tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90041890910137688752024-03-23T05:14:47.520-05:00Wildcat SailorgirlWherever you go, there you areUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger989125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-64673526660371399512022-11-06T08:09:00.000-06:002022-11-06T08:09:10.547-06:00Ramble On - 10 Seasons To The Day<p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">November 6, 2022</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMDPGER8YxkXx9qFKdFbYS9jmdRE6qCeCfwYo1i3PqayRq21Gj1tSWuKYtHCr3voETW1jWBmmliVkXSLt9xjIw4rykNc-0XNzIMc4SuZJSskttFv97_b6ONuALUo2Un48HemadpUmPaGfR6r6Y_U5EDCuBDmm9ZckLPFHonu_FwJdlfKWJ8vIaYqa/s2048/Passage%20Making%20class%20228.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMDPGER8YxkXx9qFKdFbYS9jmdRE6qCeCfwYo1i3PqayRq21Gj1tSWuKYtHCr3voETW1jWBmmliVkXSLt9xjIw4rykNc-0XNzIMc4SuZJSskttFv97_b6ONuALUo2Un48HemadpUmPaGfR6r6Y_U5EDCuBDmm9ZckLPFHonu_FwJdlfKWJ8vIaYqa/w400-h300/Passage%20Making%20class%20228.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in; margin-top: 0.07in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Leaves
are falling all around<br />It's time I was on my way<br />Thanks to you
I'm much obliged<br />For such a pleasant stay<br />But now it's time for
me to go<br />The autumn moon lights my way<br />For now I smell the
rain<br />And with it pain<br />And it's headed my way"</i></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in; margin-top: 0.07in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 10pt;">Yes, the leaves are falling like crazy around us here in KC. We are wearing long pants, long sleeves, jackets (at times) and "real" shoes aka not flip-flops! We've had to turn on the heat at night!</span></span></p><p style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in; margin-top: 0.07in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: 10pt;"><i>"Ah,
sometimes I grow so tired<br />But I know I've got one thing I got to
do"</i></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in; margin-top: 0.07in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 10pt;">We've been stateside for 5 months this time. We rushed back early in June so we could hold my mother's hand one last time. We hugged family and laughed with friends. We've filled our days with work, chores, music, fun, exploration, challenges, and some travel. But it's time...... </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in; margin-top: 0.07in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: 10pt;"><i>"Ramble
on<br />And now's the time, the time is now<br />To sing my song<br />I'm
going 'round the world, I got to find my girl<br />On my way<br />I've
been this way ten years to the day<br />I gotta ramble on"</i></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in; margin-top: 0.07in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 10pt;">As we prep to head home to our beloved sv Honey Ryder, I realized that November 6, 2013 we set sail for the Caribbean. Making this our <b>10th</b> season cruising! WOW! Link <a href="https://wildcatsailorgirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/all-systems-are-go-for-depature-tomorrow.html">Here</a> and <a href="https://wildcatsailorgirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/sv-honey-ryders-salty-dawg-rally.html">There</a> Has it really been 10 seasons? 34 countries/islands, 10,000+ nautical miles later....I guess so. *We should probably be planning to get our sea miles tattoos - more later on that. </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in; margin-top: 0.07in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: 10pt;"><i>"Got
no time for spreadin' roots<br />The time has come to be gone<br />And
though our health we drank a thousand times<br />It's time to ramble
on"</i></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in; margin-top: 0.07in;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">10 Sailing Seasons. Are we tired of cruising? NO. There is still SO much to see and learn. We do plan to move on to a new locale. We've been in the Western Caribbean since 2019. </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in; margin-top: 0.07in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: 10pt;"><i>"I
ain't tellin' no lie<br />Mine's a tale that can't be told<br />My
freedom I hold dear"</i></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in; margin-top: 0.07in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 10pt;">So what is our plan? Well, we are going to bash our way back toward the Eastern Caribbean with the intent of returning to Trinidad for hurricane season 2023. Of course the devil is in the details - cruising plans written in sand at low tide and all.....or something like that. </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in; margin-top: 0.07in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: 10pt;"><i>"I
guess I keep on rambling<br />I'm gonna, yeah, yeah, yeah<br />Sing my
song (I gotta find my baby)<br />I gotta ramble on, sing my song<br />Gotta
work my way around the world baby, baby<br />Ramble on, yeah"</i></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in; margin-top: 0.07in;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I know I failed terribly on this blog the last few years. I don't know if anyone will even read this. We shall see. I will try to do better. What the hell, at the very least, when I am old and crunchy, I can go back and read it.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in; margin-top: 0.07in;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i>**Ramble On - Written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, Warner/Chappel Music Inc - I intend no copywrite infringement. I am artistically quoting some of their words to help share my thoughts and feelings....like all epic songs do for us! </i></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in; margin-top: 0.07in;"><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.13in; margin-top: 0.07in;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-17275121978002322012022-11-02T10:56:00.001-05:002022-11-02T10:56:54.155-05:00Still Cruising Season 9<p>I am so out of practice blogging that I published this blog several months ago but I published it under Beyond Burgoo - my food blog. Ooops. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8347086644657192619/4290718772714926246" target="_blank">Link</a></p><p>March 24, 2022</p><p>Hello. How is everyone? It's been a long time since I blogged. 2019 to be exact. Many excuses why, most not worth detailing. I have missed writing. I have missed you all. </p><div>But here we are, our 9th cruising season. Wow! Can that really be? </div><div><br /></div><div>We are currently in Utila, the western most island of The Bay Islands of Honduras, approximately 20 nautical miles off mainland Honduras. We arrived here February 27, 2022 from Rio Dulce Guatemala. </div><div><br /></div><div>We've not been to this particular Bay Island and we were quite keen to see and experience it. When we came around to the Western Caribbean in 2019, we checked into The Bay Islands at Guanaja, the eastern most island. We spend a couple of weeks there and then sailed to Roatan, the biggest and most developed of The Bay Islands. Then we ran out of time and had to skip Utila and head for the safety of the Rio Dulce in Guatemala for hurricane season 2019, 2020 (COVID), 2021.</div><div><br /></div><div>So far, we are really diggin' Utila. The people are friendly and genuine. Things ashore are fairly easy to navigate. Many business owners who allows us to land and lock our dinghy at their docks. That is not always the case in places we cruise to. Easy trash disposal, provisioning, diesel, propane, water, etc....</div><div><br /></div><div>I am going to keep this first one short so that is all for now. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbujFulxqgDBzuadTcWShSBcuu8rxojoYx1y0V2qmct7tPDsejJQrdGaBXgPzbKfCyhgvK94SqHFJIguPYv_hfLjy-fHIoRXNZF56aOz6u7qKVIzSjCh_N48Uf4Bz-mltJSTOz-xodG8c-/s1600/1648137954427533-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbujFulxqgDBzuadTcWShSBcuu8rxojoYx1y0V2qmct7tPDsejJQrdGaBXgPzbKfCyhgvK94SqHFJIguPYv_hfLjy-fHIoRXNZF56aOz6u7qKVIzSjCh_N48Uf4Bz-mltJSTOz-xodG8c-/s1600/1648137954427533-0.png" width="400" /></a></div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-39005515817845195182018-12-31T13:30:00.001-06:002018-12-31T13:30:52.964-06:00S2R2 - Well, We Have Come This Far - Santa Marta<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dKFOEN1dI922NYegCkO7zHnsOvVDLq5MPZZt-b5F2M9EmdBwR-0FwqCI97DINlZcXPJP0BUsBFtvh1i8SqtfCZJLOne7CFvNoz-Gz2mqYN0GPTVVX_vLtuXPN21e2Kg9U_lj66JlWRo/s1600/IMG_20181221_174006282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dKFOEN1dI922NYegCkO7zHnsOvVDLq5MPZZt-b5F2M9EmdBwR-0FwqCI97DINlZcXPJP0BUsBFtvh1i8SqtfCZJLOne7CFvNoz-Gz2mqYN0GPTVVX_vLtuXPN21e2Kg9U_lj66JlWRo/s640/IMG_20181221_174006282.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Marta water front </td></tr>
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December 31 2018<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzgy_Ntj-hkGtRA0mVSMKQ4bUP-jr5ahdTnJSOfFce-aEvPPTPRCWL-y7T5cC0D4aG4F4O9vGnCDS1KLQr2MRrghzIssD2hxIZWYoJaub-zpkTCnGG4GIj4Fd1Zo93r0uxXq_9g4c_Fo/s1600/IMG_20181222_173214158_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzgy_Ntj-hkGtRA0mVSMKQ4bUP-jr5ahdTnJSOfFce-aEvPPTPRCWL-y7T5cC0D4aG4F4O9vGnCDS1KLQr2MRrghzIssD2hxIZWYoJaub-zpkTCnGG4GIj4Fd1Zo93r0uxXq_9g4c_Fo/s640/IMG_20181222_173214158_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S2R2 looking sharp</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4wROkKvFBEILjDZFkXRQKlG4xK6SlF5X_D5wiBZUuzTNaA_6JKkKQCx1Hd6dyVLUsDlIL57QfsFgm9DYfQwoT2DKcEFG5APtPwbvZKFflrRONMgNJI7lh8EDQG4ZD6WdFGYHGuXjr3A/s1600/IMG_20181221_174045682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4wROkKvFBEILjDZFkXRQKlG4xK6SlF5X_D5wiBZUuzTNaA_6JKkKQCx1Hd6dyVLUsDlIL57QfsFgm9DYfQwoT2DKcEFG5APtPwbvZKFflrRONMgNJI7lh8EDQG4ZD6WdFGYHGuXjr3A/s640/IMG_20181221_174045682.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S2R2 meeting</td></tr>
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We are finding Santa Marta Colombia a very vibrant city. I thought I would show you around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGUnq0aCb5rDfqBZCMyawyxyDun_uafie5bnwyWz-OlDKq0tjH59sTrC3LPYo8h6HuJEJhXhyphenhyphendI1CmMxshFL97kFVBEDF8Q_USaE6mOd79FB0lQBGk6zaCWanJMWlMhxH7RX6Q2KO5kg/s1600/IMG_20181219_155318885_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGUnq0aCb5rDfqBZCMyawyxyDun_uafie5bnwyWz-OlDKq0tjH59sTrC3LPYo8h6HuJEJhXhyphenhyphendI1CmMxshFL97kFVBEDF8Q_USaE6mOd79FB0lQBGk6zaCWanJMWlMhxH7RX6Q2KO5kg/s640/IMG_20181219_155318885_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We are staying in the IGY Marina. This area is very famous for strong gale force winds. The katabatic winds come screaming down the Sierra Nevada Mountains at night. It is not uncommon to have winds in the 30's with gust in the 40's and 50's. The other night it was howling. I got up and turned on our instruments. We had a gust of wind to 46 knots! Nice to be in a marina when those winds kick up. BTW - the marina staff is EXCELLENT!!!! We have been treated SO well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kVcxGO3KERX_JC1VyAasiY6hIr4xvyuYDzD9-Ss2YH_MNKXtz8IxGm6tjKRCJ77rucJX_QZdX_LUHY6Hr60Z1-NzMW8owTjZSnM9Hu5mBRFPW9BHms7r9SvIFUh21T1-sIJ9NNFpqCg/s1600/IMG_20181220_131628166_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kVcxGO3KERX_JC1VyAasiY6hIr4xvyuYDzD9-Ss2YH_MNKXtz8IxGm6tjKRCJ77rucJX_QZdX_LUHY6Hr60Z1-NzMW8owTjZSnM9Hu5mBRFPW9BHms7r9SvIFUh21T1-sIJ9NNFpqCg/s640/IMG_20181220_131628166_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Liberator Simon Bolivar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG75sBlg7n58wzv2k_Hzc2LxpQ1r6G7hHndw_xnGP58RKow0McBYiL66fsSul67CxRf4xQcFXtAcuY4690yORRIBVns5qokTPlT3-agDAZMHpPjfIID4nBVQK_n7qGujhFVKudiLjQslY/s1600/IMG_20181220_132537535_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG75sBlg7n58wzv2k_Hzc2LxpQ1r6G7hHndw_xnGP58RKow0McBYiL66fsSul67CxRf4xQcFXtAcuY4690yORRIBVns5qokTPlT3-agDAZMHpPjfIID4nBVQK_n7qGujhFVKudiLjQslY/s640/IMG_20181220_132537535_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Writer Gabo Museum </td></tr>
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Being in the marina has allowed us to explore the city at will. There are many Colombian's from other parts of Colombia here on holiday as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52x3TGASGsPD5BIinPiVQuP-cbsYOJz207sAfBNSlrhVgp0KoVWrNeewoJV2HH4B598fx3HrODNncLuIE6OI_Lanph4ACu9oHSuflxlGKA_KtVn3oYwRvraFeVIy3BKp9e8QTh4N-fe8/s1600/IMG_20181220_122444310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52x3TGASGsPD5BIinPiVQuP-cbsYOJz207sAfBNSlrhVgp0KoVWrNeewoJV2HH4B598fx3HrODNncLuIE6OI_Lanph4ACu9oHSuflxlGKA_KtVn3oYwRvraFeVIy3BKp9e8QTh4N-fe8/s640/IMG_20181220_122444310.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proper coffee with sv Quicksilver</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSNRpuszinOvqeza94Mj8pt_m4VitQmtGnTfrJDYjSQKSu2Yk2trbImo2zE_kRwjyP10pjrEAsBSXJZ7WJ3kNH8JbrdYvSwM-XRvBRINbKImFYlihj8WzMrYFMoz8g1D-rt2qW08dCT8/s1600/IMG_20181222_130027058_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSNRpuszinOvqeza94Mj8pt_m4VitQmtGnTfrJDYjSQKSu2Yk2trbImo2zE_kRwjyP10pjrEAsBSXJZ7WJ3kNH8JbrdYvSwM-XRvBRINbKImFYlihj8WzMrYFMoz8g1D-rt2qW08dCT8/s640/IMG_20181222_130027058_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shwarma </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNT4vaHKrFtEgUyzUJTG8FB2JfJgrx6kSigxLQ4KK6_tm5uimcNkGo4ifvgEQpy7cBbubpYVh9fxRR9lxuacV0oj7iAFNJ_X6s9NsuTqg0pn5zOCt8QEqyaEkaZvxoiUZOILN-gBXG9rE/s1600/Street+juice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNT4vaHKrFtEgUyzUJTG8FB2JfJgrx6kSigxLQ4KK6_tm5uimcNkGo4ifvgEQpy7cBbubpYVh9fxRR9lxuacV0oj7iAFNJ_X6s9NsuTqg0pn5zOCt8QEqyaEkaZvxoiUZOILN-gBXG9rE/s640/Street+juice.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh juice - Pic by Samantha Pettitt</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4NSVZFntLdiYIWi8r46T6IAxVVPcRYzTNQT9OsN_XQkf1bQ9EH0kE97uMxbqdpK6evLXD3OtBqLT1Ortv2KCKPZc5tvwH7JPV0yX0slCHc0peRQtlbFXnrJZfdeOGBeNVfaN4Cm_XcM/s1600/Street+mangos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4NSVZFntLdiYIWi8r46T6IAxVVPcRYzTNQT9OsN_XQkf1bQ9EH0kE97uMxbqdpK6evLXD3OtBqLT1Ortv2KCKPZc5tvwH7JPV0yX0slCHc0peRQtlbFXnrJZfdeOGBeNVfaN4Cm_XcM/s640/Street+mangos.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mangoes cut and ready to eat - Pic by Samantha Pettitt</td></tr>
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There are lots of restaurants and food stands. More than once, we've eaten our way up and down various streets here. The prices are low. Actually, it is just dirt cheap here in terms of food. "<i>Cheaper to eat out"</i> has been the general consciences among the S2R2 boats. Example: full meal - soup starter, meat, rice, salad, beans, plantain, and fresh juice =$10US for both of us. Street snacky food is really, really cheap. And YES, we eat it. No issues!! Fresh street juices made from real fruit are $2US for both of us with endless refills. You can just stand there next to the juice guy drinking as much as you want.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S2R2 boats enjoying the night life of Santa Marta</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharon sv Quicksilver in the heart of it all</td></tr>
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Not far from the marina, there are two or three streets that are pedestrian only. They are several blocks long. There is also a <i>"square."</i> This is the epicenter of action at night. Locals and tourist alike, stroll these areas, enjoying diner, drinks, and live performers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFNSQxqCLxGypmqbz4NqfjeCsLQJqm-4s8bT_dj1VosW3qLyCMEEGVwjdy3FmJiU1fq4UfDRQP45UKyJxV_q7aBNAckpb-ng-okhJNupwwRyNRl9UJNdBHJnXiBUkVSoZxYgRrwwjRug/s1600/IMG_20181220_220555963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFNSQxqCLxGypmqbz4NqfjeCsLQJqm-4s8bT_dj1VosW3qLyCMEEGVwjdy3FmJiU1fq4UfDRQP45UKyJxV_q7aBNAckpb-ng-okhJNupwwRyNRl9UJNdBHJnXiBUkVSoZxYgRrwwjRug/s640/IMG_20181220_220555963.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom enjoying the sounds of Funky Band</td></tr>
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In regard to the last item, live performers. We have seen a couple of different live street bands that are excellent and a young tumbling/break-dancing troupe.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tumbling / break dancing troupe</td></tr>
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The street art is kewl.<br />
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Along the waterfront near the marina, there are tons of street vendors selling hats, t-shirts, Colombia, woven purses and other tourist items.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UvW_uXSVSO9_EizmAi6pIqjYD5lq4HaEULIxxhzAZwA-x3YCKhhOZPugwsPrw9FZ3QQ8vW8fvzt8SUdRJ8MLkppvQOQeS34T77smoKd3IfT5wvZeEyX3EIk5oaM4ytYI8M5oPCHUWNo/s1600/IMG_20181220_232218856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UvW_uXSVSO9_EizmAi6pIqjYD5lq4HaEULIxxhzAZwA-x3YCKhhOZPugwsPrw9FZ3QQ8vW8fvzt8SUdRJ8MLkppvQOQeS34T77smoKd3IfT5wvZeEyX3EIk5oaM4ytYI8M5oPCHUWNo/s640/IMG_20181220_232218856.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conga line off the party bus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ3umgUwtWwxmwL3WR_9g80-kRCj1NxJ-VYu59ScM7zjQoNp-KYA88LrJx-oMTFQmInPvsZg2MEq_fazgNc12BX6Ql58yEJ_K1PUskpE8I_qaoDdCLfm7C6O34EavDfzx_ZzkaCE62vY/s1600/IMG_20181220_232439080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ3umgUwtWwxmwL3WR_9g80-kRCj1NxJ-VYu59ScM7zjQoNp-KYA88LrJx-oMTFQmInPvsZg2MEq_fazgNc12BX6Ql58yEJ_K1PUskpE8I_qaoDdCLfm7C6O34EavDfzx_ZzkaCE62vY/s640/IMG_20181220_232439080.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colombians on holiday - party bus</td></tr>
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SO vibrant!!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-90515518101487405352018-12-31T09:26:00.002-06:002018-12-31T09:26:21.458-06:00S2R - Well, We Have Come This Far - Minca Day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZ2QQckdaDr_34C6xUwvGw6kOolndJKG2jaeKrmNR15griqvPA05I6jitwSjbSTLkMM6zR3iY2tg7ICur2T63L4HZh6noOrX-nlYZeWHUaulAyPFHZC5_zutt_Xr11G2hNASx0NmV78w/s1600/IMG_20181229_103042340_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZ2QQckdaDr_34C6xUwvGw6kOolndJKG2jaeKrmNR15griqvPA05I6jitwSjbSTLkMM6zR3iY2tg7ICur2T63L4HZh6noOrX-nlYZeWHUaulAyPFHZC5_zutt_Xr11G2hNASx0NmV78w/s640/IMG_20181229_103042340_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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December 29 2018</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OFzpl8Q-FYhNMrfSvX3_YA7AA-Asw1r3W-iv21CdfS75IXpxESdQNdeI3wNpAiYGe39MMFyXj2beVi4zE2BgBfcG4N2TzAmubdDJULdJMRA2ELzKAN7ivGBxVuAzP2cYp7LMSSmCAXE/s1600/IMG_20181229_105441982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OFzpl8Q-FYhNMrfSvX3_YA7AA-Asw1r3W-iv21CdfS75IXpxESdQNdeI3wNpAiYGe39MMFyXj2beVi4zE2BgBfcG4N2TzAmubdDJULdJMRA2ELzKAN7ivGBxVuAzP2cYp7LMSSmCAXE/s640/IMG_20181229_105441982.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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After a fairly good night's sleep in our hostel hut, we dressed and joined the others on the common patio. Btw - the mosquito netting worked. However, I think a gecko or something similar ran across the netting on the upper part of my pillow and hair during the night! And hearing a river rushing by so close throughout the night was a new sensation for us. Breakfast was included in our room and consisted of coffee, two crepe like pancakes, good scrambled eggs and fresh bananas and papaya. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbY2M1xO_ODP9W2Q1Bbrx_Wunt3eQA0yNw-A1St5e74g-n1W4UdDUZoNot0m30lreJC5knv3ZSCvK7Mb5jiedCiqwreSFfHthEaK5oc73obpQTKJtfMXDNxydet6gkO27TPtPkBUnKw0/s1600/IMG_20181229_120431825_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbY2M1xO_ODP9W2Q1Bbrx_Wunt3eQA0yNw-A1St5e74g-n1W4UdDUZoNot0m30lreJC5knv3ZSCvK7Mb5jiedCiqwreSFfHthEaK5oc73obpQTKJtfMXDNxydet6gkO27TPtPkBUnKw0/s640/IMG_20181229_120431825_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lat and long at the waterfall</td></tr>
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Today's plan was to hike up to Marinka Waterfall - Casade de Marinka in Spanish. The hostel staff confirmed the directions and distance. <i>"One hour walk but steep." </i>So longer for me! We organized our stuff, <i>"Of course you can leave your items here!" </i> Then we paid our bill and set off across the river. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWDsma2I6zpoLXpzR2-eIp92lQDid5n8oN856gZfpniLlT9wve9RKddu9_A2DRTR9MBJNcgTxpWENXyhTQKVed8ZFLzx0LX6KK3E6a0X1lJrGIW_xhxaK56AHBlWWSRzPhoBg0bzuewo/s1600/IMG_20181229_115750102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWDsma2I6zpoLXpzR2-eIp92lQDid5n8oN856gZfpniLlT9wve9RKddu9_A2DRTR9MBJNcgTxpWENXyhTQKVed8ZFLzx0LX6KK3E6a0X1lJrGIW_xhxaK56AHBlWWSRzPhoBg0bzuewo/s640/IMG_20181229_115750102.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The hike up to the waterfall was on the road/trail and mainly shaded. It was steep at times. And of course I am out of shape, especially for mountain hiking but we managed. Many locals and Colombians from other areas of Colombia were hiking up too. Some came by Moto Mink motobikes and a few by 4 wheel drive. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDF8ap0ERFvaLUYMpPhtIUjLGgJmkXOxjDKz7dH466auaF0yE-9hFIeti4q1gHBTckoJcVFB6jUNd2UBCU7qILVnnL_agZyuIVkh_dnAYotuPmiOvKJHwRvAQpt3v_Gcc2UyE-LGn4Ws/s1600/IMG_20181229_112336341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDF8ap0ERFvaLUYMpPhtIUjLGgJmkXOxjDKz7dH466auaF0yE-9hFIeti4q1gHBTckoJcVFB6jUNd2UBCU7qILVnnL_agZyuIVkh_dnAYotuPmiOvKJHwRvAQpt3v_Gcc2UyE-LGn4Ws/s640/IMG_20181229_112336341.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mr1KJpxKMBM74oq6VpVR3x4ox_IfYWtzGQXx9O7JAB-cuFQ1l4I4TJoVBheJ4PG46QUkdYiQnBbupQD4DNUoMpJfAYwld3uHSZm4tl97QkUCNGRZTJS_oromAGruP_62otHRFNVaExc/s1600/IMG_20181229_112647362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mr1KJpxKMBM74oq6VpVR3x4ox_IfYWtzGQXx9O7JAB-cuFQ1l4I4TJoVBheJ4PG46QUkdYiQnBbupQD4DNUoMpJfAYwld3uHSZm4tl97QkUCNGRZTJS_oromAGruP_62otHRFNVaExc/s640/IMG_20181229_112647362.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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An hour or so later, we arrived. $5,000 COP each entry fee or $3US total. The waterfall was nice with two levels. We came this far, so of course we got in. The water was <u><i>refreshing</i></u> aka chilly. S2R2 boat sv Tao Pao showed up and took a dip as well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitq4fMhclamIfCSxvSjGVmrSdGCpQcHWGSBjfzfrwV1yd7P_78WoL0K_e7eDao1WaWhjfHvnHHG89yFgzdjySDTkIouFRRdUWzzEUq_Ly80CzwQSCrP91nsWO_njhJOlLkrT_55rRuZKs/s1600/IMG_20181229_112548196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitq4fMhclamIfCSxvSjGVmrSdGCpQcHWGSBjfzfrwV1yd7P_78WoL0K_e7eDao1WaWhjfHvnHHG89yFgzdjySDTkIouFRRdUWzzEUq_Ly80CzwQSCrP91nsWO_njhJOlLkrT_55rRuZKs/s640/IMG_20181229_112548196.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We dried off and hiked down. A hint from Sher on sv Tao Pao lead us to a yummy chicken lunch in Minca - soup starter, rice, fries, small salad, 1/4 toasted chicken each and fresh juice smoothies. </div>
