Quiet days.

Someone asked for my GPS Position:

09 35.231 North 078 52.721 West

I really need days like this.

I got up with the rain at about 0400 (4am), and collected about 15 gallons of fresh water. The lightning was close, and I worried about a strike. I also had a really nice shower with the sun rise. I lather up in the rain and jump in the water to rinse off. Then the rain washes away the salt, it’s a pretty good system.

I decided to make bread this morning, and had the doe ready by 0830. My friend from Tyrona came by to listen to my SSB radio to hear the local weather report. He just lost his mast in a Choko Sano, and will motor to Colon for repairs.

Bread was ready by 1030, I was starving, I started eating it in the pot and burned the roof of my mouth.

I didn’t listen to music or anything today, nor did I read. I just lounged around in the rain, swam a bit, and thought about life. I spend a lot of time thinking, and day dreaming.

When I got up this morning there was a beautiful black ketch (Formosa 41 I think) in the anchorage. A heavy-set man came up the companion way and waved hello. All was pretty normal except the fact that he was wearing a bra & tight panties. I spit hot coffee through my nose. I’m all about personal freedom and all, it just really took me by surprise, I couldn’t help but laugh, and then I felt bad.

I spent most of the day wondering if I will always be a solo sailor or will I look for a companion? I had a very hard break-up 4 years ago when I found out my fiancé was having an affair. Looking back I know it wasn’t all her fault, but it really tore me up. I’ve had a few relationships since then, but nothing too close, I’ve made sure of that. I don’t know if I want a relationship though, I’m so good on my own. I’m happy, I wouldn’t say I’m lonely, and everything seems so perfect. I guess I’m wondering if something is wrong with me, am I getting weird out here? Maybe it’s because I turned 40. I have no kids, no ex-wives; I don’t even have a current girlfriend. I do have a small gecko running around the boat somewhere,he’s kind of my pet I guess, but I haven’t seen him for a few weeks, I hope he’s still alive.

Well my brain is getting all full-up with thoughts, and it’s time for a purge. The sun is getting low, it must be around 1700. I’m going to the reef to look for some dinner.

Well I’m back. I had to row back from my dive, I guess I’ll be taking apart the outboard tomorrow; it’s time for a cleaning. I caught nothing. I had one shot at a nice sized grouper, but lost him in the reef, I guess I’ll eat a can of something tonight.

I’m going a little stir crazy. I want some ocean sailing days; I want to feel like I’m going somewhere. I have mucho hurricanes to the north, Colombia to the South, headwinds to the east, and the canal to the West, I guess its head winds to the east. I’m going to Cartagena and beat into the wind for a while. My Visa expires in a few weeks, and I need to get out of the country anyway. Cartagena is awesome, and I could get some work done on the boat. I’ll start watching the weater and take off within a week unless something else pops up.

Sail far, live slow.

Peace, Love & Deep Thoughts.

– Alex