On the move again

Milagro is on the move again having left El Cid in Mazatlan around 6:00 this morning. I am now able to track her progress as she moves through the Sea of Cortez. From here on out, besides the occasional O.K. messages that are forwarded to our email account, I can check a tracking program at any time to see exactly where Milagro is...that is so long as SPOT is turned on.
Makes one wonder how Joshua Slocum did it!

Whining...

I can not help myself; it's time to whine. As Larry explores part of the west coast of Mexico and tests Milagro's systems under real conditions I remain in North Carolina with my own form of testing going on. The city and countryside abound with beautiful budding trees and flowers, and I do appreciate it all; but as I enjoy I wait impatiently to see how certain health issues, worrisome but not life-threatening, will influence my future.
Genetics! who knew? Years ago I watched my mother suffer maladies and premature aging with the solid knowledge that I would not endure her fate because I took care of myself. How arrogant of me. Ten years ago I had a heart attack while paddling my new kayak in the middle of the ICW near Boynton Beach, Florida. My adorable Brazilian cardiologist had no sympathy when I whined," I don't get it: I practice Yoga and aerobic exercise regularly, I meditate, I'm a vegetarian who eats an excellent diet and while I smoked at one time, I gave it up years ago. Why me?" Genetics, he replied.

So here I am, still trying to do "the right thing" and I still have health issues. I know, I know, I could be worse off and would have been worse off if I hadn't tried to live a healthy lifestyle. But at the moment...that is of little comfort to me.

I am painfully aware that my decision to leave Milagro and Larry in Mexico, no matter how carefully and lovingly made, has caused some serious complications in both of our lives. I sincerely hope that health will not now prevent me from sharing life and adventure with the Captain. And I work towards that goal daily.

Okay, I'm whining once again but perhaps it is forgivable every ten years or so. I just want to put the past in the past and rejoin my favorite captain. I have loved spending time with family and friends but it is time to get back with my husband. Being with him is like having the sun shine on me every day.

Mazatlan and more

Wow, many mixed emotions coming to the surface. I'm so happy Milagro has settled safely if temporarily in Mazatlan. It seems the passage was pleasant if not spectacular and of all the possibilities "pleasant" is pretty high on the list. I can't help but envy the fact that captain and crew actually made it all the way across the Sea of Cortez. As internet and phone access are even less reliable there than in  La Paz, we have only chatted a couple of times, but I do know that Larry has been out exploring the area,  both by bicycle and dinghy, and plans to send pictures when he returns to La Paz.
He was also planning on joining fellow sailors and friends John, and Damon and Erin for a good local meal and an exchange of recent adventures. John has been in Mazatlan much of the winter and the Cruzes have been sailing the west coast of the mainland. I'm going to miss seeing them; they were, at least for a while, an integral part of our lives, our La Paz family.
I have never been reminded so clearly that one must live with the consequences of his actions. I made choices about a year ago which have had effects both far reaching and in some cases painful. It's never too late for a good lesson and the lesson I learned was, "Be careful what you wish for!"

Whoohoo!

The eagle has landed; I received a SPOT message about 1:00 p.m .Mazatlan time.  Milagro is safely tied up at El Cid and captain and crew are resting comfortably. I got the Readers' Digest version and it sounds as though the  passage went well and Milagro performed beautifully.  Details to follow.
I'll sleep well tonight, too. 

Almost there...

The SPOT message transmitted around 3:30 a.m. EDT from Milagro shows her somewhat off the coast of mainland Mexico, heading south from La Cruz towards Mazatlan. I'm sure captain and mate are tired as they have been taking turns hand steering the entire trip. They still have some navigation, checking in and docking ahead of them so it will be a while before they are in a slip. Still, it will be nice to hear Larry's voice whenever he has time to call!

Onward...