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We booked our ride home and walked back to the hostel to get our other bag. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1r_Zz_FmS2i_34cOwRs6PrwCe-TELYwO6BQTdxYdxX2H4YvFTTiB8p6CHOn9WHrruc_JLlVQ2-Z2Au-2MuehMb5jnWHmsk6HIfRCZpA4X8NNKfqNNYvMq_RpYa4qqOMyNmeFYG_tgiNg/s1600/IMG_20181229_135428995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1r_Zz_FmS2i_34cOwRs6PrwCe-TELYwO6BQTdxYdxX2H4YvFTTiB8p6CHOn9WHrruc_JLlVQ2-Z2Au-2MuehMb5jnWHmsk6HIfRCZpA4X8NNKfqNNYvMq_RpYa4qqOMyNmeFYG_tgiNg/s640/IMG_20181229_135428995.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mural on the wall of the lunch spot</td></tr>
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The ride home was a souped up, mountain ready Land Cruiser. Tom and I stuffed in front, 9 others crammed in the back. Again, our driver was very cautious and easy driving us back down to Santa Marta. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VPcbtgaMjEThvWZTS7MzR0vENEwcmI3m7DFMgyGQ2wElqzoN1BBUypkPOEtEqRnVGTEgSLJ6DxmVJZPYqglTu7D6bN9RJfY810PY_QT9ntlelKOz2mBuW0AKxZey7OfZ8FEWkKfTULw/s1600/IMG_20181229_154832301_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VPcbtgaMjEThvWZTS7MzR0vENEwcmI3m7DFMgyGQ2wElqzoN1BBUypkPOEtEqRnVGTEgSLJ6DxmVJZPYqglTu7D6bN9RJfY810PY_QT9ntlelKOz2mBuW0AKxZey7OfZ8FEWkKfTULw/s640/IMG_20181229_154832301_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our ride down</td></tr>
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We arrived back home to the boat around 16:30 tired, hot and a tad but sore from all the walking. </div>
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But what a wonderful time in Minca!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-50903867748853173522018-12-31T08:56:00.003-06:002018-12-31T08:56:44.354-06:00S2R2 - Well, We Have Come This Far - Minca<div dir="ltr">
*Never mind me waiting to do this post until I <u>catch</u> up. We are just going to dive right into the current action, ok?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJx_wsyBOMA1hYVtLy09HweblC3l_m4QXxSkXjDGjD_33P3ION4xIa_N0GYgzp6Zrsv3GOq4HwteBXkaPVLdD_rDmlmE1GznROt9qZAXRkJUsVZDlJalpBZPGq5a6HcpYRzlySVuVZmCc/s1600/IMG_20181228_112548993_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJx_wsyBOMA1hYVtLy09HweblC3l_m4QXxSkXjDGjD_33P3ION4xIa_N0GYgzp6Zrsv3GOq4HwteBXkaPVLdD_rDmlmE1GznROt9qZAXRkJUsVZDlJalpBZPGq5a6HcpYRzlySVuVZmCc/s640/IMG_20181228_112548993_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Minca with Santa Marta in the distance</td></tr>
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December 28, 2018</div>
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We are in Santa Marta Colombia in the IGY Marina. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoGGNU5ydglYotXcTx8aF23tjY9wJsokdvasy3DWIl-rs6avSLLEtuT6mLy4T3obe6_5DXqbOYQNpowzHnoPsU2hA3blnKEwmzIxcM-OrCgBKq-SRmfRD40ADLSLMPWR675i5nf2fo3U/s1600/IMG_20181228_074019267_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoGGNU5ydglYotXcTx8aF23tjY9wJsokdvasy3DWIl-rs6avSLLEtuT6mLy4T3obe6_5DXqbOYQNpowzHnoPsU2hA3blnKEwmzIxcM-OrCgBKq-SRmfRD40ADLSLMPWR675i5nf2fo3U/s640/IMG_20181228_074019267_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taxi that runs on natural gas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFokPx0JyDPQRjuiTmsqI6y-U6OJET0V8R7cp-ztMWOUcgpJwWWSoBcG6YO4AKlYblsW_s9bot0iS_uSJItUXcQY1HpDI5t6hjqjQ6MhymmolkZMebtH1EcJH0Yu7JoxqjacjOAum1LsA/s1600/IMG_20181228_074006423_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFokPx0JyDPQRjuiTmsqI6y-U6OJET0V8R7cp-ztMWOUcgpJwWWSoBcG6YO4AKlYblsW_s9bot0iS_uSJItUXcQY1HpDI5t6hjqjQ6MhymmolkZMebtH1EcJH0Yu7JoxqjacjOAum1LsA/s640/IMG_20181228_074006423_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refueling with natural gas</td></tr>
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We packed our backpacks and were off the boat by 7:30 this morning. Tom flagged down a local cab and negotiated our ride up the the mountain town of Minca. It is approximately 22 km from Santa Marta in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Colombia. All the trip reviews flag it as a backpackers paradise. We knew other cruisers who had been and really enjoyed it, so why not go have a look? <b>We've come this far!</b> <u>One note of interest</u> - Minca has only been opened up to tourist for approximately 10 years. Prior to that, paramilitary forces in the surrounding hills and roads meant it was a no - go for any tourist -local (as in Colombian) or international. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaBB7mnk0J9lxankOEn8I4jIMJQhoME99vqNccHdYueo9FUfUZJSFzX0SWA4MQzmdwK2FCxorwpbj0GMLFRxHs9Fh7Ah9_L055LcsS95sW935m8UdJ5N2ArhTwUEChp3mcjeNB3phRUo/s1600/Minca+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaBB7mnk0J9lxankOEn8I4jIMJQhoME99vqNccHdYueo9FUfUZJSFzX0SWA4MQzmdwK2FCxorwpbj0GMLFRxHs9Fh7Ah9_L055LcsS95sW935m8UdJ5N2ArhTwUEChp3mcjeNB3phRUo/s640/Minca+map.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted maps of Minca found all over town</td></tr>
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Based on what we read online and other cruisers experience, we decided a simple day trip with a guide would not be enough for us. We wanted more. So we researched and booked a hostel. Our first hostel. Turns out this would be a trip of many firsts. Btw - we researched, read reviews but in the end, it's really just a roll of the dice when booking travel, isn't it?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBmd81LVsntiOALVftoCmCFagCN_yLCbebbHBCmpY__3ZXJyKto3JwUst66KYwspf-2SdojcN-cC1YetFzXlOVmFEIarUKNlXdmzVPCFZ2Et1hGtD5a56oZcVUEqjImj_ZZ6mRZRL1XM/s1600/IMG_20181228_093830791_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBmd81LVsntiOALVftoCmCFagCN_yLCbebbHBCmpY__3ZXJyKto3JwUst66KYwspf-2SdojcN-cC1YetFzXlOVmFEIarUKNlXdmzVPCFZ2Et1hGtD5a56oZcVUEqjImj_ZZ6mRZRL1XM/s640/IMG_20181228_093830791_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minca mural</td></tr>
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Our taxi driver spoke very little English. We don't speak any Spanish other than a few basics but he had some good tunes playing and we managed a few bits of friendly communication and many head nods and smiles. At first, the traffic was light, then we hit true rush hour traffic. <b>Omg</b> - buses, trucks, taxis, motorbikes, bicycles and even a few donkey driven carts where everywhere. I think it was a three lane road each way but I can't be sure as no one seemed to use the lanes. There were many close calls as we crept along and a lot of horn honking but no one got mad and yelled. We stopped before leaving town to refuel. He made us get out of the car. We didn't understand at first. I thought perhaps we would be forced to pay for the refueling, not part of the deal Tom negotiated. But we quickly learned, we had to get out because the taxi runs on natural gas and staying in the car during fueling is forbidden. Our first ride in a natural gas powered car. We suspect the buses may be the same. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdLQoSxsvb3YPHbNjVcGPyNqZkr9Da2HNWvmC4NhpSYvmZ0epDzUx__OiLD_eavUz2FoHKV92IedUdGxslBEKBCbh4wOH_8s2K_DPRQrL9N7kU4M8d3uxxKkcX1zL35zEKoCJULe_MQo/s1600/IMG_20181228_125833968_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdLQoSxsvb3YPHbNjVcGPyNqZkr9Da2HNWvmC4NhpSYvmZ0epDzUx__OiLD_eavUz2FoHKV92IedUdGxslBEKBCbh4wOH_8s2K_DPRQrL9N7kU4M8d3uxxKkcX1zL35zEKoCJULe_MQo/s640/IMG_20181228_125833968_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountains around Minca</td></tr>
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We arrived 45 mins later in Minca. He dropped us at the main intersection. We decided coffee was needed as we skipped it on the boat. We had a cup at a place close by our drop off point and just sat taking it all in. Yes, backpackers everywhere. And motorbikes. <b>Omg</b> - so many motorbikes. Many dressed the same, with jackets that said <u>"Moto Mink"</u>. Hum? </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiMA9X0GUXnIBsh9uph2qlD0p62zmMHWGwA872aq-mbcBsm9eQcTgP5Na0FvYEqijrAErb8R2glDaBLbJf1ezTczqf0dyIXglG0_s9Dx6z-HuZ6HSTz08znMgTZATodvpaS1BTLymgjY/s1600/IMG_20181229_144051857_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiMA9X0GUXnIBsh9uph2qlD0p62zmMHWGwA872aq-mbcBsm9eQcTgP5Na0FvYEqijrAErb8R2glDaBLbJf1ezTczqf0dyIXglG0_s9Dx6z-HuZ6HSTz08znMgTZATodvpaS1BTLymgjY/s640/IMG_20181229_144051857_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moto Mink drivers</td></tr>
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Next item was to find our hostel and get thelay of the land. We wondered a bit as Google Maps had a road crossing a river where there wasn't road. Minca is a mountain town like those in West Virginia or such, where the town is small but spread out because of a river and mountain terrain. We found breakfast as we searched for our hostel. Tom had an empanada. I had mashed potato ball stuffed with chicken and veggies, I forget what these are called here in Colombia but yum! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNIp20Ez5VC0h9O7dxMj4x3Uof4GjQHzKYC6z3wyxvF8K-GrKXggHgMn-h-SzGuNt7Yo0XIx8HbuGvn2m-oJUgFucrOq9ln2KcdwAl_IiL9H2uayr8C_Wgwza9fonOyhAhShpd8PMgqo/s1600/IMG_20181228_125837913_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNIp20Ez5VC0h9O7dxMj4x3Uof4GjQHzKYC6z3wyxvF8K-GrKXggHgMn-h-SzGuNt7Yo0XIx8HbuGvn2m-oJUgFucrOq9ln2KcdwAl_IiL9H2uayr8C_Wgwza9fonOyhAhShpd8PMgqo/s640/IMG_20181228_125837913_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountains around Minca</td></tr>
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Also along the way to our hostel, we ran into two other S2R2 boats. They had came up the day before and gave us some hints and tips. 15 mins later we ran into several other S2R2 boats on a group touristy day trip with guide.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHBQYVMh9i0AdF7c66oTA84OYPlVEAX2Q8FO8b98ValDidZ36XODQ8Bia7gQKUACUgt-x908SU7kqkDi4W0o70QCdvtq-_Jqpw05aOKlssV2WXEE2rCcUeImek4_Vay1K8l0PoXnz3xo/s1600/IMG_20181228_095708005_BURST000_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHBQYVMh9i0AdF7c66oTA84OYPlVEAX2Q8FO8b98ValDidZ36XODQ8Bia7gQKUACUgt-x908SU7kqkDi4W0o70QCdvtq-_Jqpw05aOKlssV2WXEE2rCcUeImek4_Vay1K8l0PoXnz3xo/s640/IMG_20181228_095708005_BURST000_COVER.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to our hostel</td></tr>
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Soon enough we found our hostel - Costeno River. It's lovely! The young people running it were very nice. They had limited English but a young Israeli guy staying there knows Spanish and English and helped interpret. Btw - everyone is young in Minca! We were too early to check into our private room but they said we could leave our stuff and go exploring. They gave us a rough briefing of the various sites and hikes around. Kewl! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviXDPkVSgGdHBKmC13iCqJ_kqIiapmgOVxKdP5l13HPXy628CXXbJUt5oTPfaTCF4p13d0JCg427ZC8_3gxq_gY9ztyoqLRsCAwexyuZ_F07FaxUe204TuzwDyitBjEuR-OMl2UhomiM/s1600/IMG_20181228_105152209_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviXDPkVSgGdHBKmC13iCqJ_kqIiapmgOVxKdP5l13HPXy628CXXbJUt5oTPfaTCF4p13d0JCg427ZC8_3gxq_gY9ztyoqLRsCAwexyuZ_F07FaxUe204TuzwDyitBjEuR-OMl2UhomiM/s640/IMG_20181228_105152209_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee plant</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapYG38Suio7ejzVPU70sc4KKP0cZn8QchRlWgB1DQPvrgfxZqq8RXgmN0vnFGDsY0T5PuhwemMgCmmTr6S54kpEc1LphG6wIAqZtmnd0vGpUI2cs8sST0eozHQP6fI29WAi6nusjMTfY/s1600/IMG_20181228_151443058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapYG38Suio7ejzVPU70sc4KKP0cZn8QchRlWgB1DQPvrgfxZqq8RXgmN0vnFGDsY0T5PuhwemMgCmmTr6S54kpEc1LphG6wIAqZtmnd0vGpUI2cs8sST0eozHQP6fI29WAi6nusjMTfY/s640/IMG_20181228_151443058.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee beans and shell - sweet to taste - shell has the most caffeine</td></tr>
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One reason we came to Minca was for cocoa and coffee farm tours. There were a couple of options but we opted for La Candelaria Farm as it had both. However, it is WAY up in the mountains. Up from Minca. The hike would take quite a bit of time and effort. Prior research all pointed to the local solution - hire motorbikes, Moto Mink, the guys we saw at the main intersection and everywhere we had been so far. It is the main mode of transportation for locals and tourist alike. The hostel people and the Israeli said it was fine. So we agreed and they made the call for us. It seems they have a sort of union of these driver guys. Soon two motorbikes with drivers were beeping for us up in the car park. <u>Oh boy!</u> This would be a <b>BIG</b> first for us!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiacoJuscA2x4W_HQ4uNN_pvXkzBjcJwKKa-76p4s-MB8LQbo9wjr29VH1l3duZmWCvKDBSiJ0oEJZ-3k43PYNPKkGPymsWfYxALCBTDnyG4XJQE_wTyXyCy-jnfMavNp7RDtyCXrIZLE/s1600/IMG_20181229_144038198_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiacoJuscA2x4W_HQ4uNN_pvXkzBjcJwKKa-76p4s-MB8LQbo9wjr29VH1l3duZmWCvKDBSiJ0oEJZ-3k43PYNPKkGPymsWfYxALCBTDnyG4XJQE_wTyXyCy-jnfMavNp7RDtyCXrIZLE/s640/IMG_20181229_144038198_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moto Mink drivers</td></tr>
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We are not motorbike riders. I don't think I have been on a motorcycle since.......high school or college. My driver, Hayden sensed it, offered me his helmet, (which I took and immediately put on) and motioned that I could hang on to him around his tummy. Most of the other riders are used to riding and thus simply hang on to handles on each side of their seat or not at all! One woman was in a skirt with heels riding side- saddle on the back with the greatest of ease and grace. I saw a grandfather with a young (8 or so) rider behind him with a stack of 5 gallon buckets in between. Families of three riding, sometimes with very young kids. It is just how people and sometimes stuff gets around in this mountain town. Btw - Tom held on the his driver's shoulder with one hand and his seat handle with the other. He said that worked fine for him. I stayed with the tummy hug on Hayden. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_X3RJGQAHI_sAXKwBOLX0CUlrIEFLiuzdat16om5hDtnwRnLrLguC-QhSAA7pXABTp_eSf-4lMwQseQDzQEaUJhNNImxSY-bX2XZ5HmAPo7l-ZzXGcf36hYmuA7z2mcB9hYvyW32FHvA/s1600/IMG_20181228_165547564_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_X3RJGQAHI_sAXKwBOLX0CUlrIEFLiuzdat16om5hDtnwRnLrLguC-QhSAA7pXABTp_eSf-4lMwQseQDzQEaUJhNNImxSY-bX2XZ5HmAPo7l-ZzXGcf36hYmuA7z2mcB9hYvyW32FHvA/s640/IMG_20181228_165547564_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical road/trail/path</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtRQxQ9bpEouXjMLhZ5CqtbQDE4Fq7eqcsvhnmJ5FxNHM355rkFIJcw9LhslGa_7EziQ67XjfyRLcuY2hFgQpkvlO6rCMTEnrqtKOCPu8cj5BsGTzKWQnE40VEPrZ7Zj8IFmyS70UA_4/s1600/IMG_20181228_170645538_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtRQxQ9bpEouXjMLhZ5CqtbQDE4Fq7eqcsvhnmJ5FxNHM355rkFIJcw9LhslGa_7EziQ67XjfyRLcuY2hFgQpkvlO6rCMTEnrqtKOCPu8cj5BsGTzKWQnE40VEPrZ7Zj8IFmyS70UA_4/s640/IMG_20181228_170645538_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical traffic plus motorbikes</td></tr>
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Off we went. I made a few squeals at the first bend, first hill, and first rut in the road but soon I got the hang of it. I think I heard Hayden chuckling at my reactions. Both drivers were very good. They did not go fast, only fast enough to negotiate the crazy mountain road/ trail/ path. First it was a concrete road, then just two concrete strips, then dirt with deep ruts, then some concrete broken up, then dirt again and so on. Up, up, up we climbed. Once or twice we actually went down (in the holler, so to speak). Those times I was smashed forward against Hayden because I was holding his tummy vs my handles. Oh well. He seemed to take it in stride. Soon enough we were going up again and I was back in position. Up, up, up we went. I have no idea of the elevation, I think we ended up at......1243 meters above sea level? You can Google it to be sure if you so desire.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ceEne4mylaHtBLTVLJvbUdpJoSBiNpYcjuVYfOg4ZNGxRPU4R2qw4pBLpqElIhfZFBB1VMd0sEwilGlF-52KI8hkZSBF-FSzo46RwELrUhLkm7lZKxVlewFuY4ooMXBzyOwHcZVlqow/s1600/IMG_20181228_104935391_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ceEne4mylaHtBLTVLJvbUdpJoSBiNpYcjuVYfOg4ZNGxRPU4R2qw4pBLpqElIhfZFBB1VMd0sEwilGlF-52KI8hkZSBF-FSzo46RwELrUhLkm7lZKxVlewFuY4ooMXBzyOwHcZVlqow/s640/IMG_20181228_104935391_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Candelaria Cocao and Coffee Farm</td></tr>
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I kept thinking <i>"I cannot believe we are doing this"</i> and yet I was very impressed with our drivers. And then we arrived. Not at the farm but the path up to the farm. Tom paid the guys $15,000COP each or $10US total. Tom's driver entered Moto Mink WhatsApp number and his name in my phone in case we needed a ride down or a ride somewhere else. We assured them we could walk it down and thanked them. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ga60ZtR52ZqP5JheywJHsnQhQUkADQBmmiP6zoJfg_uuCWHfBptko3a1i26JKepCSHlSrL3fibkW6JgZ9W6baEEhu4z5qxWVGrQ-fKBRtKdNdqGlgGJNs5OtmAG9V10gIunlwWvz7Bw/s1600/IMG_20181228_110346970_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ga60ZtR52ZqP5JheywJHsnQhQUkADQBmmiP6zoJfg_uuCWHfBptko3a1i26JKepCSHlSrL3fibkW6JgZ9W6baEEhu4z5qxWVGrQ-fKBRtKdNdqGlgGJNs5OtmAG9V10gIunlwWvz7Bw/s640/IMG_20181228_110346970_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poinsettia bushes everywhere </td></tr>
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The 15 min hike up to the farm was steep but beautiful. The trail was nicely maintained and as a bonus, had poinsettias planted along the path. Wow! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEYVD5dZ6wc32LetNRyEV7VMLt6-TFpW5rlxApljYkZn2ej9B5cX9n21t5jvpjDQly4FhBxnBe9_xYW0DE9WGjPZmPcyHHI8ku2JQnbDcwVSzaSl2dv0lI9Apteoe2K735DTia6yEhwE/s1600/IMG_20181228_125958931_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEYVD5dZ6wc32LetNRyEV7VMLt6-TFpW5rlxApljYkZn2ej9B5cX9n21t5jvpjDQly4FhBxnBe9_xYW0DE9WGjPZmPcyHHI8ku2JQnbDcwVSzaSl2dv0lI9Apteoe2K735DTia6yEhwE/s640/IMG_20181228_125958931_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cocoa and coffee Farm</td></tr>
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At the farm, we ran into sv Canapesia and sv Innamorata again. They were red faced and sweaty. They had hiked most of the way up. Near the end, Carol flagged down a truck and begged a ride. They agreed we were the smart ones to come by motorbike. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-0SsD9wSt8-W6ZaD5K4C7TCa3utY2KGNy1NTJzUNj3YjK2q5qhay7cVvK2gV4U9tCgv-FilaT9-UitGqSAqk0ZY724r0QYySBuonpazWK_Xzkh3nq5WDNhXDFgbDSC_CqsKObhhJcQM/s1600/IMG_20181228_111023887_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-0SsD9wSt8-W6ZaD5K4C7TCa3utY2KGNy1NTJzUNj3YjK2q5qhay7cVvK2gV4U9tCgv-FilaT9-UitGqSAqk0ZY724r0QYySBuonpazWK_Xzkh3nq5WDNhXDFgbDSC_CqsKObhhJcQM/s640/IMG_20181228_111023887_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Touci the Toucan - can you see him</td></tr>
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We had to wait for the next tour but the view from the shaded veranda was stunning. In the far distance, we could just see Santa Marta below on the sea. A wild toucan bird that has become the farm's mascot kept us entertained hopping around in the trees just off the veranda and then occasionally over to the feeder near us to grab a piece of fruit and pose. Touci is quite the poser - seriously! The Kardashians have got nothing on Touci! Ha! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4tkDZPIr55-sgJQx4aCC6Ao2fOD617hjlLd3kttqMISh-Fj5Q7T0msuD_e3OVx9c4dHzaeKTVbsGS59j8iYEsZBjwTBCyyKipLpYtpmJgUZvWaxkyzV1mdvt3QBvHWHlCXFP53XeNl8/s1600/IMG_20181228_121647371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4tkDZPIr55-sgJQx4aCC6Ao2fOD617hjlLd3kttqMISh-Fj5Q7T0msuD_e3OVx9c4dHzaeKTVbsGS59j8iYEsZBjwTBCyyKipLpYtpmJgUZvWaxkyzV1mdvt3QBvHWHlCXFP53XeNl8/s640/IMG_20181228_121647371.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eugene teaching us about cocoa, bean to cup</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXOS3eFOMuz1EtQjJxP_sj2t2RK5Qzb2NZ1iVvi8dAm1VEbYBPQ6iNule9kDHZSm1PHXQO7kiz2dCeue6fiRTPb0XaqO_BcHf5MgUzY2PwPtakSjUZKjd-_m7j6Pxs5RqhpE2dwuOa2o/s1600/IMG_20181228_122119751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXOS3eFOMuz1EtQjJxP_sj2t2RK5Qzb2NZ1iVvi8dAm1VEbYBPQ6iNule9kDHZSm1PHXQO7kiz2dCeue6fiRTPb0XaqO_BcHf5MgUzY2PwPtakSjUZKjd-_m7j6Pxs5RqhpE2dwuOa2o/s640/IMG_20181228_122119751.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His demo roaster for cocoa seeds and coffee beans</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEMoAOhadTxDLPyICfMuYD_hOMetjgHVLDr5XV9boRYGP0eII-G83rIOt0FgvrF-tDObmCGQ8leTtLCKmUlQydUC-QLArx9GXkCkiZqFrENI5PZ20qjjD3BUHx893deMC7B9DxXcFi8U/s1600/IMG_20181228_123017256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEMoAOhadTxDLPyICfMuYD_hOMetjgHVLDr5XV9boRYGP0eII-G83rIOt0FgvrF-tDObmCGQ8leTtLCKmUlQydUC-QLArx9GXkCkiZqFrENI5PZ20qjjD3BUHx893deMC7B9DxXcFi8U/s640/IMG_20181228_123017256.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cocoa seeds, pure ground and molded chocolate</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8m2a4CqyVH506w3N8bopqBIhixE8sZgVpG1PgqOuNgKWBJ0fN0k0LBFE-X46PE_NQ5SqJrha6KHxSJcJdkrp7VjzYiE4RZtt48zUZl4Q6i-iaJzjQHNMTWUro6rPB7KKCBsAM_NYbV-E/s1600/Chocolate+mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8m2a4CqyVH506w3N8bopqBIhixE8sZgVpG1PgqOuNgKWBJ0fN0k0LBFE-X46PE_NQ5SqJrha6KHxSJcJdkrp7VjzYiE4RZtt48zUZl4Q6i-iaJzjQHNMTWUro6rPB7KKCBsAM_NYbV-E/s640/Chocolate+mask.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate masks - very soft skin aftward</td></tr>
