Carla’s sister (Juli), husband (Juano), 4 year old (Ramiro), 2 year old (Celeste), and 3 month old (Sol) left this morning.
They live in the mountains of Patagonia and have never experienced something like San Blas. I must say, I think the 11-day holiday on Splendid was a success!
I don’t know if you remember the blog, but Carla and I spent some time in their cabin in Patagonia just before we went to Buenos Aires to get married last November. Their cabin was the highlight (besides getting married) to my Argentina trip.
They too live far off the grid, minimalistically , and in a very similar fashion as we do. I feel very close to their family and can’t wait to return to Patagonia.
Juli is a yoga and PE teacher, and Juano is a hard-core mountain man, builder, and chef.
The last weeks Splendid has been filled with children’s laughter, crying, good times, great food, rum drinking, and Love.
How much better can life be, especially all taking place on Splendid in the middle of paradise.
I am such a fortunate man!
I got the new Icom M-802 (SSB radio) fired up and tested and it works like a champ.
My brother-in-law Nico in Florida, and Juano in Patagonia, are both installing HF radios in their homes so we can all stay better connected as we travel.
I have an AWESOME new family!
They also brought some things I recently purchased and had shipped to Nico’s place. I got a new pack and I’m really excited about it. 
Whenever I come across quality gear that is reasonably priced I promote it as we live in such a world of badly made, disposable garbage.
I’ve needed a new backpack for years but could just never afford it with all the boat projects and expenses I have at the moment. My daypack wore-out and I really needed to bite the bullet and invest in a new one. Good packs aren’t cheap, and I won’t buy crap. I need quality gear, as you all know I’m quite hard on it. That is why I usually buy it used. 
I was looking for a used Arcteryx pack but just couldn’t afford to get into one. My last Arcteryx pack lasted over a decade with daily use in a marine environment and I really loved it.
I did something I never do and got a new pack brand that I wasn’t familiar with. I did a fair amount of research and got a new Guerrilla Samuri (50L) backpack. What initially put me off of the pack was it was only $79 new. And if there is one thing I really hate, it’s to waste money on cheap gear that gets tossed in the bin a few months later. But Carla and I are both thoroughly impressed with the Guerrilla Samurai Pack. She does 
canvaswork and took a hard look at the material and stitching. I put the design under a microscope and I must say, WOW, great pack for the coin, it even has a built in fitted rain cover!
Time will tell, but we are both really impressed with Guerrilla packs so far!
Carla and I are going to take a few days to wind-down before getting ready for out next charter. The kid is only 20 but has a fire in him to get a small affordable boat and go voyaging. If there is anything I can do to promote that, I’m all about it! I’m probably going to put him to work so he can stay an extra week.
Speaking of family, I just found out I have an older half sister (Susan) in England. My father was stationed there when he was young and in the service. She was put up for adoption and just recently got her adoption report from the agency. She found me on YouTube in one of my videos, how cool? Maybe I’m just a sentimental guy but I feel a connection to her and really look forward to our first phone call.
Peace, Love, and Coconuts.
Sail far and live slowly.
-Alex