Project BlueSphere

I´m off with first light.

Yesterday was kind of slow however I managed to get 31 gallons of diesel ($33.00), and clean the bottom.

Today I got my new Zarpe and my exit stamp. I will go get some fresh produce, head back to the boat, and clean up.

I have been in the internet cafe for the past 3 hours trying to upload 30 pictures and its really frustrating. I managed to get 12 or so off and they should be posted later today.

Im psyched!!!

Peace, Love, and The Galapagos!

Alex

I´m soooooo hung over.

I still haven’t been back to Namaste since yesterday.

I met friends in town and we started drinking early.

Early this morning (3am) the guy who owns the local surf hotel comped us rooms and it was nice to have a room for the night.

I have to get food and fuel today as I´m off in the morning.

It´s not as dangerous at sea.

I´m land sick!!! BLAAAAAAAA!!!!

I cant write more my brain hurts really bad, is really bright, and everything is really loud..

— neo.projectbluesphere.com

I have crash landed in Paradise.

The sea is clear and full of sea lions which bark at your every move.

The people are friendly and the smiles long. Maybe it´s because I´ve been at sea for so long, but it´s nice. I just had a cheese burger and 3 cold Pilsener´s!

I cant stop smiling, my cheeks will hurt later, I´m in the Galapagos!

I had to pay $130.00 and could stay fore up to 10 days. However I have a friend flying into Hiva-Oa on the 28th of April and must be on my way. I´m leaving tomorrow or the next morning latest.

This is the kind of place I could live. It´s really laid back and friendly. People are surfing, snorkeling, diving, and living well. I´ll upload pictures when I can and include a segment in the DVD.

I have 3 other boats I´m friends with in the anchorage.

Cheers for now.

Alex

I am truly whipped, however ready to go.

I went shopping for produce yesterday.

I’ll eat the pineapples and oranges first. The Bananas will ripen in 2 stages; I’ll dry them as they are ready. I also bought a sack of 20 husked coconuts (should last 2 months), a big bag of onions, a big bag or red potatoes, 100 limes, and a bunch of red peppers. I have more food then I know what to do with. Produce is very affordable here; all this stuff was under twenty-five bucks.

I shot a small video this morning click here to watch it.

I didn’t want to stop at Contadora but I’ll have to. I cleaned the prop today and will have to give the bottom a good wipe down. There is also a small reef growing on the bottom of the dinghy. The water is really nasty here and I don’t want to spend any time in it.

In the morning I’m going to go buy a 40 foot piece of rigging cable. I wasn’t going to get it in order to save money, but not having it, and needing it would really “bite the big one”. I wanted to go with about a grand in my stash but will have closer to eight hundred, things could be worse right?

Namaste is heavier then she has ever been. Speed will not be something that we enjoy for a while but hell I have all the time in the world right?

Cheers everyone, tomorrow will be a grand day for me, it’s time.

Peace, Love, and 20 Coconuts!

Alex

It looks like I´ll miss my 48 hour mark by a little, I don’t think anyone will notice.

I didn’t quite get everything I wanted today. I did get enough fresh fruits & vegetables to feed a small army. Tomorrow I want to get some diesel, top off the water tanks and clean the bottom. I really don’t want to get in this filthy water but I don’t want to sail to Contadora which is not on my course. I don’t want to drop the hook again until I am in Polynesia.

I´m psyched!!!

Alex

Time to get this show on the road!

As of 9:22 this morning I have 48 hours to exit panama city.

I may or may not visit the Las Perlas for a few days, I haven’t made up my mind yet. I may try to clean the bottom and prop here and just go, go, GO!

I still need to shopping for fresh veggies & fruit which I will do in the morning.

Anyway, the clock is officially ticking.

Peace, Love, and $ # ! t it´s a long way to the Marquesas!

Alex

My OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and ADD (Alex Dorsey Disease) are working over time. Today I invested a big chunk of my cruising kitty in provisions. I’m looking at it as an investment because everything in the islands will be three times as expensive. I’m planning to be gone this week, if I’m not, somebody please fly down to Panama and shoot me! I’ve had it with the working on the boat thing!

My friend told me that I have a huge set of…, well you know, to go cruising with so little money. I informed him that it’s has nothing to do with balls, in my case, it’s sheer stupidity. Stupidity or not I’m going to disappear this week. I’ll leave the Americas behind and set sail for the South Pacific once again. There is little that will turn me around this time short of loosing my rig God forbid. I still have to change the oil, do a bit more shopping, and clean the bottom.

Is this really going to happen, is it time for me to realize my childhood fantasy?

If my posts from sea stop don’t worry, I’m sure it will be my sat phone failing. I do have an EPIRB in case I really need some help. The only way I will turn it on though is if I’m floating in my dingy at sea.

I will try and post my final pictures of Panama before I go.

Life is grand.

Peace, Love, and smooth seas!

Alex

This is a test, it is only a test.

If this posts I’ve made some good headway, I’m posting from the boat.

One of my problems with posting is my sat phone has a short in it, I hope it lasts for a while.

My SSB is recieving well (thanks Ken). I had a USB cable (mouse/keyboard) running near my antenna wire and was getting a very dirty signal.

I guess it getting time to go. I dropped my cell phone in the water yesterday. It was bound to happen sooner or later. After 12 years of living on boats this is the first time I’ve lost a phone overboard.

I need to replace the control head on my autopilot and do some shopping before I go, but I’m getting close, really!

Cheers everyone.