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Owner of the farm, Eugene, does the tours himself. We started with the cocoa tour on the path looking at cocoa trees. We ended up in a room at the farm where he demonstrated the various stages. This farm is know for it's tours that are<i> 'seed to cup"</i>. He roasted cocoa beans for us right there in a tiny roaster he built for demo purposes - <i>"off a You Tube"</i> video he saw! Then he ground the seeds. Then molded the chocolate. Then made a pure cocoa drink with hot water for us, all the while teaching us all things cocoa and chocolate.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCGhlNIRYEtAtrB3-cgfMoG9dPe0Rscpe2px2ZTbfAiJrcxIFdv3PMnwVF131EHt6dtLr14ber4REmAUZ5Y9ElaNAiVaMuSebi1_iOH1EVb7DUYKxOa5VTIorvrqJA9uRV83VnlkdCB4/s1600/IMG_20181228_151740552_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCGhlNIRYEtAtrB3-cgfMoG9dPe0Rscpe2px2ZTbfAiJrcxIFdv3PMnwVF131EHt6dtLr14ber4REmAUZ5Y9ElaNAiVaMuSebi1_iOH1EVb7DUYKxOa5VTIorvrqJA9uRV83VnlkdCB4/s640/IMG_20181228_151740552_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee picking basket with beans drying in the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLzNumRwuFTKdCXpnxANRL5DBP8VTX7RRrC0iYHWwDDusNsYoG_qnZQZYqnRELPGc8XU_2r7SKuucq99e2VRtI1jpsrS6bE2nlqlSIOAMSYS00FYokk58XJliijlaBWrBm0kHbEx-fog/s1600/IMG_20181228_151948418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLzNumRwuFTKdCXpnxANRL5DBP8VTX7RRrC0iYHWwDDusNsYoG_qnZQZYqnRELPGc8XU_2r7SKuucq99e2VRtI1jpsrS6bE2nlqlSIOAMSYS00FYokk58XJliijlaBWrBm0kHbEx-fog/s640/IMG_20181228_151948418.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee processing machine - I forget which stage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdlH9UOKnd79nGWwKFu6Wxzj1LvYy5BTkbkFpkE4nwbd35NpZl1zFwsZzzxDDrquoP-ghwR7s5emW6oYOAh9U6q2zqVpFcE4eS2PITCsTFhZk1M6RTNsveXJOHKVJhGYzyv03kobHxZ0/s1600/IMG_20181228_152811905_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdlH9UOKnd79nGWwKFu6Wxzj1LvYy5BTkbkFpkE4nwbd35NpZl1zFwsZzzxDDrquoP-ghwR7s5emW6oYOAh9U6q2zqVpFcE4eS2PITCsTFhZk1M6RTNsveXJOHKVJhGYzyv03kobHxZ0/s640/IMG_20181228_152811905_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old fashion method of shelling</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjVSRy3lTQZstIpBhJAfZt5mJOE1ecwbvvQRZJhIQcoGv_IzU8ifFMxwfKaTagQG8B95JZa9iXM1zheyj-QWtunFRuGzyacAkhUYLT-Z4XRcX53_6RzVAD6Kp7dFJeOv3HJ2Sw4SMxfE/s1600/IMG_20181228_154055286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjVSRy3lTQZstIpBhJAfZt5mJOE1ecwbvvQRZJhIQcoGv_IzU8ifFMxwfKaTagQG8B95JZa9iXM1zheyj-QWtunFRuGzyacAkhUYLT-Z4XRcX53_6RzVAD6Kp7dFJeOv3HJ2Sw4SMxfE/s640/IMG_20181228_154055286.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grinding the coffee beans</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5-dcASU9ZnRik_8II-TR7QfH_iRF-S2i-ndYPHoXucK25g4XuOm7thyphenhyphenM6PoJ_xAJeWzlOMiuIOdzujFO-JTvDp6eLXNyeZ6DHOFpA_wrBftEzLBXMfnzviyrR5z9KRniEMEmj1ybO0s/s1600/IMG_20181228_153957398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5-dcASU9ZnRik_8II-TR7QfH_iRF-S2i-ndYPHoXucK25g4XuOm7thyphenhyphenM6PoJ_xAJeWzlOMiuIOdzujFO-JTvDp6eLXNyeZ6DHOFpA_wrBftEzLBXMfnzviyrR5z9KRniEMEmj1ybO0s/s640/IMG_20181228_153957398.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making coffee - don't let the water boil</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF36nRw1J94_gXJmDgnlNwNTYiyrjHs-z0BQNswTfuDzq_4tS59cw7q1S4YB914WweQVbghJcFa6dGHV7arNIKiiHRoL50bmRWDqpJIacUTUk_j5SuKYwMgdaJrXSMnOO8LpLBqyBiJis/s640/IMG_20181228_123535823.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real Colombia coffee - hmmmmm</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF36nRw1J94_gXJmDgnlNwNTYiyrjHs-z0BQNswTfuDzq_4tS59cw7q1S4YB914WweQVbghJcFa6dGHV7arNIKiiHRoL50bmRWDqpJIacUTUk_j5SuKYwMgdaJrXSMnOO8LpLBqyBiJis/s1600/IMG_20181228_123535823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF36nRw1J94_gXJmDgnlNwNTYiyrjHs-z0BQNswTfuDzq_4tS59cw7q1S4YB914WweQVbghJcFa6dGHV7arNIKiiHRoL50bmRWDqpJIacUTUk_j5SuKYwMgdaJrXSMnOO8LpLBqyBiJis/s1600/IMG_20181228_123535823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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He did the same for the coffee tour, <i>"bean to cup"</i>. And wow, what a cup of coffee! The farmland is third generation but he and his wife started the actual businesses. First, with a bed and breakfast (3 rooms) eight years ago. Then with the coffee and cocoa. They do tours and sell directly to tourist. If he sells coffee beans to the coop-op, he gets $6 but it costs $7 to produce. Selling directly to tourist pays much, much better. I would guess at least 1/3 of the people on the tour buy coffee or chocolate or both. We bought coffee beans! <u> BTW</u> - most good quality Colombia coffee is exported. The lesser quality coffee stays here. AND, shock of shocks, they import 3rd rate coffee beans from Honduras for domestic use. I know, crazy! Anyway, informative tours, nice man. But it was time to start down. We took it slow as we navigated the rough path / trail / road! We arrived at our hostel hot and tired. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNNip8LbgGR7naVYLfmb6MQRyedqSXKZi8YwSY1wyFEQsvtjFGXmf4RDct_Af5tDNbnyXRwRU4Hhyrz6WrPfqvc0WDEZGJbgUjNNODgLjZDqmydfgUWNLqLDJGFT7rEv3Kq0Zl5AT85I/s1600/IMG_20181229_084825798_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNNip8LbgGR7naVYLfmb6MQRyedqSXKZi8YwSY1wyFEQsvtjFGXmf4RDct_Af5tDNbnyXRwRU4Hhyrz6WrPfqvc0WDEZGJbgUjNNODgLjZDqmydfgUWNLqLDJGFT7rEv3Kq0Zl5AT85I/s640/IMG_20181229_084825798_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hostel.....hut</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWh75w8Yj5Ajm7n6ALex8Fs-0Ngo0j_xYAPeFVxPGhRhoMYwBOlPY0vn5aCuJ_HOr00sfUxcEVwKnek1Nxp8Iu38rXx6ByQa-gSLcG2jUdbyDafR62WQnyuknjMtI1tbhlObIT6QbNpaE/s1600/IMG_20181228_174434077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWh75w8Yj5Ajm7n6ALex8Fs-0Ngo0j_xYAPeFVxPGhRhoMYwBOlPY0vn5aCuJ_HOr00sfUxcEVwKnek1Nxp8Iu38rXx6ByQa-gSLcG2jUdbyDafR62WQnyuknjMtI1tbhlObIT6QbNpaE/s640/IMG_20181228_174434077.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hostel hut</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2L-AL7UnudyU4m-UlKVMY9UE6IjDHbPre-ljlP63zxGFDBrjJdGxW3ZZK2rEcok55aHy3Y5x_EorpRBi1GKyftSAiLi26o8vQrnusR7AsdiZ25spHFvJizf-4Ef9j8ndVo5lesKteXas/s1600/IMG_20181228_174402807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2L-AL7UnudyU4m-UlKVMY9UE6IjDHbPre-ljlP63zxGFDBrjJdGxW3ZZK2rEcok55aHy3Y5x_EorpRBi1GKyftSAiLi26o8vQrnusR7AsdiZ25spHFvJizf-4Ef9j8ndVo5lesKteXas/s640/IMG_20181228_174402807.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">En suite bath in our hostel hut</td></tr>
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We checked into our room. Again, lovely. We booked a private room with en suite bath. Actually, there are three, stand alone tiny huts that make up the private rooms. Well designed private huts. The bath / shower was open to the river but high enough for privacy. A bug screen draped over the bed was a welcome sight as was the fan and 110v plugs. But soon we migrated out to the hammocks on the central patio overlooking the river for some chill time and to get our tired feet up.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYLpYi-BLXbvluSjbCTtmraJoNhVenTjCC9EFZD-cDO7Fv19ZPUH_G6xGPRaLIUUwfsBmD4IpOysOXlJ_Rx8SJwWE1jF11OBjB7C2bPYX25D1AFIiHmR3F6qWdkcnM4JjuYy2ZvEPJqM/s1600/IMG_20181229_084831441_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYLpYi-BLXbvluSjbCTtmraJoNhVenTjCC9EFZD-cDO7Fv19ZPUH_G6xGPRaLIUUwfsBmD4IpOysOXlJ_Rx8SJwWE1jF11OBjB7C2bPYX25D1AFIiHmR3F6qWdkcnM4JjuYy2ZvEPJqM/s640/IMG_20181229_084831441_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hammock area - I think some slept in these overnight and why not!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7im35Ni3PAf_OHvBydRc4D_hUrewyvHscO7tcMBdBYaobfcPK0zgJRBrJyFfhVgnq8UlvnrU4Uec9Q45vKoMNV78PQ7kgzxBQFasgvBZLtL-RpX9kaPHfd5menzD_CSJEuRyD_x1sREU/s1600/IMG_20181229_084956507_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7im35Ni3PAf_OHvBydRc4D_hUrewyvHscO7tcMBdBYaobfcPK0zgJRBrJyFfhVgnq8UlvnrU4Uec9Q45vKoMNV78PQ7kgzxBQFasgvBZLtL-RpX9kaPHfd5menzD_CSJEuRyD_x1sREU/s640/IMG_20181229_084956507_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common area off the kitchen</td></tr>
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<div dir="ltr">
<br />Just after sunset, we decided to head into Minca proper for drinks and dinner. We had watched several hostel guest wade across the river as a short cut to town but we had not properly investigated during daylight. D-oh! Oh well. We pulled off our shoes and rolled up our pant legs and waded in. Tom used his phone flashlight to guide us. In one spot, the water came to just below our knee, other wise, it was mid shin deep. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1O9xt81rF9wZsBSJRy0XY4cmrIe8MAkMwdeyJrc5JiHpnx9mLi0ydC3RG6ZFfB2_ViHZ85RHiRmNmwEp0Ao8VdJzR6UWHRj86s1-_Bz6CiLI9FRYMkcIB6YzgQgUgR1IWsvifWaW1jK0/s1600/IMG_20181229_084849101_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1O9xt81rF9wZsBSJRy0XY4cmrIe8MAkMwdeyJrc5JiHpnx9mLi0ydC3RG6ZFfB2_ViHZ85RHiRmNmwEp0Ao8VdJzR6UWHRj86s1-_Bz6CiLI9FRYMkcIB6YzgQgUgR1IWsvifWaW1jK0/s640/IMG_20181229_084849101_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stairs down to the river</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmn9PLEQJIk6T89sjbtMHtoG77rFSos6dYXWCPRcOcjA1PagB4PliFlYkIbCBchz0CJC0GlDziH6j34MpGYt5aonqNO5NPrFLJtP7Rk9TaxyIsTx0IANhn6VRK7cCiuYfpIlsU7mEmlg/s1600/IMG_20181229_084911134_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmn9PLEQJIk6T89sjbtMHtoG77rFSos6dYXWCPRcOcjA1PagB4PliFlYkIbCBchz0CJC0GlDziH6j34MpGYt5aonqNO5NPrFLJtP7Rk9TaxyIsTx0IANhn6VRK7cCiuYfpIlsU7mEmlg/s640/IMG_20181229_084911134_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River crossing to main part of Minca</td></tr>
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<div dir="ltr">
We made our way out to one of the main roads. It was buzzing with locals walking here and there, kids playing in the church playground, and young backpackers out for social time and some cheap grub. We opted for dinner at the Lazy Cat and sat street side so we could take it all in. Some sort of candlelight vigil/procession, lead by the local priest passed by. The ever present motorbikes continued their taxi services. Interestingly, they would often wait to turn on their headlights as they left town and kill them as they rolled back into town so as not to blind all the pedestrians walking along the streets. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibB23XEzYfbOdkZoug7wFpufla7Jk2AruCB7UGfEFwjyPx7WTEOpMdGcs3VDQAEJ2iHWP4dlbWgAgShF_VF9-ltY-hTc-yy05QuXwp1hK8EnesFA99fDViPua7hhGYMJ6RvBvHZyZ5bL8/s1600/IMG_20181228_183139166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibB23XEzYfbOdkZoug7wFpufla7Jk2AruCB7UGfEFwjyPx7WTEOpMdGcs3VDQAEJ2iHWP4dlbWgAgShF_VF9-ltY-hTc-yy05QuXwp1hK8EnesFA99fDViPua7hhGYMJ6RvBvHZyZ5bL8/s640/IMG_20181228_183139166.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lazy Cat for dinner</td></tr>
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<div dir="ltr">
After a delicious and cheap dinner, we walked back to the river. The side streets are mainly dirt and rough, with few lights but we never felt unsafe. We crossed the river again back to our hostel and were greeted by the other hostels guests and staff. Some sat around a fire pit, others in hammocks, and others typed in laptops under the covered eating area. Maybe a dozen or so. All young. We joined the fire pit group but soon the smoke drove Tom off. He decided to try the big hammock suspended just off the car park concrete. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAyJC7JAkCpWG8ymp8MW61hzl9AYXJ6HQ9iXYf-qkXA38wdTJwNy5IHi92ubg2H55dz2vJlPOurXDBWJnCcbS37z3YYvWUswmSBjByhpR82xR9a31-b6byXlIIFp80jBaQBk_OBflmRg/s1600/IMG_20181229_084759262_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAyJC7JAkCpWG8ymp8MW61hzl9AYXJ6HQ9iXYf-qkXA38wdTJwNy5IHi92ubg2H55dz2vJlPOurXDBWJnCcbS37z3YYvWUswmSBjByhpR82xR9a31-b6byXlIIFp80jBaQBk_OBflmRg/s640/IMG_20181229_084759262_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire pit at our hostel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02ZvyAB0T6ddELy_BIpSDKHDfX8xTvQXvZQjV1RyG8N0TU9wPTjCwI7YLIcfIMRGqNsXHs17ZVy-z4S50p7MpfxVOmEfYzpPoYE6KH1lRGR53F1GJexIxPuZ-Z1_mWDvnwA2-X01EQjU/s1600/IMG_20181229_084804000_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02ZvyAB0T6ddELy_BIpSDKHDfX8xTvQXvZQjV1RyG8N0TU9wPTjCwI7YLIcfIMRGqNsXHs17ZVy-z4S50p7MpfxVOmEfYzpPoYE6KH1lRGR53F1GJexIxPuZ-Z1_mWDvnwA2-X01EQjU/s640/IMG_20181229_084804000_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star watching hammock by the car park at our hostel</td></tr>
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<div dir="ltr">
The busy day's activities caught up with us and we turned in around 22:00. It was slightly chilly (66 degrees) so the blanket felt good. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTRFRwYV3MnHzi-dsUUqEOPbZcELRX-pKN-1iJOBPuDsspjjRrYzaHORt197tSn5Iylh_UnfIUXMhPBtL5fE_5PuM30bngRXs3dvotp7bF8xQBS3mQjRmi_1OvRECMFbSJAza8xVIdJQ/s1600/IMG_20181228_205527082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTRFRwYV3MnHzi-dsUUqEOPbZcELRX-pKN-1iJOBPuDsspjjRrYzaHORt197tSn5Iylh_UnfIUXMhPBtL5fE_5PuM30bngRXs3dvotp7bF8xQBS3mQjRmi_1OvRECMFbSJAza8xVIdJQ/s640/IMG_20181228_205527082.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What a wonderful, action packed day of firsts! </div>
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Btw - our private room was $30US. The tours were $20,000COP or around $7US each. Dinner and drinks $25US total for both of us. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-20590576533881964272018-11-24T08:10:00.001-06:002018-11-24T08:10:50.607-06:00S2R - Well, We've Come This Far<p dir="ltr"><br>
<u>November</u> 24 2018</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>S2R</b> = Ocean Cruising Club (OCC) Suzie Too Western Caribbean Rally.  Going forward I will refer to it as S2R.  </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Well, We've Come This Far</b> - is our own private theme.  As most couples do, we have little jokes and catch phrases that develop and stick.  We have been searching for a "<i>theme</i>" for this season.  The phrase<i> "Well, we've come this far</i>" kept popping up so why not use that!  </p>
<p dir="ltr">Why a theme at all?  Each day is an adventure but much like our trip to Guyana - Off The Charts, this season has a set route/schedule/goal, the S2R.  To keep things straight, I will labeling posts involving that with the <b>S2R - Well, We've Come This Far</b>.  </p>
<p dir="ltr">We are current anchored in Spaanse Waters Curacao.  We arrive a week ago, sailing back from Bonaire.  We came back just in time for the all imporant S2R info meeting.  It was a good meeting.  Leaders Suzanne and David did a bang up job.  <i>*Did you see what I did there?  Testing out my international slang. </i>A few government officials were there.  As well as the marina manager from Curacao Marine AND the manager of Shelter Bay Marina in Panama flew in to meet with us all.  Impressive!  Exciting as well.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Group one, something 47 boats left on Wednesday, sailing for Aruba.  We are in group two, the smaller group of 18 boats (I think) which is just fine with us.  It also seems to be the more international group.  We are only one of three American boats.  Also fine with us.  We like hanging with cruisers from other countries.  Not only do we learn about whatever country we are visiting, we learn from the cruisers we hang with about their country -traditions, songs, humor, government, culture and so on.  </p>
<p dir="ltr">We have a few more weeks before <b>S2R2</b> (group two) sails out for Aruba.  In the mean time, we will play tourist here as we have not <u>really</u> explored Curacao from that aspect.  We will do <b>S2R2</b> (group two.....you're getting this) social things like jams, beach parties and happy hours.  And of course continued boat prep and maintenance.   </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OqNvcSBJmgkOex-VQFsVNa1cS-56Tec5y4FNmf4xRIRPwVnO4qb_w7clh-RxoVp8o-7OF2UlVXcJMYySWkcAcBu-6Jpwlf0sOFbPAa3dTBbiwLMJhPy7OEaKLL8WlOQsst7Z_Rkc7ik/s1600/IMG_20181012_114541780_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OqNvcSBJmgkOex-VQFsVNa1cS-56Tec5y4FNmf4xRIRPwVnO4qb_w7clh-RxoVp8o-7OF2UlVXcJMYySWkcAcBu-6Jpwlf0sOFbPAa3dTBbiwLMJhPy7OEaKLL8WlOQsst7Z_Rkc7ik/s640/IMG_20181012_114541780_HDR.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-28233824985667457592018-11-24T07:39:00.001-06:002018-11-24T07:39:49.685-06:00Technology Test<p dir="ltr"><u>This</u> <u>is</u> a simple test of the Blogger app.  I am going to try using it so I can do posts on a more timely bases.  </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpW-7RzfLLFRKcjA4ACzpqo8TFmoTu-Ix0cKgLHsvXJ1NS8-_iI0YkrIotTOIS7QdcOCFzegTc7lwygXveSs8R36z3AEAM-AINv4dQDSDwJ8yWY61yR1PPLtZAPNMEWGxH3dCMYjaIQU/s1600/IMG_20181114_180144826_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpW-7RzfLLFRKcjA4ACzpqo8TFmoTu-Ix0cKgLHsvXJ1NS8-_iI0YkrIotTOIS7QdcOCFzegTc7lwygXveSs8R36z3AEAM-AINv4dQDSDwJ8yWY61yR1PPLtZAPNMEWGxH3dCMYjaIQU/s640/IMG_20181114_180144826_HDR.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-62516215216772269232018-09-16T12:46:00.002-05:002018-09-16T12:46:51.323-05:00Curacao Marine - Out of the Hurricane Zone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCM-vgRRLa_97GJxIx5c_eIdqH7cUS0nZhxat3IEF0USATrZYVcnWyz8qzQvaQczkhhKuMtrlNPY2AlQOLubE1WHp6H23xR08sRP4WulwIlzKUQdzTzo54LczvDVsvT0AdKfTfUSNJFng/s1600/20180612_125714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCM-vgRRLa_97GJxIx5c_eIdqH7cUS0nZhxat3IEF0USATrZYVcnWyz8qzQvaQczkhhKuMtrlNPY2AlQOLubE1WHp6H23xR08sRP4WulwIlzKUQdzTzo54LczvDVsvT0AdKfTfUSNJFng/s640/20180612_125714.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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September 18 2018<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc6Tlf7y0_AQl5OnSNNzX13GbmTMVTlPMTfhGPvcmnmnUZ8caDtJ9s7soSuIgmEuWf4sCvieIqlEhDeafONrwlpuCbiDnJrAtQY3oAyScg-joA-62Kcc7mJwtfGznzhennMfnGqL-bj4/s1600/20180612_125517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc6Tlf7y0_AQl5OnSNNzX13GbmTMVTlPMTfhGPvcmnmnUZ8caDtJ9s7soSuIgmEuWf4sCvieIqlEhDeafONrwlpuCbiDnJrAtQY3oAyScg-joA-62Kcc7mJwtfGznzhennMfnGqL-bj4/s640/20180612_125517.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secure Customs yard</td></tr>
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It is hot. The good thing about hurricane holes is that they are usually hidden away, protected places. The bad thing about hurricane holes is that they are hidden away, protected places aka little wind, and thus HOTTER than hell. My phone apps says <i>"89 today but feels like 101."</i> Yes it does. Actually more inside the boat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOme_xf_oRSav8W2KiKFMdNQ_LQw-RatkTr2jCh80Vj5Cz62rncDdcCzXzSGWqK-78K-rryRhTsv2UrPH7JM1WQ-8N1pzq_AEOB_vAawhIv19W5Y0KkGxvx9bvKzVRGUe67_tHMQ3Yoqw/s1600/IMG_20180916_122837930_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOme_xf_oRSav8W2KiKFMdNQ_LQw-RatkTr2jCh80Vj5Cz62rncDdcCzXzSGWqK-78K-rryRhTsv2UrPH7JM1WQ-8N1pzq_AEOB_vAawhIv19W5Y0KkGxvx9bvKzVRGUe67_tHMQ3Yoqw/s640/IMG_20180916_122837930_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The maze through the boats</td></tr>
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Here we sit at Curacao Marine on the hard at 12.1N and 68.2W - just above Venezuela and most important, out of the hurricane zone/box. Unlike Trinidad, Curacao is primarily dry. We did have a down pour the other night but that is it, otherwise it has been very dry. Great for getting boat projects completed. If you will remember, our past four hurricane seasons we put sv Honey Ryder in Trinidad for safe keeping. But it rained nearly everyday and sometimes multiple times in Trinidad. Not so great for boat projects.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHn-pCPbLGbSJIzpHWtY19xLdrW4yCqv9xSE-YyfdNnwmuFhDmSJkaT3v9ep4sGa-UMnCH8ykSEQzgzeC86NNXucdVn_1aIjeOa1wfTGmjxKF5xYGmnCogEkrqpdhvhuUHbnKycZFS8yI/s1600/IMG_20180916_121856346_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHn-pCPbLGbSJIzpHWtY19xLdrW4yCqv9xSE-YyfdNnwmuFhDmSJkaT3v9ep4sGa-UMnCH8ykSEQzgzeC86NNXucdVn_1aIjeOa1wfTGmjxKF5xYGmnCogEkrqpdhvhuUHbnKycZFS8yI/s640/IMG_20180916_121856346_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that they paved around this palm</td></tr>
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Anyway, I thought I would give you a tour of Curacao Marine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwA6iFTMSLDLaRDVQNvVNIjvBlLnMi8LqSc4R8oDUaP9a_0aRN3O6ozEByPurel6AebX8penTSVAbaSi8V15F1l6OZ5zJ-5aE0Iw5CkvhiLoE4FA237G_7t14crJUxa6FlaFkf0Uddpg/s1600/IMG_20180916_122142850_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwA6iFTMSLDLaRDVQNvVNIjvBlLnMi8LqSc4R8oDUaP9a_0aRN3O6ozEByPurel6AebX8penTSVAbaSi8V15F1l6OZ5zJ-5aE0Iw5CkvhiLoE4FA237G_7t14crJUxa6FlaFkf0Uddpg/s640/IMG_20180916_122142850_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the hire cars</td></tr>
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We are in the work yard. There is also a secure customs yard. No one is allowed, not even us, once you boat is locked away in there. It's a Customs thing. That is where sv Honey Ryder was while we were away. Even though we are out of the hurricane zone, the boats are still strapped down. There is some question as to <b>when</b> this took place (recent) but they are strapped down.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCEstnyNRKqp-l4qyGXr9F9aIdtisXtEqaT7GajwEnbiF1Xbjd8CsVRKvnVKmEZh1XH_EITloY_3DYZ0OzeyvPA8a4wuDT5IzUHJxPfppPOdjL1-cNRB75FOMejOtLxZae6dluZaFge4/s1600/IMG_20180916_122158815_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCEstnyNRKqp-l4qyGXr9F9aIdtisXtEqaT7GajwEnbiF1Xbjd8CsVRKvnVKmEZh1XH_EITloY_3DYZ0OzeyvPA8a4wuDT5IzUHJxPfppPOdjL1-cNRB75FOMejOtLxZae6dluZaFge4/s640/IMG_20180916_122158815_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our lane - hey, whose big finger?</td></tr>
