Finding what you look for 3/3

Not just an ordinary day, or was it?  I swear everyday something happens here that reminds us it really is "a small world after all".  Either that or the Universe really does align with our thoughts... or something like that.  Here's what I mean:
I wasn't successful trying to talk with, or email a family like ours: ( "The Three Little Birds" I discovered on the internet) setting out 6 months prior to us.  "The Three Little Birds are on the wifi list here!" Mikai declared as we motored to our slip in Rodney Bay. ---- What are the chances?  The kids played everyday after "school" and Mandi and I made great neighbors, sharing Mommy stories and ideas.


Then the other day our dog got what looked like an aggressive flesh eating disorder, so I asked on the "morning VHF radio talk" here in the marina if anyone could recommend a local vet.  Vet Tom came on and we dinghyed Jack out to see the Dr. and his wife in the bay.  After a shot of cortisone, a bottle of antibiotics, $20 and some dog talk, we found out that our advisors have lived this way a long time and had much more to share than information about Solar Eczema. They came by today to check in....wow!  A $20 house call.  Now that's something you don't get on an ordinary day.


Then today a boater and his wife yell, "hey Double Down".  I step out into the bright midday light to a chipper couple asking all about our boat.  Turns out they know Double Down well, having raced against her several years ago.  They ALSO have the exact model Cat, equipment, engines etc.  This means we get an expert briefing, and many new questions answered.  Does she hold 75 or is it 150 gallons of Water afterall?  Oh and we should tighten the trampoline?  Right!

Then the crazy thing is we aren't certain where to stay in the north, Nevis? St Kitts? Antigua?  (Chances are we'll need another safe harbor when Dan flies again back to CA for work. ) So guess who just happens to live in Antigua with info about everywhere and everything around?  Yep Ty and Judith, the couple on the boat that stopped by.
And one last thing.  Ty was born and raised in San Carlos of course, just down the street.

Gosh I guess all that talk and angst about safety, strange diseases, pirates, big storms, needs for sailing certifications and big sun hats was just that.  Talk and angst.  Instead we have found what we were looking for: Great, helpful, present, interested, helpful, inspiring, and generous people wanting to share their love of whatever they love.  Looks like it's really true that what you look for is what you find.

Arrived! 2/9

Well here we are!! Finally after 24 hours of traveling we are here:

After 24 hours of this:

...we have arrived! We landed in St Lucia, where we took a put-put plane to St. Vincent. We are now on Double Down in St Vincent. Steve is here, showing us how to handle his boat for a year. Maintenance, cleaning, and all that good stuff. It is something like 80ºF here with roughly 150% humidity. There is not one minute of the day that I am not sweating. Yesterday I drank 1.5 liters of water during lunch because it was just THAT HOT. Other than that, all is well. We are all happy now that we have had a a chance to sleep. The only thing that's missing is the other half of the family (Karina, Annika, and Shawna). We will see you all back in St Lucia on Monday!

ONWARD!! 8/12

After 2 nights in Anegada and days searching on dirt backroads for the flamingos and ridiculously pristine deserted beaches, we arrived at the Bitter End in time for some powerful downpours.  Misty magical rainbows appearing out of nowhere were our only clues to seek cover or get soaked fast.  We learned that lesson in the dinghy somewhere about 300 yards away from the boat.  Gogogogogogo-go-go-go-Mikai faster!!!

We thoroughly enjoyed that harbor as well before setting off again early in the morning for the Dogs as they’re known. Little reefs and islands of spooky deep caverns and underwater caves.  The girls weren’t so interested in braving the beachless snorkeling but the boys took to the thrill with ease.  Our favorite sightings were the lavender fan corals and the sparkly blue fish. 

We ended up mooring at Marina Cay, adjacent to Scrub Island resort and what a resort it is!  Naturally we had to stay for dinner and and the following day (today) for a high end swim in the pools and making friends (Jason and Kelly).  Ahhh luxury.  I love luxury!