Chicken Pox.....go figure!!!!!

Medical Update (July 26)....well, good news. Peter insisted on taking me back to the clinic yesterday morning and the diagnosis of the day is that I don't have a jellyfish sting (which means that Peter will stop asking me "How could you not feel being stung??). Instead I have the equivalent of adult chickenpox. (not contagious) No idea where that came from. Go figure. So, more drugs, but the Doc figures everything should be cleared up in another week.

The medical system here is quite good...the dentists/doctors etc. are well-trained, many speak excellent English and they are affordable. A doctors visit ranges from 20.00 to 50.00 Canadian. Drugs are alot more expensive than in Canada though...a week of anti-biotics is about $40.00 and a week supply of this chicken pox drug is $100.00.

One of the good things about this little adventure is that we took the local bus back and forth today to the city of Guaymas (as opposed to a boring taxi earlier in the week for 35 minutes each way). It was a blast and we got to practice our Spanish and see more of the area. Better still, instead of 50.00 round trip it was 1.80! We went restaurant and bar-hopping last night and met up with some fellow cruisers, so we know what to recommend and what not to when Ryan and Kylie get here next week (and Doug and Glenda who will be sailing for the 12 days while Kylie, Peter & I go horse trekking in the Copper Canyon).

So for the next few days this is where I'll be.....

Week Ending July 25, 2008

Week Ending Friday, July 25, 2008
Jelly Fish stings and an exciting passage

After leaving Mulage, we motored up to Punta Chiva. A lovely anchorage with a special bonus – we were surrounded at sunset and at dawn the next day with a huge pod of bottle nosed dolphins. It was an incredible sight as they were feeding and showing off. I went in the water to swim with them, but they didn’t come quite close enough to touch. It was still an incredible experience. I even dragged Peter out of bed for the sunrise to watch this dolphin display.

Hiking to the top of the 950 foot volcano - overlooking QuickStar

From here we headed to an offshore island called Isla San Marcos where we spent three nights all by ourselves! It was heavenly – including the total freedom of dipping in the water whenever in our birthday suits, which is how we are dressed (or undressed) while in these remote anchorages. Usually this is a nice benefit, however, I suspect that this may be where I ended up getting some heavy-duty jellyfish stings on my lower back…serves me right for not wearing my full body suit, which I do for my daily 30 minute swim. I didn’t notice the stings at the time, but I have subsequently developed an allergic reaction that has been causing me some pain – even as I write this more than a week later.

Local kids rock diving and cave exploring in an anchorage

The good thing about that anchorage is that it had some great caves that we swam and snorkelled into. From here we headed to the marina/town of Santa Rosalia where we found out that Danny can’t join Ryan and Kylie in Mexico with us. That’s disappointing, but we understand he is a working man! We will see him lots this winter at Silver Star. While here I caught up internet communications/business and we did some touring in town, including visiting the church, which was built by Eiffel (the builder of the Eiffel Tower in Paris). We spoiled ourselves with dinners out each night – by going to air-conditioned restaurants. The temperature is above 100 most days with high humidity.

We spent one more night at San Marcos so that we could make an early 4:00 a.m. departure for the 77-mile crossing to San Carlos. Unfortunately, the seas and wind were pretty crazy and we were in a rainstorm – the first time we’ve seen rain for a year. I wasn’t feeling great (at this point not exactly sure what was wrong with me) so we decided to turn back. After about an hour, the wind turned in our favour, so we changed our mind again and kept going. This change in plans cost us over 2 hours but was the right decision. We had an exhilarating gallop across the sea sailing in 20-knot winds with sea swells between 6 – 8 feet and a chop of 1 to 2 feet. Peter was in his glory for this 13-hour crossing!!!!!

After a night at San Pedro where I couldn’t sleep because of the pain, I woke Peter up at sunrise and we motored over to San Carlos arriving by 9:30 where we spent the day in Guaymas at the hospital getting tests, etc. I also had a bit of an infection, so have been on antibiotics all this week. Yesterday, the pain was still bugging me so Peter dragged me to the ambulance station in San Carlos where they confirmed a jellyfish sting, gave me some cream and advised that it was very painful (duh) and it could take up to 14 days to fully recover…. We followed up by going out for dinner to a great bar right on the waterfront and listened to an original musician. That, and a couple of margarita’s, made me feel much better!!! The good thing about this little inconvenience is that I’ve been playing lots of Scrabble and Word games on the computer…unfortunately my daughter Tara continues to whip me royally!!!

I’m determined to be back to fighting form by August 2nd when Ryan and Kylie arrive. We’ve got lots planned and I don’t intend on being sidelined. We’ve loaded up on groceries and will head out again today for anchorages within this area. I’m counting the days down until the kids get here. Until next time…..celebrate each day.