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The work yard is gravel (a pretty white/pinkish color) with asphalt lanes. This is nice because it cuts down on the dirt and dust and means no muck when it does rain. Clean yard too. Not a bunch of scraps and trash laying about. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdQW7W3Bu-izoY8WXNnl1zMdKbZU-8ahWugJ8lNNivoly31kKuwnJFVsE7mkgAYu_yztaOpno-0Q3PoT3wb-55YuAVCM6JgyUHcDjMXYHM0hxR4Ar5azlnvOk-4JT7-29K3ZtwNec62I/s1600/IMG_20180916_123552087_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdQW7W3Bu-izoY8WXNnl1zMdKbZU-8ahWugJ8lNNivoly31kKuwnJFVsE7mkgAYu_yztaOpno-0Q3PoT3wb-55YuAVCM6JgyUHcDjMXYHM0hxR4Ar5azlnvOk-4JT7-29K3ZtwNec62I/s640/IMG_20180916_123552087_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gravel yard</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The bathrooms are very nice. Air conditioned, and clean with three showers with.....wait for it.....running water.....on demand. *Coral Cove in Trinidad had major water issues as in NO water at times. Nothing worse after a long, hot day of boat work than to turn on the water to nothing! Argh! And Curacao Marine has hot water. I know it sound weird to want hot, well actually warm water when it is so hot outside. But, after a long day of boat work, sometimes you need warm water to help your muscles relax and really scrub you clean. Anyway.....nice bathrooms! BTW - the yard has running water on demand as well. *See the above. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c0tvuoEQ1J1ivh03ywsDYmiYFMuSo7CEolxK3no016krAHkQiIQ7miR7wbLXrn_Ox8SdAGUSzoEVF2sTBmq60MWc2MNiMh3B0j-nPOJLdBjTGyjKCjF_oim_tVj-Lq3QlvBlv4l3UWQ/s1600/20180612_131141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c0tvuoEQ1J1ivh03ywsDYmiYFMuSo7CEolxK3no016krAHkQiIQ7miR7wbLXrn_Ox8SdAGUSzoEVF2sTBmq60MWc2MNiMh3B0j-nPOJLdBjTGyjKCjF_oim_tVj-Lq3QlvBlv4l3UWQ/s640/20180612_131141.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiki hut</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uE_v-08h54ft8ixUh80LC0W9o8rMcrRRvBZ8D9eB3sXxtv2FLqrPdYq6QC6G5NG4kWQy8TbSAIWowr8xtU6uZX0WZ_hp3Z2c4ZFrOhWIXH9fQzwJMc-zhRWSShve0wXkJjNT7gOwmU8/s1600/20180612_131135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uE_v-08h54ft8ixUh80LC0W9o8rMcrRRvBZ8D9eB3sXxtv2FLqrPdYq6QC6G5NG4kWQy8TbSAIWowr8xtU6uZX0WZ_hp3Z2c4ZFrOhWIXH9fQzwJMc-zhRWSShve0wXkJjNT7gOwmU8/s640/20180612_131135.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire pit area - I am not sure how many fires get lit but it is a nice place to chill in the evening</td></tr>
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<br />
There is also a nice community tiki hut area with fire pit (not sure how much this gets used), modern grill, couch and loveseat, bar tops and stools, two pop machines - including one that dispenses beer, a bar and stools and a community freezer. The last item is really great while living on the hard. We can store meats and chilly treats in there or quickly cool down drinks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxByuUwuSu_eVAhXDEsetb0DVHYRurg58S7SvVNZSpV63gEIYl3W3_a4FSqly_m5Ih6SB5qHuUvuaYA1pCNBjGhhYnFh1ZYi4d7VzEd-INHyMrDP-tObjP4v291tZazJm3OK2r2ize74/s1600/20180612_131151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxByuUwuSu_eVAhXDEsetb0DVHYRurg58S7SvVNZSpV63gEIYl3W3_a4FSqly_m5Ih6SB5qHuUvuaYA1pCNBjGhhYnFh1ZYi4d7VzEd-INHyMrDP-tObjP4v291tZazJm3OK2r2ize74/s640/20180612_131151.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiki hut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQPtAtVFdFMGKi2KPRidCe0KZg9B5170BkhfVeCU3aOgAqWuSwgQfFERWry-JOzRuqUTRTpvlh_GfKZ2d_KBc4n3H4BRcYoK9N92H3CF64kf5GvRGmM7Z3EF0mX2GYggmDk2pfCYDMBw/s1600/20180612_131155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQPtAtVFdFMGKi2KPRidCe0KZg9B5170BkhfVeCU3aOgAqWuSwgQfFERWry-JOzRuqUTRTpvlh_GfKZ2d_KBc4n3H4BRcYoK9N92H3CF64kf5GvRGmM7Z3EF0mX2GYggmDk2pfCYDMBw/s640/20180612_131155.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiki hut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
They have rental cars for hire. One drawback is that we are tucked away from anything like a restaurant, grocery store or marine store. However, one local grocery store sends a bus (mini van) each morning to the marina (except Sunday) at 9:30 am to take cruisers to the store for shopping. It is next to the Budget Marine and ATM's so that works out well. The other disadvantage is that there is no laundry on site at the marina but arrangements can be made to drop off laundry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKRc6uFnTbPyynYTXfowX31v0TfKkj3oQuAtPu8Fbo4pU-nD3Vg_VgrhJON86aNQZWUnx-8ANjO5cElCdwOSjLxS6LGXSWrzjWrCrFdDIRsEM1cSKjPKc4zAe_w8wsUs8wy1I4F96fHE/s1600/IMG_20180916_123600501_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKRc6uFnTbPyynYTXfowX31v0TfKkj3oQuAtPu8Fbo4pU-nD3Vg_VgrhJON86aNQZWUnx-8ANjO5cElCdwOSjLxS6LGXSWrzjWrCrFdDIRsEM1cSKjPKc4zAe_w8wsUs8wy1I4F96fHE/s640/IMG_20180916_123600501_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sv Honey Ryder strapped down</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So this is home for a bit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHn54En5V8eYG1bG4-8mCnyYxAMuMlvaOMcylA9wMPR7sqc5cbs6Wm3HgzoYEuyDEf2KrVt4lm14rbWkicZ2z0l3uTyBB6Pll56IGGrQTVhAuZXHGPOPJK-iv1nNU2rU6-ORcyF-ccoA/s1600/IMG_20180916_123702739_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHn54En5V8eYG1bG4-8mCnyYxAMuMlvaOMcylA9wMPR7sqc5cbs6Wm3HgzoYEuyDEf2KrVt4lm14rbWkicZ2z0l3uTyBB6Pll56IGGrQTVhAuZXHGPOPJK-iv1nNU2rU6-ORcyF-ccoA/s640/IMG_20180916_123702739_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stairs to the palace. HA! Yes, those are our dishes from breakfast</td></tr>
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*Sorry, I can't seem to figure out how to put the accent under the second C in Curacao. If anyone knows, please let me know. I did Google it but the directions didn't work, or I didn't try very hard, or I didn't understand the directions or I don't really care enough to try harder. Or all of the above.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-4203895836367287052018-09-16T10:24:00.002-05:002018-09-16T10:24:42.004-05:00Season 5 numbers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0dAOlmm5MO72ass-Ddva7s_UrdpL5GRkGAfUEt99IaVFkRvXoilIn5Rwiq13ZPPmt_4E2HSv0nJ56T5xIMxnSUe-AGe0e8T0-Vfl53uaXbNsIqhAceMmclcC6hwv5j331t47Fu9BRe4/s1600/20180612_125333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0dAOlmm5MO72ass-Ddva7s_UrdpL5GRkGAfUEt99IaVFkRvXoilIn5Rwiq13ZPPmt_4E2HSv0nJ56T5xIMxnSUe-AGe0e8T0-Vfl53uaXbNsIqhAceMmclcC6hwv5j331t47Fu9BRe4/s640/20180612_125333.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SV Honey Ryder waiting for haul out at Curacao Marine - June 12 2018</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For those keeping track -<br />
Season 5 total nautical miles = 773.9. Trinidad, Grenada, Bequia, Martinique, Bonaire, Curacao.<br />
For us, the numbers don't matter. We are collecting adventures, memories and pictures as we slowly explore this big, blue marble.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-25929158817718060582018-09-16T10:17:00.002-05:002018-09-16T10:17:55.974-05:00Season 6 - What Is Next<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98kQ9XgNwcX1SZlN4LA_IT0XQrkBqqNJg_DPR3rKLblbaU9u5hBVAvlIkh05cfTOEWjSw8KTCut4QS9kAn6GRJidVl22TDa2AwwiiWvco7gRZdaRti3dD7UrXmU2GJwcaSB5JpCMrXb0/s1600/20180409_100648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98kQ9XgNwcX1SZlN4LA_IT0XQrkBqqNJg_DPR3rKLblbaU9u5hBVAvlIkh05cfTOEWjSw8KTCut4QS9kAn6GRJidVl22TDa2AwwiiWvco7gRZdaRti3dD7UrXmU2GJwcaSB5JpCMrXb0/s640/20180409_100648.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OCC Burgee</td></tr>
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Remember I told you we finally joined the OCC - Ocean Cruising Club? Well, the OCC does some pretty kewl rallies around the world. A sailing rally is like a driving rally, except there is no official racing. So really, just a group of boats traveling loosely together. The benefits include safety in numbers, special discounts, special events with locals (government officials, yachting clubs, tour operators, etc..) marina bookings, ease of checking in with C and I (in theory), and more. The only other rally we have done is the Salty Dawg Rally in fall 2013 that brought us to the Caribbean.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-wrmaIi5Ke4AzdQaD1KoZKez6nAAkVbjhCrVIl2D0TXxslcKPxhUt8I8oeoGBM76REYCYXEnnrkaNtwD0NR0sH0BLsrHqltI4iGjz4X6a7hRWWAfsrfnjTHg1oyHsSqdqF8ky_o7ZIs/s1600/20180724_181357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-wrmaIi5Ke4AzdQaD1KoZKez6nAAkVbjhCrVIl2D0TXxslcKPxhUt8I8oeoGBM76REYCYXEnnrkaNtwD0NR0sH0BLsrHqltI4iGjz4X6a7hRWWAfsrfnjTHg1oyHsSqdqF8ky_o7ZIs/s640/20180724_181357.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This summer I made all the flags we would need for the rally </td></tr>
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A couple of years ago was the first ever OCC Western Caribbean Rally dubbed the Susie Too Rally, named after the hosting couple on sy Susie Too. We knew four different boats that went on that rally and LOVED IT! They encouraged us to go. We were interested but unsure we could because of a family wedding. Turns out others were interested as well. Soon the rally was full. However, long story short, it all worked out and we are going on the rally.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoC_EFoeBHcvXkxyJKETPEBpGGT5WT_bjfC5K92MJlEP6htD-0YnYZjm4nlGVLFfeUDEPDbz82Duf9AQ1MBiWI69QWnBJ7KWi9mHFttI8nBxLYZ5Fo_pdfyn-TPGlXmwEfDqjecv-3hsM/s1600/20180529_190126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoC_EFoeBHcvXkxyJKETPEBpGGT5WT_bjfC5K92MJlEP6htD-0YnYZjm4nlGVLFfeUDEPDbz82Duf9AQ1MBiWI69QWnBJ7KWi9mHFttI8nBxLYZ5Fo_pdfyn-TPGlXmwEfDqjecv-3hsM/s640/20180529_190126.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susie Too Rally meet up in Bonaire</td></tr>
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We will be in group two heading out of Curacao approximately December 7 2018 with 34 other boats. Our route is Aruba, Santa Marta Colombia, Cartagena Colombia, San Blas Islands, Panama proper, San Andres Island, Providencia Island, Bay Islands of Honduras and finally ending in the southern part of Belize at the end of April, beginning of May 2019.<br />
<br />
We are super excited about season six and our exploration of the Western Caribbean. We've already met some wonderful rally peeps.<br />
<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-33447475074246761242018-09-16T10:12:00.002-05:002018-09-16T10:12:56.611-05:00Bonaire May June 2018 - BloKarts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqn3piLcHBjfMecPYBt0TARcm-qloYd2-mtZOrxF0wQSRnwClUHzx4qpvzzoxzPyDF7CQLJsfLk6B2Hn7msEnj5IwnH-Eh8G-Cz4j3XVa45pq8evDHaa9f_4dGbNgXfQkYXlrlqjduOUI/s1600/20180512_160039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqn3piLcHBjfMecPYBt0TARcm-qloYd2-mtZOrxF0wQSRnwClUHzx4qpvzzoxzPyDF7CQLJsfLk6B2Hn7msEnj5IwnH-Eh8G-Cz4j3XVa45pq8evDHaa9f_4dGbNgXfQkYXlrlqjduOUI/s640/20180512_160039.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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June 2018 - WARNING, tons of fun aka tons of pics!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcr9Gf1ktVduhuBd1MEnVztMFx5sRGQ9e1iTGVyK6efFNkoBmrjW47knp6eAunU9sDl5fEGapplTTh31zQNAYnNfpwQnQZe7YO-MFWK8sgrviHeHSFFIvxT_vlzGjG756KM3KXLl2eg8/s1600/20180512_155741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcr9Gf1ktVduhuBd1MEnVztMFx5sRGQ9e1iTGVyK6efFNkoBmrjW47knp6eAunU9sDl5fEGapplTTh31zQNAYnNfpwQnQZe7YO-MFWK8sgrviHeHSFFIvxT_vlzGjG756KM3KXLl2eg8/s640/20180512_155741.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We had driven by the BloKart place several times. Each time the comment was something along the lines of <i>"We should do that." </i>Finally, we stopped and did.<br />
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Actually, the guys did - Jason and Tom.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLFfEGSV-eUevx0u5KCyaseBJ-4cVRZf_kAHZuKSKl5-hfRxp8kI-o2ETULdo6vHEHlO8dgyuvVFMrOFkEbcmy3YKdOZRnVd9BO6cPlPRsDWGs9JSyNLSdkDQ5DVeror9VkHRotigH3k/s1600/20180512_160659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLFfEGSV-eUevx0u5KCyaseBJ-4cVRZf_kAHZuKSKl5-hfRxp8kI-o2ETULdo6vHEHlO8dgyuvVFMrOFkEbcmy3YKdOZRnVd9BO6cPlPRsDWGs9JSyNLSdkDQ5DVeror9VkHRotigH3k/s640/20180512_160659.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instructions - try to avoid wheelies</td></tr>
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<br />
These BloKarts are made in New Zealand. Very clever design.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbFWmm5y9lMVenMY5xRlXxMvhvEpc4rODKO52FNNgUS8-XTZdC2r7CED24I2Z2RBupaWq_xKiBBeKqjKagyXpPn9ALt2suiI4Ltz7TLV35uTWIKEL_9PSguIhsY2dtGdk_HRSRq25kZg/s1600/20180512_160832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbFWmm5y9lMVenMY5xRlXxMvhvEpc4rODKO52FNNgUS8-XTZdC2r7CED24I2Z2RBupaWq_xKiBBeKqjKagyXpPn9ALt2suiI4Ltz7TLV35uTWIKEL_9PSguIhsY2dtGdk_HRSRq25kZg/s640/20180512_160832.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BIG pre-start smile</td></tr>
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<br />
Two different size sails - smaller and larger.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgug8bbOcAB15NcK-47wtG_cQxdLIyuNjvAv0-jWwHwFB0JTuJ4vn_T8ps_ZyXfCVEsk9STG_71-9IgokPrM-7vS9vYR2Nnu4MaXiMP1ob6OGHcmxkkFUO3BR2fylX6M_ZjHRncUF6CjBw/s1600/20180512_161817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgug8bbOcAB15NcK-47wtG_cQxdLIyuNjvAv0-jWwHwFB0JTuJ4vn_T8ps_ZyXfCVEsk9STG_71-9IgokPrM-7vS9vYR2Nnu4MaXiMP1ob6OGHcmxkkFUO3BR2fylX6M_ZjHRncUF6CjBw/s640/20180512_161817.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And they are off -</td></tr>
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<br />
Two different size axles - normal and wide.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKZdaqWFNGTbvCbkUNwe7VgqRfGLBxiHj1iZuYSBy1hSTfp0UpOj2UkBcWzd8B-e1kerQaVXNiIVkC-nbx_EjhJTkXsS5O9mTy3w0QbzNOBLQNdmkoxpuNsTwX_uwwLz9hvUrjlWCG80/s1600/20180512_161049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKZdaqWFNGTbvCbkUNwe7VgqRfGLBxiHj1iZuYSBy1hSTfp0UpOj2UkBcWzd8B-e1kerQaVXNiIVkC-nbx_EjhJTkXsS5O9mTy3w0QbzNOBLQNdmkoxpuNsTwX_uwwLz9hvUrjlWCG80/s640/20180512_161049.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking up speed in the straightaway</td></tr>
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<br />
Sheet in, go fast. Sheet out, slow down - to control the speed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJicurWyAc1pdAjsEMpZ3arFnXXgXUQt5etzVV2EWhpnpgpkYXcmTgDBTycJKDSSzZu7N4-h7zAMjufkKA_z8h24mn0LoW-MeqZEekOgb9yABM0seYcbIbdrQeW22eEG9VeuM-G9G4-Y/s1600/20180512_161348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJicurWyAc1pdAjsEMpZ3arFnXXgXUQt5etzVV2EWhpnpgpkYXcmTgDBTycJKDSSzZu7N4-h7zAMjufkKA_z8h24mn0LoW-MeqZEekOgb9yABM0seYcbIbdrQeW22eEG9VeuM-G9G4-Y/s640/20180512_161348.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big smile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The advice was to ease the sheet on the turns. And IF by chance you tip over, don't put your hand down thus avoiding the risk of breaking a wrist.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxkQVBJQx-sgwOXj1nfE4SvbfLhJw47R4X2X8M6Y6zkp6aEfjV305VbYnBkf0LE6-nOH8V4YiIFr6EmBl8q7_yXIwgWOuk8oNiqBD8ti_yBFHmbelnLsycM3ByfFRAGcVQ-HQ4GGMmYg/s1600/DSCF1914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxkQVBJQx-sgwOXj1nfE4SvbfLhJw47R4X2X8M6Y6zkp6aEfjV305VbYnBkf0LE6-nOH8V4YiIFr6EmBl8q7_yXIwgWOuk8oNiqBD8ti_yBFHmbelnLsycM3ByfFRAGcVQ-HQ4GGMmYg/s640/DSCF1914.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the background</td></tr>
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<br />
After the few instructions, they were off! Zoom Zoom.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4GG4huaf9o2h8RZNONXaQ4obA06wa4Q-qMFUy7fQ1ggaZa79D4MlhnqhOWl3Kx2x7LpUTAjbazQ7A1r_hMK45o5WEtL3IYn0m4iFyNl-R5SOgCYfhho6TpMEM2P4IjOr_OHq7Empa98/s1600/20180512_161437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4GG4huaf9o2h8RZNONXaQ4obA06wa4Q-qMFUy7fQ1ggaZa79D4MlhnqhOWl3Kx2x7LpUTAjbazQ7A1r_hMK45o5WEtL3IYn0m4iFyNl-R5SOgCYfhho6TpMEM2P4IjOr_OHq7Empa98/s640/20180512_161437.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neck and neck</td></tr>
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<br />
Of course they were racing, they're men.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0_ApMHXuEfuKUvLM4_fBCc0rThje8_jAdrfcNivjHoozr2Rbw9GdQo_WnHttb6FIeS_zDV9w5z87a-CDoAOfP7-x-5c3IIsACEs2yUpz3_kKWBe7qBVEIae6MObJKZqK1O7DdrGdLNY/s1600/20180512_161810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0_ApMHXuEfuKUvLM4_fBCc0rThje8_jAdrfcNivjHoozr2Rbw9GdQo_WnHttb6FIeS_zDV9w5z87a-CDoAOfP7-x-5c3IIsACEs2yUpz3_kKWBe7qBVEIae6MObJKZqK1O7DdrGdLNY/s640/20180512_161810.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom starting to come up on two wheels</td></tr>
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<br />
The wind was really blowing. Tom scooted along but had to be careful as he was prone to come up on two wheels. Jason had a few extra pounds of ballast on Tom so he was able to stay on three wheels and thus a tad faster.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8sXRxZ7oYA8mMXYldylbHlTJgl6oHTlggzWWu8DQ9Ye2O1J_nt59nMW2coM-JRpcHwIrwN9qZuauYSp4lxw0uQ1Y1YQf86jrp_q-LuoEkJH8-8YzzHO-_ntn7iV_Rv5-8VyswyANX28/s1600/DSCF1906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8sXRxZ7oYA8mMXYldylbHlTJgl6oHTlggzWWu8DQ9Ye2O1J_nt59nMW2coM-JRpcHwIrwN9qZuauYSp4lxw0uQ1Y1YQf86jrp_q-LuoEkJH8-8YzzHO-_ntn7iV_Rv5-8VyswyANX28/s640/DSCF1906.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jason in the lead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But they were both winners with broad smiles.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyENoEETE0DR2KBjdZVk2EMujePyyEHw5AwIkGxt1iNCXWD9sDMd7QrfTZeQrFIqulG6opto4PtNjhY2pKm' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
They paid for 30 mins but there were only two other riders so they got a generous, <u>island time</u> 30 mins.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Laura and I cheered them on and took pics and video.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47u8U06p8bRIoKbfPYK836NrJ0INKzUwwZQAOG-vgFbT3bKj_PaszuvSM-1DNpxsX37JN8905mrSDC0_IVqzNtZfKOybyTj972uCGbMabSTBYaq6p3U2SiGrTlX8zm-fvjjuqUrlzCZw/s1600/DSCF1927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47u8U06p8bRIoKbfPYK836NrJ0INKzUwwZQAOG-vgFbT3bKj_PaszuvSM-1DNpxsX37JN8905mrSDC0_IVqzNtZfKOybyTj972uCGbMabSTBYaq6p3U2SiGrTlX8zm-fvjjuqUrlzCZw/s640/DSCF1927.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Let's go again"</i></td></tr>
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<br />
Fun, fun, fun!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-33995763380382529952018-09-16T07:53:00.001-05:002018-09-16T07:53:29.945-05:00Bonaire May June 2018 - Diving, Coral Reefs and Sunscreens<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsL1pXPUYSxvOuVmoYKj7tI0N86TaiPMiByaMkAjg1ichUxUj2UdGLIEKFnBl2QI4zKIpoinJmiWlpieyVfRoFuMQd6ty0i558x7xETLd6ueSE1iuMQr-pgvJrK51OtOYRO6UMTTB6aQ/s1600/P5230336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsL1pXPUYSxvOuVmoYKj7tI0N86TaiPMiByaMkAjg1ichUxUj2UdGLIEKFnBl2QI4zKIpoinJmiWlpieyVfRoFuMQd6ty0i558x7xETLd6ueSE1iuMQr-pgvJrK51OtOYRO6UMTTB6aQ/s640/P5230336.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic by Laura</td></tr>
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<br />
Damn it! We have really got into the diving here in Bonaire. Why is that bad? It's not really. Actually, it has given us a whole new appreciation of everything below the surface. EVERYTHING! With that appreciation, we have also gained a big dose of how we are directly connected to everything down there. We always try our best to keep our impact to minimum. Are we the best? No, far from it. However, we are not the worst either.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjm0gdbPYVvNNxskgOz2ex9V04B6PWmBU660kkDpTZkKt-J0Y9EJTaKU874yBA666DLcdiS1gAqx1FxoY4xAH6QMJnhrWRC1CuvchXjp_EevoBxQQn3tq4bNXqTkRqPyrzCDYmTMO7Uw/s1600/DSCF1875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjm0gdbPYVvNNxskgOz2ex9V04B6PWmBU660kkDpTZkKt-J0Y9EJTaKU874yBA666DLcdiS1gAqx1FxoY4xAH6QMJnhrWRC1CuvchXjp_EevoBxQQn3tq4bNXqTkRqPyrzCDYmTMO7Uw/s640/DSCF1875.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
But being in Bonaire and diving in this amazing aquarium has really got us paying attention to our impact. For instance.....now we worry about what ingredients are in our sunscreen. It turns out most sunscreens have chemicals in them that kill coral reefs.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBq0okSSPTa9S4yWqY5M6vU46yciY0qSt4fmjRk_KUwxri-jlfxQCh0UucxNtB1X_XswsM0Pq_dRq81q2noG9DsoxXtX_7WRVd0xhsAaEMZv3I8SSCYplyQ2dbZ0diQHHHxUu4GMw3tSs/s1600/P5200056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBq0okSSPTa9S4yWqY5M6vU46yciY0qSt4fmjRk_KUwxri-jlfxQCh0UucxNtB1X_XswsM0Pq_dRq81q2noG9DsoxXtX_7WRVd0xhsAaEMZv3I8SSCYplyQ2dbZ0diQHHHxUu4GMw3tSs/s640/P5200056.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic by Laura</td></tr>
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Research - Here are some links to articles about reef safe sunscreens.<br />
<a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/sunscreens/the-truth-about-reef-safe-sunscreen/">Consumer Reports</a><br />
<a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/style/beauty/reef-safe-sunscreen">Travel and Leisure</a><br />
<a href="https://www.hawaii.com/blog/reef-safe-sunscreen/">Hawaii </a>recently ban certain sunscreens.<br />
There is more research out there, but these might help you get started. It is shocking how many <i>"Reef Safe"</i> sunscreens actually have those bad chemicals in them. So you have to really read the labels.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuAUnTzSf5xAHk7T8Zwiw1QS6KGdJXAHCdz1_nNDeedXC-fgpRm33sXiOPeaUD8cTApwUb1_2pb8u3j6c-Ta6g0b7ZlwB7GFTr5kLPUCGqELKKAYkmoRCoZJiZ3PNDBSE7PaK86GMDVo/s1600/DSCF1885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuAUnTzSf5xAHk7T8Zwiw1QS6KGdJXAHCdz1_nNDeedXC-fgpRm33sXiOPeaUD8cTApwUb1_2pb8u3j6c-Ta6g0b7ZlwB7GFTr5kLPUCGqELKKAYkmoRCoZJiZ3PNDBSE7PaK86GMDVo/s640/DSCF1885.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Reef Safe sunscreen is not just for those of us on boats or who live by the sea, it should be for everyone. Why? When you take your beach holiday there is a 50 - 50 chance you are going to grab the tube of sunscreen you have at home in say....Kansas, so you can hit the beach immediately. Boom - bad sunscreen chemicals in the water and reef. Or you wait to purchase the sunscreen when you are on the cruise ship but they don't sell Reef Safe sunscreen so you end up buying the bad stuff as you head to the dive boat. In fact, cruise ships really need to step up their game and ONLY sell Reef Safe sunscreen as they dump 1500+ people at a time on beaches around the world.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMWgPkoYYpQBWsfPGrY8BhzEJCViavYm3ETxiOZI2M1JsDbl2p7kILl0oseATQ2QuZTE0xWBnNQE5tP_do_Xo3baN4O1CFilYaXLYl2THR01pqZbXN2uhaDqlkNsGq801mmlmEQgNdTQ/s1600/Stainless+straws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMWgPkoYYpQBWsfPGrY8BhzEJCViavYm3ETxiOZI2M1JsDbl2p7kILl0oseATQ2QuZTE0xWBnNQE5tP_do_Xo3baN4O1CFilYaXLYl2THR01pqZbXN2uhaDqlkNsGq801mmlmEQgNdTQ/s400/Stainless+straws.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
