnr_AJTwF11VWEo23fLCvGY7LbQxEZ8X7Ds4oaY4vfQYHViDM-pqCXu2S5GA/s1280/IMG_6424.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdpjLFgfv-ECPO3HFDio4ohsqEhVmLZAmJPqhKP_EHjMDBosUGl5bcKoltrF_zDBTP-NMeaWTWjouwdVUIaqCvcuQ3wo7xCD_fO0JEGVgzOizMLNe59y_5tgzXiHzODJnr_AJTwF11VWEo23fLCvGY7LbQxEZ8X7Ds4oaY4vfQYHViDM-pqCXu2S5GA/s320/IMG_6424.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Right now we are anchored in a beautiful remote bay off the southeastern coast of Spain. There is not a soul around, and it is incredibly peaceful. We are the only boat here, and in mid-September, it feels like Europeans have gone back to work. We are headed west towards Gibraltar tomorrow ahead of a strong low-pressure wind in the Med and will make it to Motril in about 36 hours. Click the link to the right to see our path and where we are right now! Stay tuned for more adventures and send some comments and subscribe, if you already haven't. Its a great way for us to stay in touch!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br />Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-18911650347080591112022-09-07T13:10:00.000-07:002022-09-07T13:10:41.083-07:00Making our way back west! The French Riviera, and crossing the Gulf of Lion back to Spain<p style="text-align: center;">Our time in the Mediterranean has seemed much too short, but all good things must come to an end. Also, our standard visitors Schengen Visa only gives us 90 days in the EU before we have to leave. That's just not enough time, with so much to see. We will be able to stay in the area by visiting non-Schengen places, like Gibraltar and Morocco. We will also visit the friendly immigration people in Barcelona to see if we can get the ever-elusive Schengen Visa extension. Wish us luck!</p><p style="text-align: center;">We last left off the blog at the start of the French Riviera, Menton. That city was beautiful, and the day trip to Monaco was very interesting, but we wanted to see Nice. We did a quick hop of only a couple of hours in the boat and moored in downtown Nice, next to all of the super yachts.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvwU5jiv1A5rTowRZF25eBhxEHdIKBpznrsZQqiWToqxlW_QcLFo1Rhe8w-ZaCuGsoATqKRAyGL6w2g4OUqGmHeLIj5G47qYuxvVW2S9uTjETCRnntyzp6XGXUVjUx1a0qVGBPPEC-1bvl5HzUS4tcoOIWm9ydlrX0n6DyLESXFRt09zVcoNIadcqm_w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvwU5jiv1A5rTowRZF25eBhxEHdIKBpznrsZQqiWToqxlW_QcLFo1Rhe8w-ZaCuGsoATqKRAyGL6w2g4OUqGmHeLIj5G47qYuxvVW2S9uTjETCRnntyzp6XGXUVjUx1a0qVGBPPEC-1bvl5HzUS4tcoOIWm9ydlrX0n6DyLESXFRt09zVcoNIadcqm_w" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Nice is an amazingly beautiful city, full of vibrant culture. The traditional Mediterranean wooden boats were everywhere and added to the charm of the place.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhd8N7m-mVCVIDSppCrBkv_iCri55BrbhJIuJHV8-Ei7utGn4N8IPJHzN8aRxTRMT8OwyA9QR2j3JK0jC_Y0WZBst4em_u_qbDtzoKkhdbO2f0TYU40sm6AfBmDP7_djaQnWNL1lF7AjYJ0TKJUtd1F88fipyPJEJXIhS1GeYqH1PApVYtlq-_jn7BWiA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhd8N7m-mVCVIDSppCrBkv_iCri55BrbhJIuJHV8-Ei7utGn4N8IPJHzN8aRxTRMT8OwyA9QR2j3JK0jC_Y0WZBst4em_u_qbDtzoKkhdbO2f0TYU40sm6AfBmDP7_djaQnWNL1lF7AjYJ0TKJUtd1F88fipyPJEJXIhS1GeYqH1PApVYtlq-_jn7BWiA" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">The public places were fantastic, and the girls spent hours in the spray park which was immense. It had over 100 fountains for running through in order to stay cool during the hot summer days.