Back in Cartagena
Hi Everyone,
I’m back in Cartagena Colombia.
I can’t believe August has fallen so soon.
I came back to Cartagena to get some work done on the boat. Labor is cheap here ($1.00/Hr), and services good. I’m having some carpentry done, Namaste’s chain galvanized, and some stainless work done. I’ll also stock up on coffee.
I got some sort of Parasite the last few weeks of August and have been very sick & weak. When traveling make sure to drink bottled water, and clean vegetables with bleach & water before consumption. This is the first problem I’ve had in many years of traveling. The last time I had a Parasite was in Florida from some bad meat, not fun! My emergency room visit was a good experience. I had a 104 degree fever when I was admitted. Five hours in the hospital, the care of two doctors and 3 nurses, plus IV’s & medicine, cost me a total of $24.00. The care was top-notch and the facilities very clean, however I’d rater not visit again if you know what I mean.
September & October are when the trade winds subside and present an opportunity to make way east. I’m toying with the idea of visiting the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao), Aruba would be about a 400 mile trip. The down side is it would be 400 miles of motoring and I’m not really up for that, who knows, just a thought. I’ll most likely go back to the San Blas in a few weeks as you can’t really beat the “Paradise factor” of those beautiful islands.
This is Squall season however. On my trip from the San Blas to Colombia I was hit by a 48 knot Choko Sano. I was flying under full sail at the time (no reefs), when the wind went from 8-10 knots, to a solid 48 knots in a matter of seconds (gusts higher). Namaste was almost completely knocked down. I was in the cabin changing when it happened. Everything found its way to the cabin soul as I was clawing my way for the companion way to cut the sails loose. I cut the main & jib, and ran forward to douse the stay. The only damage I encountered was a broken batten, and a slug for the main, pretty lucky. Namaste hove herself too and reacted quite well to the large Caribbean seas. I took 2 other squalls on that trip, both blew a gale but I was ready and sailed through both of them.
I’ve chartered Namaste twice in the San Blas. Both times were a wild success and my guests utterly happy with the once in a lifetime experience. I know a number of you have expressed interest in the San Blas, However the clock is ticking, and once I transit the canal the opportunity of exploring these islands will be in my wake. If you’re interested let me know now as September to January will be your last chance. I don’t charge much, and believe you will get quite an experience for your money, plus flights are cheap at the moment.
I’ve started compiling the next DVD “Colombia to wherever”, I’m sure it will be another 8-12 months in production though. I’ve posted some video clips that people seem to be enjoying, check them out; I’ll be posting more soon.
I would also like to say “thank you” to all of you who have purchased my DVD, I’ve sold 47 in the last 4 months. It might not seem like a lot to many of you but I’m quite pleased. Most everyone who has purchased one has sent me an email and they are quite happy with the DVD. If you enjoy projectbluesphere.com, I really think you’ll enjoy the DVD. My next DVD will cover transiting the Panama Canal and sailing across the Pacific. I’m trying to raise a bit of money for my canal transit and your DVD purchase will defiantly help me accomplish that. If you haven’t seen the DVD preview yet click here. Today’s a good day to purchase a copy, isn’t it?
That’s about it folks. Keep the emails & instant messages rolling and if you have any questions fire away.
I would also like to thank Sat Com Systems again for providing me with a satellite phone & airtime. They are really helping me make this on-line, interactive experience a reality. If any one is in the market for satellite communications please visit: http://www.satcomsystemsinc.com/
“Not all who wander are lost.” –Tolkien
Sail far and live slowly!
Alex S/V Namaste
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