Latest SPOT message indicates Milagro is off the western coast of Mexico...how far off I do not know as the latitude/longitude part is not functioning, so there is simply a red teardrop on the map showing their location. The message was all O.K. and the boat is obviously  progressing. Hope to hear from Larry that they have arrived in Mazatlan (or La Cruz?) tomorrow morning. Have a great night sail guys. Maybe pictures tomorrow??

Still progressing

According to the most recent transmissions from SPOT, Milagro continues to make headway towards the western coast of Mexico. They seem to be making excellent time and I will have to assume that winds and seas are favorable. They still have another night of sailing before making landfall, but that is a good thing as arriving in a strange port can be difficult even in daylight hours. I trust the captain and crew are having a wonderful passage.
                                                                  

"I MUST go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,

And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,

And a gray mist on the sea's face, and a gray dawn breaking."

                                                             from John Masefield's Sea Fever

Second update

Milagro at rest

Whoohoo! Milagro, captain and crew are on their way across the Sea of Cortez...next stop Mazatlan. Can't wait to hear how the passage went. I'm guessing they should reach landfall in about 35 (?) hours. Go Milagro!

To Do list...

I've been retired for awhile now and I have managed to divest myself of a number of habits developed after years in the workforce. I now check the time only occasionally, whenever I have a specific appointment or engagement. The only time I set my alarm is when I am headed to the airport, either for my own trip or to chauffeur someone else. I am able to spread out household duties throughout the week; no more having to cram everything in on Saturday.  I can go for a walk at ten in the morning or, now that daylight savings time is here, at 7:00 in the evening. But there is one habit I can't seem to break: the dreaded list-making.

My name is Edie and I am list-maker addict.

It started in Nursing School (yes, at one time I was going to be a nurse) where, at 17 and on my own for the first time, I quickly learned that without some kind of organization I was going to be overwhelmed. Thus began my list making career. At that time my list was simple, scratched on the inside of a notebook and it read: 6:00 a.m. get up, 7:30 breakfast, 8:00 biochemistry, etc.
Later on I branched out into lists of things I needed to pack before a trip, clothes I needed to put away for the summer, books I wanted to read and so on.
I was married for the first time 6 days after graduating from college and by that time my list making skills had grown appreciably as had my lists. That spring semester before I embarked on real life I had a notebook full of lists that included the times of final exams and reminders to call the florist and what to take on my honeymoon.
Over the years my skills developed and I added pro and con lists to the mix. Decision to make? Draw a line down the center of a piece of paper and write "pro"  on the left and "con" on the right. Our children will recall, with annoyance I'm certain, the lists stuck to the refrigerator with magnets. These lists, hand written at first and then, with the advent of our first computer, printed neatly on 8.5 X 11 paper, enumerated the dreaded weekly jobs. Initially I signed these "the wicked witch of the west," all sarcasm intended; later I simply used the acronym TWWOTW. I am amused that one of our daughters has used that signature for her own missives to her daughter.
The list making habit did not abate throughout the years, indeed, it reached its pinnacle as Larry and I began to plan our move from Florida to Mexico. This was a gargantuan effort and both he and I had legal pads covered with lists and reminders. I finally used an excel spreadsheet to outline where our belongings were going: with us to Mexico, to be sold, to be loaned to friends or family members, to be stored in a rented climate controlled unit or to be placed in a storage unit we owned on North Carolina property. Whew!
Even now I cannot break to habit of making lists. My time is pretty much my own, yet I still start out most days with a list on the kitchen counter. It may contain everyday things such as buy birthday present for T____ or a grocery list or a reminder for an appointment.
 But next to that list is the most important list of all: things to do before rejoining Larry on Milagro. While enjoying my life here in North Carolina I spend a part of each day accomplishing those things that need to be accomplished before we will be reunited. It is with great pleasure that I draw a line through each entry.
Oh well, list making is not the worst habit one could have; it beats the heck out of biting fingernails or smoking!

Update

Caleta Partida

According to SPOT, all is O.K. with  Milagro. She is anchored at Caleta Partida, an ancient volcano crater separating Isla Espiritu Santo and Isla Partida.
The temperatures have been in the low 80's during the day but are dipping into the mid-50's at night. I hope the captain and crew are having a good time and weather is favorable for a Sea of Cortez crossing in the next few days.