Alex

It’s nearly impossible for me to receive weather fax because I get so much electrical interference from my nav-computer. I spent the day rewiring my SSB and the computer at the nav-station. I feel like I’m taking one step forward and 2 steps back. I got a mini jack wired into the SSB and connected to the computer, but then the damn hard drive crashed on the computer and I had to spend the day putting in a new operating system and searching for drivers.

Anyway, after I rerouted the wiring for the nav-computer it doesn’t interfere with the SSB and I get a clear signal. I should get clear weather fax pictures now.

I still don’t have my satellite email up and running, I’m hoping for Monday.

I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend.

Peace, Love, and clear signals.

Alex

I=B4m pulling my hair out trying to get my satellite email working, I cant leave without being able to post updates, ARRRRGGGGGGG!!!!! I spent all day yesterday on it, and most of this morning.

It may be a problem with my phone, I will be in touch with some tech people today. I have been pretty hard on my phone for the past 4 years, it=B4s well loved, and I hope it will last me a bit longer.

Anyway sorry for the bitching, I just want to go. If I get this working I will get my zarpe (exit papers) on Monday.

Peace, Love, and Polynesia!!!

Alex

It has been really lonely with out my sat phone going off with instant messages. It is finally working again so send me some news. Use the instant messages for statements, not questions. If you have a question send me an email. In order for me to respond to an instant message I have to write it down with the email address and reply from another email source. I still cant send or receive email on my sat phone, I hope to have that resolved in the next day or so.

Today I swapped out the lift pump and cleaned up the engine room. I also put a tee on the motor for the h2o gauge but it leeks. I may have to tap it out to a bigger thread. Namaste is starting to clean up a bit.

I still haven’t gone to Carnival, maybe tonight.

Cheers all.

Peace, Love, and Coconuts.

Alex

Today was a productive day. I lugged just under 100 gallons of fuel to the boat and 80 gallons of water, Namaste is phat and heavy. I also spent a few hours scrubbing the decks. I=B4ve had every tool, screw, nut and bolt out of it=B4s place and I feel like I=B4m putting Humpty Dumptie back together again. The weather was weird today it actually rained for a little while. I wished it rained harder as Namaste is covered with city filth. Soon she will get a constant salt water bath as we will soon be at sea where we both belong.

Tonight was Pizza night at Flamenco and I ran into all my friends. I said =A8fair well=A8 to many and exchanged email addresses.

I will try to get a photo of the mounted windlass up tomorrow.

Peace, Love, and Coconuts.

Alex

All in all my dentist appointment wasn’t so bad. I don’t mind sharing the water with sharks but dentists? The price wasn’t so bad either. One filling, 3 x-Rey’s, and a cleaning for eighty bucks. I don’t know what it would cost in the states but I’m sure more.

I’m still working on the netting and doing allot of lashing, my hands are cut up from the thinner line. Namaste is going through a bit of a transformation with all her new upgrades, she seems happy with it and is happily awaiting our departure.

My provisioning list is getting bigger and I am planning on knocking out all my shopping in 2 days. I have a Taxi buddy here who will only charge me six bucks an hour to run me around. I also need to buy about 80 gallons of diesel and 15 gallons of gas for the dink.

I got the package containing my sat phone stuff today, hopefully I can get it up and running tomorrow.

I’m thinking of checking out the first night of Carnival tonight. The Parade starts in the late afternoon and the festivities run all night.

The Pacific is so close I can taste it.

Peace, Love, and Carnival.

Alex

– Alex

I was planning on sailing to Mexico to shorten the distance between Panama and Hawaii however after close scrutiny it doesn’t seem like such a good idea. At this time of the year crossing the gulf of Tehuantepec can be quite an undertaking. If you have this month’s Latitudes & Attitudes you can read about the crew of Eclipse’s rescue from the Tehuantepec. The Eclipse was anchored here in the La Playeta anchorage after the incident. It really looked like it took a hell of a beating. Papagayo is another local wind event to be dealt with. Papagayos are gale force winds that blow for days at a time from Costa Rica to Mexico. And even without Papagayos or the Tehuantepec I’m still looking at head winds for the entire trip. It seems like much of the trip would be a motor boat ride or a beat, either way, not very appealing. Many people going from Panama to destinations in North America visit Hawaii first. Favorable winds and currents can be expected from Panama to Hawaii. Jimmy Cornell’s book suggests sailing to the Galapagos first to avoid the areas of calms that can be expected well off of the Central American coast. If one doesn’t stop in the Galapagos this trip is roughly 5300 miles and would take me around a month and a half. I may have another option. A few people have offered to make monthly donations to keep Project BlueSphere headed for New Zealand via French Polynesia. If this comes together I might just pull off the Pacific crossing after all. Either way I’m still looking at visiting the Galapagos so that is where I’m headed. I am so ready to leave Panama I can’t see straight. The Galapagos are known to be some of the best diving in the world and might be worth checking out. If anyone is interested in coming for a visit please let me know. I have been working closely with Volvo as I have been going through my engine and I really have come to the bottom of my motor issues. I have a water blockage behind the cylinder sleeve. This is a direct result of my deteriorating manifold. Rust has been building up in the block. I am waiting on some gaskets that should take about a week to get here. Once I have them I’ll be taking off the aft head and cylinder block, tapping out the sleeve, and cleaning the water passages. I need to buy a ring compressor but once I have the right gaskets and tools I should be able to knock the job out in about 4 hours. I hate raw water cooled motors! I’ve been running the engine like this for some time and it’s been working well it just gets pretty hot. It would probably continue to run but I will feel a hell of a lot better getting it taken care of now. After that I’m off like a prom dress. I may have a charter opportunity which may postpone my departure by another week or so but that’s it. I can’t wait to write my logs from sea. My spirit has grown stagnant over the past year and I am really excited to get going again. Latitudes & good Attitudes right? There is a silver lining to every dark cloud! Peace, Love and Coconuts everyone. – Alex

