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.

First days 2/15

Sorry it’s taken so long to update! We have been having SOOOO much fun, while enjoying no intentional organization what-so-ever, that we haven’t realized the days passing so quickly! Well the girls have been just a little tired too actually.

The latest news is that while the boys traveled the rough 18 foot tall waves with up to 30 knot winds with only a double reefed sail from the Grenadines to Saint Lucia, the girls dozed through their flight. After we were all reunited we motored to Soufrière where we are sitting out a very big rain storm (for this time of year) until tomorrow when we’ll make our attempt to trek a bit in the rainforest before setting off to Castries (the capitol) and Rodney Bay.

Sure are lots of banana trees and schools of fish here.  And as for temps: it’s a pleasant 75 or so.....not too hot at all.

Today Mom took a swim shower with the dog before everyone woke, Annika and Nikolas played on the beach in the down pouring rain and Shawna, Mikai and Karina went to town and bought groceries and ice.  Right now Mikai is insisting that we update our blog but I think the carrots may be getting mushy.

Tonight for dinner we’re having fresh Tuna, carrots and egg drop soup....In case anyone was wondering.  And no, we haven’t met any pirates, gotten heat rash, seen a shark or been sun burned yet!  Oh.... but the lucky few who were awake saw a very big turtle.  It’s been wonderful as we expected so far.  The hardest part has been organizing our insanely extensive quantities of stuff.  Each of us brought 1.5 medium suitcases for the year and it’s still way to much!!!

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!

Warm Rain and Sunshine... 8/13

Hi it’s Karina. 

I am saying what to put in our blog this time.

Today I woke up with a nice bowl of chicken noodle soup for breakfast. Yuuum.  Mom never lets me have that for breakfast at home. So far we got to see scrub island to Guana island, back to Tortola and all the way over to Jost where we are now.  I think the moon is really bright tonight especially because it’s so full. Mikai and I took a nap for two and a half hours today.  We missed two of the islands.  The private island and the island where the other’s watched a glass blower.

Hi it’s Annika now.  

Today I woke up at about 8 o’clock and we left the harbor to a beautiful bay and Nikolas my mom and my Dad went snorkeling but I was too scared to try because I was afraid I’d see the scary big fish Ive been feeding from the boat.  They look like little sharks.  So far my favorite part of the trip was snorkeling from the beach at the Baths because there we no big scary fish and it seemed like a protected bay. I loved stopping to walk in the rain.  I’ve never walked in the rain before for so long without an umbrella!

Mom’s turn - sitting all together on the bow listening to millions of super noisy beatles in the trees.

Though we travelled further today than we have until now it’s been a relatively uneventful day in search of less visited spots.  The highlight was without a doubt walking on the pristine deserted beach of Guana Island.  We’ll never forget the perfect flat white sand and the pelting warm rain. 

Been thinking about how Peace Corps has given us so much confidence to explore the real world sans tour guide, convenience stores, hot water, soap, espresso, maps or even knowing what we’re doing tomorrow.  I think I read we’re in for a BIG storm tomorrow on our way to the real “Treasure Island”.  Should be good.

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!