A little night music...

Ballandra in the moonlight

"Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night         
 seems endless

Please remember me..."  
from Dante's Prayer by Loreena Mckinnitt


Awoke somewhere in the deep dark night with this beautiful song running through my head. Seems somehow appropos.

It works!

Spot   Latitude:24.23572                                           Longitude:-110.32851  GPS location Date/Time:03/22/2012 12:35:41 PDT  I received the first SPOT message today.  I was also able to access the map showing Milagro's position, which was just a bit north of La Paz at the time of transmission. Here's hoping everything else works as well.

Buena suerte

The winds are lessening in the southern sea of Cortez and, wait for it...if all goes well Milagro will depart La Paz today and be off for a new adventure.  I wish the crew a "blue bird" passage and many sightings of the incredible marine life which abounds in that area. 

A cordial sea lion..one of the many local beauties

Over the next couple of weeks I will patiently await SPOT messages and follow Milagro's track the way one of our younger girls devoted herself to map reading whenever we took a road trip. And look forward to new pictures of one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen, all the while anticipating my next passage.
Life is an ever changing kaleidoscope; I look forward to the future with both a kind of peace and an excitement and I recall this past year with both sorrow and gratitude. 
 ....So true, what a difference a year makes.

Postponed

Milagro at dock

It would seem that "all" did not go well after all. As of today Milagro is ready to slip her dock lines. The galley is stocked; the crew is ready; and the captain is chomping at the bit. But the winter storm front which swept western U.S. dipped down as far as Loreto, B.C.S. The prediction is for 30 knot winds and high seas. Been there, done that and still wearing the T-shirt!
As Larry is awaiting shipment of a new pump to go with the new auto pilot, the currently planned trip will require hand steering. Only one of the additional crew will be handling boat duties. The high winds mean miserable conditions for anchoring in the islands and long stints at the helm for the 40 plus hours crossing to Mazatlan. Hardly the enjoyable trip anticipated.
I am more easily disheartened than Larry by the the persistent problems and delays. So many factors have refocused our energy: personal and family issues, mechanical glitches, time-consuming projects, even social life; I wonder, in my glass-half-empty moments, if Milagro, Larry and I (and of course, Buddi) will ever untie the lines and head off for our intended adventure.
Recently I amused myself by rereading this blog from the beginning.  It gave me immense pleasure to recall  all that we have seen and accomplished since leaving for Mexico in September of 2009. True, we haven't sailed blue water but our adventures have been many and varied. We've met wonderful people and had experiences may would envy.
Again, for me, it is a matter of gratitude. While I am disappointed for Larry that this crossing has been delayed - again - I know we are fortunate for those experiences we've had so far. The storm will pass and with any good fortune at all Milagro will head out to the islands in a few days.

Sailing Song

Larry sang this song for me as we sat on Milagro's deck near the end of my early 2012 visit:

                        "I want to go
                              all over the world                               
                              And start living free
                              I know that there's somebody who
                              Is waiting for me
                              I'll build a boat, steady and true
                              As soon as it's done
                              I'm going to sail along in the dreams
                              Of my dear someone
                             
                        "One little star, smiling tonight
                               Knows where you are
                               Stay, little star, steady and bright
                               To guide me afar
                               Blow, little wind, over the deep
                               For now I've begun
                               Hurry and take me straight into the arm
                               Of my dear someone"    by Gillian Welsh

Sail on..

Leaving Palmira a year ago

If all goes well Larry will depart Marina Palmira with a crew of two this weekend: the plan is to sail north and spend a few days in the islands. I envy them as I recall our short voyage to that area just about a year ago. The Sea of Cortez was teeming with marine life and everywhere we looked something was leaping from the water. There seemed to be an exuberance surrounding us that made me want to shout, "Wahoooo!" as our children used to do when they saw flying fish off the coast of south Florida.

