February 6, 2010 |
| Suddenly the weather turns....... |
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Ice formations unexpectedly form in Isla Mujeres harbor....NOT!
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...as we returned from dinner (in town) a blast of cold weather blew in from the north! In minutes everything changed. Tis "ultra frio" here in Isla Mujeres tonight. Ice formed over the harbor and ice bergs drifted into the anchorage. Here we are, in the same, frigid conditions you are having there in the northland. Pat started baking bread and I diappeared into a cocoon of blankets and sweat pants. Hope this S**t passes soon. So, as you can see, "we feel your pain".
Ok, OK.....so I'm a pain in the arse! Some things never change. Just wanted you to know that we keep "warm thoughts" of ya'll. We remember that once the excitement of a big snow passes you still need deal with the shoveling, parking, slush, mud, gray, slippin' and slidin'.
Stay warm, stay safe and be careful with the clean up!
Buenos noches...
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January 31, 2010 |
| The sights of Isla Mujeres! |
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Zip line at Parque Garrafon
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Yesterday we rented a golf cart for our "four hour tour" (remember Gilligan? We actually made it back!). The island is small (4.4 miles X .5 miles). That said; it has much to offer.
We started on the west side where there are some rather upscaled properties and resort hotels (boutique style). The area looks out over the channel toward Cancun with spectacular water and near shore reefs. We stopped at Zama (boutique resort property) for a cold beer. Next we visited the Tortugranja (Turtle Farm) which offered up the chance for Pat to "ooh and ahh" over big and small turtles. Then we went to Punta Sur (south point) where the ruins of the temple Ixchel (goddess of fertility) is located. The views are stunning as you walk the pathways down the cliff faces to waters edge. There is also a sculpture garden on this site.
It was nice to see the entire island. It has many "faces"; each one providing a new perspective on the Mexican culture. Once again we are finding this to be a great place. We can easily envision this being a place to return to time and time again!
We'll post more later (if we can just find the time!).
New Pics Here
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January 27, 2010 |
| A quick update |
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Isla Mujeres waterfront by Water Taxi dock.
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Update: We’ve been here, in Isla Mujeres, for a week and it remains a favorite stopover on the entire journey thus far. That said; we’ve been to many other beautiful places. It’s just that this kinda has it all. It has been a busy week too!
Some highlights: Potlucks with fellow cruisers which always provide great conversation, good food, laughs and enlightenment regarding future destinations, the people we’ll encounter and “local knowledge” (anchorages, entrances etc.). We’ve walked the short trip to town numerous times and, each time, find something new and entertaining. A small cantina, open air markets, great local produce and lots of local seafood. Hog fish, snapper and shrimp cerviche topping our list of favorites. Yesterday R2 left his brain (what little is left) aboard as we ventured to Cancun for the day. We took the water taxi across the channel (Puerto Juarez, (Cancun)). Hopped a taxi downtown, paid the driver and went exploring. First stop we realize that “numbnuts” left his wallet on the back seat of the taxi who is now long gone. Fortunately our cash was in a pocket (yea the wallet only contained credit card, drivers license etc.!#&^%!!! You know just the “little” things!!). A frantic ride back to the place where we caught the cab and “wallah” the driver is there and the wallet is still on the back seat! Whew…what a relief! That is until I notice the credit card is missing! A few frantic minutes later (and just a wee bit of grief from the Mrs.) I realize I left the card in the ATM machine back in Isla Mujeres. So another frantic water taxi ride back across the channel. Go to the bank and suffer our way through the language barrier only to determine the card is, indeed, not there. Run back to the boat, get online and check bank statements. Great! No unauthorized withdrawals or purchases. Make a quick call to the bank (thank god for our Skype phone) and cancel the credit card. It’s now two hours and $46.00 (US) later with nothing to show for it except more grey hair! In retrospect; I should not be allowed to carry valuables (at least since my frontal lobotomy). Oh, by the way, you need understand; ignorance is bliss and I am a very blissful man these days!
Unfortunately there has been a “bug” going around the marina with symptoms of nausea and general malaise. Pat picked it up the afternoon of the above fiasco. She spent last night horizontal (when not visiting the loo). Tonight she’s doing better and the outlook for tomorrow is improving.
So there you have it; even in paradise “a little rain must fall”. Sweet dreams………..
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January 21, 2010 |
| I think we've found one? |
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Main shopping area of Isla Mujeres
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……a potential place to live someday that is (at least part time). We’re only here twenty four hours and already we find it amazingly comfortable. Zach lived two winters in Quepos, Costa Rica and we fell in love with its small, friendly and seaside allure. Isla Mujeres reminds us very much of Quepos. Like there, the people here are extraordinarily friendly, the weather perfect, water of azure blues, unbelievably inexpensive, fabulous sailing, snorkeling and fishing and downright, well how do you say it? “Comfortable”!
We’ve taken a slip for one week, at Marina Paraiso, to settle into the pace here. We are paying the same slip rental price here for one week that we paid for one night in Key West. The marina folks go way out of their way to insure a pleasant stay. As example they have an outdoor BBQ area with a refer full of cold beer and water. Each boat has an “index card” with boat name on it. You take what you want and write it on the card. Then, upon our departure (if we ever leave), you pay for your beer. Gotta love it!
Today Pat and I hitched a ride to town (about a mile) with Jose’ on his golf cart (this and scooters being the main form of transportation). We wondered the streets and nosed around myriad little shops full of every conceivable “do dad”, trinkets, ceramics, jewelry, woven textiles, food, drink etc. etc.. Yes; this aspect is much like other areas of Mexico but the big difference, again, is the people. Did I mention there is NO crime here!
