Its been a busy few months for us and some things have slipped substantially as a result (mostly keeping this blog updated). Since my last post we've visited Malta, Tunisia, the Balearic Islands, mainland Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco and now the Canary Islands. When I list them out it sounds like a lot and it was a lot of miles - just over 2700NM under our hulls.
Some of the memorable moments were:
Riding Camels in the Sahara desert.
Catching several large tuna and a spearfish.
Broken rigging in the Balearics.
Meeting up with old and new friends along the way.
Chance encounters with family to share the sights of Barcelona.
Monkeys in Gibraltar.
Installing a new watermaker.
And...
A succession of "longest passages yet" starting with Pilos Greece to Malta, then Gibraltar to Rabat Morocco, then Rabat to Lanzarote in the Canaries.
Now that we're caught up, I can let you know what's in store.
We're in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria completing many minor boat projects, tucked in for Christmas with new and old friends, and waiting to depart for Barbados. We expect to be here until about Jan 10 when we'll shove off for our longest passage yet - approximately 2700 NM (about the same as all the sailing since our last blog post). We expect it to take us about 19 days (depending on winds).
While the weather outside is not quite frightful it is a bit colder than we like (down to 16 degrees Celcius today) and it was raining - we are indeed looking forward to sun and sand in the Caribbean - not to mention some quality time with old friends from Vancouver.
Regardless of where you are when you're reading this, we hope you are warm and comfortable and that the season offers you all that you deserve from it. We wish you the best in 2017.
Oh, good. I feel connected again. Can't wait to have you back in this hemisphere. Hope you have the perfect winds on your way.
ReplyDeleteDarryl, Janet, Ella and Iris. I want to wish you'd your families all the best over these holidays and into the New Year. I've been following your posts and enjoy the updates on your fabulous journey. You've done things most of us only dream of and here you are fulfilling them every day.
ReplyDeleteThe "place" hasn't been the same without you and you are truly missed by your friends and colleagues and while i'm sure those memories are always there, i'll bet your family hasn't looked back.
It's great to see you put up another post since it's been awhile and the places you've visited along the way. The pictures are great and i have to say everyone looks so happy. i'd probably be reluctant to post if i was having fun too.
From my family to yours, Happy Holidays! Please keep in touch and let's stay connected. alexjansen@shaw.ca
Thanks for reaching out Alex. Janet asked about you and I had to reply honestly that you were one of the nicest people I worked with... I've heard that have been some changes around the place but haven't got a lot of details. It's hard being away, and not taking an interest...still feel like I'm employed there...
DeleteHope you had a great Christmas, and if you're looking for a place to stay during a sun vacation, please reach out... I'd love to spend some non-work time with you and your family.
D
Atlantic crossing here you come! So excited for you guys. We did the passage from the Canaries just before Christmas, landing in Grenada 2 days before Christmas and in time to buy a turkey. We had bought a live (then killed) turkey in Morocco which was a story in itself. Fortunately we didn't need to eat it at Christmas as the poor thing was half anorexic! Thought we might have to celebrate Christmas at sea. It was one of our best passages. Love to catch up by email: mary@mlkcoaching.com If I don't talk to you before wishing you safe sailing, fair winds and following (and flat!) seas. xxoo
ReplyDeleteMary - so nice to hear from you. We think of you and the family often, and speak of you to many. It has been so nice having you as an inspiration and touchpoint for our sanity. We will reach out soon via email and want you to know that if you need a sun vacation you can always plan to connect with us. (as always, with cruisers you can choose the place or the time, not both...) :) Our love to you, Dave and the girls.
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