got my ZARPE!!!

Well I did something fun last night.

I got drunk with someone who is partly responsible for me being here. Annie Hill wrote “Voyaging on a small income” which was a very inspiring book for me. I highly recommend it to anyone who is planning on cruising no mater what your income is. It was Annie’s husband’s birthday last night, and they had a very nice gathering on their boat “Iron Bark”. They are also on their way to New Zealand and I’m sure we will bump into each other again.

I was a bit hung-over today but I managed to get my Zarpe (Exit papers), and some last minute provisioning. I’ll be leaving in a few days (Saturday). I may go to Isla Taboga, or the Pearlas Islands for a few days to rest before making the trek to the Marquesas.

I’ve done a pretty good job provisioning and pinched every penny possible. Fishing will be my staple food source. I’ll be making my own bread again, and trying my best to make wine & sake along the way.

I got all my medical tests back, and all looks good with the exception of the arrhythmia. My doctor believes it to be associated with stress, and hopefully that will pass when I leave Panama. Planning this crossing, working on the boat,  and transiting the canal has been an ordeal, and I’m happy it is coming to an end. I need to get back in the island lifestyle, which is why I left in the first place.

I heard of another West Sail 28 that made the crossing to the Marquesas from Panama, it took them 45 days.

Cheers everyone.

Enjoy today.

Peace, Love & Coconuts.

Alex