Many people have gone cruising and thanked me for my inspiration. Helping people find the way to living their dreams is my reward and really what Project BlueSphere is all about. Before I went cruising Annie Hill was one of my mentors. I came across her book “Cruising on a small income” and it inspired me in many ways. Not only did she inspire me to go cruising, but she inspired me to inspire people. I had a $240 a month income (Pension check) but could I go cruising on that much? After much consideration I decided that if I got the boat I could do it. I would no longer be living on steaks and good wine. However rice and fish, flavored with a large topping of freedom sounded like a meal I could feast on without a problem. Over the past few years I’ve managed to increase my monthly income with my DVD sales. I have also managed to make a few extra bucks by doing the odd charter and writing for Latitudes and Attitudes. At the end of the day I live on around $400.00 a month. I’ve had some big purchases latel= y (Cameras & Laptop) and that’s where the charter money went. Would life be interesting without twists & turns? Probably not! I found out yesterday that my pension check will be paused until December of this year. They made an accounting error and started my payments early and as a result my monthly income just got slashed $240 a month for the next 11 months. Time for damage control I should be really stressed but that’s not the case. I always preach the whole “less is more” thing and this may be a good opportunity to live leaner. How can I save money? No more shopping in the super market. The local fruit & vegetable markets are MUCH cheaper. I’m going to turn off the refrigerator. It costs me about a half gallon of diesel a day to charge the batteries for it not to mention the wear on the motor, filters, and belts. The motor is running well but I’m going to sail everywhere and use the motor as sparingly as possible. The outboard is coming off of the dingy. I could stand to loose a few pounds and rowing everywhere wont kill me, right? I’m going to start a new diet. Vegetarians don’t eat meat, but I’m only going to eat meat that I kill (fish). Would that make me a killetarian? I recently quit drinking and it’s been fantastic, my alcohol budget just got cut. You might think I’m crazy but I think it will work. A positive attitude has got me this far and I don’t plan on quitting just yet. I have about 40 minutes of the next DVD finished but I want it to be at least 60-75 minutes long. I need an ending and I think I’ve found it. My new plan is to sail for Hawaii via Mexico. Once I finish the DVD I can work in Hawaii and stockpile cash for 6-8 months then continue to the Marquesas via Kiribati. What was it I said “never make plans”! Needless to say, If anyone is interested in a charter please contact me. I’m going to wrap things up here over the next few weeks, say “good bye”to my friends and prepare to put some miles under the Keel. Hawaii is over 4000 miles from here. After studying the charts Acapulco Mexico looks like a good jumping off point. Cass will be continuing her journey with her father. This is not an easy thing for me and something I really don’t want to write about now, but “it is what it is”. Cass has been such a positive influence in my life lately I don’t know how I’ll get about without her, perhaps this will make us even closer? Well…, lots to think about. Peace, Love, and “Less is more” – Alex.

Happy New Year everyone.

I’m so excited to be gearing up for the Pacific this year. I love Panama but it’s time to move on and explore new horizons.

If there is one thing I’ve learned on this trip, it’s that the joy comes from my journey, not my destinations. The rainy season is over and the sun is shining brightly on me. 2006 was fantastic! I made wonderful friends, sailed my beautiful boat, and grew another year, how cool is that?

What stamps will appear in my passport in 2007?

My hands are stained with oily engine grunge and well torn up, however I finally feel like I’m getting to the bottom of my motor issues. I’m also fixing a bunch of electrical problems. Corrosion seems to be the root of all electrical evil here. The moist air really mucks things up.

So many people make New Year resolutions. Personally I think every day is a good day to make positive decisions, but today is good a day as any.

Anyone want to cut their dock lines in 2007?

Peace, love, and another year of good living!

– Alex

Well just for a little while. I visited the American Embassy today to apply for a new passport, mine is about to expire and worn out. I also have to deal with my coast Guard documentation paperwork today, it never ends does it? My Passport was $68.00, and I should have it in a week or so.

All is well. Cass is spending a lot of time with her family and probably heading to Contadora with them for a few days. That will be a good opportunity for me to pull the boat apart working in the engine room.

I really hope everybody is having a good pre-holiday warm up. Their will be no white Christmas here, I’m sure it will be in the mid 80´s.

Peace, love, and jingle bells.

– Alex

Sorry for the delay in updates, I’ve had a problem with internet connections and my site.

I’m back in Panama City. Namaste is anchored in the La Playeta anchorage. I had a pleasant sail from Contadora day before yesterday and caught a nice three foot Dorado.

It’s bitter-sweet being back in civilization again. It’s loud at night in the anchorage, it smells like a city, and I can’t swim or spearfish. I did have an awesome burger at Fridays yesterday though. Panama has a really cool Latin vibe. Even though I complain about being in a city I enjoy the people, music, and food.

Cheers to being back.

Peace, Love, and cheese burgers!!!

– Alex

What can I say?

I got up and went sailing.