On the language front it always amazes me how quickly those three years of high school Spanish classes come back into focus. When you’re immersed into it you find it necessary to shorten the learning curve. Beside it’s a hoot to carry on a conversation with a total stranger in an foreign language. I try to “Spanglish” a word if I don’t know it. Something such as “cartoonay” for carton or “pencilita” for pencil. It always brings a laugh as I (or more frequently Pat) make fun of it. It almost always helps the process along.
Last night (our first night here) we met up with friends on SV Rachel (Julie and Mark). They introduced us to Debbie and Carl on SV Diva. Both of them sailed here from Key West, two weeks before we did. We had a “potluck” at the marina with BBQd chicken, cole slaw, baked potato casserole, rice etc. etc. Boy was it good! We were also joined by five or six other folks. This is how it works in this cruising community. Makes for wonderful memories!
Well that’s it for now. We are off to Cancun (via ferry) tomorrow to finish up our “clearing in” procedure. It’s only six miles away. We will also buy a new phone which will work for the time we are here in Mexico. I think tonight will be a quiet one…………..yeah right!
New Pics
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January 20, 2010 |
| We made it... |
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Isla Mujeres waterfront.
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Sixty seven and a half hours; three nights; two hours on and two hours off! Beautiful here and very warm (and sunny). Nice change from the last two weeks in Key West. We met up with SV Rache (Mark and Julie). Tonight there's a pot luck onshore. Then it's early (very early!) to bed. We'll post more soon. Goodnight!
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January 17, 2010 |
| Buen viaje! |
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January 13, 2010 |
| Preparing to leave the States?. |
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"The Crew" heading out on shore leave! Lookout Key West!!
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Our time here in Key West is coming to a close. The kids have returned north and we now find ourselves reflecting on the time we shared. Even in the face of cold record breaking temps we had a wonderful time. Lots of laughs, long walks, great food and just simply “messing about”. Seven people on a boat with five berths makes for interesting sleeping. No matter; they worked it all out and everyone came away rested (I think). We will anxiously await their next visit.
Now we are busy with last minute preparation for our trip to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. This is a 390 mile trip across the Gulf of Mexico. It will take us three to four days to make the crossing. We had a short weather window this week (just 3 days) but have elected to await the next one which, we hope, will provide us with a bit longer period. We’re in no hurry so why push it!! We should be there by the 20th (give or take). We look forward to a change in venue.
We will update the blog once we pin down our departure date.
See you on the “other side”!
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January 6, 2010 |
| Way too much fun!! |
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Dinner at Alonzo's Oyster Bar
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Today is Em's last day (boo hoo).... It's been a blast and we all need a "nap"! Haven't been able to sail or snorkel as the recent cold front has produced record cold temps. No matter; we've managed to laugh our way through the days. Zach and his crew will be here until Sunday so we're hopeful the weather will turn warmer. As you can see from the new pics nothing will stop us from enjoying our time together.
Just wanted to post a quick update. Have fun!
New Pics Here
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January 2, 2010 |
| Felíz año nuevo! |
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Duval Street "skylarking"!
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Happy New Year! 2010 is upon and it's starting out with a "Bang"! We spent News Year wondering the streets of Key West. Duval Street was something akin to Mardi Gras or Bourbon St. in New Orleans. The sights, sounds and "Hootin Annie" was somewhat over the top. We chose the Schooner Warf as our venue for the stroke of midnight. Indeed a "Pirate Wench" was lowered from the main mast of a local schooner (sword in hand) arrrrrggghhhhh!! We would have been unable to leave the rooftop bar (had we wished) due to shoulder to shoulder people. Dancing, singing and high celebration! We climbed back aboard HB at 03:00 (that's like "over the top" for cruising folk who normally get up with (and turn in with) the sun! Needless to say it was fun. Tomorrow Zach, Amanda, Erin and Justin arrive. A cold front blew through last night leaving us somewhat cooler weather but it's clear and sunny. Tomorrow night is our Christmas. We're like little kids who can't wait to rip throught the packages!!!! There will be plenty of pics from this coming week.
New Pics (click here) (captions later)
More later....
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December 30, 2009 |
| Yipppppeeeeee!! |
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110' ocean going tug who was our neighbor for 4 weeks departing the anchorage.
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Em will be here at 6:30 this evening!! Then the first stage of our "real Christmas" begins. Can't wait! Should be an interesting New Year's Eve. We can select from one the following venues: Schooner Warf where they'll drop a "live" wench from the masthead of a local schooner. Or there's Sloppy Joes who will drop a large Conch Shell. Or there's always the Red Slipper where a Tranvesitite will be dropped in a giant Red Slipper. Decisions...decisions!!
Anyway it's been a fun filled several weeks. We've met Sandy and Jim (along with "Coconut" (great dog) on SV Morgan Glory. They are, for all intent and purpose, our "local" quides. They know the area well and have been most gracious in their hospitality. We enjoy their company. Then there's Sharon and Dave (and "Kerri" (another great dog) from MV Naughton. We had dinner aboard HB last week and last night we all had sundowners aboard Naughton. Good time had by all.
An old business associate from Philadelphia (Don Brown) showed up in the Keys for the holidays. We met with he and his crew for the Eagles game on Sunday. Once again I find that football gives me a headache. Or was it the 8 or 9 beers I drank???? It was fun to catch up on the industry happenings which I left behind.
Our neighbor of 4 weeks pulled anchor and left today (see picture above). It was great to have a 110' Tug next to us all lit up at nightime. It made for a good target when heading home in the dink late at night.So that's it for now. Zach and crew will be here on the 3rd. That will complete the circle. More to follow.
Stay well and have a Happy and Safe New Years Eve
New Pics Here
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2010
Suddenly the ...
January (8)