And yes, we try to remember to refuse straws. I even have a stainless straw thanks to my pal Amanda. She has made the switch and she doesn't even live close to the sea. Another KC friend is a server at a restaurant and she won't bring straws unless people specifically ask. Even then, she explains why, usually teaching them and guilting them into not taking a straw. And finally, we witnessed a KC bartender cutting up plastic six pack rings one night. <i>"I just think it is important to do this, even though we are in KC." </i>Agreed! Every little bit helps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL-XoYGmrsaA47iXv0DC2CrZsMU86a9V_YX9i6E-nX_IGhZv6GM3o_u1cXwub4PS5F5dYyQukNnv_NjjRxO0KVhBCdzqpN790hw4mwtQ3fGzMrtaueJsa8WXQX76AZLXvjFl-0dhAfzo/s1600/Six+pack+rings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="235" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL-XoYGmrsaA47iXv0DC2CrZsMU86a9V_YX9i6E-nX_IGhZv6GM3o_u1cXwub4PS5F5dYyQukNnv_NjjRxO0KVhBCdzqpN790hw4mwtQ3fGzMrtaueJsa8WXQX76AZLXvjFl-0dhAfzo/s400/Six+pack+rings.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oh and HUGE shout out to the small Caribbean Island Nations who have banned Styrofoam - Dominica, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines and probably a few others I don't know about - NOT Trinidad.....come on Trinidad, get with it! The US should take serious note and do the same. This action will make a huge difference as street food vendors switch away from Styrofoam.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNAA-He3m7chXERCK-gwLCm0r_vwFGXMBNgYdaekrZKtizlvQDA9sFd7N5NOfRMI5lRbjloAjj9KEwUA0jAZ1zij9pxBRi-qQoWdWU5Rcfnv9JPX9hDLFMl0bUwjKPghm2BeS7UKjy-k/s1600/Ban+on+Styrofoam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNAA-He3m7chXERCK-gwLCm0r_vwFGXMBNgYdaekrZKtizlvQDA9sFd7N5NOfRMI5lRbjloAjj9KEwUA0jAZ1zij9pxBRi-qQoWdWU5Rcfnv9JPX9hDLFMl0bUwjKPghm2BeS7UKjy-k/s400/Ban+on+Styrofoam.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anyway.....as we explore more of this planet, we continue to learn the ways to interact and impact our world and we continue to make positive adjustments as we can. A few might say <i>"These little changes won't do a thing to help clean up the oceans." </i> Well they won't if we don't each start to do our part! And every vote counts, btw!!! <i> </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-82493806666678903712018-09-16T07:17:00.001-05:002018-09-16T07:17:06.444-05:00Bonaire May June 2018 - Brush With Diving Fame<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQULNw3JBjOVyb6FJd3bRagael3RNyAl_VrN9ldyXq0sZ2ro63ZVp6KjCMizqqV6NrMvgR6mHH4YD0j3hzLWxKlKMN2gG4UJeA8nqqyUpmIS3lYS0KlPC5oKkGi0yCKqG_kxxjcDp3ZI/s1600/20180526_141959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQULNw3JBjOVyb6FJd3bRagael3RNyAl_VrN9ldyXq0sZ2ro63ZVp6KjCMizqqV6NrMvgR6mHH4YD0j3hzLWxKlKMN2gG4UJeA8nqqyUpmIS3lYS0KlPC5oKkGi0yCKqG_kxxjcDp3ZI/s640/20180526_141959.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Go To book on fish</td></tr>
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June 2018 - sorry for the fuzzy pics. Poor cell phone camera.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg3hDPTUkJ6Qlkls8wJUf_dxI_h32r8C_7vLs_BdMZ_g8A6LoYm1KXO1YeA-d64l1yebqYIqj7kQMQ99hygB_u_D5Jh03IE1AZ1VUtikwpKN3b10A3MZszKOV21K5wX5782HBjZi3Y6g/s1600/20180527_193748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg3hDPTUkJ6Qlkls8wJUf_dxI_h32r8C_7vLs_BdMZ_g8A6LoYm1KXO1YeA-d64l1yebqYIqj7kQMQ99hygB_u_D5Jh03IE1AZ1VUtikwpKN3b10A3MZszKOV21K5wX5782HBjZi3Y6g/s640/20180527_193748.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ned's slide show</td></tr>
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Ned Deloach is one of the guys that wrote four key reference books used by divers all over the world to id the sea life they see when diving. Actually, I think he has more than three books (7 others + EBooks ) at this point. But for this part of the water world - three that matter: <i>"Reef Fish"</i>, <i>"Reef Creatures"</i>, and <i>"Reef Coral." </i>Check Fishid.com for more info.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ned Deloach on the right</td></tr>
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As new divers, we would reference these books after each dive, trying to figure out exactly what we saw. I usually looked through the book just ahead of a dive to get my mind thinking on what I might see. Even seasoned divers use these books.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna in pink</td></tr>
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Well, one of the dive resorts brought Ned and his lovely wife Anna in for a week. The opening night talk by Ned was open to the public so we went. Ned gave an hour long interesting and fun talk with slides. Quiet Anna was there for support. However, it turns out she is quite an aficionado on Blennies, the small, elongated bottom dweller that take up pages 312 to 367 in the Reef Fish book because there are so many different kinds. In fact, the resort bar is named Blennies in her honor. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sv Stargazer and sv Casa Blanca with their Blenny eyes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sv Blue Blaze and sv Honey Ryder with their Blenny eyes.</td></tr>
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The resort had a week of scheduled dives with this famous couple (for a fee, of course). We chose to continue on our own. At the first nights talk, Ned and Anna challenged us all to look closer as we were diving. As part of that challenge, they handed out a check sheet of 80 fishes and sea creatures to ID during the week - honor system, one sighting each, multiple parrot fish don't count. At the end of the week party, if we had 50 of the 80, we would get a pocket guide of one of Ned's books. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ned autographing his books</td></tr>
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Challenge on! I kept a close eye out and check off the fish/sea creatures as I saw them. I ended up with 75 of the 80. Not bad! Ned chatted briefly with each person when he signed our books, asking about a specific fish we saw and congratulating us on the number we saw. Such a nice guy. And his wife was just too lovely. She is the one that told me that diving behind the yachts in the mooring field is her favorite dive spot in Bonaire. It was fun meeting them and working the challenge. Our two books (Reef Fish and Coral) have really gotten a work out. </div>
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At the end of the week party with Ned and Anna, there were several people running around with matching shirts. I figured a dive club until I noticed the age spread. It was obvious that it was a family reunion of some sort.</div>
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Finally, I had a chance to read one of the T-Shirts, it seems Grace and Phil hold the world record for <i>"World's Oldest Married Scuba Diving Couple".</i> And have for several years. Each year various family members fly in to witness them retain this Guinness World Record and help them celebrate. I asked one of their daughters if she could share their specific ages as the t-shirt from last year only had the cumulative age of 171. <i>"Dad will be 87 this summer and mom will be 87 later this fall."</i> </div>
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WOW! How kewl is that! We felt honored to be in their presence and to be able to meet Ned and Anna. BTW - Ned and Anna travel the world and are often at various dive resorts around the world speaking. Maybe they will be on island someday while you are on dive holiday. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-61384822964885892312018-09-16T06:53:00.001-05:002018-09-16T06:53:11.470-05:00Bonaire May June 2018 - The Diving<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom gearing up to go diving</td></tr>
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May / June 2018<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sabrina snorkeling </td></tr>
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After reading the other blogs postings about Bonaire, you are probably thinking <i>"But what about the diving?"</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom prepping to dive off the back of the boat</td></tr>
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<i><br /></i>We did do a fair amount of diving. We went through two Tank Fill cards, 22 refills on each card, so.....44 or so dives total. In the end, we were diving every day and sometimes twice a day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sabrina diving</td></tr>
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We also did a lot of snorkeling. Many mornings, Laura and I would go snorkel in the shallows in front of our boats - say 10 ft of water or even less. There were tons of interesting little sea creatures and every stage and color of Parrot fish.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom diving</td></tr>
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One of the selling points of diving in Bonaire is that there are many dives sites that are accessed from the shore. This means divers can come to Bonaire on a dive holiday and have the freedom to do a bunch of dives on their own, no dive boat or guide needed. All the rental car companies have dozens of pickup trucks for rental. In the back there are wooden palettes so you can easily lay down a bunch of dive tanks safely and drive to the various dives sites.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sabrina diving - not cold, trying to keep my hands in and not flail about</td></tr>
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While walk in dives sites are a big attraction for most holiday divers, it wasn't so much for us. All we had to do was dive off the back of sv Honey Ryder. See, her bow was in about 25 ft of water at the mooring and her stern was in about 50 ft of water, right on top of the wall drop off. The wall runs all along the mooring field. In fact, pretty much around the island. No getting lost in underwater valleys that go this way and that. One world famous diver told me her favorite diving site <i>"is just at the edge of the mooring field behind all you yachties. It's just lovely along there."</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom diving</td></tr>
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When we weren't diving off the back of the boat, we would hop in our dinghy and go to sites north and south of us.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sabrina snorkeling in the National Park</td></tr>
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Tom had 25 or so dives under his belt when we arrived. I only had 16 dives in my logbook. Diving in Bonaire gave us the chance to really develop our diving groove as partners and establish a routine for before, during and after. Invaluable, important experience. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic by Laura</td></tr>
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We did do one shore dive together with Laura. Tom did his first wreck dive as well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura the fish with the fish</td></tr>
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There is a dive shop on every corner. We used Dive Friends at the Yellow Submarine, a great dive shop. Tank fills were $6. If they didn't have our tanks ready, we would just grab one of theirs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9x0NVSp5ZKb5jpZaOlCCt6jkEdpvIjWLBmM7OFavninc-oFe_eC4Dnpxnq69cs82zYP2u9vwToCFSIx4dBOYPKpnFqHhHXVpNICIMqHDK5t8ESDB9BLjshTpeDyfIm318ahMilZDboA/s1600/DSCF1900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9x0NVSp5ZKb5jpZaOlCCt6jkEdpvIjWLBmM7OFavninc-oFe_eC4Dnpxnq69cs82zYP2u9vwToCFSIx4dBOYPKpnFqHhHXVpNICIMqHDK5t8ESDB9BLjshTpeDyfIm318ahMilZDboA/s640/DSCF1900.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many fish</td></tr>
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Stenapa is the official marine park office. There is a junior ranger program of the local kids, events, dives, talks and such. Additionally, there are a couple of coral farms and other interesting things - sv Blue Blaze helped move sponges on the Salt Pier as part of a sponge relocation project, very kewl!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BC7P8Bj_ggPvulmtIIH7oM-VGfvZ5bDB7V4As17q8AXJUvmTVCdBq0nKcA1u6bTQ0AN_qHu4xdtb6mKu-UEthRcDhOBitHx1Q9VgBa-Iag6KA_ck6loSEtEW6mY0KsPLEoJY7WxKUdo/s1600/DSCF1574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BC7P8Bj_ggPvulmtIIH7oM-VGfvZ5bDB7V4As17q8AXJUvmTVCdBq0nKcA1u6bTQ0AN_qHu4xdtb6mKu-UEthRcDhOBitHx1Q9VgBa-Iag6KA_ck6loSEtEW6mY0KsPLEoJY7WxKUdo/s640/DSCF1574.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom free diving down to check out the coral farm</td></tr>
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We even did a night snorkel. Some super, duper glow in the dark shrimp/worm things were supposed to be out 30 mins after dark on the third night after the full moon. Did you catch all that? Well, Tom and I met up with sv Celilo and their visiting son Phillip to snorkel and see this phenomenon. We arrived at dusk and waited for the right time to slip into the water. Then we watched and waited. And waited and waited some more. It was our first time snorkeling at night and felt a bit weird. Honestly, it felt like a Snipe Hunt. Remember those when you were a kid? Usually a group of older kids (scouts) would take the younger ones out at night hunting for the elusive snipe, basically making them run around the woods or prairie like silly fools looking for an animal that didn't exist for the pure entertainment factor of the older kids. I even said to Mike at one point, <i>"This feels like a Snipe Hunt." </i> He snorted into his snorkel and mask but assured me that this was real. Finally, we saw some glow in the dark things firing up. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom heading to a night snorkel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sv Celilo - night snorkel</td></tr>
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But you probably want to know specifically what the diving is like in Bonaire? <u>FABULOUS!! </u> The reefs looks good, with fish and sea life everywhere. We saw the most amazing creatures. And because the entire island is a protected marine park, there is an abundance of sea life. It is like diving in a big, fancy aquarium. Seriously! So kewl!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcqUSfoQyAbY3qfsAl2bbiEm0C4LKT5oUEWVcrEP1PyGh01avXWqlDI1BtUNp97FDlxV5XFAWzPbTPsujq6omBIs17tFRwJvh-5KjWbHLBhgEhbAIg0ziXR7HRLAPVwf5dDtZQT9ok-U/s1600/DSCF1746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcqUSfoQyAbY3qfsAl2bbiEm0C4LKT5oUEWVcrEP1PyGh01avXWqlDI1BtUNp97FDlxV5XFAWzPbTPsujq6omBIs17tFRwJvh-5KjWbHLBhgEhbAIg0ziXR7HRLAPVwf5dDtZQT9ok-U/s640/DSCF1746.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura getting ready for a dive at Klein Bonaire</td></tr>
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We were lucky to be with sv Blue Blaze as Laura and Jason are master divers, commercial divers and Jason is a marine biologist. And we took full advantage of them. <i> "Hey Jason, we saw a long, skinny fish that was green and blue with a hooked snout. What was that?"</i> He would usually say <i>"If it had blah and blah, that is a long snout whatever. Those are really cool because......." </i>They pointed out the Yellow Jawfish to us. We had never seen one and didn't know what it was. <i>"BTW, the male carries the eggs in it's mouth."</i> Jason explained. <u>WHAT!</u> When Laura and I would go snorkeling together, she would spot something kewl and call me over<i> "I am going to dive down and point something out" .</i> I would follow along to see what she had spotted. Then we would surface and she would tell me what we were looking at and all about it. They also loaned us dive computers and helped fix some of our gear. Thank you sv Blue Blaze!!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom prepping for another dive</td></tr>
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Actually, being around sv Blue Blaze and then on our own, we started slowing down on our dives and really looking. Not just at the big stuff but the little stuff as well. On one morning snorkel with Laura, I spotted THREE octopus!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjey718_jcPXT6Yc7gpeXpIiI8CrpqWblPuumz7iE2hPdRr9lhtePmnmWNAIFxdAdcY2OYH8UzyznJtdiOmr2zlx3N0ZT6pITVZQDyWS7yKlmgknKLJ77YyrgHBtdJ03ZBsCuCJwPnHvt8/s1600/DSCF2174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjey718_jcPXT6Yc7gpeXpIiI8CrpqWblPuumz7iE2hPdRr9lhtePmnmWNAIFxdAdcY2OYH8UzyznJtdiOmr2zlx3N0ZT6pITVZQDyWS7yKlmgknKLJ77YyrgHBtdJ03ZBsCuCJwPnHvt8/s640/DSCF2174.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the hundreds of dive spots around Bonaire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So yes, the diving is brilliant in Bonaire. Go dive there!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-22019895102288824572018-09-01T15:41:00.001-05:002018-09-01T15:41:50.239-05:00Bonaire May June 2018 - Wind and DustJune 2018<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxR-WLSAoRrY0Tgkn7B0yVC_NzTH8GuQ0TUiMwzbr8686-QKILxzeK2PHRV-3h9gfHKc93FfMuaM6RNQQac5mk0uz2xmLXXlDoZf4nbS6pPqWZEcv386S-l_FduAJ8-mNWDs1zZhX8X4/s1600/20180604_093437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxR-WLSAoRrY0Tgkn7B0yVC_NzTH8GuQ0TUiMwzbr8686-QKILxzeK2PHRV-3h9gfHKc93FfMuaM6RNQQac5mk0uz2xmLXXlDoZf4nbS6pPqWZEcv386S-l_FduAJ8-mNWDs1zZhX8X4/s640/20180604_093437.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Did I mention Bonaire is windy?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTi20pZ8y8xxUA2zw5tSF47brJNwvYPwTM0klvxr-9ClwizknyNXgpNtsoFQq2UwdVGvmKdX3xWctueDO5mUuWVWauMjwIAJbOfNP0M-PfKy036re2O9lf0oGIchnpVas0UeI8GZeAzw/s1600/20180604_093512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTi20pZ8y8xxUA2zw5tSF47brJNwvYPwTM0klvxr-9ClwizknyNXgpNtsoFQq2UwdVGvmKdX3xWctueDO5mUuWVWauMjwIAJbOfNP0M-PfKy036re2O9lf0oGIchnpVas0UeI8GZeAzw/s640/20180604_093512.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
And dry?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyZbS4rKpJVBHXSp3fAAb_9VLsEAXMb1zl0qhw_bZ7ppnJ6D1DQgisXMg8oGgxR91denyFuTtGeG8Cytpu0WcFpD9AxphdqRJSgVxp3kvs_l2bwzzyY5TYk8Ffve-WcNAaPwxK_wYXXA/s1600/20180604_093504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyZbS4rKpJVBHXSp3fAAb_9VLsEAXMb1zl0qhw_bZ7ppnJ6D1DQgisXMg8oGgxR91denyFuTtGeG8Cytpu0WcFpD9AxphdqRJSgVxp3kvs_l2bwzzyY5TYk8Ffve-WcNAaPwxK_wYXXA/s640/20180604_093504.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And dusty? No? Well it is. Badly! Think <i>"Grape of Wrath",</i> dust bowl type dusty. In the eastern Caribbean, even in the dry season, it rains some. Not in Bonaire. We might get a drop or three but that is it. We were there a total of six weeks and never saw <b>any</b> rain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrq55BdsHbAT5JyuxFu8EMd4QgKj-gUS9VpKIl8TTYnezyRHg6x-5rTR7r3j-i6uR91rwQrkNZxaq27_Z2yLmbDzaJV6tGZ0gdt1VR4chtvxeNV89SvlRZwWHQZLmZel13eIaZqxLf26k/s1600/20180604_070717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrq55BdsHbAT5JyuxFu8EMd4QgKj-gUS9VpKIl8TTYnezyRHg6x-5rTR7r3j-i6uR91rwQrkNZxaq27_Z2yLmbDzaJV6tGZ0gdt1VR4chtvxeNV89SvlRZwWHQZLmZel13eIaZqxLf26k/s640/20180604_070717.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After a passage the boat is always salty with sea spray. We rinse off the gear but we hate to wash the entire boat using precious HO2. We usually wait for a rain shower. Having never been to Bonaire, we didn't know it wasn't going to rain, so we waited and waited. But the rain never came. In the mean time, dust coated the deck, mixing with the salt spray and turning it into a light coat of mud.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEC_ff9EqxQQeR-eMfMZrp1H90xH6nqq98xpJzQq7XDvMNHdhmKUjjIigrvKKe-1o1sA1iPwqT_rya9JZdd3AKX2Z6lGDIlIzUTkkf3ZatWwd_JTNpSLLTdkKLS_SwXbWYWwG8meQcyOU/s1600/20180604_093539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEC_ff9EqxQQeR-eMfMZrp1H90xH6nqq98xpJzQq7XDvMNHdhmKUjjIigrvKKe-1o1sA1iPwqT_rya9JZdd3AKX2Z6lGDIlIzUTkkf3ZatWwd_JTNpSLLTdkKLS_SwXbWYWwG8meQcyOU/s640/20180604_093539.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Dust coated everything. Ugh! And no one warned us. Many, many cruising friends had been there before us but no one said a word.<br />
<br />
While it was a pain, it was minor in the big scheme of things. But if you go, don't say we didn't warn you about the dust.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-86064342668813588172018-09-01T15:36:00.002-05:002018-09-01T15:36:12.423-05:00Bonaire May June 2018 - Golf Course<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-FWHBSuflbQfMqwEO1HMvjP-ZUqh-SvhB9hTWAlPrv-_v6M6qCDV7DYMi-WujgT3Bxx6ezyQ1Xlp30Wt8RK33aBG15HJXc6i-tsmRWB94CaRA8Pnfri6FIU21w6nqwbsX0kR6mJikcc/s1600/20180510_142857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-FWHBSuflbQfMqwEO1HMvjP-ZUqh-SvhB9hTWAlPrv-_v6M6qCDV7DYMi-WujgT3Bxx6ezyQ1Xlp30Wt8RK33aBG15HJXc6i-tsmRWB94CaRA8Pnfri6FIU21w6nqwbsX0kR6mJikcc/s640/20180510_142857.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
June 2018<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6g4GmOpVu3-ASDmVFqsO-WauHOAhihicqTceUSKxajssgYwJhGjdwyfclMJ5TJTI6oH4JsU0hjVGRtEl9rOJoWC79TniLHgxiDXXGyKfFj0yKUvY35aJtYsQK3jAxpd4X9iFf8yfzwXM/s1600/20180510_142956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6g4GmOpVu3-ASDmVFqsO-WauHOAhihicqTceUSKxajssgYwJhGjdwyfclMJ5TJTI6oH4JsU0hjVGRtEl9rOJoWC79TniLHgxiDXXGyKfFj0yKUvY35aJtYsQK3jAxpd4X9iFf8yfzwXM/s640/20180510_142956.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not exactly Augusta National</td></tr>
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<br />