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxGUVjry2M9uYzOt26fRF9N8ItBVQG-odRqqJgx_Jv9fB_UnLbdg29vETzuu5_gEfsX42frllCUIug70MLn4g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We happened to be in Nice during the celebrations of the French Liberation from the Nazis in WWII. US and Canadian Flags were everywhere. It was very heartwarming and left us with a sense of gratefulness for the peace we now enjoy in the western world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxAhsbkMqCZ5NzHijgr3BrX1vtfrC_RvodX8U5MKfCwcru4hMExrX6hmvRUSqTcPZ_4Q6LJAJWRrSdgWYL4uQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From Nice, we headed to an anchorage on an island just south of Cannes. Like everything in Europe, this island was steeped in history and happened to be where a prisoner called "The Man in the Iron Mask" was held in the 17th century. His identity has remained a mystery to this day, but he was likely some type of royal prisoner who was a treat to the French Throne. We toured the prison, and the fort which surrounded it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWMt763xWAqauwSYMICsSCtTBaKPOuxnl9Ugbuktgz8EH396zWl84XsZQGV4OsRTRplrmjfQkLBbNw2tLa1SqDZdQQ7nn-GYJ25oatHHFDHoZR8FnRpCO_bPCEm_rV3aiifnRaJzLOlBqcZUCkWbSn0zNG1Sp4kelvFktnWfxUqlzsOOIjXvcvjgkaYg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWMt763xWAqauwSYMICsSCtTBaKPOuxnl9Ugbuktgz8EH396zWl84XsZQGV4OsRTRplrmjfQkLBbNw2tLa1SqDZdQQ7nn-GYJ25oatHHFDHoZR8FnRpCO_bPCEm_rV3aiifnRaJzLOlBqcZUCkWbSn0zNG1Sp4kelvFktnWfxUqlzsOOIjXvcvjgkaYg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfVrZll7KBfKtiG04zeQ8bok_3jQIF02OKGfQAnU-ysEo7d34AfbBkIWEj1poFsXUCBCvYChhkvATVkobjARBxaRO0GvVHxbr__Khl3xx1YMy6qEqo5QnEeyWbz7IFOHN7LWUuzW7ZBNws2pq84EwRB9lpnfF72D77Ha-Frb9ynIrxYo4vIco8k9pJIA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfVrZll7KBfKtiG04zeQ8bok_3jQIF02OKGfQAnU-ysEo7d34AfbBkIWEj1poFsXUCBCvYChhkvATVkobjARBxaRO0GvVHxbr__Khl3xx1YMy6qEqo5QnEeyWbz7IFOHN7LWUuzW7ZBNws2pq84EwRB9lpnfF72D77Ha-Frb9ynIrxYo4vIco8k9pJIA" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This anchorage at the historic island had a Pizza Catamaran that delivered directly to your boat! There was also an ice cream boat that trolled the anchorage looking for excited, but hypoglycemic children.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtRopNoa81PrNKJRXeSvWBq_XB4U9EhBS-w7JonVKNQ9aD--M_0Db8Yj5XbV7I72wdCfitG9iLj5z-LpnjtmOQLEcFSnwow8osVzDhRUrDZhhudB0PrRnp92DEXPldxG5D_obOk0k_-l_MRZyy-aEIZ0Jl9VrhA7BUAku7t5Gn9uQ0UDph5PnnjqS2MQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtRopNoa81PrNKJRXeSvWBq_XB4U9EhBS-w7JonVKNQ9aD--M_0Db8Yj5XbV7I72wdCfitG9iLj5z-LpnjtmOQLEcFSnwow8osVzDhRUrDZhhudB0PrRnp92DEXPldxG5D_obOk0k_-l_MRZyy-aEIZ0Jl9VrhA7BUAku7t5Gn9uQ0UDph5PnnjqS2MQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The girls had been very patient with all of this history business, and did learn