The wind pushed my drifter, and I did 4 to 5 knots all day. Just before lunch I caught a 25lb yellow fin tuna (my best catch ever). As soon as it was onboard I got a call from Cass. Today was just a beautiful day and one I will not soon forget. My smile is long.

I´m back in Contadora trying to figure out what to do. I may head back to Panama city and anchor at La Playeta.

Today was good.

Peace, Love, and Life!

– Alex

I worked from dawn to dusk yesterday and exposed an hours worth of tape. I went hiking up a stream in the late afternoon. Just as I was setting up the camera, a large hawk darted through the canopy and landed on a branch just 20 feet from me. I’ve never seen one so close. He sat on his branch examining me and I got some nice video.

A little while later I was hiking up the stream and slipped on a rock. I had my camera in hand and had to fall on my back so as not to get the camera wet. The rock I hit really knocked the wind out of me and it took me a few minutes to get up straight again. Trust me, I’m not complaining; just happy I saved the camera. I took a really nice fresh water bath and slowly ventured back to Namaste.

After dark I turned on the computer and digitized (captured) the days footage to the hard drive. A few days ago I noticed that I have a gecko onboard, I’ve named him Alfred, he sat on my speaker and watched me work till about 10:00. Just before bed I watched my video it in its entirety. I must say, my last two years have been astonishing. I’ve met so many wonderful people, seen so many beautiful places, and lived an extraordinary life. Battling with my old motor, living on pennies, and living on a small boat has been the best decision I’ve ever made. Why did I not do this when I was younger? I don’t have any kids, but if I ever did, I would do my best to push them out of the nest and get them traveling early. It is such a shame most people don’t get to realize their dream until after retirement. What a hold society has on us? The moral of this story is “Don’t put it off any longer, life is too damn short”! I fell asleep gleaming with satisfaction.

I’m a bit sore this morning but may head back to Contadora. I didn’t stock up very well before I left. I’d like to use the internet and phone. I’m also having problems with my sat phone, it’s on its last leg, and I hope this email gets out. The tide is changing around noon so I have a few hours to figure it out.

I’m going to do a bit of yoga this morning and see if I can’t stretch out my back.

Peace, Love, and live extraordinarily everyone!

– Alex

Today was a filming/working on the boat day. I wanted to shoot a scene scrubbing the decks so I could talk about my Cascade and vinegar trick to clean teak. It works as well as the 2 part stuff you pay a lot of money for in the boat stores. Basically you scrub the Cascade (part 1) into the teak, and neutralize it with white vinegar (part 2). Anyway, I ended up scrubbing the whole boat for the next 4 hours, she’s clean though. I also shot a scene covering satellite email. Tomorrow I’ll be filming “searching for fresh water” and hiking up through a bit of the jungle here.

Okay, I have to admit it, I really miss Cass. I spent so many years alone on the boat with no problem, what happened? We can’t talk on the phone but are doing email and instant messages; it’s just not the same. I may start heading back to Panama in a few days, I know, I know, I’m a big wuss right?

The wind is blowing steadily from the north at 15 – 20 knots. My batteries love all this sun and wind, the wind generator is kicking up a storm.

Anyway that’s it for tonight.

Peace, Love, and Coconuts everyone.

– Alex

Last night was a long one. The south side of Contadora got quite uncomfortable but Cass and I rode it out. Cass went back to Panama City this morning to get ready for her parents arrival, Christmas shop, and generally get ready for the holidays. I opted to stay behind and go into crazy work mode. Our first 2 weeks out here were filled with rain and the better part of the other week centered around d the careening. I still have a bunch of shots to get and am planning on returning to Panama in a week to 10 days.

After I put Cass on the plane this morning I sailed to Isla Ampon. My friend Aki on “Liberty” followed and we dropped the hook around 14:30. The first thing we did is go spear fishing. Aki shot a nice trigger and I shot a grouper, 2 snappers, and a mullet. Aki’s friend is a sushi chef and did a wonderful job preparing everything for dinner. He served something I didn’t recognize. I asked what it was, he said “try, try…, it’s good”. I did and it was great. It was the trigger’s kidney. Believe it or not it was fantastic. We had half of it as sashimi, and the other half boiled, I like it as sashimi. We broke out the guitar, sang songs, and gazed at the full moon. It was a beautiful night.

Peace, love and trigger kidney.

Alex

Lately, we have been trying to think of more creative ways to save money. Yesterday, some spare change in the catch all calabash (a gourd-like bowl) was used to buy dinner. Our grocery list consisted of chicken, beer, ice cream, milk, and eggs. As I made little stacks of change in the sweltering afternoon heat, Alex became a little impatient and the cashiers were less than thrilled. But, come on! What better way to cash in your crusty, salty, sandy, mixture of Panamanian (Balboas) and American jingle?

I just got back from a little jog around the Island of Contadora. Well, the island ain’t that little. I am used to running 10k 4 or 5 times a week on a bike trail back in Balboa Yacht Club. So you’d think I’d be an in shape gal, right? WRONG! All you have to do is throw some hills and dirt roads in the mix and I am a total wuss. It’s going to take more than one beer to cool down after this run.

Some new additions to the site: We have posted pictures of Costa Rica, Espirito Santo, and the careening process. You can write me at Cassandra (at) projectbluesphere.com. (in sneaky code to hide from spam scanners) and…Coming Soon! You will be able to reserve your copy of the 2nd DVD in the Project Bluesphere series.