Bonaire has a golf course.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKXT5gfujt9ltwxO7TO0sh3Pw6Nt1CqpPGEDPPDflDdlikf5DOIPIV3n8zsOd6laBaoZdbhFfCovzlylLe1UoomFvUaB_7P_WBOewEbA6wG67dWqQs6IgP7S02Nsq1rv7j8Md7kZulv8/s1600/20180510_142910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKXT5gfujt9ltwxO7TO0sh3Pw6Nt1CqpPGEDPPDflDdlikf5DOIPIV3n8zsOd6laBaoZdbhFfCovzlylLe1UoomFvUaB_7P_WBOewEbA6wG67dWqQs6IgP7S02Nsq1rv7j8Md7kZulv8/s640/20180510_142910.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving range</td></tr>
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<br />
Sort of....<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvK63dq39efIuhFOMh0RzkHeqW9o1ODUp2RZfNaoLreWFgjWxBddc7goSVvDCRu5XFBr9l2ZHHIYbykpRbCS8YQ_g9KkNf0IyxQvvE-H6h6QpAuMWWYlpaU20Ru6toH8IKxfsE6uq1XU/s1600/20180510_142903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvK63dq39efIuhFOMh0RzkHeqW9o1ODUp2RZfNaoLreWFgjWxBddc7goSVvDCRu5XFBr9l2ZHHIYbykpRbCS8YQ_g9KkNf0IyxQvvE-H6h6QpAuMWWYlpaU20Ru6toH8IKxfsE6uq1XU/s640/20180510_142903.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom peeking over the thorny fence to have a look</td></tr>
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<br />
And yes, we had to check it out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlSDDJsXUwnUm4rJ3XJtkRlHikEoPczkxDtGnY5bGUpeFyNTyzqn6L7eBlmWPZAw3y3r1v9NKGiqUXLO0JlYFVbpT7TKD74cZUMaWloJVbP3VDY02soPXjF6oxpcsQmEX-7Qsw0MPOF4/s1600/20180510_142140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlSDDJsXUwnUm4rJ3XJtkRlHikEoPczkxDtGnY5bGUpeFyNTyzqn6L7eBlmWPZAw3y3r1v9NKGiqUXLO0JlYFVbpT7TKD74cZUMaWloJVbP3VDY02soPXjF6oxpcsQmEX-7Qsw0MPOF4/s640/20180510_142140.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5gKsE4_2kmE7GDxY3evMfhIeKhZR5oS62m41W_NeI1f5fXLydNZPayaeV0d-pzfyZyuVOVI-JloM9aaql1JT1zsMAJXT9xAZOIh4pYMEGTl7Xt99ls1-H_p14S1O_3-aCnBR3bStUsM/s1600/20180510_142148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5gKsE4_2kmE7GDxY3evMfhIeKhZR5oS62m41W_NeI1f5fXLydNZPayaeV0d-pzfyZyuVOVI-JloM9aaql1JT1zsMAJXT9xAZOIh4pYMEGTl7Xt99ls1-H_p14S1O_3-aCnBR3bStUsM/s640/20180510_142148.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic view indeed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgStCz7c2yIdpgyIsG_OlzcubB7cdlu6PCL_Ueu-bawiYI1NXlt_Dgu6mc28Kew99oka5c0xEekIjoPYgXKKF1QPGfN58kiApsJXzy5-ZDwZgmYr-F68aRp_aYz0GC5FIo2mcgCL_cMms/s1600/20180510_144706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgStCz7c2yIdpgyIsG_OlzcubB7cdlu6PCL_Ueu-bawiYI1NXlt_Dgu6mc28Kew99oka5c0xEekIjoPYgXKKF1QPGfN58kiApsJXzy5-ZDwZgmYr-F68aRp_aYz0GC5FIo2mcgCL_cMms/s640/20180510_144706.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But WHEN </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
An <u>interesting</u> drive to the golf course. We actually drove through a <b><u>live</u></b> <u><b>shooting</b></u> <u><b>range</b></u> to get to it. There didn't seem to be any fences or restricted areas, only warning signs to let you know you are currently in a target range. I couldn't really figure out what the hours of the live range or where specifically the shooting takes place. Gulp!<br />
<br />
No - We did not play golf. Perhaps someday.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-70847119278280714622018-09-01T10:49:00.004-05:002018-09-01T10:49:51.463-05:00Bonaire May June 2018 - Rincon Days<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-zVExqOjlnY0Ph3JqMqpmcJodwj1rkdSPL9TM4c4gYtx49Vdrqzzbv0-bA8MRpQFKfkcbEMIu0k12_Ezm3TON3lGxK9_twLfvAhQ7P6TPlVEmvtDg3e5M3UkyrNNDvzRb4ZVOZZkgsU/s1600/20180430_154442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-zVExqOjlnY0Ph3JqMqpmcJodwj1rkdSPL9TM4c4gYtx49Vdrqzzbv0-bA8MRpQFKfkcbEMIu0k12_Ezm3TON3lGxK9_twLfvAhQ7P6TPlVEmvtDg3e5M3UkyrNNDvzRb4ZVOZZkgsU/s640/20180430_154442.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
April 30 2018<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwuRS9-bwcUfSBFpFzUGRWBwiMMzGG92RAWKQCcFKzS-gA7ZBjZONrhzsBPQqCoJ_xPxAvMwst9cv90YGUpT7Thcw56cMrftlDb12GInewyjbYPoFXnlvj7icBKCL8V7KhqKUniJBamM/s1600/20180430_154431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwuRS9-bwcUfSBFpFzUGRWBwiMMzGG92RAWKQCcFKzS-gA7ZBjZONrhzsBPQqCoJ_xPxAvMwst9cv90YGUpT7Thcw56cMrftlDb12GInewyjbYPoFXnlvj7icBKCL8V7KhqKUniJBamM/s640/20180430_154431.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roberta, Mike and son Phillip</td></tr>
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We were only in Bonaire a few days when sv Celilo / Mike and Roberta (aka all knowing cruisers about Bonaire because it is their 4th season here!) announced it was soon Rincon Days and invited us to come along with them to experience it. We all rode up in their truck "Wanda." The boyz -Tom, Jason and Phillip (Mike and Roberta's son who was visiting) all happily rode in the back of the pickup bed with the gear and beer. *When was the last time you rode in the bed of a pickup truck? Fun -Right!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_5uEjzV1M2ewkKiYYMse97YoYf4pqhxasGp_WBIYCML14fpQFslfaeSzjuacvp1j2sZS2TLUxlHLuTmb6FKSrSGzfgo4WQFziICR6YYoHAXEF3FMIaG_8JbxWpWGBeTd6K7YVjhpN0M/s1600/20180430_142525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_5uEjzV1M2ewkKiYYMse97YoYf4pqhxasGp_WBIYCML14fpQFslfaeSzjuacvp1j2sZS2TLUxlHLuTmb6FKSrSGzfgo4WQFziICR6YYoHAXEF3FMIaG_8JbxWpWGBeTd6K7YVjhpN0M/s640/20180430_142525.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wanda the wonder truck and the boyz in the back</td></tr>
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<br />
Rincon is a small town/village mid island. The Rincon festival is celebrated by all on the island. Everyone was in attendance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0Xs1Pcmq31hYAYbbDqG6Ev2zh8U18rjPceGuZCjUQb_xsWnUz6Jj0ypApN7T8PyXdfiRjhi8uQWdxESyyNeQyWAvE2vcnJlgYaAczZPd5foZOieHIJyev2d0H6ozsEFVPvmiwGD7w5Q/s1600/20180430_155314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0Xs1Pcmq31hYAYbbDqG6Ev2zh8U18rjPceGuZCjUQb_xsWnUz6Jj0ypApN7T8PyXdfiRjhi8uQWdxESyyNeQyWAvE2vcnJlgYaAczZPd5foZOieHIJyev2d0H6ozsEFVPvmiwGD7w5Q/s640/20180430_155314.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the mas troupes </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGkmYyma2E_2W1VbJGAw26UOvK_ZUmY0Av1lTiE6v_H1HyD64c6Cfu1_DLgO3YGQg59r_pv2-EARIbVcj3pmu_MuWPUrD-mSLHZzgYjy8zs-ORvLuWRzysNzkjpbFO5DP7rQmnf5vHLI/s1600/20180430_151110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGkmYyma2E_2W1VbJGAw26UOvK_ZUmY0Av1lTiE6v_H1HyD64c6Cfu1_DLgO3YGQg59r_pv2-EARIbVcj3pmu_MuWPUrD-mSLHZzgYjy8zs-ORvLuWRzysNzkjpbFO5DP7rQmnf5vHLI/s640/20180430_151110.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aruba beauties getting in on Rincon Days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
They had a parade, much like carnival.....circling around and around on the parade route several times.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc52vgzE2LoXT6hO0mNGGO7GejFzUx1VF3Pd09ItW4VFCsQkyseD43ff4GZexRfyxVv_t7MMTLP6rF6xBlKZlgVwMvAxQ9smRO9iy9Y1vHYtiAGJbJ79fHcuk_w5URj0L9TFyS73Pj6X4/s1600/20180430_145952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc52vgzE2LoXT6hO0mNGGO7GejFzUx1VF3Pd09ItW4VFCsQkyseD43ff4GZexRfyxVv_t7MMTLP6rF6xBlKZlgVwMvAxQ9smRO9iy9Y1vHYtiAGJbJ79fHcuk_w5URj0L9TFyS73Pj6X4/s640/20180430_145952.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young, old and in between</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL04mOexTzre_KLg3N5PteNwt_U9AnwcbNExkUqGteNYdRZ9TSNRPd5efvz5wx4LD_6luaXddmlR3JBPaH6_u6jQBP9PKaeYIA5KjEQOfOdA9GG8_45-L3b1bhV5g8cV8GAQJBIx5UFJY/s1600/20180430_150042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL04mOexTzre_KLg3N5PteNwt_U9AnwcbNExkUqGteNYdRZ9TSNRPd5efvz5wx4LD_6luaXddmlR3JBPaH6_u6jQBP9PKaeYIA5KjEQOfOdA9GG8_45-L3b1bhV5g8cV8GAQJBIx5UFJY/s640/20180430_150042.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone chippin'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There were Mas type troupes of people in the parade with wonderfully, beautiful customs - women, children and men, like carnival.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QxLShL2TbZxCfziXQpyz_d9mckKZA0P1WAEKE_QICqu8ie_puft1pJeWDFAdu1WnWJBBPi8NUeD1SJhm2KZWXjTWGlAq-OvB-TORz1aBoPgWFPbcEmtprO026FZDG7M37LQzyZn_xRw/s1600/20180430_160223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QxLShL2TbZxCfziXQpyz_d9mckKZA0P1WAEKE_QICqu8ie_puft1pJeWDFAdu1WnWJBBPi8NUeD1SJhm2KZWXjTWGlAq-OvB-TORz1aBoPgWFPbcEmtprO026FZDG7M37LQzyZn_xRw/s640/20180430_160223.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WOW - can you say PINK!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And the detail to the costumes - amazing!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPeEcWfUYxZHCl66Kp4_LTWDX2mlPuRgCbAYeRGfVv_0aDXrXugotj3Qm26VOjKu1d6gx7xBAMqbp-G04PxLEq2GV9_sF6xaR_MMTU4RCkRkEOIFzvH0Yb40EqZimtkZul7a6iEtfs10/s1600/20180430_144831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPeEcWfUYxZHCl66Kp4_LTWDX2mlPuRgCbAYeRGfVv_0aDXrXugotj3Qm26VOjKu1d6gx7xBAMqbp-G04PxLEq2GV9_sF6xaR_MMTU4RCkRkEOIFzvH0Yb40EqZimtkZul7a6iEtfs10/s640/20180430_144831.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at all the layers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The detail!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTu3b1JX2skieuWxiFhEKQmA8LSfDuRDTPKQ1p9bFM9fntlscF7reKgcHPd51pBhxn8KjTDdQv38yxjKc44xytNCIQaLUUjBz4rYVEtQ0OcCkQTZ8yeQqI0GERh7TMGtPdRPgo3QRB_0/s1600/20180430_143643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTu3b1JX2skieuWxiFhEKQmA8LSfDuRDTPKQ1p9bFM9fntlscF7reKgcHPd51pBhxn8KjTDdQv38yxjKc44xytNCIQaLUUjBz4rYVEtQ0OcCkQTZ8yeQqI0GERh7TMGtPdRPgo3QRB_0/s640/20180430_143643.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the hats and headgear - wow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The DETAIL!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ8lq3DCHJ5yY0Ozd1nkDrWD1pMMcdkvRTTuTEjM8A54ht8FA0VWAaQabmoCeRDU0jd3TWty8wfRLEbhOmqjOpxyehzSdusN0kP0qYIz4mtBnW7vdir03gEwdgfRvAc-esTSHq1ka1MI/s1600/20180430_145948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ8lq3DCHJ5yY0Ozd1nkDrWD1pMMcdkvRTTuTEjM8A54ht8FA0VWAaQabmoCeRDU0jd3TWty8wfRLEbhOmqjOpxyehzSdusN0kP0qYIz4mtBnW7vdir03gEwdgfRvAc-esTSHq1ka1MI/s640/20180430_145948.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh the hats....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Fabulous!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBX_5SGUkCF4L95scQnS9Mj4664WnsGtettDd0z-ga8b_e3TVwHDhQJH8ZJNVNAFSmZ4yaCqt0fZ1pMHxHBx2bmAu7Putvwu0Z-uadeGrZdGdqSIKA9tMGrxukHEuczV_8_zX015kjA0k/s1600/20180430_145558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBX_5SGUkCF4L95scQnS9Mj4664WnsGtettDd0z-ga8b_e3TVwHDhQJH8ZJNVNAFSmZ4yaCqt0fZ1pMHxHBx2bmAu7Putvwu0Z-uadeGrZdGdqSIKA9tMGrxukHEuczV_8_zX015kjA0k/s640/20180430_145558.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So regal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGDJzfQa-b6V9F_dY8WDHJfkJRUFJ4lAY4XOrx9xsq_eSYpNOSTaAU0cVGXw0DOX56XiZ31CB0aeEgEEVAdBK0HiJv79rNpAQzKi6HdpTod4daR2dPQZz1Z2UB5wDjbjBU4NBL6kZWuM/s1600/20180430_153940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGDJzfQa-b6V9F_dY8WDHJfkJRUFJ4lAY4XOrx9xsq_eSYpNOSTaAU0cVGXw0DOX56XiZ31CB0aeEgEEVAdBK0HiJv79rNpAQzKi6HdpTod4daR2dPQZz1Z2UB5wDjbjBU4NBL6kZWuM/s640/20180430_153940.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many smiles - everyone was having fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Stunning!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtsQ46N6QKdqewJL7Y1RW_mm5ACfRUDu-rNNcoFSMsljFhHCOZ0F5xeft3jjEKt9fHDWTnKPy0RBOL89gTpWkPVSNDMQP1QmTilL_qcXDHkgmc1wYxjf8gTLF_FhO57whvecbkvJ9FA0/s1600/20180430_144844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtsQ46N6QKdqewJL7Y1RW_mm5ACfRUDu-rNNcoFSMsljFhHCOZ0F5xeft3jjEKt9fHDWTnKPy0RBOL89gTpWkPVSNDMQP1QmTilL_qcXDHkgmc1wYxjf8gTLF_FhO57whvecbkvJ9FA0/s640/20180430_144844.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh la la</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There was parade music. Much of it live, like carnivals of old.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91iMVBvR8xzv8gUPJ0g9sc7tgnvP8Jwwaws2nPsPpV3NDBnA-8ffezrzvzTMQrazKYs63f_pt_ZWKmyhuozwWU8ph5QtTF8JMO_mXGBuxJH3CneBm4aFcMdV9xPBZTU2ku_ODwpQXqE4/s1600/20180430_145655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91iMVBvR8xzv8gUPJ0g9sc7tgnvP8Jwwaws2nPsPpV3NDBnA-8ffezrzvzTMQrazKYs63f_pt_ZWKmyhuozwWU8ph5QtTF8JMO_mXGBuxJH3CneBm4aFcMdV9xPBZTU2ku_ODwpQXqE4/s640/20180430_145655.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jammin'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWZiFRhxAtCLprVlZCeBBnBU3CupesTAeYh2JceStulj_P90NEgNzZUq64RHzS4P5LMUlqB_dDJkrxE1jQcgteeNQLJkmPBK45cro0kMuP5E24oWNkZLRscG2bAxIalW3JA0OgWsVlmI/s1600/20180430_153748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWZiFRhxAtCLprVlZCeBBnBU3CupesTAeYh2JceStulj_P90NEgNzZUq64RHzS4P5LMUlqB_dDJkrxE1jQcgteeNQLJkmPBK45cro0kMuP5E24oWNkZLRscG2bAxIalW3JA0OgWsVlmI/s640/20180430_153748.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at these band outfits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00aSU1S5IUtHELLHxBvvnl99F85y9trE0Ir02NxgPZC_1lMUtmKVhayRqeZJMqVf6-gZXCt0q6ZgwUnDUfd-_xX8n1-cI-AagKANPyG8KbxZ5ItwmI1g4jFjr-PcFgrgvdh7YJ_c53cI/s1600/20180430_151843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00aSU1S5IUtHELLHxBvvnl99F85y9trE0Ir02NxgPZC_1lMUtmKVhayRqeZJMqVf6-gZXCt0q6ZgwUnDUfd-_xX8n1-cI-AagKANPyG8KbxZ5ItwmI1g4jFjr-PcFgrgvdh7YJ_c53cI/s640/20180430_151843.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids band</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And additional music in street cafes.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5F24LGqyqCqiO93XFc98TGUf-GkjvsQ9A5k4DMP7ZoP8Vm7Ys2A9W258BUvczXFgPJX-1yVTU3DbkRfzMDfEdrenlfcV1ns_YrvriDDj0MGqf75k9lopbDWvRuM-34vYspmNiO4C5uM/s1600/20180430_163656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5F24LGqyqCqiO93XFc98TGUf-GkjvsQ9A5k4DMP7ZoP8Vm7Ys2A9W258BUvczXFgPJX-1yVTU3DbkRfzMDfEdrenlfcV1ns_YrvriDDj0MGqf75k9lopbDWvRuM-34vYspmNiO4C5uM/s640/20180430_163656.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street cafe performers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6ReFaCaV7cocQKys10nRs7FaBRar0oTI6tQFHq2OEA7pOEpd7zYfKQ38-XObPp33Ggb94XpfLEDbyJBfX6aS9_XuuJeDp09Siq8f1VLKMLZVq8-TIqZMz-v2Ti0bM_EiRU0EHOXmmv8/s1600/20180430_170441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6ReFaCaV7cocQKys10nRs7FaBRar0oTI6tQFHq2OEA7pOEpd7zYfKQ38-XObPp33Ggb94XpfLEDbyJBfX6aS9_XuuJeDp09Siq8f1VLKMLZVq8-TIqZMz-v2Ti0bM_EiRU0EHOXmmv8/s640/20180430_170441.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special Guiro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Tom even got in on a bit of the music.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwdZuoAtE8VlviIRVw_YnJFThetrsLrq7awkeQdV7Bjnvcr6229wGbdgf9Nd0MKXOrbSGFVjRBCFUCfisDF0Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
And street festival food.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik58cdrfOZ-faJ8tkMxbnwKAn5iJNhae30c67qdoCt_mZSKP0chyphenhyphenm5vLHSk2xdWIGt0uK9JiSnd7kaYfTtRqB7VqzfaZjVx5znh4ptTZlBO-s5yrSwj15KCaWn8K0O-M4Vg6qR3K4vDAQ/s1600/20180430_173322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik58cdrfOZ-faJ8tkMxbnwKAn5iJNhae30c67qdoCt_mZSKP0chyphenhyphenm5vLHSk2xdWIGt0uK9JiSnd7kaYfTtRqB7VqzfaZjVx5znh4ptTZlBO-s5yrSwj15KCaWn8K0O-M4Vg6qR3K4vDAQ/s640/20180430_173322.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food booth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was basically carnival but with more clothing. HA!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SXeYzjihQO5y3me3vkRENZLdF4Q_c3G7smIkGeMqzP-AcK2-I8DOrw7SUNwx45Nzre73vC2zEpLlPw-4iTup2X2XWaVkk7J3Ew0p_bj550PgDzHlOyIUD1lFIr6vnpWdcwnzTZXiMNk/s1600/20180430_154404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SXeYzjihQO5y3me3vkRENZLdF4Q_c3G7smIkGeMqzP-AcK2-I8DOrw7SUNwx45Nzre73vC2zEpLlPw-4iTup2X2XWaVkk7J3Ew0p_bj550PgDzHlOyIUD1lFIr6vnpWdcwnzTZXiMNk/s640/20180430_154404.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura and Jason</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So much fun.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDwg09fHo-j70qkbJ8elKbcVAUMYv1RtAl_Kper2mSeswoY0W8ZAeo1zRzy88l-yxC7c-gdtCAALhUKQzaygU70DGaJPdZX_kJPNlAWL_MI_DC-ON5g6yqiJMkX-TWHyfN8pvdVjsb2M/s1600/20180430_144012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDwg09fHo-j70qkbJ8elKbcVAUMYv1RtAl_Kper2mSeswoY0W8ZAeo1zRzy88l-yxC7c-gdtCAALhUKQzaygU70DGaJPdZX_kJPNlAWL_MI_DC-ON5g6yqiJMkX-TWHyfN8pvdVjsb2M/s640/20180430_144012.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roberta and Laura</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Thanks sv Celilo<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgefzu2P3vXRZQdkA6TEic5nI9Oo8npyLGqAdCieNCTxJQLaEYj8JfGIIJa2jXz5PIon7aIflEPzbtOPJZ3uQmYJhB65UrMMfSJRtGiyLlF0Tf5iIBD0_k32yyNf3E-FtO-npRrPnU3g/s1600/20180430_173256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgefzu2P3vXRZQdkA6TEic5nI9Oo8npyLGqAdCieNCTxJQLaEYj8JfGIIJa2jXz5PIon7aIflEPzbtOPJZ3uQmYJhB65UrMMfSJRtGiyLlF0Tf5iIBD0_k32yyNf3E-FtO-npRrPnU3g/s640/20180430_173256.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phillip, Mike and Roberta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-41247627191376965212018-09-01T10:39:00.002-05:002018-09-01T10:39:47.830-05:00Bonaire May June 2018 - Salt Flats and Slavery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUa-auKiuinK7ym2eprwBuwbtt3zbvid2LtI5D17xMUJ7I5-aimqnMO-ll82Bw5pItJvMKj__8oO2MtShBO-kpBcqWV4w_R1o7kJrCCmcS6dSNcasFSt1i9xXpU9sy31oTTbjpwfp4-0/s1600/20180506_112205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUa-auKiuinK7ym2eprwBuwbtt3zbvid2LtI5D17xMUJ7I5-aimqnMO-ll82Bw5pItJvMKj__8oO2MtShBO-kpBcqWV4w_R1o7kJrCCmcS6dSNcasFSt1i9xXpU9sy31oTTbjpwfp4-0/s640/20180506_112205.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
May 2018<br />
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I mentioned before that the south end of Bonaire was primarily salt flats. I also mentioned that it was harsh and brutal. This is true historically as well. So much so, that it needs it's own blog posting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPm-008NAOWm_43oKB7LqrtIyF7tYgLTpFNTDMNRxt9C6Gc64mDjKMycJhQSeUNbBOQwTXvL_M-J6xcvnd_CFj6TYmOH0Neq36MoicRfF8SQ0TBrFK4kUy6yWG24xiG6gIa5gKz4Qoi0/s1600/DSCF1753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPm-008NAOWm_43oKB7LqrtIyF7tYgLTpFNTDMNRxt9C6Gc64mDjKMycJhQSeUNbBOQwTXvL_M-J6xcvnd_CFj6TYmOH0Neq36MoicRfF8SQ0TBrFK4kUy6yWG24xiG6gIa5gKz4Qoi0/s640/DSCF1753.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The salt business of Bonaire is hundreds of years old. Like many things of old back then, it was labor intensive. Sadly, this meant slave labor and Bonaire was not different than many places in terms of slavery.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4vKJr2Rel9l5acNI43tedkLOJABywbZT-dbKJgWNwyhEXje9EbTwxPJ1MtUxzQtrRJraq379_VAHis1DPXRqiT02xFljHcU4BIuv6kK5vQTisLQJH2N7PD1Liz2q2tkhNv6tELL6yOE/s1600/20180506_120452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4vKJr2Rel9l5acNI43tedkLOJABywbZT-dbKJgWNwyhEXje9EbTwxPJ1MtUxzQtrRJraq379_VAHis1DPXRqiT02xFljHcU4BIuv6kK5vQTisLQJH2N7PD1Liz2q2tkhNv6tELL6yOE/s640/20180506_120452.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What remains today, aside from the actual salt flats and huge, white, piles of salt, are the actual slave huts where the abused were <i>"housed"</i>......if you can call it that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbfXeAWWq3fsTreUDeeVonmmozcbpo-qg9vOE3W2ckLS7f3TPm8TZhTVeCnXjwtgJrWYWrD0aQ-1sDGAdL5lEAPEgmoD1c5BYMfAtkntuKt9GTVL7tWo8FEfn_pJR3KZC_MVxWiLrZY8/s1600/DSCF1747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbfXeAWWq3fsTreUDeeVonmmozcbpo-qg9vOE3W2ckLS7f3TPm8TZhTVeCnXjwtgJrWYWrD0aQ-1sDGAdL5lEAPEgmoD1c5BYMfAtkntuKt9GTVL7tWo8FEfn_pJR3KZC_MVxWiLrZY8/s640/DSCF1747.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9RjdiWmHDEkd4d_bdkQpvpmhflwTgMz72Xjwhr3oElhUUpUEVlWzs17UNKmNwVUU3y2WldETvTnZG5XI42_iC0jijwJdPKPyY7spCDMd_SmV9fy6dAktSMgMi0ZU23zHPiS-KeBdMvU/s1600/20180506_111703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9RjdiWmHDEkd4d_bdkQpvpmhflwTgMz72Xjwhr3oElhUUpUEVlWzs17UNKmNwVUU3y2WldETvTnZG5XI42_iC0jijwJdPKPyY7spCDMd_SmV9fy6dAktSMgMi0ZU23zHPiS-KeBdMvU/s640/20180506_111703.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The huts are made out of a type of concrete formed from coral of course. They are small, and cramped, housing 16 slaves in each hut. We crawled in a few. I can't even imagine how it is humanly possible to put 16 people in one hut. But then again, slavery is not human. Perhaps they slept in shifts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Dp17a1YaU85OzvECMMCGmIsmfxECYZu5UVOii5DoO8xkTcjV8hRWxfbTQDKEvIuIwJrqTEstr5pK9OGoomtisFmeMr2S71oGmp8kUH8xx__tHw7H4lSgdFpOIiukwGo-JOv8aYzculc/s1600/20180506_111758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Dp17a1YaU85OzvECMMCGmIsmfxECYZu5UVOii5DoO8xkTcjV8hRWxfbTQDKEvIuIwJrqTEstr5pK9OGoomtisFmeMr2S71oGmp8kUH8xx__tHw7H4lSgdFpOIiukwGo-JOv8aYzculc/s640/20180506_111758.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You may be thinking at least the huts are concrete. But remember the pics from before of the topography, and shoreline? BRUTAL!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZ3wx5gmAL3qD4dvsp6phzXCwjyX6kLsFl3FeBanDz06QMD-0HPML7Wp5mD0FpP-icntpAMGEXAjaplwwomtUSQh7A0TMR4cY9zljsP_bqFO3b_iFRQkmSJoamBhdthEaotb_8T94Ts8/s1600/20180506_115429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZ3wx5gmAL3qD4dvsp6phzXCwjyX6kLsFl3FeBanDz06QMD-0HPML7Wp5mD0FpP-icntpAMGEXAjaplwwomtUSQh7A0TMR4cY9zljsP_bqFO3b_iFRQkmSJoamBhdthEaotb_8T94Ts8/s640/20180506_115429.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYW4iXkHlxQZBGu5Y4BASXtPpB4809_43sUgFsxZh4AHsblvEPe5NWq8jzoaKN2irRu_tLmpe_dMc7c1E2qm8a_BKspnhVOACm_jLqpL1AX2ug5Vk3bt7RqcHYXXeIJpL5EPrYrjwpSA/s1600/DSCF1809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYW4iXkHlxQZBGu5Y4BASXtPpB4809_43sUgFsxZh4AHsblvEPe5NWq8jzoaKN2irRu_tLmpe_dMc7c1E2qm8a_BKspnhVOACm_jLqpL1AX2ug5Vk3bt7RqcHYXXeIJpL5EPrYrjwpSA/s640/DSCF1809.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The salt would be "<i>harvested</i>" - which I guess means collected (raked), processed and sorted, then two male slaves would pile it into a large basket. Then the two men would heft the heavy basket onto the head of a female slave who was kneeling. They would help her to feet...... you see, it took two men because it was SO incredibly, freaking heavy! Then the woman would carefully make her way down to the loading dock at the shore and up a steep pier to the ship, where FOUR men would then take it off her head and load it into the ship. I say carefully, because no doubt there were harsh consequences if she stumbled and dropped the heavy basket loaded with salt. THINK about that again. Read it again..... absolutely brutal!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfvX7qoE8TsQAkFBTPchHZvE07Zjb977KiInNKlgZJkHtb0A79-3oqRAiWusOhRJs2zlRFeOedGkFJ_Mqslah7VQwxbjrRY5CrKrJvzGe4Bfaectk0GOr373E7EHhNyqrzJ29HSe-Tyo/s1600/20180506_115153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfvX7qoE8TsQAkFBTPchHZvE07Zjb977KiInNKlgZJkHtb0A79-3oqRAiWusOhRJs2zlRFeOedGkFJ_Mqslah7VQwxbjrRY5CrKrJvzGe4Bfaectk0GOr373E7EHhNyqrzJ29HSe-Tyo/s640/20180506_115153.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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There were five obelisks (tall triangles) along the southern shore. Two or three remain today. They were all painted different colors. These signified the various grades or types of salt - for example, commercial grade vs refined for human consumption. The ships captains could see the colored obelisks and then knew where they needed to dock based on those colors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cr5HCZBdtLXOgr4SSLqVG6hJjLpR_xKJwyxzPNZr09LxnehtnWuIpmDx-tcxW7kMlYLFqIo4A163MSl1q9FRIQGOGW5m9YC_S45UnOb9nT9CZw4g8nD57I4k-5Ug-oSsdpFAfJBQa_E/s1600/20180506_120318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cr5HCZBdtLXOgr4SSLqVG6hJjLpR_xKJwyxzPNZr09LxnehtnWuIpmDx-tcxW7kMlYLFqIo4A163MSl1q9FRIQGOGW5m9YC_S45UnOb9nT9CZw4g8nD57I4k-5Ug-oSsdpFAfJBQa_E/s640/20180506_120318.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These huts made such an impression on us. They are weirdly beautiful all painted up against the harsh setting. There is a eery quiet as you stand among the huts with the wind howling. It is an important reminder of a terrible past that must not be forgotten.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-79431898095613356612018-09-01T09:02:00.001-05:002018-09-01T10:58:54.724-05:00Bonaire May June 2018 - Around Bonaire<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoKtZ-KJ7v_ZlRybi1c45d6AzFJVaFXGHUewEmIE3V9jigMAMOVAm44c1Rt82LT49IIh7z6Qv4zPg0cZ2auMxPw-h_MKWxO2ApQeJmZWTsEIEfLTEGKQRfkPFMLHrK14k6UbodufMKqc/s1600/20180506_154942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoKtZ-KJ7v_ZlRybi1c45d6AzFJVaFXGHUewEmIE3V9jigMAMOVAm44c1Rt82LT49IIh7z6Qv4zPg0cZ2auMxPw-h_MKWxO2ApQeJmZWTsEIEfLTEGKQRfkPFMLHrK14k6UbodufMKqc/s640/20180506_154942.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tall cactus everywhere </td></tr>