a ton. But, it was time for some type A fun! So we sought out some family-friendly play parks and found a place called "Fools Village" - Perfect! It had endless play features, and we spent an entire day there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyQ_KFYCWlTfbNweZSbj2CZaEvG2cUhHSr-I9XXO_WT_UbnNIYAKoxLB8WXU3HUnOAOo2IDZvQlL91GuccziQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgckjGXMQn5YepPRGIBhOwcRuUhUdEbSclhxNxl8eRAUPCJ_0m0TQgED6zZqwp3IhP9MvuZK4gtC0aDRG_aBUHdLU7-8ehF8h-NCcVac3CJ6M-QOevn0Dpm8FJJSmyjFakfFwHv989xoAG1GTS_obn4EPEUdOYAcLC2yAUchyoAG9ELWO3n2G8b6YXhWg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgckjGXMQn5YepPRGIBhOwcRuUhUdEbSclhxNxl8eRAUPCJ_0m0TQgED6zZqwp3IhP9MvuZK4gtC0aDRG_aBUHdLU7-8ehF8h-NCcVac3CJ6M-QOevn0Dpm8FJJSmyjFakfFwHv989xoAG1GTS_obn4EPEUdOYAcLC2yAUchyoAG9ELWO3n2G8b6YXhWg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzMvbyupJSQJgFKpyHr4lqQMzvElaVayCcpCed3dto5__KrAeyodMYFcjfb9Vy1-MDIq3UXs22cG94OS-pl-Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dze_F0BFWu81bBRq_bZX-QJh1rSwUiCe-4YNreNVG9T0t_HNesA3S2ZsdjTTbw0Dm0CAih7LMpWBhwiAKVRMw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our next day was spent on a fun upwind sail towards Hyere, France. There were many boat chandleries here to restock with various boat parts we needed. Stu did the boat shopping and Lana took the girls to an inflatable play park on the waterfront.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzAhi2lIrQw_hByVdMvSpg_N6U0Zw02TBcnNEFUG-fCyBRK8wUQ3xle0Klh9xABngJt-AlfDgkV_T2bFvkRDA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next couple of days saw us dodging thunderstorms (again!) and we took refuge in a marina while things cleared up overnight. We were planning to cross the Gulf of Lion which is renowned for strong winds called "Mistral" which funnels off the French Mainland and wrecks havoc with a large swath of the Med. While waiting for a good stretch of weather for this 24 hour crossing, we stopped at a beautiful anchorage in a skinny cove rimmed with Medieval Fortress Walls. Unbelievable!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEie04AudhdIG0ITxByQWUTOO2bksBxMdfvPOGKKvTJQZLVbvG0bp25tRQzTJc6iHJYr1WWY-1gYdQijxqO0QKVwYBE45WAwlfIh1tgTAfAOfSsmEHv5n5IaGyLsUhUfHPJipKWIVDQAHLSL9Q6El8E4DHtYdt92BCZ_EDo2D1LxfsYlZ3fcpmzfUi-30w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2355" data-original-width="3497" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEie04AudhdIG0ITxByQWUTOO2bksBxMdfvPOGKKvTJQZLVbvG0bp25tRQzTJc6iHJYr1WWY-1gYdQijxqO0QKVwYBE45WAwlfIh1tgTAfAOfSsmEHv5n5IaGyLsUhUfHPJipKWIVDQAHLSL9Q6El8E4DHtYdt92BCZ_EDo2D1LxfsYlZ3fcpmzfUi-30w" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJVSc5jwXqZegV5ymAqQNx2XwcBbMdAGHTypxQDwFUseFXC0fzNnycT5H9-obnRYwbXyRWzYW9nzgJVgHeEGgXPA9G1rbbkMqfvqX_1qsLwq8NwIIFVtKw_HDCufNFMjsnYsrlRIH1WFP9ZdzBelRXvdGZ7tmFl5_RtipfMYFt9pD1okVRbzBLUlvtYg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJVSc5jwXqZegV5ymAqQNx2XwcBbMdAGHTypxQDwFUseFXC0fzNnycT5H9-obnRYwbXyRWzYW9nzgJVgHeEGgXPA9G1rbbkMqfvqX_1qsLwq8NwIIFVtKw_HDCufNFMjsnYsrlRIH1WFP9ZdzBelRXvdGZ7tmFl5_RtipfMYFt9pD1okVRbzBLUlvtYg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The favourite pastime in this amazing cove was cliff jumping. The local teenagers put on quite a show, and our family got in on the action too. Aria ended up jumping from higher than any of the local (much older) girls!