Alex has asked that if you are writing him, please put bluesphere in the subject line. He has had an influx of spam lately and is afraid he may have deleted some of your e-mails.

Cheers to spare change and flat paths!

Cass

I am proud to say that Namaste has been successfully careened. Our post thanksgiving weekend was spent high and dry on the soft sand of Espirito Santo. We were up at 5:30 am on both Saturday and Sunday tweaking the fore and aft anchor lines so that Namaste would lie ‘just so’ on the beach. She has a full keel and only draws about five feet, so painting her was less complicated than we had anticipated.

The first day was awesome. All five boats in the anchorage came ashore at some point in the day, either to ask what we were doing, take some pictures, or offer their advice. Alex and I were feeling pretty damn proud of ourselves. While I am taping up the water line and Alex is digging like a dog at the bottom of the keel, there was inevitably someone in the back ground telling us how he would have beached his boat. If there is one thing I have noticed, it’s that cruisers LOVE to tell you how they would have done the job…No matter where you are, someone always has to put their two cents in- sheesh. After we accepted that the paint was brown-instead of red, came to like the surprise hue, and realized that nothing below had broken, we patted ourselves on the back and let rum and sunburn tuck us in at the fragile hour of 7:30pm.

Day two. No one was interested in our careening shenanigans. There was no conversation between the two of us and the background music was rather ambient. Alex and I finished the starboard side in almost half the time. We made eye contact, exchanged a silent-yet enthusiastic-high 5, then napped like babies in the shade until the tide came up.

She was beautiful.

Alex and I circled Namaste in the dinghy several times, complimenting each other excessively. Our tummies began to growl just as we heard a radio call from ‘Plan B’ inviting us to a pork chop dinner. I know I have praised eccentrics, but God bless Columbian wives! Gary’s wife, Mavis, has to be one of the most cheerful, pleasant, fantastic women/cooks I have ever met. We ate like it was our last meal.

The next morning we set sail for Contadora. The wind was just off the nose, but the engine cooperated (HOO RAH!), and the current was in our favor. We got a chance to relax and take pleasure in the fact that we were actually underway again after three weeks in one anchorage. Happy hour on the island was bitter sweet. Upon arrival, we indulged in our good ol’ American (aka:expensive)cheese burger and beer fix. Hallelujah!

This morning we took advantage of the cell phone coverage (BTW-for a good time call 507-6665-4159). The afternoon was spent snorkeling and Alex almost shot a great trevally, which means that we enjoyed chicken and beans for lunch at the internet café. Frikkin’ delicious.

Cheers to projects completed,

Cassie

My friend Roger showed up yesterday. He had a package for me from the states and my liquor order. Cass and I got a bit schnockerd last night and are paying the price today.

I really want to say “thank you” to all of you guys. I’ve had so much support from so many of my subscribers. My package yesterday was engine parts. One of my subscribers (Tony (www.tonypix.com)) gave me a donor engine (Volvo Penta MD11-C) a while back. It’s in his shop and said he would hold it for me for parts, how cool is that? I just received his fuel pump, a raw waterpump, and a new gasket kit. I’m going to get a few more parts and keep them onboard just in case. Thanks Tony.

Cass and I went to “Plan B” and had Thanksgiving dinner with Gary and Mavis last night. We had Mahi-mahi, sierra, coconut rice, veggies, and cheese cake for dessert. After dinner we were relaxing in the cockpit when an unexpected visitor showed up. Within seconds everyone was running around the cockpit screaming like little girls. . We thought it was a bat at first. But to our surprise a huge locust joined us and started bouncing off of people. I grabbed it by its wings and chucked it overboard (after Cass took a picture).

Tomorrows plan is to careen Namaste. High tide is at 6:30 in the morning. At about 8:00 I’m going to run Namaste on the beach and let the tide go out. Cass and I are going to paint half of the bottom and change the prop. The following day we’ll paint the other side. We should be floating again by sunset.

I hope everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving.

Hey, does anybody have a single sideband radio and want to communicate? Send an instant message with a time and frequency and we’ll hook up.

Peace, Love, and Thanks from Namaste.

-Alex

Happy Turkey day everyone!

As I woke up this morning, memories of thanksgivings passed flooded my mind…Cooking the night before, early dinners, yielding to the soporific effect of turkey, laughing at/with friends and family, having one more piece of pumpkin pie to sober up, and of course jello shots.

Everyone has a thanksgiving specialty. In my family: Kim brings the sweet potato dressing; Denise makes the turkey; Polly brings the squash casserole; my mom makes the salad; and Mimi makes 10 pecan and pumpkin pies. My holiday staple is jello shots. For the past few years I have provided my family with trays of tasty, sugar-free, 2oz, multi-flavored, ice-breakers. For example, one layer could be coconut rum and lime jello topped off with another layer of raspberry vodka and cranberry jello, or perhaps chopped up fruit and matching liquor flavors; peach schnapps, peach jello, mixed with fresh peaches. Ahhh, the little things that amuse me. And to tell you the truth, there is virtually no polite way to take a jello shot. Many a laugh has been had watching usually conservative people try to suck jello out of a little cup. I love my family.

This year, I have realized that I am enjoying yet another unconventional thanksgiving. The weather has us rocking and rolling here in Espirito Santo. Alex and I have just finished our brunch of bacon, black beans, trigger and eggs. A far cry from the typical American holiday fare, wouldn’t you say? Our next mission is to get someone in our anchorage to part with a little rum!

