Carla went to the States this morning for a few days to see here niece’s first birthday party. She is bringing back a ton of bits for the boat, and hopefully a treat or two : )
We have a charter in a few weeks then we’re immediately off to Linton where I will leave Carla and Splendid to deliver a boat to Nicaragua.
Judging by the Pilot data for the area in July I’m expecting the delivery to be more of a motor-boat ride, but hoping for the best. Carla will join me for the Panama canal transit to the Pacific and return to Splendid to keep an eye on her.
I’m going to have to blast through the delivery to make it back for our birthdays in time. Carla is July 11th, and I’m on the 14th.
I got Carla her first real surfboard for her birthday this year. A super deal fell into my lap ($250) and in Carla’s favorite color no less, pink.
We are planning to Spend November through March surfing in Bocus Del Torro 
Panama. They have a nice beach-break, and is the perfect location for a couple beginners like us. After I return from the delivery I need to stir up some work, and possibly run backpackers to Colombia and back.
We are also seriously considering sailing for Europe in April if at all possible. If we luck out and get a few multiple-couple charters (2-3), We could afford our haul-out and will set sail for Europe in April. I have an opportunity to get a Croatian (EU) passport and the idea really excites me.
Sailing in the Med and wintering in Turkey and Greece sounds like heaven. I’ve finally developed a sailing plan to attempt the Mediterranean on our budget. _2.jpg "car)")
Carla and I would also be allowed to work in Europe which is a major thing for us. I’m thinking to get my Yacht masters (IYT) license and do the captain thing, and it would be nice to earn euros while I do it : )
Having a European passport and the ability to work in European countries as we travel would be a major break through, even in the Pacific.
It’s hard for me to describe how good life is. People often write and ask how we can “afford” such a lifestyle and the truth is I don’t really know anymore. Money and “financial “security” just isn’t part of what we focus on. It’s often we have under $100 (REALLY!) and we just roll with it. We always manage to keep 6 months or so of tea, rice, flower, and sugar in the cupboard. When we have money it’s a gift and spend it on things that we need for Splendid or that make
us smile. The key is having absolutely NO bills or financial responsibilities. I don’t even really have an address which is cool.
I’d like to add a quick note on Minimal marine navigation. I’m taking back the idea of having an onboard marine PC. I now have my transducers wired directly to a NMEA wifi multiplexor. My depth data is wirelessly transmitted to my iphone which, including the multiplexor draws milliamps. An onboard PC, or complicated cluster of “marine electronics” just draws too much power for me.
What makes this all possible is the SEAiq open app that is available for the iPhone and iPad. It is able to utilize my CM93 chart set, and I don’t have to buy any charts for it as I have world charts.
It’s difficult to use on my iPhone as the screen is just too small for all of the information (charts and NMEA), but when I can afford it I’ll get an iPad in a lifeproof case for the cockpit.
Well that’s it for today my friends.
Peace.
Sail far and live slowly.
-Alex