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dygRK7DPtwCCWqe33XcOVPzsPvDrRbXDCsTx-cnz4GDNMazRfsT5r9Y7WEEJfDYn_FLkMMAxTZps-nldVafdg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Micah and Lana got into the spirit as well and did personal bests right next to the boat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyzyv-lslG4abxJsvD3mAFgaKJkS7_JNW5lU-3c65RDOKBqzsAbSuFBOb31CVxrDiVFOO1RrNRwRqDcJ1UFdw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxxuinA0OScv1kEF80hvnHSxgjltYOzT1KcbH_ajllt6KfDVQb9KPfvE_4PgiPExVuSwZ6KKkgkM6ZblK-oew' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The following day, we left at noon on our 24 hour passage west across the Gulf of Lion. We had a beautiful sail most of the way. The wind was on the port beam almost the whole way and we made land fall on the Costa Brava in Palamos, Spain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwak3GV2FX8WLXnYk_YkiN1H0gs794i9IXIxE0jcbXbMBJ378uy0xO9UKLzJv7EtHcSYSQVKmGtM5AXP9BzeQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our next blog post will cover our time heading south west along the Spanish Coast. We plan to hit Barcelona, Valencia and have a few overnight passages to make time towards Gibraltar. After that, Lana has an amazing hiking/climbing trip planned with friends in the Dolomites of Italy in late September. During this, Stu and the girls will spend a week in a marina near Granada, Spain which is home to a mountain range called the Sierra Nevada. Horseback riding and hiking is on the menu for that stop. Stay tuned for further updates and post comments with anything you want to see more of (boat details, sailing footage, family drama(!)... anything you like). A Google account is required to comment and follow, I believe, but its not too hard to set up :) Until next time!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8733616498504588024.post-80131176784909183012022-08-28T12:19:00.001-07:002022-08-28T12:20:45.323-07:00From Italy to France, and a lot of action along the way!<p> We've been doing lots of stuff and have been very remiss with keeping up the blog. Sorry about that! We did the last blog post in Rome and stayed there for almost a week, taking in as much as we could. We were there on a Sunday, and went to St. Peter's Square to see The Pope during one of his public addresses. There were lots of people in the square and The Pope made an appearance from the window of the Papal Apartments. He was a long, long ways away, and we didn't get to see much. Can you spot him in this (very zoomed in) photo?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7ShH4iXqpPOQKJwE40wBWNfT8WVkmEWnXAxa7Xa9WubIEmLDd-zyHhjXbwcNKu172dhY23pMYrfy1nNNlhclhS2y62bkgbYG18oa7U61sF3GJEZldOI5GJrfbuEZW54K5vR7WJxpVnKze0FpJFmnZtQEP3VXltN_t1e7O-OXSVhQbg4iymTyfJ2vug/s1280/IMG_8674.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7ShH4iXqpPOQKJwE40wBWNfT8WVkmEWnXAxa7Xa9WubIEmLDd-zyHhjXbwcNKu172dhY23pMYrfy1nNNlhclhS2y62bkgbYG18oa7U61sF3GJEZldOI5GJrfbuEZW54K5vR7WJxpVnKze0FpJFmnZtQEP3VXltN_t1e7O-OXSVhQbg4iymTyfJ2vug/s320/IMG_8674.