My last log was super whiney, and I’d like to take advantage of today’s ritual. I am so grateful it’s silly. My dad has cemented his position as my hero. My mom may just be the most positive person on the planet. My sister makes me so proud it’s hard not to cry when I think about her. And our good buddy Alex has been a most unexpected inspiration. Can I get an Amen?

Ready for some cheese? I am truly grateful for you; the people that fuel his dream and motivate him to press on even when the engine fights back…Thank you.

I find myself in a truly amazing, unique, unpredictable and exciting place in my life. I have met some fantastic eccentric people and have seen some beautiful places. And you know what the best thing is? My journey is just beginning.

Cheers to friends and family!

Cassie

Remember when I said that it was rainy?

Well that was an understatement. I don’t remember what sun looks like. It’s even pissing the bugs off. There has been a recent invasion of no-see-ums whenever the rain breaks in the afternoons to reveal an exciting evening of incest infested overcast blah. I am losing my tan. I am losing my humor. It’s constantly windy and gray. blech…

Alex and I are going stir crazy. We can’t film when everything is wet. We can’t careen because of the inevitable daily sporadic showers. We both have a case of the weather induced blues. We have been sucked dry of motivation. I’m sure you know the conversation, “What do you want to do?” followed by the inevitable reply, “I don’t care, what do you want to do?” On the positive, I have finally learned how to play chess; a fantastic game that I instantly loved. I really enjoy the whole strategic thinking ahead aspect of competition…especially when i’m whenning. We have watched almost all of the movies on board.

Last night we discussed our options, and decided to bounce up the islands to Contadora this morning for a change of pace and maybe to restock on butter and beer. Also, I was going to surprise my dad for thanksgiving and grab the 5:00pm flight to Panama City. I may still make it out tomorrow, we’ll see. My mom is coming down on December 11, and I may hop back on Sora to help my dad get ready for all of our holiday company coming in town…cousins, neighbors, my sister, etc. Well, while we were talking a bat flew in threw the v-berth hatch, just missed my head by 8 inches, and flew right back out the cockpit. Alex nearly soiled his shorts. What is it with this guy and animals; first whales, crabs, and now bats? Well, we got up this morning and wouldn’t cha know? There is 15 kn of wind right out of the north which would be right on our nose, and 6 foot choppy seas in Panama Bay. So here we sit. And guess what? The only dry thing on this boat is the alcohol level. Not a spot of rum, wine, or beer. OUCH!

So, everyone out there…have one for us!!!

Cheers to Turkey Day! Someone save me a drum stick…

Cassie

Last night was pretty quiet. Cass & I watched Austin Powers, had some dinner, and turned in early.

Our food stores have been getting low. Gary & Mavis took my grocery list a few days ago via the SSB radio and magically showed up today with eggs, meat, cheese, veggies etc. Cass and I are heading over for a big Pargo (fish) dinner tonight; it should be a nice time.

I cleaned a bit of the bottom today. I scrubbed part of the water line, the rudder, and some of the hull. The current was quite strong and decided to finish later. After getting out and rinsing off with the bug sprayer (fresh water) I had a hard time clearing my ears. An hour after I got out of the water I heard a ”popping”(like soap bubbles) in my ears, it was driving me crazy. I asked Cass if she could pour some vinegar in my ear. I lay on my side and Cass took a capful of vinegar and poured it in my ear, she instantly blurt a scream. “OH MY GOD, A CRAB JUST CAME OUT OF YOUR EAR”! It was a little thing, smaller then my pinky fingernail. I was sure glad to be rid of it. I flipped over and guess what? There was another crab in the other ear. Next time I clean the bottom I’m putting cotton in my ears.

We had a little bit of sun today and went for a snorkel. I spent a few hours working on the DVD while Cass stretched out in the v-birth reading “Memoirs of a geisha”. It’s a beautiful day, I’m going snorkeling again to shoot a fish.

If anyone is interested in coming to visit for a week charter let me know.

Peace, Love, and ear plugs.

Alex

Let’s make some corrections to Monday’s log. It had been stated that Alex shot four fish on Monday. The actual number was six. It was also mentioned in the log that I burned one of Alex’s favorite t-shirts. I want to tell you, that even though it makes for a good story, that this is not true. I have had several of my favorite t’s thrown away when I was younger and I vowed to never commit such heinous. That said, I did throw one of his bars of ivory soap away. This is only because he has a spare bag of at least 15 bars (apparently, Alex was planning on being REALLY clean when he crossed the Pacific). I found a stray that was soggy and covered in some unidentified green ooze. I figured we could spare that one.

Okay. It has been raining non-stop the past 3 days. Thank god he went fishing on Monday. We have had every kind of fish sauté you can think of. For example, we had parrot pesto alfredo for breakfast this morning. The skies are looking brighter today and we will probably go back to visit our new found fishing hole this afternoon. Alex is currently in the engine room…cussing. I have most recently been informed that we need a new gear shift throttle control.

Many of you have written asking us about expenses. I have diligently been keeping receipts for about the past 6 weeks. Sans formatting, here is a break down of our weekly spending:

From W Oct 11-Tues Oct 17, we spent $182. From W Oct 18-Tues Oct 24, we spent $327. From W Oct 25-Tues Oct 31, we spent $743. From W Nov 1-Fri Nov 3, we spent $558. And from Sat Nov 4-today we have spent Nada. Zilch. Nothing. This totals to $1810 in about six weeks. This averages to $300 a week.