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<br />
May 2018<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_Dymzbzk-InpUUF_lJ6Tbqm19xUb5Mvj6vok1H9yf46GfMe6eEgi4PBmA8loV-P96L6TH_efqmiZ0PnCssKKFX5N5idc1NNrNjC5HhB_lg2Vz0zE3AoSjOre9NXShMtBneIYZ9pKAZ4/s1600/20180430_142433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_Dymzbzk-InpUUF_lJ6Tbqm19xUb5Mvj6vok1H9yf46GfMe6eEgi4PBmA8loV-P96L6TH_efqmiZ0PnCssKKFX5N5idc1NNrNjC5HhB_lg2Vz0zE3AoSjOre9NXShMtBneIYZ9pKAZ4/s640/20180430_142433.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura and a common Bonaire cactus fence</td></tr>
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Bonaire is all about diving. People fly in from all over the world to dive in Bonaire. There is a dive shop on nearly every corner. The entire island is a marine park.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5ni6CyHG9YI8O4wM9aQTJxsKWFY5JtqznX5RtTAGliNwYA0nUnokMA4tl-SSThM2AZfVUQskojZULBHSGFpcfrGRh80Tv_5OTFctmb688roQJJuHw7HUPJigii9_ztCP_AriHzPCSds/s1600/20180508_141648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5ni6CyHG9YI8O4wM9aQTJxsKWFY5JtqznX5RtTAGliNwYA0nUnokMA4tl-SSThM2AZfVUQskojZULBHSGFpcfrGRh80Tv_5OTFctmb688roQJJuHw7HUPJigii9_ztCP_AriHzPCSds/s640/20180508_141648.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flamingos</td></tr>
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But of course there is more to Bonaire than diving.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57286Rlb2P3Zd8EgsequuQJ6jWmWUhIOMRO0k5S7J9SDn7kU2twjnswwf30lIZW8Mz5dwfNIi2JlyHdcTtCvCFRUK0S-GruXxrqdVscid9eoPFmZHOwvyqO2zpL7GRxniH5S7P0HWtQE/s1600/20180508_155759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57286Rlb2P3Zd8EgsequuQJ6jWmWUhIOMRO0k5S7J9SDn7kU2twjnswwf30lIZW8Mz5dwfNIi2JlyHdcTtCvCFRUK0S-GruXxrqdVscid9eoPFmZHOwvyqO2zpL7GRxniH5S7P0HWtQE/s640/20180508_155759.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View to the west and the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire </td></tr>
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Bonaire is a very dry, arid island.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNdVuVOTB_n_nh0MHW6G0oluEAtlJgIIS6PaFAnkopTBwPJrNWiS7TsiEkyRqTMCXNDqTV9X6-Zo6B53Cel7og4EmEI2v8tVADiEGcSDMO7NmZChYCncvARxpfiFrvQulH4sh2wfUBsU/s1600/DSCF1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNdVuVOTB_n_nh0MHW6G0oluEAtlJgIIS6PaFAnkopTBwPJrNWiS7TsiEkyRqTMCXNDqTV9X6-Zo6B53Cel7og4EmEI2v8tVADiEGcSDMO7NmZChYCncvARxpfiFrvQulH4sh2wfUBsU/s640/DSCF1820.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt piles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2zEGQr6eXiOQbKfhszAyLgqHw2sVkSpTO_izOvdGlhyphenhyphen46hOJQk5UC7C9oUB_Ljc469b05xAAMRp1P-a8YnN68vCGFmxvvt7ozh1gzYc5PwO-iLWQmgzB-mlhylE5gT6FS79ee-l_ISM/s1600/DSCF1805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2zEGQr6eXiOQbKfhszAyLgqHw2sVkSpTO_izOvdGlhyphenhyphen46hOJQk5UC7C9oUB_Ljc469b05xAAMRp1P-a8YnN68vCGFmxvvt7ozh1gzYc5PwO-iLWQmgzB-mlhylE5gT6FS79ee-l_ISM/s640/DSCF1805.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big salt piles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Other than diving, SALT is a big industry. The whole southern tip of the island is salt flats. I found it pretty interesting and I would have liked to have learned more about the salt flats/pans and the whole process. However, Cargill operates the salt flats and has conveniently set up a conservation area to protect the flamingos and such and thus keeping people out of their <u>very</u> <u><b>private</b></u> business! Not a big fan of Cargill!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggetnpwcNJj2I_ESGoRTs-ZHKJYo8usNkhkg8yXlj4jj4jPiXKd_aANVdVdeu04tLc9OEbxDPSXq34mBgFCXvd-BelFS5PQgfDZcUU4C0I8UpG-SOZLic1Y9fhog8Sri8kXv-HKepmQsA/s1600/DSCF1818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggetnpwcNJj2I_ESGoRTs-ZHKJYo8usNkhkg8yXlj4jj4jPiXKd_aANVdVdeu04tLc9OEbxDPSXq34mBgFCXvd-BelFS5PQgfDZcUU4C0I8UpG-SOZLic1Y9fhog8Sri8kXv-HKepmQsA/s640/DSCF1818.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt pans</td></tr>
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<br />
Anyway, the salt flats are pretty kewl to see, even at a distance (thank you very much Cargill -NOT). The various salt pans are pink tinted. This is from the tiny shrimp and microbes that live there. These same shrimps/microbes are what the flamingos eat which causes them to turn pink!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotUe-ZT13NNcrbYBomR5CZru5MFN08wqN126TWKTXfo_4zoolbHuVd_MftSJXK4q8CAGBZedyhSwF7kXVGXmCOrvMLZPHL6s5881BhBbrTESP7vi-yZlW7Ad-E_p8hqr4P1hyphenhyphenpyna9Fo/s1600/20180506_121624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotUe-ZT13NNcrbYBomR5CZru5MFN08wqN126TWKTXfo_4zoolbHuVd_MftSJXK4q8CAGBZedyhSwF7kXVGXmCOrvMLZPHL6s5881BhBbrTESP7vi-yZlW7Ad-E_p8hqr4P1hyphenhyphenpyna9Fo/s640/20180506_121624.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flamingos eating in the salt pans</td></tr>
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<br />
Yes, flamingos are not pink at birth. Actually, the juveniles are grey. But as they mature and their diet settles on the pink stuff in the salt flats/pans, then they turn pink. Kewl huh? I never knew that before.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-khre3zQEhv_Mox3CMie55VTKafRMgK5sVb0RwtlNbSlSX6QAGJy2Zx-9rOeMC1pEqJohQK17GGyNEbBrSKEXxG2WdPXdN3J05IDS6h00ZBGc5-eC6FGWrjPPCjmqjp4yOm59arPZzWo/s1600/20180506_121617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-khre3zQEhv_Mox3CMie55VTKafRMgK5sVb0RwtlNbSlSX6QAGJy2Zx-9rOeMC1pEqJohQK17GGyNEbBrSKEXxG2WdPXdN3J05IDS6h00ZBGc5-eC6FGWrjPPCjmqjp4yOm59arPZzWo/s640/20180506_121617.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A grey juvenile flamingo </td></tr>
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<br />
Did I mentioned that Bonaire is arid? Really arid. Of course May is still the <i>"dry season"</i> so.... The topography reminds me of the desert southwest of the USA.<br />
<br />
We rented a pickup truck with sv Blue Blaze and toured the island.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNFaMYGA5Uqkl9Uar2k-y1jr-9Pda9mYEx44r1P5V2etCQTKhzrueCdRiIDu2AnmccD3fg7LaIEC02E204fIncBxc1b3ZAhySuaqOQexRbZsvOfz8plpXIcMBjq1PCqYVYOyRBcp27yk/s1600/DSCF1779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNFaMYGA5Uqkl9Uar2k-y1jr-9Pda9mYEx44r1P5V2etCQTKhzrueCdRiIDu2AnmccD3fg7LaIEC02E204fIncBxc1b3ZAhySuaqOQexRbZsvOfz8plpXIcMBjq1PCqYVYOyRBcp27yk/s640/DSCF1779.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rental pickup truck</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-BRaRBpdiAWoldCXlErAGwP7NSMnMrf3CqDB5Z9LbTPcF7sYwoJCTfi75jgSRG6t8a5X9cXjtrF0NnIRWQrewRCqf6VdD6EnGzrbjE_OAmYCctahWuKgr7Ei90MYAE8ebz_G0Nv-_dY/s1600/20180507_112912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-BRaRBpdiAWoldCXlErAGwP7NSMnMrf3CqDB5Z9LbTPcF7sYwoJCTfi75jgSRG6t8a5X9cXjtrF0NnIRWQrewRCqf6VdD6EnGzrbjE_OAmYCctahWuKgr7Ei90MYAE8ebz_G0Nv-_dY/s640/20180507_112912.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The northern part of Bonaire is a National Park. The roads are pretty rough in the park and they have a few rules so traffic can be controlled. There is some slight elevation in the park but not much overall. The topography continued to be arid but there was some water (ponds) and thus interesting desert greenery, birds and animals.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpvsQSWTrOeg2pR39wuQ8ATSHaeb9T4MHPlnzw-WWl4z1OHTRH3vcZ5_M2IrV6ssyB_8VZ1n7DUlHdWGDLQSCQ-N9P2j0CyxcnVjOBs2hRwjW3O5oEWZn9LDFg5A7lsrsqWsJCCKZ4nQ/s1600/20180507_154017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpvsQSWTrOeg2pR39wuQ8ATSHaeb9T4MHPlnzw-WWl4z1OHTRH3vcZ5_M2IrV6ssyB_8VZ1n7DUlHdWGDLQSCQ-N9P2j0CyxcnVjOBs2hRwjW3O5oEWZn9LDFg5A7lsrsqWsJCCKZ4nQ/s640/20180507_154017.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parrots everywhere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLvpTUbKLoBr_C8Fpn-G9ltBqv9RSoJsN_Ckt4sGO1QSNi89zFqB2Zck07DnsCqTA0PEQv06JTzO_f3DPjLa9pFXicIoFbkj00eyR0z2Nhtdll7fvqcSpjnAEFpeQQrnY7e2JFiqhA6g/s1600/20180508_105213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLvpTUbKLoBr_C8Fpn-G9ltBqv9RSoJsN_Ckt4sGO1QSNi89zFqB2Zck07DnsCqTA0PEQv06JTzO_f3DPjLa9pFXicIoFbkj00eyR0z2Nhtdll7fvqcSpjnAEFpeQQrnY7e2JFiqhA6g/s640/20180508_105213.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big iguana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMrn5CzovOvg5UukI3zH1_ohxDEsYZt7a_f26ceJaUtCZ7VzPF3gfzLFTqFucRLpe0WmgTXIC6TF92tIBgU-WrfVW5tI_sP_H7iOIT6QS8OhdAILwI5GsNk_KGuXEyR7y4ZaYQIOyVlM/s1600/20180507_121856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMrn5CzovOvg5UukI3zH1_ohxDEsYZt7a_f26ceJaUtCZ7VzPF3gfzLFTqFucRLpe0WmgTXIC6TF92tIBgU-WrfVW5tI_sP_H7iOIT6QS8OhdAILwI5GsNk_KGuXEyR7y4ZaYQIOyVlM/s640/20180507_121856.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Bonaire is also windy. Very windy.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUnK6FpG8D26r8jqG_GnK5Wh3QJPqY4rF8uLnvE4fLjcQ7g194_cBZSZwVY4pp0wch7qDYU3JsmbqDVJ2xEaMBOq2UWbR0UzG90Yc8lQ2llfXDapCcwkjBrTDs0JR2BkNyLiLVs7UubU/s1600/20180507_121146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUnK6FpG8D26r8jqG_GnK5Wh3QJPqY4rF8uLnvE4fLjcQ7g194_cBZSZwVY4pp0wch7qDYU3JsmbqDVJ2xEaMBOq2UWbR0UzG90Yc8lQ2llfXDapCcwkjBrTDs0JR2BkNyLiLVs7UubU/s640/20180507_121146.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WIND power</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Great for kite surfing.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEo3MXRf2uuNbsKObEoyMrfRM0MHPYb5h4SrOLSozJsrjzAeHc8yoed8EaB8RgKYsG-oOhYvY8aqkQxuDQ4-tncIkCc3l-uDSV78NKEQoieD4IGCV0Ahi0Jdsldm-ZmS8rNOg9GdML-I/s1600/20180506_114334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEo3MXRf2uuNbsKObEoyMrfRM0MHPYb5h4SrOLSozJsrjzAeHc8yoed8EaB8RgKYsG-oOhYvY8aqkQxuDQ4-tncIkCc3l-uDSV78NKEQoieD4IGCV0Ahi0Jdsldm-ZmS8rNOg9GdML-I/s640/20180506_114334.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kewl bus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKfK4-iJWpQIYJzeyo-dF5JOMbgAKzd940L9O2xd1eABa0LljQzn_KptZJzbj1k7J1m16Izs7W7d9uq5SZuofujDBPEzmOxb3F6nq8gPTmFYB0sfd4-MRHtCLnDJM_nBPfReBlkgDy6A/s1600/DSCF1757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKfK4-iJWpQIYJzeyo-dF5JOMbgAKzd940L9O2xd1eABa0LljQzn_KptZJzbj1k7J1m16Izs7W7d9uq5SZuofujDBPEzmOxb3F6nq8gPTmFYB0sfd4-MRHtCLnDJM_nBPfReBlkgDy6A/s640/DSCF1757.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kites all laid out and ready to go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjn513N5mcNhaZRLJIiH4o6v2w0y8Jz4Zm9UwFULGygiOpwcI73cVxYY2eNX5p0lResFf1DFUc5uhOSfqfpP_W-_lfBeqXzWJ5lzch9Nh97nmdgAcJmum-NUKRpTQGw-KOBRlxf3gDUw/s1600/DSCF1758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjn513N5mcNhaZRLJIiH4o6v2w0y8Jz4Zm9UwFULGygiOpwcI73cVxYY2eNX5p0lResFf1DFUc5uhOSfqfpP_W-_lfBeqXzWJ5lzch9Nh97nmdgAcJmum-NUKRpTQGw-KOBRlxf3gDUw/s640/DSCF1758.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many kite surfers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And wind surfing.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmKMQV_GWemXknwVvFWLQXuWc7xqn-A5sKwu_9tYux3C6x8nGyX5DFV1PohP96YOpA7YF7SHvXKKVPC1_LGOZE64TcCJ_iF0CGWa12e5gREbs2P2eLSF8fzmuKg2CorveLMiWYel7ON0/s1600/20180506_130516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmKMQV_GWemXknwVvFWLQXuWc7xqn-A5sKwu_9tYux3C6x8nGyX5DFV1PohP96YOpA7YF7SHvXKKVPC1_LGOZE64TcCJ_iF0CGWa12e5gREbs2P2eLSF8fzmuKg2CorveLMiWYel7ON0/s640/20180506_130516.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jibe City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrspbVFbxiO1RgNoVMaRg1cLIXQ_vBsi6QvRl9MhR2u2nOz65FMo2PRo449FBp24IUT6wll-yv9lA_HeeTUVHtaji3brE1mCAiO_uyKzGh1r6c9lRUbRVzhh95N7owEMPj2EkQqfSyHA/s1600/20180506_130046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrspbVFbxiO1RgNoVMaRg1cLIXQ_vBsi6QvRl9MhR2u2nOz65FMo2PRo449FBp24IUT6wll-yv9lA_HeeTUVHtaji3brE1mCAiO_uyKzGh1r6c9lRUbRVzhh95N7owEMPj2EkQqfSyHA/s640/20180506_130046.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tons, and tons and tons of boards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7EXX8I8dg-NJMrHiD87cbrQ-IWpygDuWmWhKNK0iBl4eIWjhYUaWhmAgLs2cPNfxxHvh5ZbYe247pfDQfWxyWfrexVUd39B8SjKgjiZb4EcPwfu7Z04c0teD7xYwAV3ppgwt4QdTP6k/s1600/20180506_130551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7EXX8I8dg-NJMrHiD87cbrQ-IWpygDuWmWhKNK0iBl4eIWjhYUaWhmAgLs2cPNfxxHvh5ZbYe247pfDQfWxyWfrexVUd39B8SjKgjiZb4EcPwfu7Z04c0teD7xYwAV3ppgwt4QdTP6k/s640/20180506_130551.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tons of wind surfers, young and old, new and pro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The eastern side of Bonaire is of course the windward side but there is a big protected lagoon on part of the eastern shore. This is wind surfing nirvana. Or Jibe City as it is actually called. Beginners to pro's rip up and down in Lac Bay. Many world famous wind surfers have come from Bonaire. If you have the chance, see the documentary <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1949526/">"Children of the Wind"</a></i> about the wind surfing kids of Bonaire. We saw it 5 yrs ago at the Heineken Regatta in St Maarten and actually met the film maker. See <a href="https://wildcatsailorgirl.blogspot.com/2014/03/movie-children-of-wind.html">HERE</a> for the a link to that blog posting.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaqtrwt1iMTglDnusmv44WCVofCofm-LknRUBYuSXmSr3jkOpyqWuLlPMzO_Oc5x7Pk9Ix8UM4M7dQOVGDRTCb-8BQxl4Dqb6LkoMHBl3MfAaVotynLU3qjy1TYgVhwJSRDtegJq_3aw/s1600/20180506_130108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaqtrwt1iMTglDnusmv44WCVofCofm-LknRUBYuSXmSr3jkOpyqWuLlPMzO_Oc5x7Pk9Ix8UM4M7dQOVGDRTCb-8BQxl4Dqb6LkoMHBl3MfAaVotynLU3qjy1TYgVhwJSRDtegJq_3aw/s640/20180506_130108.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonaire's Wold Champions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvjX0o346zHAYLN-DawZYMB4MIgzpVYyUF1benD41WgGiFuBVmK4DKC_b9UqpxqNnYNXtu5Ad9bkK-8yJ8ZBaNZs0r7xMPa6vJKkeLjSUFzYGRhEoUZqGooUwmt_lUVcxXOF5qd0kebw/s1600/20180506_131745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvjX0o346zHAYLN-DawZYMB4MIgzpVYyUF1benD41WgGiFuBVmK4DKC_b9UqpxqNnYNXtu5Ad9bkK-8yJ8ZBaNZs0r7xMPa6vJKkeLjSUFzYGRhEoUZqGooUwmt_lUVcxXOF5qd0kebw/s640/20180506_131745.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Future Champions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxqcbvsBpFbJP0sLIiRkbTllkeWi7HjNbFiTejH_OEiVdjwJqs62GRJyzoIQDE7wUvhiw90xTrDrI8WVTc_2EGYvE4ZFLxGCEgMN_AL9OS2S9MfgDrQAeBxFe1MSKVDQuBVmlj_GbXxY/s1600/20180506_130036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxqcbvsBpFbJP0sLIiRkbTllkeWi7HjNbFiTejH_OEiVdjwJqs62GRJyzoIQDE7wUvhiw90xTrDrI8WVTc_2EGYvE4ZFLxGCEgMN_AL9OS2S9MfgDrQAeBxFe1MSKVDQuBVmlj_GbXxY/s640/20180506_130036.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jibe City hospital of the "agony of defeat" and hurt egos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
BTW - wind surfing looks easy but it is not!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VF-euMvHOBmxCWizh6fp6xDtBN6LcExsFWwLAaNHMCmsUIitYvYKLR50t87uLIaNGhmxTf5uqfPFx4Mt5EIh-UDnkaB4V5ScGweZ4nBFbBN1x4B9TP0DCGHBgLmmNfA4yxeWhbul_40/s1600/20180506_152043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VF-euMvHOBmxCWizh6fp6xDtBN6LcExsFWwLAaNHMCmsUIitYvYKLR50t87uLIaNGhmxTf5uqfPFx4Mt5EIh-UDnkaB4V5ScGweZ4nBFbBN1x4B9TP0DCGHBgLmmNfA4yxeWhbul_40/s640/20180506_152043.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lac Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The eastern windward shore outside of protected Lac Bay is pretty brutal.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCpo8WGg4c8ndcQtqMWjhcQkB-WX4jU7ngD9o5YeiUpALuVpxbhnv9iUeH5P189cLMAy3FDhvkDHE9XFaviyh2Ymt9NwoWb7csUnEbpi1PS0CjAfjOUstoQwZfTKtwTVuqFYjhdGeW_I/s1600/20180508_101434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCpo8WGg4c8ndcQtqMWjhcQkB-WX4jU7ngD9o5YeiUpALuVpxbhnv9iUeH5P189cLMAy3FDhvkDHE9XFaviyh2Ymt9NwoWb7csUnEbpi1PS0CjAfjOUstoQwZfTKtwTVuqFYjhdGeW_I/s640/20180508_101434.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter shore aka windward side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pLBIi-a2V0Ytz0Qyeg-_SWHqh6ULmzM-uZ7IuwuPd2XzFrlTLZaXgGT_EX1Z_WYCc3zk4WwyCB_9wi1RN38N9_2mYub03sQNplf9LHjs0uGvM4qj3SURLy4FupP2oinJClIjdZYC0xY/s1600/20180508_111655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pLBIi-a2V0Ytz0Qyeg-_SWHqh6ULmzM-uZ7IuwuPd2XzFrlTLZaXgGT_EX1Z_WYCc3zk4WwyCB_9wi1RN38N9_2mYub03sQNplf9LHjs0uGvM4qj3SURLy4FupP2oinJClIjdZYC0xY/s640/20180508_111655.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NE corner of Bonaire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4Nd7H7x6F7eiWfO5isxxLjFmxdkikeOSe1qzPt7JWgkWDRl1llNGgxx4PlbFRyht2oRkNKS3PdKwZC2WnOuyaM5joNRD5XHUCoZGbgmZVllNLrzU6A_JVW6Qi8M0nAlgh594uF_iMcE/s1600/20180506_124940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4Nd7H7x6F7eiWfO5isxxLjFmxdkikeOSe1qzPt7JWgkWDRl1llNGgxx4PlbFRyht2oRkNKS3PdKwZC2WnOuyaM5joNRD5XHUCoZGbgmZVllNLrzU6A_JVW6Qi8M0nAlgh594uF_iMcE/s640/20180506_124940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SE Corner - large boulders tossed up on shore like little pebbles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The southern tip is also harsh. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0n7sza4r1yKY-x4B9ZrS0X-pfkJ-cjSxbeyfOES1xlaoJ2vRDv8xOx3LurdO4VuyUOkjsb2aJLv83YORQUiP73IQj91UJZq5xcZNRm8CrQVYFqA7K07o5IpTexZgEa0qaLsJgKyXdGKQ/s1600/20180506_122613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0n7sza4r1yKY-x4B9ZrS0X-pfkJ-cjSxbeyfOES1xlaoJ2vRDv8xOx3LurdO4VuyUOkjsb2aJLv83YORQUiP73IQj91UJZq5xcZNRm8CrQVYFqA7K07o5IpTexZgEa0qaLsJgKyXdGKQ/s640/20180506_122613.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern shore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC95TA2dCSQjJDsFPqbD1uw4yGLXxLkjEuNUwWOtw5dKNFFtCPQQXg2TZpbsJfjVbVsa28PylDPcJgThjq-bHJpLU9Qjw_p49D4t3DKEv4hMesl1aRLwX154p_uuYEpepMHuqiVz9w6kE/s1600/20180506_124324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC95TA2dCSQjJDsFPqbD1uw4yGLXxLkjEuNUwWOtw5dKNFFtCPQQXg2TZpbsJfjVbVsa28PylDPcJgThjq-bHJpLU9Qjw_p49D4t3DKEv4hMesl1aRLwX154p_uuYEpepMHuqiVz9w6kE/s640/20180506_124324.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Older windmills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yQ8cpe0uqJNw591U8SIH1Hl3Ls3bTRRlDHsLOsWIKxNAGqvewiL4-bTGxc3htVuSO3MaqS1KxFetroBvHEwaErbhMvTx2efbAeNauEXmW2gL15rq1NUiZwIynVCKRgob_o9Oao5GO5s/s1600/20180507_115249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yQ8cpe0uqJNw591U8SIH1Hl3Ls3bTRRlDHsLOsWIKxNAGqvewiL4-bTGxc3htVuSO3MaqS1KxFetroBvHEwaErbhMvTx2efbAeNauEXmW2gL15rq1NUiZwIynVCKRgob_o9Oao5GO5s/s640/20180507_115249.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient rocks and petroglyphs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Bonaire really is an interesting island. The more we looked, the more we saw.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOJrfKSaDciqYRJzaaGUZjljOK86njNxPe3z8jLSv3bEWsKRd_BZSQDX9juvDtnuEGuLIdsGhvXvgPfYUmzoDmSu67M-9uL0ogaabuP5SGBk-P9yf1g29c3OBFzJJvkVz-BcnxfBazxk/s1600/20180507_115903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOJrfKSaDciqYRJzaaGUZjljOK86njNxPe3z8jLSv3bEWsKRd_BZSQDX9juvDtnuEGuLIdsGhvXvgPfYUmzoDmSu67M-9uL0ogaabuP5SGBk-P9yf1g29c3OBFzJJvkVz-BcnxfBazxk/s640/20180507_115903.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old rocks and big plants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And more.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynjoRjlqXB5lyEB_DK_PcLt1VjqM7qFoqN4hGw7u9AK2_4lekjSl2lxHWK5o-aeHj_eD9l3-_h2SdlMB4IttbRexnrdK8xh67K7UEVBi69FDr4YQil98rCuYa9fb5gFTNhnYl0f14VFE/s1600/DSCF1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynjoRjlqXB5lyEB_DK_PcLt1VjqM7qFoqN4hGw7u9AK2_4lekjSl2lxHWK5o-aeHj_eD9l3-_h2SdlMB4IttbRexnrdK8xh67K7UEVBi69FDr4YQil98rCuYa9fb5gFTNhnYl0f14VFE/s640/DSCF1782.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donkey in HIS road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And more<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxMvkXj7p0vq8waDSN0L5GWDBElxoMizmD7MtpXvxvWcHRhy0DfR7jj5lZgbP3zb8gqWFwMWdnfv9b4ZEzZn4y9rO4Qcpn0oZlCw1SRXeZIZRb1BEEwEisUeGxR76q75Od2O2lcVkUrQ/s1600/20180508_152234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxMvkXj7p0vq8waDSN0L5GWDBElxoMizmD7MtpXvxvWcHRhy0DfR7jj5lZgbP3zb8gqWFwMWdnfv9b4ZEzZn4y9rO4Qcpn0oZlCw1SRXeZIZRb1BEEwEisUeGxR76q75Od2O2lcVkUrQ/s640/20180508_152234.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was outside of a house and surprise, surprise....had a ring tone!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-19236589908224688662018-09-01T08:31:00.001-05:002018-09-01T08:31:16.937-05:00Arriving in Bonaire - Flamingos and Mooring Balls<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwJ0TvTR_6UuS2MaoGvverYs3pXSk465i77ZHGXfk1P02b_iEaypqBly16CBQ-Js1eIgriQQKDQeg4DcEd7XZQwibSM7oAQ-rMHU13bzmqbLzNZtev9lEpz4Bo5UEC7imnjfdT8rynGA/s1600/DSCF1531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwJ0TvTR_6UuS2MaoGvverYs3pXSk465i77ZHGXfk1P02b_iEaypqBly16CBQ-Js1eIgriQQKDQeg4DcEd7XZQwibSM7oAQ-rMHU13bzmqbLzNZtev9lEpz4Bo5UEC7imnjfdT8rynGA/s640/DSCF1531.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Land-ho</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