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We left Rome and were chased into a marina by some very dark thunderclouds. We hopped our way north along the "shin" of the Italian Boot with some day sailing. We made it to a beautiful coastal Italian town called Santo Stefano that is famous for its rowing races (that we just missed).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qh_LPUtDeCpdfLrjQl9Ba7D56J5TANkNQUY0fr1di4KOCJXbfDgrVnFeDfIbpvbNS1sWp-9Oacv_C0U2at6KnQMJj7PGbRKYnLx2B6QE1K-lYz7Z-9g3iVCzLxEiPGnEPjt0qYugokiqq91CQmZc6JjsdRLFef0Bj0zs3hJ_gZudp1D67cZ1mNp0EA/s1280/IMG_6106.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qh_LPUtDeCpdfLrjQl9Ba7D56J5TANkNQUY0fr1di4KOCJXbfDgrVnFeDfIbpvbNS1sWp-9Oacv_C0U2at6KnQMJj7PGbRKYnLx2B6QE1K-lYz7Z-9g3iVCzLxEiPGnEPjt0qYugokiqq91CQmZc6JjsdRLFef0Bj0zs3hJ_gZudp1D67cZ1mNp0EA/s320/IMG_6106.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From there the forecast was for some more serious thunderstorms, so we used a short clear weather window to make it to Livorno, Italy and tied up in another marina. Luckily, we arrived just as the weather started to deteriorate, and tied up just in time for a major squall to roll through. The winds in the marina were clocked at 63 knots for a brief period! This was the same unexpected weather system which caused serious damage to the west of us, in Corsica. They experienced hurricane force winds on that island, and many boats ended up in trouble. Here the girls are enjoying the wind and rain safely in the marina (with a healthy dose of lighting & thunder).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyCJHKIA4RdHiPhX5kXCCtmD2xDHABbqCIUQQTx1anvtbuBxB6GoeAUIhfCJSH_hA1Xa6N7K10kFb4yMCMqiQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Livorno had a lot to offer, and is considered "New Venice" with its waterways through the town. We took the dinghy for a bit of a wander amongst the buildings of Livorno.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzDjcyHVRbYnfvOPbA0akDlCcIq4_hqqmlykBGaqD2tE95W7mJXrBf2FzNzj6PV724qsGgBpVYB89IopdgdFA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since the forecast was for more electrical storms, we decided to take the train to Piza about 30km away to the north. The square at the Leaning Tower of Piza was breathtaking. So much amazing architecture and history was packed into this small space! Aria won our family/tourist photo contest in Piza.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlDsvIlCBtHsptlNc9kAB7se8I8krLTES83KQLiGNgF3KpsPStLvJkKFg75in_J3mSch9qNWvhkLU-sjYFvfes9TdTzGFTexFwHBiDlieOo70ZQq9apafr3s4EISwyUIClV03zcNsP-Pbx1Bw7bWMZCCy2cbLduABlizSkBkobQ6F1ibALk2FRtPMog/s1280/IMG_8730.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlDsvIlCBtHsptlNc9kAB7se8I8krLTES83KQLiGNgF3KpsPStLvJkKFg75in_J3mSch9qNWvhkLU-sjYFvfes9TdTzGFTexFwHBiDlieOo70ZQq9apafr3s4EISwyUIClV03zcNsP-Pbx1Bw7bWMZCCy2cbLduABlizSkBkobQ6F1ibALk2FRtPMog/s320/IMG_8730.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We walked up to the top of the Leaning Tower and it was trippy (literally!). The tower leans at 5 degrees and it was very noticeable up at the top. Here is a bell in the tower that hangs plumb. Its obviously not in the centre of the window.