Hi folks - here I go on Our families trip down to the tropics again. It's been a while and please forgive me. Here is some more...
We left off last time with us being ready to sail from Ladysmith, BC to a small place called Sanctuary, in Belize. It is now known as "The Reserve" . Have a read or re-read of my earlier posts about it for a refresher. Or just carry on..
We are now about a week away from leaving the Ladysmith Maritime society and all our friends in Dogpatch, for good. Well, who knows when we will be back... There is a whole world out there to see. And it starts with a single - "Let's do it".
Below is a picture of the aft of the boat about a week before departure. I am building the captains chair. Epoxy laminated curved seat and back with 1 1/2" doweling for Seat belt/harness and "holy cow!" handles. Worked out very well.
All kinds of things left to do and clean up before we set out. Last parts of it getting put together.
A nice shot of the marina we were at. Ladysmith Maritime Society. Just behind Transfer Beach. Fantastic facilities and awesome people. When we left so many years ago (6) the guest dock was right in the middle on the outside. Can't tell you what their rates are now, but they were quite reasonable when we were there. Liveaboard friendly and so many things going on. Have a visit to their website: http://www.lmsmarina.ca/ Send them a hello. Awesome place to anchor or stay on a slip for a short or long term.
A view out to "Dog Patch". Quaintly named because there are a few boats in there that are not well maintained but people live on them. They don't go anywhere, but it's people homes too. For whatever reason. We chose to live on a boat because of the opportunities it gave us to see the world. That's our reason.
Then there was the party. After living and working right in the harbour, running a vessel building and re-fit shop, with Lucy, We made some awesome friends and sailing companions. We miss many of them. They even baked us a cake. :-).
The next day was more preparation for leaving... Final glass of champagne with me mates. Wishing us a safe journey and fair winds. Right after that, we started the engines and left. Heading south.
Our Crew -
Captain John (Back Center)
First Mate Lucy (Fwd Left of Ctr)
Navigation Kingsley (Fwd Left)
Deck Hand Peter (Back Right)
Daughter Charlotte (Fwd Rt of Ctr) She is staying home.
Awesome treat to have our son, Kingsley join us for the ride, not just a great sailor but great guy too.
And we are Off!! Bow pointed south. Only a short ride this evening - to Burgoyne Bay on Saltspring Island for the night. Then head to the US tomorrow..
Our last sunset over Ladysmith Harbour. What a beautiful sight and what an incredible Journey we are about to undertake. We had no Idea. Stay tuned. Gotta run for now.
Stay Tuned for more...