I’ll break it down for you:

Provisions (groceries, toiletries, cleaning products) – $437 Namaste (hardware, fishing tackle, sail mending, paint) – $405 Entertainment (Eating out, movies, bars) – $349 Travel (Bus, taxi, plane, hotel) – $257 Camera/Video (tapes, microphone, batteries) – $194 Medical (doctor visits, meds, vitamins) – $135 Misc. (laundry, phone cards) – $36

Alex says that these expenses are excessively high. He has made big purchases recently that have been a long time coming. He also thinks the “wooing the girlfriend” factor plays a considerable role.

That’s it? No more wooing? Damn…Guess it’s time for me to get fat and start bitching! But seriously, i’ll take living in the islands on my own schedule before a steak dinner and a promise ring any day.

Cheers to the $0 days! Cass

Well, I guess I’m old hat. Everyone seems to love Cassie’s logs and it’s a good thing. I’m pretty focused on the DVD which is coming out really well. Oh yeah, that DAMN motor again, it seems like I spend half of my life keeping it running. Actually it’s the tranny this time, it’s leaking oil and I think salt water is getting into it. The impeller housing is leaking as well. When does it end???

Cassie’s awesome; my life is a whole different ball of wax now (obviously for the better). It’s really nice to share all of this with someone. I went to the beach yesterday to burn garbage. Having a girlfriend is a funny thing though. I was looking through my garbage as it was burning, “What are my socks doing in there” I thought, “I loved that old beat up t-shirt”. Cassie has been cleaning up and asking me questions as I’m working. I usually have my headphones on and I’m in total work mode. “Sure honey, yup, uh-huh, no problem”, not having any idea what I’m replying too, serves me right doesn’t it? She’s been super woman helping with the filming, getting my life in order, picking oysters. What the hell did I do that was so right, why am I so lucky?

Today we went spear-fishing. I shot 2 triggers, a Parrot, and a decent grouper within 15 minutes (we have food for 4 days). Then we went to black sand beach and bathed in the fresh stream, the water was nice & cool.

Anyway I’m putting Cassie back on log duty.

Peace, Love, and my girlfriend rules!!!

Alex

Right after I sent the log on Friday evening, we were boarded by the Panamanian Coast Guard.

There were 8 men on a go-fast boat dressed in camos carrying fully automatic weapons. I was below and overheard Alex using Spanish phrases such as, “what’s the problem?-only one of you can come aboard-if you’re coming on my boat, take your shoes off- I’m very troubled by your visit-you are bothering me-I have no drugs or arms(a small fib here as there is a .38 cal flare gun under his pillow) -you just boarded me a month ago-tell your boss that Namaste is clean and I don’t want to be boarded again…”

The men were extremely apologetic but boarded Namaste anyway and checked papers and the cabin. Alex was not happy…I could tell in his tone that his good humor was rapidly diminishing. Another big clue was his repition of the claim, “Yo es muey molesto.” (which basically translates as “I am really pissed.”).

We produced passports and a cruising permit. I showed one of the guys through all of the drawers, cabinets, and under the v-berth. They apologized again, and went on their way. It was all over in less than 10 minutes. Pretty quick and painless, if you ask me.

We’ve been alone at this anchorage in Espirito Santo until yesterday. A trimaran, Triple Dolphin (clever, no?), and a mono hull, Ohhh Baby, have since joined us. The latter is captained by a gentleman named Terry who introduced himself as ‘Lucy’. Though he may be a few teeth short of a set, he looks almost as good in a one piece bathing suit and sarong as I do. He was very proud of the great deal he got on his new outboard engine that I couldn’t help but notice is not only spray painted a lovely pink, but also sporting a black lacy boostier (sized 36 B he informed me). Just as I was about to pass judgment, he handed over the first two beers Alex and I have had in weeks. God love the eccentric!

Cheers to Lucy

Cassie

*picking fish bones out of my teeth*

So my last log was apparantly an inspiration for Alex to get in the water and shoot anything that moves.

Yesterday, after I unglued him from the computer, we went to the reef. It was late afternoon so the vis was barely 5 ft. Alex hopped in ‘just to check it out’ and 15 seconds later as I was spitting in my mask he popped back up with a nice snapper. I whipped up a spicy cole slaw and Alex blackened the fish on the grill…yum.

Today, as I am doing laundry (uggghhh), he left for 30 min and came back with a big ol’ trigger and a “how do you like me now?” grin. He quickly returned to the reef, shot another trigger (this one lunch sized), and grabbed a couple dozen oysters while he was at it. We steamed the fish in the pressure cooker with some ginger root, added a pad of butter, some S&P, and BAM! good stuff.

Alex was concerned was that I would get sick of fish, and all I can say is, “bring it on!”.

Cheers to good eatin’

Cassie

Alex is completely immersed in writing the script for the new DVD and has asked me to fill you in on what we’ve been up to the past few days.

Because of the almost constant rain, we haven’t been able to film as much as we had planned. We have, however, had time to decompress a little and keep occupied with other random projects.