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_3mlSIql0mzWyVqVh6fCKtSdC-8JoPXy5GJiO2B87PF3gMy8T253YHjxBPNp10pdFRqHSnLERnhO_aqfeQt8OYvqE1gqbNffN9haL1AasTT4IbxIZ495rfK07XWlEbTrtshVS1iWP6M1AhZaVtfwPNRkUNmohzfuRYVV0P9ULcvYZTx2hxHB_HpHdw/s1280/IMG_8753.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_3mlSIql0mzWyVqVh6fCKtSdC-8JoPXy5GJiO2B87PF3gMy8T253YHjxBPNp10pdFRqHSnLERnhO_aqfeQt8OYvqE1gqbNffN9haL1AasTT4IbxIZ495rfK07XWlEbTrtshVS1iWP6M1AhZaVtfwPNRkUNmohzfuRYVV0P9ULcvYZTx2hxHB_HpHdw/s320/IMG_8753.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU4t-JualKppKTtUGsb8Hr5rcQr-5cjAYcj-MTJNojgUf-QxjhqOb-GrrAkrDM_khkzg0fj0pVNjzqrs6_nF66_lPoO2Zuoe6gThNHpR8Nlv1tMOIhxMq3y3E5vD8Tfr3ZC1BYNeBu5Y4mO6Bw2FS_b4NUFEe8l9f9-N76WGDZmIp1j1qINCvJBRSpQ/s1280/IMG_8749%20(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU4t-JualKppKTtUGsb8Hr5rcQr-5cjAYcj-MTJNojgUf-QxjhqOb-GrrAkrDM_khkzg0fj0pVNjzqrs6_nF66_lPoO2Zuoe6gThNHpR8Nlv1tMOIhxMq3y3E5vD8Tfr3ZC1BYNeBu5Y4mO6Bw2FS_b4NUFEe8l9f9-N76WGDZmIp1j1qINCvJBRSpQ/s320/IMG_8749%20(2).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We didn't escape the thunderstorms while in Piza and had a ridiculous downpour that lasted about 30 minutes. This was the view of the clouds above the impressive cathedral in Piza Square.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2gZe-oZv1Vq99ZclNmd1kv1ZdBqIShZE6LzlXMGcp3Z1bI4X6xHBKNIR3fAM3f5vOXYOsgAFWyGAA04LP7EmSZQ9J9bMcuqlbr9yUHnGTNP2yLexshrx56FPJD__pHCfJI-ziLavRooElO0p1B3rpxGjXjBnKY2jZAk3MfBIVxwtOlUJ875YPgwnnA/s1280/IMG_8090.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2gZe-oZv1Vq99ZclNmd1kv1ZdBqIShZE6LzlXMGcp3Z1bI4X6xHBKNIR3fAM3f5vOXYOsgAFWyGAA04LP7EmSZQ9J9bMcuqlbr9yUHnGTNP2yLexshrx56FPJD__pHCfJI-ziLavRooElO0p1B3rpxGjXjBnKY2jZAk3MfBIVxwtOlUJ875YPgwnnA/s320/IMG_8090.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyMUKE6RNjoGNA5BoKl-Yr0vDJM0hE91PVXS-vMOmTeXLbaW0G5QPztgtPKBDryQtL1t_BImtCalx68sTsqgQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The square included a Baptistery that had heavenly acoustics. While inside, we were treated to a demonstration which did not disappoint.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyu-840P6jr2RkAHo4PSS0v_BFd6qeZRYAmHNybVfSnoN9uCX8egBQWeHi_hXh9Z98Fc6R8oj3eTXqC7OuLJA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The weather cleared and we decided to keep heading north on the west coast of Italy. Our next destination was the Cique Terra, a beautiful series of quaint villages on the ocean. These 5 coastal towns are very beautiful and a popular hiking route links them all together. Between villages, the hikes were only about one hour each, then a train takes you back to where you started.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AisIic3JVnfnL5c0i4kzXlo5tF2FyK0NETMPT0GcQOzgbOVN5pe6pg6qTL8mvV9pgd4lHF2-6mWR-K_PLgWoTlL2w99wbvrjGFAUmV7123n85SW-7wCu7nsqoAzKE4IxcC6r_laUOgS4DiS-E20OdAW4rhARkUdft4dHReVQ_KOBHTNfG-tKUYJXjA/s1280/IMG_8775.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AisIic3JVnfnL5c0i4kzXlo5tF2FyK0NETMPT0GcQOzgbOVN5pe6pg6qTL8mvV9pgd4lHF2-6mWR-K_PLgWoTlL2w99wbvrjGFAUmV7123n85SW-7wCu7nsqoAzKE4IxcC6r_laUOgS4DiS-E20OdAW4rhARkUdft4dHReVQ_KOBHTNfG-tKUYJXjA/s320/IMG_8775.