Carla and I have been together almost a year. We met last January 12th and it stuck like super glue. Needless to say I’m looking forward to 2013 living and loving in paradise with my bonnie lass!
All I can say about Carla’s Dad is what a great guy! Man I hope to be in such good spirits when I’m 78! I’ve now had the pleasure of having Carla’s brother and wife, Mother and husband, and Dad aboard 
Splendid. Carla really has a healthy and lovely family. I’m happy to be a part of it.
Rudi (Carla’s Dad) brought us an Argentine flag which we are proudly flying aboard Splendid.
We had lots of laughs, clean food, wine, and I can easily say I’ve made a new friend. Rudi also brought lots of goodies from the States like a new battery charger, Faria gauges for a new dash I’m building, and the final parts 
I needed to build our water maker. As soon as I get back to cavitation I need to build a platform for the cat pump in the engine room, do some plumbing, and baddabing, 26 gallons of fresh water an hour!
The weather is transitioning into the dry season. I woke up in the middle of the night and went out on deck to a perfectly clear sky, nearly full moon, and 20 knots of 
dry wind from the east.
We have booked charters from the 7th through the 12th of January, and another from March 2nd through the 9th. One was a referral from a charter I had a few years back, and the other through Project BlueSphere. If anyone is looking for a healthy slice of paradise, clean 
food, and some peace, let me know. My goal is to finish Splendid and ready her for some comfortable long distance voyaging by next season. I’m also a bit under the gun to finish the Minimalist Sailor as well as my book. Well, when I say “under the gun” there isn’t too much stress involved. If I spent the rest of my life among the Kuna living in this 
magnificent and magical place, it would be a life worth living in every sense of the word.
I’m going to make a run to Panama city at the end of the month to buy paint. Carla and I are going to start on the hull & cockpit.
I hope to see some of my readers who have been waiting to take the opportunity to unplug take the step this New Year. The sea is fair, the water warm, and time the most important commodity we control. Let’s not waste the 
beautiful life we possess. If you don’t go cruising come fill these seats for a spell, they are on Banedup Island and we like to anchor just off it.
Happy New Year guys.
Sail far and live slowly!
– alex