First leg of the journey

If all systems are working and if the weather looks promising, Captain and crew will leave the islands and head east, retracing our recent excursion but sailing on to Mazatlan and points south. I wish them fair winds and calm seas.
We have a nifty little gadget called SPOT on board Milagro . Through the miracle of technology (at least it's a miracle to me) Larry will be able to send a "message" which will be received by me through email. The messages will tell me he is either "o.k." or in distress. Furthermore, if all goes well with the transmission, I will be able to see a map which will indicate Milagro's coordinates at the time of transmission, and will track her course. Details will come later when he arrives on the mainland of Mexico, but how nice it is to know where he is and more importantly, that he is safe.

So while I am a bit envious of what could be the perfect passage, I wish them Godspeed. I am content in the knowledge that I will join Milagro soon.

An attitude of gratitude

"Many people make themselves unhappy simply by finding it impossible to accept life just as it is presenting itself right now. There is always something to celebrate, so long as life is being lived"~~Neale Donald Walsch

So here I am in North Carolina, working on details aimed towards making yet another move and fulfilling certain other obligations. At the moment I have more time to just think than at any other time in my life. And I have concluded that although I am not in the Sea of Cortez with Captain Larry...there is much  to celebrate. 

Boating on Lake Murray

Age notwithstanding, I am in good health. I exercise daily, eat well, spend time with family and friends  and yes, take medication needed to control heart and hypertension issues which are more the result of "bad" genes than lifestyle issues. I look forward to many years of robust health and an energetic life. I am grateful.

Ashley sailing with Larry

All of the kids
...in the 80's!

Having grieved the loss of beloved daughter, Ashley, 
I treasure the relationships I have with her siblings, both biological and "step." Indeed in my mind all five are "our" children, and that goes for their children as well. I am grateful.

Buddi

People may be surprised to know that birds can be affectionate companions but Buddi is the best. We have been known to share a meal and even a pillow on a cold night. I do not doubt that she loves me and misses Larry almost as much as I do. She is a  splendid buddy. I am grateful.

Fall colors

I confess to finding Florida's weather, landscapes and beaches utterly delightful and I have fallen in love with Baja Mexico's beauty and charm. But that does not diminish the allure of this part of our country. I have enjoyed experiencing four seasons in all their wonderful variety... yes, even the cold rainy days and the opportunity to light a fire and brew a cup of hot tea. I am grateful.

Captain Larry working on Milagro

I have the love of a good man. Nobody is perfect but I know him to have an innate goodness which makes me proud and happy to have spent the better part of thirty years with him and inspires me to anticipate the next chapter... and the one after that. I am grateful.


 There are always events in our lives to celebrate. How marvelous to have the time and opportunity to do so.

New counter tops update

  Finally, pictures of the new counter tops. Larry says the pictures do not do justice to the true colors due to flash glare, but I think they look fabulous. The color is a great counterpoint to the teak. I am excited to see them in person. 

The head, in process

The head, after

The galley,
 refrigerator and freezer

The galley, sinks and counter

Reflections...

                                                      

I often think....ah, but you see that is the problem: I often think!