Like collecting rainwater…our tank is over flowing and we have all jerry cans on deck filled to the brim. Namaste received a good scrubbin in this mornings downpour. A little elbow grease and bottle of joy go a long way.

and cutting hair…I permanently borrowed some salon scissors sharp enough to skin a chicken. We put them to use and got rid of our shaggy do’s. Salon quality (no, really…) for nuthin’. And we didn’t even have to tip.

and rowing…I usually run or go to the gym daily, but out here in the islands i’ve had to get a little creative with how i’m going to get my exercise. So i’ve taken up rowing the dinghy up current on the way there and down current on the way back. This is all well and good, except for the recent extreme tides of 20ft+ which stregthen the current. So I basically row in place next to Namaste, get frustrated, tie off, and hop back on board.

and hunting…We went out to a nearby reef and while alex shot a couple fish I harvested a few dozen oysters. We fried the fish up for lunch and sauteed the oysters for dinner. I am used to Gulf Coast oysters that are grey, snotty and go great with beer. This is the first time I’ve had Pacific oysters which are almost sweet like lobster and have a firmer texture. They were fantastic even with out the beer(can you imagine?) Alex also shot the “biggest trigger he’s ever seen” but I couldn’t tell you how big it actually was becasue it never made it back to Namaste.

Cheers to fish stories,

Cassie

I spent Thursday & Friday battling in my engine room. My lift/feed pump is shot. I opened it up and noticed shards of metal in the pump housing. The “one way” flapper valve is worn and can not be fixed. I took the entire valve out of the housing, and replaced it on the motor. I pulled the electric fuel pump off of the diesel heater and put it inline before the feed pump. The fuel can only go one way right? After bleeding the fuel system at the injector, she fired right up. Cass was afraid we’d be waiting for parts in Panama City, when she heard the motor; I heard a voice from inside the cabin “Does this mean we can go now”?

We left Panama City yesterday at 2am. We motored most of the day, but mid-afternoon we got a nice 10 knot breeze from the North West. I hauled my big drifter out of the bag and flew it, we maintained a smooth 3 knots. We sailed into the anchorage at Espirito Santo under a nearly full moon, and dropped the hook around 7:30 last night.

Today I was in total decompression mode. Cass wanted to go running but there is no place to run, especially during hi-tide. I suggested rowing. Cass got in the dingy (I made her take a radio), and she rowed around the point and back (about 2 miles). We lounged around the rest of the afternoon until a fairly large squall came to visit. Our neighbors drug anchor and nearly hit the beach. There was a good amount of lightning, and tons of rain.

It’s really nice to be back here. There is only one other boat in the anchorage, and they’ll be leaving in a day or so.

I’m hoping to shoot a nice fish tomorrow.

Peace, Love, and Coconuts.

Alex

This always happens, I get stuck in port. I need, I need, I need, and I end up hemorrhaging the little money that I have. $200.00 for sail repairs, $120.00 for bottom paint, $210.00 for a mooring I don’t want to be on, $250.00 for the mandatory Costa Rica trip not to mention all the little expenses that probably add up to another $500.00 (Provisioning, Blah, Blah, blah)!!!

Cassie and I went to the airport yesterday to pick up my new Single Side Band radio that was shipped from the states. Awesome radio, it’s a SEA 225. I hooked it up yesterday and talked to friends in the Galapagos and Costa Rica. My last SSB was a SEA 222 and I’ll always stick with them. You don’t see them on sailboats often, but most commercial/fishing boats use them, fantastic radio (150 watts).

If you look in my early pictures you will see a bunch of photos of my UPS shipping nightmares. When Cass and I went to the airport yesterday to pick up the box it took us 3 hours and stamps from 5 different locations (officials) to get out of there, WTF? I’m convinced that UPS is the Devil!!!!!!

Every time someone sends me a FED EX it comes to me here at the club without a problem, no wonder their stock is doing so well.

Cass and I have a few projects to do today but we will leave for the Perlas at first light or earlier.

Peace, Love, and FED EX

Alex

Cass and I took a bus from Panama City to Frontera (6 hrs), Costa Rica yesterday. We stayed in a little dive hotel (they are all little dives in Frontera). I was hoping to bribe the immigration guy to let us return to Panama the same day but it didnt work, his supervisor was standing over him. We will have to stay in Costa Rica for 72 Hrs.

This morning we caught a bus to Golfito. When Cass and i got off the bus someone shouted my name. I turned around and saw 3 of my friends from Panama, small world, eh?

Golfito is cute. We had margharitas and nachos at the Banana Bay marina and found a little cabana overlooking the bay for $20.00, we will stay the night, and possibly one more. We are getting fantastic pictures and video, I´m really psyched about the next DVD. Will post pics upon return.

The coffee here is fantastic.

Peace, Love, and a cuppa joe

a

Cass, Rick, and I were sitting in the cockpit the other day and saw a rainbow. I said “Cool…look…, the rainbow ends where the whales play”! There is a spot on the other side of a small island where the whales always seem to be breaching. Cass laughed and said “that’s such a bizarre random thing to say”, “what do you mean I asked”? “You just said it so matter of factly…, like oh…, look there is a lot of traffic today”.

I guess I take the beauty and nature out here for granted sometime, it’s become my norm, and I must say, I love it!

At 5:57 this morning Namaste’s hull was struck by a whale. I don’t know if it was an accident or if it was a wake up call, but a large (bigger then the boat) humpback whale struck the hull. It seemed playful like “look guys…, it’s a beautiful morning don’t sleep the day away”!

Not knowing what happened I jumped to attention and was in the cockpit trying to assess damage, “Did we hit another boat, a reef”? The whale almost seemed to be smiling as it glanced back at up at us, blew a big puff of spray, and swam back to where the rainbow ends (where the whales play).

Anyway, that was my morning; I’m going to drink a cup of coffee now.

Cheers everyone!

Peace, Love, and if you ever get the chance, get hit by a whale!

Alex