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYzdY9varPzvyTumYEYiXTQbgehvhMJpVB1020NR59ZalKaFewMsNc4bd5dmIvp62j2Og5_AwT8nj6drKo4OIVEI2fVnuUHDaqQwyaypU8mM7bH4l4TLaxNT8bYozg-lkS2R4wTVm-TiGTaBr4TUCOX8RG_6IqQGWAaAc-7msX6c6upZGKq8f4vVjMA/s1280/IMG_8780.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYzdY9varPzvyTumYEYiXTQbgehvhMJpVB1020NR59ZalKaFewMsNc4bd5dmIvp62j2Og5_AwT8nj6drKo4OIVEI2fVnuUHDaqQwyaypU8mM7bH4l4TLaxNT8bYozg-lkS2R4wTVm-TiGTaBr4TUCOX8RG_6IqQGWAaAc-7msX6c6upZGKq8f4vVjMA/s320/IMG_8780.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyJ3yl7EPikNjtiR8n4xax_zRAw-6AOYI-BhKEPeN_DA9ZaelOrOOglTnEO6zi-riFXjlBID7ti8vANRxha0w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPe3M0HjGz1Vl603C68oMufGrEiQACk_dvhGwFwNSZB09hopMnSfJPWbcgqQtTuMu06MAr-y2RJ2PmHDRLx49kaIcP8bfa4kKDDMhgg3b4-e-kSWv5vHigwc2oXJEk_iRVhUkXHcbId_MiMnIa3Kar4zdFxC3bRRCrspMptFvqfmBZ3wwer8-cqm5aQ/s1280/IMG_8768.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="1280" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPe3M0HjGz1Vl603C68oMufGrEiQACk_dvhGwFwNSZB09hopMnSfJPWbcgqQtTuMu06MAr-y2RJ2PmHDRLx49kaIcP8bfa4kKDDMhgg3b4-e-kSWv5vHigwc2oXJEk_iRVhUkXHcbId_MiMnIa3Kar4zdFxC3bRRCrspMptFvqfmBZ3wwer8-cqm5aQ/s320/IMG_8768.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a couple of encounters with local Italian ticket checkers and got two separate fines this day for taking the wrong train/bus. Our Italian is non-existent which led to our problems in the first place, but they weren't all that sympathetic, unfortunately. We were 130 euros lighter, and at the end of our Italian travels so we decided to head to France :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We did an overnight crossing and landed in Menton, France which is on the Italian border. It is the easternmost town in the French Riviera, and was very charming.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOaqCZdWFcWmdDYrbpkx6CiO3nGYuNDB9YjIFBnRJVEPpMSbK-mWDvP4G5bmtvL5Kg8saHInVTeRpGlCoW5l_EXqfOtKYB_7FEu7dG6MA1yaKkJDp2aFs4crpo1oJHJGEm6UbrR3Mj7F76xVtHtraDZPVOWrNW37pycytdRYJEbXBCJJcLUNsB6sJ3g/s1280/IMG_8794.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOaqCZdWFcWmdDYrbpkx6CiO3nGYuNDB9YjIFBnRJVEPpMSbK-mWDvP4G5bmtvL5Kg8saHInVTeRpGlCoW5l_EXqfOtKYB_7FEu7dG6MA1yaKkJDp2aFs4crpo1oJHJGEm6UbrR3Mj7F76xVtHtraDZPVOWrNW37pycytdRYJEbXBCJJcLUNsB6sJ3g/s320/IMG_8794.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While anchored in Menton, we took a quick train ride west to Monaco. This is the second smallest sovereign nation in the world (after the Vatican) and had always intrigued us. In the 13th century Monaco was captured by the Grimaldis and has been under their rule ever since (well, mostly - they were in exile for a few years in the 18th century after France kicked them out). These days, Monaco is wealthy and opulent thanks to the Monte Carlo Casino, and the infrastructure around that. The Monaco Royalty is also fascinating, and about 70 years ago, actress Grace Kelly married the Prince of Monaco to become Princess Grace. We visited their amazing aquarium, and toured around the city taking in all the sights.