Bienvenidos a Mexico

Although we planned it almost a year ago, the anticipation did not diminish the reality of our Most Excellent Baja Adventure!
Meeting up with Debi and Bruce at the San Jose del Cabo airport, we tied huge bags of kite gear to the roof and headed up to the coast of the Sea of Cortez and the beautiful fishing village, Los Barrilles, where Wayne and Sharon were waiting to install us in the adjoining casa.

Not too shabby!
We were later joined by Frank and Libby, and the activities began...
Highlights, included the release of newly hatched turtles, collected by a local who had started a non-profit and tirelessly collected nest eggs from along the stretch of beach, to protect them from vehicles and beach activities.

The kiteboarders hit the surf as soon as the wind blew (most days), and when they were not kiting, we were relaxing, or eating.   Oh, and Margaritas in the evenings-- delicious!

While we were there, in celebration of Dia del Revolucion, there was a colorful parade.

The children were very serious, although mothers encouraged them to smile from the sidelines.

I presumptuously speak for everyone when I suggest that we all fell in love with this charming fishing village, with the beautiful sunrise beach, and of course getting to know so many of Wayne and Sharon's friends who all had the great adventurous spirit.   Thanks, guys.  It was memorable!

Election Day 2012!!!

Well, Sue and Paul are back on the cruise circuit.  After a very busy summer, filled with home projects--  repairs, construction and general maintenance, we left our home in lovely Greenport in tip top shape with a  brand new generator about to be installed, but not quite there yet.
Alas, in the case of Sandy, almost was not quite good enough.  Of course, we lost power, but thankfully it was only a few days, and property damage was very minimal.
The new marina, filled with friend's boats was a greater concern, but again we were blessed with no damage, other than saltwater consequences to the shed contents, including a used refrigerator.
Now that Sandy is over, the ravaged area is bracing for a strong nor'easter, our favorite (not!) type of storm.

Prior to Sandy hitting the northeast coast, Paul and I were attending the Ft. Lauderdale boat show which was being buffeted by high winds and record full moon high tides.  Roads were closed, and canals were flooding over, as street drains backed up & flooded streets from below.  Amazing that the politicians can talk about everything but GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE!  (In my mind, the biggest issue we need to address)

We managed to get to Cape May (flying in to Atlantic City) for a beautiful, post-storm wedding in the arctic blasts.  Kerry Rose was the beautiful bride, now married to Christopher Dorbian.  Great to see the entire Rose family, including never-aging Margaret Rose.
Also, we had an amazing tour of a fish processing plant-- from ship to market-wrapped product, and the incredible custom-welded machinery that accomplishes it all.  Thank you, Clint, you are most gracious and very talented.

So, next week we board another plane for Baja Mexico to meet up with Bruce & Deb, Wayne & Sharon, Frank & Libby for a most excellent kite-board adventure.  (Sue, and her back will forever refrain from trying or learning said sport.)
Sue will be taking the opportunity to spend thanksgiving with family in Phoenix, AZ, before heading back to Stuart, FL and Independence.

That's when the "cruising" part of cruising should actually begin!!!  At the nearest weather opportunity, we look forward to crossing the Gulf Stream to our winter destination, the Bahamas.
It's a whirlwind schedule, and if nothing else, should keep us young-- or at least keep us from stagnation...