Thinking too much gets me in trouble and let's face it, while I am pondering life's questions I am not out there in the world, living.
Nevertheless, one of the things I think about is this: what if there is a parallel universe or for that matter, many parallel universes? If that is "true" then while I am spending the winter in Cary, N.C., perhaps another me is sailing to the south pacific, spending lazy days and warm nights on the open sea with my Captain. I like that idea a lot.          
 Come on, who among us has not wished to be in two or more places at once? Well, I have. At this very moment I am sitting in my apartment in North Carolina, listening to the rain and knowing, from having stepped out onto my little balcony, that it is miserably cold and windy outside. So I have a cup of hot chocolate laced with Kahlua to look forward to along with Jeffrey Small's new novel. Then later, the best part of this day, skyping with Larry.
 I also look forward to this Sunday which will include church then lunch with family. On Monday I will have an opportunity to spend time with grandchildren again (play-doh and "Old MacDonald") to be followed by Tuesday's "Grammies Invasion" at the house of 8 and Wednesday's tutoring session with older grandchildren (okay, we call it tutoring but it's 75% fun time!). When not having fun with grandchildren there are the usual household duties, lots of exercising (long, thoughtful and sometimes rigorous walks with my son) and to counterbalance that lots of cooking and eating! And of course I read, read, read. Between my trusty Kindle and the local library I have a large array of reading material and always have several books going at the same time. As an extra bonus I am fortunate to have a first-class friend nearby. 
This is a good life, people. And yet...
There is a part of me that wants to see new places, try new foods, meet new people and have heaps of adventure in my life, and most of all, to awaken each morning next to the man I love and to hold him close and to laugh with him...to live with him.
Oh yes, I would love to be in two places at once...

                                                                                                             "uncertainty principle"                                               

Care to comment?

Repeating a note originally given last year: comments are welcome, indeed encouraged. It is not necessary to become a "follower" or sign up with google. Comments may be made anonymously by simply clicking on "comments" at the end of a post. After typing your comment click on the pull down menu and then on anonymous. Then preview if you like,  and hit publish. I look forward to hearing from readers. Really!                                                              

To sum it up

Good times

Still waiting for pictures of the interior of Milagro; Larry is a tireless worker who insists on completing a job, start to finish; he tells me he is postponing pictures until everything - sinks plumbing, trim etc. - is in place.  I can glimpse some of the work through the camera mounted above the computer in the nav station, but the skpe picture shows little detail and is blurry at best.  So I'll wait.

In the meantime, more about my recent trip. 
Whenever Larry and I planned a trip in the past, whether a two week vacation to England or a 3 day jaunt to Jacksonville, we formulated a mental list of things we most wanted to see or do. Larry is much more spontaneous and flexible than I but both usually have several specific goals, yet we are willing to compromise to make the vacation wholly satisfactory. In this particular case Larry left the decisions up to me as I had done for him when he spent time in Carolina for the holidays. I managed to check off the following:

I had been looking forward to working on my "sea legs" and felt I had accomplished a lot there.
I spent some time renewing my acquaintance with Milagro and helping with the work of readying her for the long haul.
I took this opportunity to be with friends and catch up on local news.

I  revisited places I had delighted in when living in Mexico, ate food I had enjoyed and missed, saw once again the scenery so stark and yet stunning.
 I checked off all of those things and a few others, as well.
But the best part, the most important thing, was enjoying time with someone whom I had dearly missed. Separation, with all the inherent pitfalls, can cause chinks in the strongest walls. This was a hiatus, a time to put life on temporary hold, an opportunity to spend time talking, sorting and renewing.  I suppose all relationships need that on occasion but distance and circumstances made it particularly important for us to take this time. And we did.

Buddi enjoying the view from Milagro

 I was gratified when one of the waiters at our oft visited Dinghy Dock gave me a welcome home hug and chatted on in Spanish. I missed a lot of the conversation but understood he was happy to see me and that "el capitan" had been "triste" in my absence.....and then he wanted to know the whereabouts of my "perico!" Buddi still rules in La Paz.
So I left La Paz content, knowing we each had things to do before we were together again but feeling strength in our connection.

Buddi has breakfast out with the Captain

We will sail together soon, through "bluebird" passages or howling storms...... and that's the "milagro" of it all.

New countertops

Anxiously awaiting pictures of new concrete counter tops. The old ones were tired white formica with a few cracks. The new counter tops should set off Milagro's teak beautifully.

What a difference a year makes...

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Going sailing

Looking forward to seeing the other side of this island

Yeaaaaa!  Going sailing today; part shakedown cruise and part R & R. Hoping to see a whale shark, a sea lion, a dolphin or two and some spectacular scenery. We'll be back when we get back.

Can't step back in time...but there is nothing to prevent me from looking forward!