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tB2BxyA9lTEsodmIWjO0NdPieXq5B-3SyS-yC2MJHzh4C5WRDhnJj5H9JsPcrvKW0MW0-QBnPeQsHEMwYS2vsk9Bl-74HT9VIScaSogNCjP-4lW5GmnC84HIVkh7A-W2KvVJ5YYNB_1YvL4YFmnzibbVj5QDw_N3UvS2znkAqEgkRAnU0uzuvgkbjw/s1280/IMG_8833.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tB2BxyA9lTEsodmIWjO0NdPieXq5B-3SyS-yC2MJHzh4C5WRDhnJj5H9JsPcrvKW0MW0-QBnPeQsHEMwYS2vsk9Bl-74HT9VIScaSogNCjP-4lW5GmnC84HIVkh7A-W2KvVJ5YYNB_1YvL4YFmnzibbVj5QDw_N3UvS2znkAqEgkRAnU0uzuvgkbjw/s320/IMG_8833.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPaq3MnBtN_4-S3e2xuDU-e1eEvKxztOZRTX0eHbGp_MAifRCl3By5YTVzFyIr4veyOykpEftgCMGRot5CeDiT8yMM62JspeZQVYX91PxkDsdKegVu-uL9APs6-hxmIT4_2m0wsRgXuJhDN4v0QExPx7EH1fX31d9LGoHvPhqhLnZ9XY2Ug4YNM0b5g/s1280/IMG_6207.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPaq3MnBtN_4-S3e2xuDU-e1eEvKxztOZRTX0eHbGp_MAifRCl3By5YTVzFyIr4veyOykpEftgCMGRot5CeDiT8yMM62JspeZQVYX91PxkDsdKegVu-uL9APs6-hxmIT4_2m0wsRgXuJhDN4v0QExPx7EH1fX31d9LGoHvPhqhLnZ9XY2Ug4YNM0b5g/s320/IMG_6207.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmUUzyXIeWLqlOoTqBycVtMUq3HkJQ14Ro-yWHsk0cJIogCGAPS2Wxb60V3aki9AWuQpKfR34AtMvnx3XfxqyaJLiXF_sH4ssVTU6XiI2auQsWAD8VvlWC5iLUC8BfJ5DppVtw9f3OeYhHCMXrbAGnnDow-bcGloYsw-fMJdhJhaI_Za2NX2RJEdlKQ/s1280/IMG_8843.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmUUzyXIeWLqlOoTqBycVtMUq3HkJQ14Ro-yWHsk0cJIogCGAPS2Wxb60V3aki9AWuQpKfR34AtMvnx3XfxqyaJLiXF_sH4ssVTU6XiI2auQsWAD8VvlWC5iLUC8BfJ5DppVtw9f3OeYhHCMXrbAGnnDow-bcGloYsw-fMJdhJhaI_Za2NX2RJEdlKQ/s320/IMG_8843.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqX4gaws0h5tpUsFYjruFKrsTQc4PkGuhmdVETv6lr-feIpVmm8td96rEYh4t2j3dNMcYwBqnrKAOu68p7HpG5e_qyJIG_-5psEfuQt7ejhq1MiQqJ2Dvsd93yC7uTieBXPkFscFypEIXCfz9CqWBfCDXtcrhSh_x7PgnYkd1qngbYpRUFuC9HLIg-Ag/s1280/IMG_6210.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqX4gaws0h5tpUsFYjruFKrsTQc4PkGuhmdVETv6lr-feIpVmm8td96rEYh4t2j3dNMcYwBqnrKAOu68p7HpG5e_qyJIG_-5psEfuQt7ejhq1MiQqJ2Dvsd93yC7uTieBXPkFscFypEIXCfz9CqWBfCDXtcrhSh_x7PgnYkd1qngbYpRUFuC9HLIg-Ag/s320/IMG_6210.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mHdHa537V38FGk6WsGWwr0YPIdK9OaYyOWoQlEBxoctI1UzG6FfT9hOzFcECfWhHD_JwcMbvSKwBDV1NhqyjlHMBCRclTr02OJohIGf1pIIDcKfICCc_LajHHvIG1UhTwY6qQkxcNr1T04Jda8WjTOhaRd97zQVwkIXMvs-C2M_P0xPhargLRhvpAg/s1280/IMG_8849.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mHdHa537V38FGk6WsGWwr0YPIdK9OaYyOWoQlEBxoctI1UzG6FfT9hOzFcECfWhHD_JwcMbvSKwBDV1NhqyjlHMBCRclTr02OJohIGf1pIIDcKfICCc_LajHHvIG1UhTwY6qQkxcNr1T04Jda8WjTOhaRd97zQVwkIXMvs-C2M_P0xPhargLRhvpAg/s320/IMG_8849.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, we will move onto Nice at the heart of the French Riviera. Our traveling around has been amazing and we have kept ourselves very busy. We do have relaxing days as well, and end up going to the beach or snorkelling off the boat. We will try to post these blogs weekly, and let you know what we are doing and where we are going. Keep checking in and see what we've been up to. Check out the links to the right and you can see where we are now!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Stu, Lana, Aria and Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949419345216962920noreply@blogger.com1