Coming to you from Mulege...July 12, 2008

Howdy. Just another quick post, as we are in Mulege...which is a 2 mile dinghy ride up the river. It is a fabulous little town - about 2,900 people and it is a throwback to the 50's. The internet cafe that I'm in right now reminds me of the original ones we used to have in the 90's. Very, very cool. Peter has gone off in search of a double hammock and some supplies...so I'm on a limited time frame.
We continue to have a blast and are enjoying the 102 degree temperature. Easy to enjoy when you can just jump off the boat whenever to cool down. Yesterday, while we were motoring to our anchorage we were surrounded by 5 bottle nosed dolphins who played right beside the bow for a half hour. They were so close, they got me wet everytime they surfaced for air. It was truly incredible. I took a video, but we'll see how that works out.
We are heading further north today and will be out of range again for another week. I'll try to check back in when we arrive in Santa Rosalia.....just three more weeks today until Ryan and Kylie arrive (but who is counting????). Talked to Danny today and he will be able to let us know next Friday if he can come as well. My fingers are crossed!
Until next time.....seek out the rainbow after the rain. Hugs....Diana xoxoxoxoxoxo

Week ending July 5, 2008

Hello. Just a quick post to let you know that we are alive and well. We've spent the last couple of weeks out in remote anchorages - each one even better than the last one.

We've just anchored off of Loreto - which is a wide open roadstead - so only have a few hours in town. We came in to call Kylie and welcome her back to Canada. Glad to hear she made it safe and sound - although we didn't connect. If the seas stay calm enough we'll stay longer and try again. In the meantime, we are restocking with provisions. We will then be heading further north and will be out of range for another couple of weeks. Until next time.......stop and smell the roses.

Dolphins swimming around our dinghy - tres cool!

The Islands surrounding La Paz

Our wonderful time in La Paz and the surrounding Islands has come to an end. We have just enjoyed 10 days out in the Islands where we were at quiet anchorages, did some hiking and lots of swimming and snorkelling (including swimming with wild sea lions again at their rookery). The focus during this time was on our Spanish study and we were pretty diligent spending about 6 –8 hours each day on it. School at anchor is a lot more fun though than a classroom!

We returned on Sunday for 2 more in-school sessions and to do our final running around – including ordering a new alternator, ordering a self-steering system and ordering some heavy-duty shades for both the cockpit and the foredeck. These will all be brought down at various times with friends and family that are visiting us over the next few months. We also got our FM3 Visa which allows us to stay up to a year in Mexico.

Chillin with the sunset! Beautiful anchorages all to ourselves. I'm

swimming back to the boat.

Our grocery shop was the largest ever yesterday as we are heading north today for about 3 – 4 weeks in the Sea of Cortez in even more remote areas. Hence the reason Peter made his first ever loaf of bread! This will all be new cruising territory for us, which we are excited about. We will be out of internet range, so will not be updating the blog until around the middle of July.

Although we are having a blast, we are missing out on events back home…..including the exciting arrival of our great nephew Keaton (isn’t that a great name?) delivered to Carlin and our nephew Matthew (Dorothy & Peter’s son). One of my oldest friends Lynda Jones also had a quiet wedding in Tofino to Duncan. We are sending our congratulations and love to all of you!!!!! See photos on the sidebar.

Peter's first loaf of bread Di working hard too, ha,ha.

We are really excited that Kylie will be arriving on August 2nd – August 27th and Ryan is also coming on August 2- 10th. We are keeping our fingers crossed that Danny can also get the week off work as well (no pressure Danny….really….we’d just love to have you here). It’s too bad that Tara moves in to her very own house then, or we could all be onboard at the same time…however, a HUGE congratulations to Tara, Mark and Kieran on their new “nest”.

Until next time…..”What you do speaks so loudly, I cannot hear what you say” Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Sailing back to La Paz

Our final sunset at anchorage in La Paz

Spanish Lessons & Visit with Bob/Liz in La Paz

Chillin’ in La Paz, Spanish Lessons & visit with Bob & Liz

Se Habla - Our La Paz Spanish School

Well, Peter and I have headed back to school. We’ve been hitting the books for the past two weeks with intensive Spanish lessons and homework. Our routine is to handle boat projects, email (and yes Scrabble on Facebook) early in the morning and then head out in the dinghy to the marina, since we are anchored out in the bay at La Paz. From there we walk 45 minutes along the beautiful Malecon (the wide sidewalk right beside the ocean) to the Spanish School. After two hours in a private lesson we walk back again for another 45 minutes (getting lots of exercise with walking and daily swimming). Once onboard, we study for a further two – three hours. For obvious reasons, we have declared these learning weeks “alcohol-free”, except for Peter during the Stanley Cup series, which he listened to on the radio, via the computer.

Our fabulous (and very patient) Spanish Instructor - Cynthia!!!!

In between, we took a weekend trip sailing to a private bay, where we were the only people for the two nights. We studied pretty well all day, but did take time for swimming, snorkelling, great dinners and reading!

Bob and his dog Rita Liz and one of her rescue puppies called Button

This past week, our new friends, Liz and Bob, who own Rancho La Venta, came onboard for a visit and dinner on their way north to Alaska (oh yes, I forgot – this was another non alcohol- free night!). We welcomed their 3 dogs plus 2 rescue puppies that they will find homes for in the States. The ride out to the boat in the dinghy was pretty funny with the dogs out-numbering us 5-4. (F.Y.I. - Just two days before they left the ranch, another dog was dropped at their driveway, so Liz has 2 dogs back at the ranch that she’ll find homes for when she gets back. A very special lady!) As one of her many talents, Liz shared with Peter how to make REAL Mexican margaritas and a fun time was had by all! The next day both Peter and I had a real Mexican hangover and we weren’t quite so sharp at school, but it was great to visit with them and we look forward to going back to the ranch in November.

Too adorable!!! Peter the Tough guy (not)

Next on the agenda…..We will be heading out for a week visiting the marine parks, but we intend to study for at least 4 –6 hours per day. We are quite determined to be able to have basic Spanish conversations with the Mexicans as we travel throughout their wonderful country. Hopefully when we return in another week, our visa will also be completed which will allow us to stay a full 7 months in Mexico. From La Paz we’ll be heading wherever the wind blows as we make our way further north. We are grateful everyday to live by the wind and not a daytimer anymore!
Until next time……stay safe, but don’t play it safe.

May 19 - 26, 2008

Rancho La Venta, Visit with Kate & Lee & my first Scorpion Sting

The Homestead…

The gate to the ranch and the incredible pool area that they are building.

Our wonderful host, Liz picked us up in La Paz and we headed into the mountains for about an hour to arrive at the Rancho La Venta homestead. This approximately 350 acre ranch is a piece of paradise, with 10 horses, 4 dogs, 4 cats, the main house, a casita for guests and an amazing pool built on the side of the mountain.

Our honeymoon castia - outside and inside

Relaxing and Happy Hour on our private patio

Our cozy honeymoon casita featured a private patio and an outdoor washroom/shower close to the horses and the garden area. We spent the first night with Bob and Liz who took us to a local truck stop restaurant, which was an authentic Mexican experience (only $35.00 for full meals and beer!). They originally hailed from Alaska where Liz had a restaurant (needless to say the meals she prepared were amazing) and Bob was a commercial fisherman. Prior to that he spent many years sailing the oceans, so he and Peter had quite a bit in common. Liz is also an artist, singer and passionate horse-lover and dog rescuer. We became fast friends.

The Campsite….

Our rustic casita - thatched roof and dirt floors - totally comfy

The next morning, after coffee and cinnamon buns on our patio, we saddled up the horses and headed cross country for about 6 hours to the wilderness camp, which was much more “deluxe” than we had expected. It had 3 individual casitas, an outdoor shower and an outhouse with a view. We set up camp under a large tree where meals were prepared over the open fire, Liz’s special margaritas were dished up and tall tales were shared around the campsite, while the horses wandered throughout the camp.

Goats wandering through camp

The adventure continued just before dinner when our horses all spooked and my horse ran right through the page wire fence letting all the horses out. In their flight they scared either a cougar or coyote away who had just moments before killed a baby goat. My horse Cuba sustained cuts to his chest, but no serious damage and the horses were easily rounded up. Bob trucked the dead goat to its owner, who was able to salvage the meat.

For the next two days we set out from this base camp and rode though a variety of terrain, including mountain trails cut out by the cows and deers, palm trees, cactus and we cantered through the dry river beds, locally known as arroyos. The riding was fantastic! We also visited Scott and Kathleen, friends of Bob and Liz who have a minimalist homestead run on solar energy, requiring a 3-mile walk in and out. We hit it off instantly with them as well. Very special people.

Full moon rising over the campfire

Outhouse with a view - shower in the great outdoors

On the last day at camp after going for a ride, we trailored the horses back to Ranch La Venta and spent the evening at Liz and Bob’s house for dinner and another night at the honeymoon casita. The next day, after our final ride around the ranch, they drove us to visit with our old Abbotsford friends Kate and Lee Fenner who live 7 months of the year at their beautiful home in Los Brailes.

Visit with Kate & Lee….

We arrived at Happy Hour and spent a few hours catching up before their friends joined us for a lively dinner on the deck overlooking the ocean. Just before dinner, I went in to our bedroom to finish making up the bed, when I got a big surprise. I got stung by a Scorpion!!! It was very ironic that we were so careful while out in the bush, but I got zapped while in the house. (Poor Kate was horrified). Liz had a very large and scary centipede in her wilderness casita, which she fried in the fire, but that was the closest we came to being bitten out in the camp. The scorpion sting was quite painful and throughout the evening the fire continued up my arm.

We managed to polish off a few bottles of wine and that seemed to help!! Now a couple of days later, the pain is almost all gone – but the good thing about it (just for you Krys) is I now have another great story to add to my memory treasure chest! We spent all of Sunday with Kate and Lee showing us their wonderful town and then we caught a bus back to La Paz where we plan on spending the next few weeks while Peter gets the alternator fixed, other boat projects completed and we take daily immersion Spanish lessons.
Until next time…….do something crazy.