April 26th 2018<br />
Land - ho! We arrived just as the sun was coming up. Perfect timing for a couple of reasons. One, it was a beautiful way to make landfall. Two, we always want to arrive in a new place during daylight hours. Three, morning is the best time to pickup a <i>just vacated</i> mooring ball.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cOabhwh3JtFT2Y5a4h4kDV3_6Ha-flrGwJfa2hZIhjdAekZD2GKqDRildBt7U5RWNOtwsKD6NpKM2dqqVMR-Qd8eVcdCFUO1dy_D2ykwhmbYDn7zjGOrG3hch_3TarsxIj63MG3DnsM/s1600/DSCF1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cOabhwh3JtFT2Y5a4h4kDV3_6Ha-flrGwJfa2hZIhjdAekZD2GKqDRildBt7U5RWNOtwsKD6NpKM2dqqVMR-Qd8eVcdCFUO1dy_D2ykwhmbYDn7zjGOrG3hch_3TarsxIj63MG3DnsM/s640/DSCF1524.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flamingos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QauhE6LImwHq4CdoDAgY9a9l_v1jM43fWICFuQt8OvoMJqAQVJz0bEgx0K6T3Uwu3wo9jYT58jXCMiy0J3ZmTA2joYaVpgcrQf_IowaVBzY-1uqTrRf8YuOoq-uEvUiLLmPtsC8bbyo/s1600/DSCF1525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QauhE6LImwHq4CdoDAgY9a9l_v1jM43fWICFuQt8OvoMJqAQVJz0bEgx0K6T3Uwu3wo9jYT58jXCMiy0J3ZmTA2joYaVpgcrQf_IowaVBzY-1uqTrRf8YuOoq-uEvUiLLmPtsC8bbyo/s640/DSCF1525.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More flamingos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We were greeted by flamingos. We weren't sure what they were. Tom said "<i>Look at all those red birds. Do you think they are Scarlet Ibis like in Trinidad?"</i> We didn't know. Turns out, the flamingo is sort of the symbol of Bonaire as they are plentiful. We have only seen limited flamingos in zoos and never in the wild. I am not even sure we knew they could fly. It was SO very kewl to be greeted by not one but two flocks flying by as the sun came up and we rounded the southern tip of Bonaire. Stunning! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFwskJK7LIIO_SWcVmseDP9jUiEYBSjhVrjzA0vXmWu5YZ4HAVwenR6lpx4VPNtvwsuh3dMHPgWqppsMaIH5vTBFeVP7QxhBqBXYAE1h3lEyzddLUC8vlzo5dKCMN1hjj1h6ILtQYqDo/s1600/DSCF1529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFwskJK7LIIO_SWcVmseDP9jUiEYBSjhVrjzA0vXmWu5YZ4HAVwenR6lpx4VPNtvwsuh3dMHPgWqppsMaIH5vTBFeVP7QxhBqBXYAE1h3lEyzddLUC8vlzo5dKCMN1hjj1h6ILtQYqDo/s640/DSCF1529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We did have a bit of a drag race into Bonaire. Sv Blue Blaze was ahead of us and nearly in. I spotted another yacht on AIS on a semi-parallel course, coming in from Los Roques. Darn! What if they got in first and got the last mooring ball? I hailed Jason using DSC (digital selective calling) so the other vessel would not hear. <i>"Are you in? How is is looking in terms of mooring balls? There is another vessel out here and we have a bit of a drag race going on as to who comes in first of the two of us. I am worried."</i> Jason said <i>"We are not yet in so I don't know about the mooring ball situation. So....just go faster. Put the hammer down!" </i> So I did and we arrived before the other boat. sv Blue Blaze and sv Celilo helped us with our mooring. Nice after a 4 day passage.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslVTLTqgyYrkIrw1ynJ6MIxWRo8fRd_7hgYbhyphenhypheniS0_Lo9STxkNXzs_KPtcQGY5f-wovr94L3F7efPJaoJvmE3gnlZ43VfE1qXKivkUY1N-mXXXagPDJgh3xa4RkBNHFfa87WBjcqZi08/s1600/20180428_110233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslVTLTqgyYrkIrw1ynJ6MIxWRo8fRd_7hgYbhyphenhypheniS0_Lo9STxkNXzs_KPtcQGY5f-wovr94L3F7efPJaoJvmE3gnlZ43VfE1qXKivkUY1N-mXXXagPDJgh3xa4RkBNHFfa87WBjcqZi08/s640/20180428_110233.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mooring field</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The entire island is a marine park. No anchoring <b>anywhere</b> and there is a limited number of balls. If they are full, you have to go into the marina or sail on to Curacao (30 miles away). The second option is not really what you want after sailing 4 days to get specifically to Bonaire. The best shot at getting a mooring is early morning when those on a mooring may decide it is time to sail on to Curacao and take off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8I8YZVpBI042K1vuFb3kz4jzqZLvASmCniVoSK96glVmvuCe-XwXvZtSskLm8AvrQ86vdfYOnmmYdD2HyKmrQJedMFcXJcTLN7GtctA4kf2Ct_FSwJMNNbZ9n2zGswOb2mdy7lP_ZAU/s1600/20180429_103120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8I8YZVpBI042K1vuFb3kz4jzqZLvASmCniVoSK96glVmvuCe-XwXvZtSskLm8AvrQ86vdfYOnmmYdD2HyKmrQJedMFcXJcTLN7GtctA4kf2Ct_FSwJMNNbZ9n2zGswOb2mdy7lP_ZAU/s640/20180429_103120.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mooring field</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I must say that the question of whether we would have a mooring when we arrived was a tad stressful in the weeks before as we were prepping in Martinique. Those that have been to Bonaire before assured us <i>"Don't worry. You will get a mooring. And if not, just go into the marina and then the next morning you will get one. People come and go." </i> Okay. Cruisers would inevitably post the question on the Bonaire Facebook page <i>"We are headed that way, are there any moorings? Can I reserve one?" </i> The answers were always <b>No</b> to reserving one and you just have to set sail and see. We were lucky as five moorings opened up the morning we came in. But all five were taken that day. We did see turn over. However, towards the end of our stay in Bonaire, there were more and more boats looking for moorings. At one point 5 or 6 boats were stacked up along the seawall of the marina, waiting for moorings. Fellow Caliber 40 friends sv Asseance took a local mooring after 4 days at sea, hoping to stay on until someone left. The park ranger said no, so after a very short rest of an hour or so, they dropped the mooring and sailed for Curacao.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPZUo5FEN1RoOJmhm2h2xJ-5bpMKqCmLMg8bGEMNhbFRk0f0CggygAjxP9qhBwDYuUqDLQDOYZA6Q3xLKgAm3hwhGoNCpzCDGr7A1ohj1JJ4tHQ5mdyPGuw-iy6fWB6D2zhjMWACUaDs/s1600/20180429_185937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPZUo5FEN1RoOJmhm2h2xJ-5bpMKqCmLMg8bGEMNhbFRk0f0CggygAjxP9qhBwDYuUqDLQDOYZA6Q3xLKgAm3hwhGoNCpzCDGr7A1ohj1JJ4tHQ5mdyPGuw-iy6fWB6D2zhjMWACUaDs/s640/20180429_185937.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mooring field at sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hello Bonaire.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-76959047581558608812018-09-01T08:22:00.001-05:002018-09-01T08:22:28.569-05:00Martinique to Bonaire - The Downwind Passage<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyB_d1pHRPBnxiDax6-IpCLF7Hp7ipZexE1ApVTd3M8tKKPDFOqzkbHxEtFRIOTyUNZ9D2S74PSb5MA5pOHtIWQU3gnN0FFQx9Q8aZRXWnCEe3L0nXP3thKM-DTe8yFwWQo-GCO-IgPM/s1600/DSCF1510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyB_d1pHRPBnxiDax6-IpCLF7Hp7ipZexE1ApVTd3M8tKKPDFOqzkbHxEtFRIOTyUNZ9D2S74PSb5MA5pOHtIWQU3gnN0FFQx9Q8aZRXWnCEe3L0nXP3thKM-DTe8yFwWQo-GCO-IgPM/s640/DSCF1510.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poled out</td></tr>
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<br />
April 22 2018<br />
<br />
While we have had a great time in Martinique, it is time to move on. Southwest and specifically to Bonaire. We had planned to sail there last year/season but that did not happen. This season it seems to fit so we headed out.<br />
<br />
We departed Martinique April 22 2018. Cruising friends, sv Blue Blaze was also headed to Bonaire so we buddy boated. That is not something we do much. In fact, we have only done it one other time but what the heck.<br />
<br />
The sail to Bonaire is supposed to be a downwind passage. I know what you are thinking...... <i>"A what? Downwind? What is this downwind you speak of?" </i> I think I have mentioned before that the Eastern Trade Winds of the Caribbean are more the winds of stories and legends. The Eastern Trade Winds we experience are more <u>Close Reach</u> or <u>Close Haul</u>, NOT a <u>Beam Reach</u>. When cruisers want to head north out of safe hurricane holes (like Trinidad) at the beginning of the season, the Eastern Trade Winds are more out of the northeast. At the end of the season, when cruisers need to get south to safe hurricane holes again, the Eastern Trade Winds shift......yep.....southeast. We very rarely experience even a Beam Reach. A Broad Reach or a Downwind Run are like unicorns, they just don't happen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ywew8A0warKjyuYBFqnDIgdD6XcE2eV5I6ddEA3EaNZnfsjPTzYIVCQfE1NzW74Q59C8Mkcw7QWJai6QsyhVkajcET_JJnbtA14h8GFix73ScTGSZaYtezLlC5EbDzzUtRzj8IRL50c/s1600/DSCF1512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ywew8A0warKjyuYBFqnDIgdD6XcE2eV5I6ddEA3EaNZnfsjPTzYIVCQfE1NzW74Q59C8Mkcw7QWJai6QsyhVkajcET_JJnbtA14h8GFix73ScTGSZaYtezLlC5EbDzzUtRzj8IRL50c/s640/DSCF1512.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The attachment point</td></tr>
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<br />
In fact, we have never really done a <u>Downwind Run</u> in sv Honey Ryder. We have a whisker pole but have never used it. *The whisker pole attaches to the mast and helps keep the headsail out to the side when doing a Broad Reach or a Downwind Run. Tom did the necessary repairs to our whisker pole (from lack of use) and tons of internet research. There are many ways to rig up a whisker pole. Jason on sv Blue Blaze came over and helped with the final configuration.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ywbqu_yVO6QJpvNys1ffP53w6x7yKVgSd9WWssdLCpesufkCBbhl9xfZ3xZOQBaTkRsgzpgO9XEthciTRqiHNagc1uiQJ9pNcal0PR1vm73x9BNy8VA78e4K3AejSHcN01ARRK_e4T4/s1600/DSCF1513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ywbqu_yVO6QJpvNys1ffP53w6x7yKVgSd9WWssdLCpesufkCBbhl9xfZ3xZOQBaTkRsgzpgO9XEthciTRqiHNagc1uiQJ9pNcal0PR1vm73x9BNy8VA78e4K3AejSHcN01ARRK_e4T4/s640/DSCF1513.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The set up</td></tr>
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Downwind sailing is real, it is also the thing of stories and legends. Over the years, many have waxed poetic about the downwind run in books and songs. <i>"A Gentleman Never Sails To Windward"</i> is a phrase that is tossed about quite a lot. It is also a book. Jimmy Buffet talks about "<i>the downwind run, to Papetee"</i> and numerous stories of <i>"sleigh rides" </i>across the Atlantic from east to west, and on and on. On the lake, I was never a big fan of dead <u>Downwind</u> sailing, It seemed to me the stern always shushed around in odd, uncontrolled ways, sending the boat this way and that a bit. I like a <u>Broad Reach</u> much better. Because of this, we tried to sail a <u>Broad Reach</u> and not dead <u>Downwind</u>. We basically sailed the rhumb line <u>Broad Reach</u> to <u>Broad Reach,</u> jibbing every 12 hours or so.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbmORdLve9Pdzqo2Xl0MuONBb0tmV2vDncSVQ8uUehW0TGeR_7LeH_wON_PLmHUON4Vlo527nmda2uDCTSeiqYGgOECSpxw_ENDXsjwyIuFWco-EOwrHSX1goJt-OqArn1dCBqR4qk9w/s1600/DSCF1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbmORdLve9Pdzqo2Xl0MuONBb0tmV2vDncSVQ8uUehW0TGeR_7LeH_wON_PLmHUON4Vlo527nmda2uDCTSeiqYGgOECSpxw_ENDXsjwyIuFWco-EOwrHSX1goJt-OqArn1dCBqR4qk9w/s640/DSCF1514.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wear</td></tr>
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The motion? It was still weird. While we were not bashing to windward heeled over at a 30 degree angle, it was still tough. As I sort of described above, the boat had a side to side motions as she was pushed along. This side to side was tough because there was no tucking into a corner. No corner was exempt from motion from all sides. The motion was also less predictive than the up and down heeling of bashing to windward. Twice Tom fell asleep on the cockpit settee, rocking back and forth only to have bigger the motion pick him up and dump him on the cockpit floor. Luckily, I had rigged up the lee cloth on the salon settee for off watch sleeping. I had hopes of getting a few things down on this passage. Perhaps a bit of cleaning or some bracelets/anklets made. Again, the stories and legends of <u>Downwind</u> sailing across the Atlantic and all the wonderful time sailors have to sew, make things, work on projects, etc....... Um no. I am calling BS. I don't see how with the weird, rocking motion that anyone could do anything but the basics of cooking, reading and required maintenance. Stories and legends indeed. *I asked a British boat once we got to Bonaire about their Atlantic <u>Downwind Run</u>. She confirmed, utter bullshit that Downwind sailing is gentle and allows you to do all sorts of fun stuff. Again, we were not bashing to windward but rocking side to side enough to make you work. Every so often, a series of three big waves would come along and really rock us side to side, big time - wham-wham-wham! And yes, this happens on other points of sail as well but on this point of sail, it just meant we really rocked and rolled side to side.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvKPKdhBIlAc1N1dlORxy4ZCrq1-M5YZKdW2lLUcIzRaBHNVYPa_SOAt6RxgpzPF5UDiNk6AEVZuFnn6c5cSQGSXrPAxH2L6uoz2E2QmCc6b6iY8kyFq-MfolUxE4T6godRA66uZg5n0/s1600/DSCF1518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvKPKdhBIlAc1N1dlORxy4ZCrq1-M5YZKdW2lLUcIzRaBHNVYPa_SOAt6RxgpzPF5UDiNk6AEVZuFnn6c5cSQGSXrPAxH2L6uoz2E2QmCc6b6iY8kyFq-MfolUxE4T6godRA66uZg5n0/s640/DSCF1518.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lee cloth in place</td></tr>
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Speed is the other stuff of stories and legions. We always plan on 5 knots of speed and hope to do better. However, so many people said <i>"Oh you will have a great Downwind run, a fast passage....."a sleigh ride"</i> so that notion sort of seeped into our heads. The winds were forecast for 15-18 - perfect...we thought. It turns out that for a <u>Downwind Run</u> we could really use 20 knots. We went much slower than we thought we would. There may have also been some counter current at times. To be fair, we did not run a Wing on Wing sail configuration. Our main is a furling main which means it MUST be furled on a specific tack, at a specific angle. We weren't quite sure how to accomplish that while poled out to port or starboard. Most times, when we need to furl it is because there is a squall coming and we need to do it quickly! We didn't not want to risk jamming the main so we decided to forgo <u>Wing on Wing</u> and sail only with the headsail poled out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFZsMweVMwO1CLspm4s8E54cix5LqSPyWFAILdPP1NWhV3gJ0VykYLdZ9Sfw9nHnWNtNDpKNXCqMMge6z1oJkltK9Zh4L5vUjQrcL3Z6c-xqXOGISJ7LkRrmQdLlgrZzvBdt4d_WSfKw/s1600/DSCF1532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFZsMweVMwO1CLspm4s8E54cix5LqSPyWFAILdPP1NWhV3gJ0VykYLdZ9Sfw9nHnWNtNDpKNXCqMMge6z1oJkltK9Zh4L5vUjQrcL3Z6c-xqXOGISJ7LkRrmQdLlgrZzvBdt4d_WSfKw/s640/DSCF1532.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underway</td></tr>
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Anyway, we averaged 5.1 over all and it took an extra day - four days total. Oh well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-31694585611081742602018-04-13T12:04:00.000-05:002018-04-13T12:04:59.338-05:00OCC - In The Club<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1RWiLApG-5l_SxHcwdcmRGYLL-bi3zaV7LmVGO7Nul92WVjFKAIDYbPTUElS8Tsw6DJNfHD9M_q0_6A_VXS2MPWNkZM1i7qijq1TyRM4nRisA24isbU11U2pcjtO4Rg20LaG30DGQo4/s1600/20180409_100648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1RWiLApG-5l_SxHcwdcmRGYLL-bi3zaV7LmVGO7Nul92WVjFKAIDYbPTUElS8Tsw6DJNfHD9M_q0_6A_VXS2MPWNkZM1i7qijq1TyRM4nRisA24isbU11U2pcjtO4Rg20LaG30DGQo4/s640/20180409_100648.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OCC burgee</td></tr>
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<br />
April 2018<br />
What is the famous line - <i>"I don't want to belong to any club that would accept people like me as a member."</i> - Groucho Marx<br />
<br />
Actually, we are thrill. We are in! We are officially members of the Ocean Cruising Club, better known as the OCC. We have been threatening to join for a couple of years now but just haven't gotten around to it. Besides, it is not that easy. There are rules and a process. <br />
<br />
To join the OCC you must have completed 1000 non-stop ocean miles. Okay - check , we did that on our passage down from the USA in 2013. AND we have a sponsor to join. Someone to vouch for our character. Oh dear. Hee hee. Actually, several cruising friends have encouraged us to join and offered to be our sponsors. So many, it was hard to choose who to put as our sponsor. But Richard and Rowena on sv Galene have been the most <strike>badgering</strike>.....I mean encouraging for us to join so Richard was our the one we chose.<br />
<br />
We have yet to learn the secret handshake but I am sure that will come. For now, we are proudly flying the OCC burgee thanks to OCC member Bill on sv Tootaloo. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-75879214914896651142018-04-13T11:46:00.001-05:002018-04-13T11:46:53.751-05:00Martinique 2018 - The Land Of Cheese<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYpqd20dOi7EaSQc1-A08SGYf1-2l4zgSQGoVy8e8ghwTIDU6FYr66KY6JGJo3-tmrXZqFQA8Bq7Cz_F9scqyufzN77wATAtUyUe11YVWbmGDpkRu2JBTLGG1fxy0dv7RaL8_1XiAq-Y/s1600/20180406_165948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYpqd20dOi7EaSQc1-A08SGYf1-2l4zgSQGoVy8e8ghwTIDU6FYr66KY6JGJo3-tmrXZqFQA8Bq7Cz_F9scqyufzN77wATAtUyUe11YVWbmGDpkRu2JBTLGG1fxy0dv7RaL8_1XiAq-Y/s640/20180406_165948.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KC own Boulevard Beer Tank 7 beer</td></tr>
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April 2018<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lP-tk-aJIBREtF4hkeg_kSQw284WwR85oDKPvtKaK6E4uuYQQB_HK-y9uYNvGx6WJBv8d1lXf7IBltvk1KWlT-IN6wSxMp2ByWvwDJkjLU_hbZndMc4s4mtRQTC2Rc0pCIr1jZkrgnA/s1600/20180323_154452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lP-tk-aJIBREtF4hkeg_kSQw284WwR85oDKPvtKaK6E4uuYQQB_HK-y9uYNvGx6WJBv8d1lXf7IBltvk1KWlT-IN6wSxMp2ByWvwDJkjLU_hbZndMc4s4mtRQTC2Rc0pCIr1jZkrgnA/s640/20180323_154452.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pic is for sv Just Imagine</td></tr>
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We are back in the land of cheese! And wine, and pain du chocolate, and baguettes, and coffee, and cheese. YES! Also good chandleries. This is the primary reason we came back here to stock up on provisions and also boat parts, spares and upgrades. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAZIzGADcD-37YcWbiKXtC12J92JF7B_d4FeovYE6INHX4cWNXArFVfMNZMdPPxW2wo2f3Nh8ZmVPbd2OBVYz3OzA8hBYe_GY_61eX0eIXtXoX7j4WvEnt2k4PX5oQ2NzAAYmTI_MiB4/s1600/20180410_111357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAZIzGADcD-37YcWbiKXtC12J92JF7B_d4FeovYE6INHX4cWNXArFVfMNZMdPPxW2wo2f3Nh8ZmVPbd2OBVYz3OzA8hBYe_GY_61eX0eIXtXoX7j4WvEnt2k4PX5oQ2NzAAYmTI_MiB4/s640/20180410_111357.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polde and Tom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6ssAr_-Cs7FjvOutSFnKjrufQFsP33Io4SUmoOrcm0URsM1HOiHxS6IienlFnFWCXSkgWxzddZeoOnl7aYREVulIXlr9MAjwRK33ozT0xVxqsXIHQAROFb_uCnNP80xF7ITBHNfNP8k/s1600/20180410_111436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6ssAr_-Cs7FjvOutSFnKjrufQFsP33Io4SUmoOrcm0URsM1HOiHxS6IienlFnFWCXSkgWxzddZeoOnl7aYREVulIXlr9MAjwRK33ozT0xVxqsXIHQAROFb_uCnNP80xF7ITBHNfNP8k/s640/20180410_111436.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annika and Bruce on the hike</td></tr>
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Of course we are also getting caught up with cruising friends.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVy_XPOXZPUufjHTHhgvDPK_6aV2JvOFI34DsbXLiCkpL9E_MKWyViyenNBDFZvZBWkQLGBCB90oq4fuXIs3BeaWO7Bf-EaFDukj8qNUY6q1m7Mxb20ROmBpCruomTvJhYUSeAVMNdBSg/s1600/30698582_1425907120889238_5222598382744240128_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVy_XPOXZPUufjHTHhgvDPK_6aV2JvOFI34DsbXLiCkpL9E_MKWyViyenNBDFZvZBWkQLGBCB90oq4fuXIs3BeaWO7Bf-EaFDukj8qNUY6q1m7Mxb20ROmBpCruomTvJhYUSeAVMNdBSg/s640/30698582_1425907120889238_5222598382744240128_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old friends - sv Tango (Stefan and Annika) and sv Imagine (Kurt) - New friend sv Shiraz (Thomas)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvnYW11nPa2BMyaLxqqo1YVJbhDzCWUUhc7bNSDaEfUWWpaMu-bxH4GWjMmRC4KEy7lH6TDxbo1g2R0P6oboJTov3UtGkt1LKo0xKSHkhScHkK2ZIGIaDZfxJGaE0mpIYwhWH2yyBv_Q/s1600/20180410_111952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvnYW11nPa2BMyaLxqqo1YVJbhDzCWUUhc7bNSDaEfUWWpaMu-bxH4GWjMmRC4KEy7lH6TDxbo1g2R0P6oboJTov3UtGkt1LKo0xKSHkhScHkK2ZIGIaDZfxJGaE0mpIYwhWH2yyBv_Q/s640/20180410_111952.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caliber 40 LRC - sv Honey Ryder and sv Lost Loon (Nancy and Mike)</td></tr>
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<br />
And meeting new cruising friends. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip31lgp49fmDFUT96lZSIJpfVZey5FBqwGwlE2EBZmnOThROHzRIit9u88P1lt1AN_FPW5vLK_DxIr1zekx8j7IEBsDpAHsNjeWsXyvmneMa00iM6zeXbeJeCT5sheigX2HX3sE5a87Ng/s1600/20180410_111501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip31lgp49fmDFUT96lZSIJpfVZey5FBqwGwlE2EBZmnOThROHzRIit9u88P1lt1AN_FPW5vLK_DxIr1zekx8j7IEBsDpAHsNjeWsXyvmneMa00iM6zeXbeJeCT5sheigX2HX3sE5a87Ng/s640/20180410_111501.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tljITV3vpayX5Qpl_V7TODmyripyO89IPu8kmQOIvpzSBprrnMuIN9tUL3vPV-YKj9NjAkNxErk16mzyGGM3O-OmEVCCtDBZClu01m866M5dGmgZeDUsbO4ukx0V8BD4RBjYmIyymVM/s1600/20180410_111851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tljITV3vpayX5Qpl_V7TODmyripyO89IPu8kmQOIvpzSBprrnMuIN9tUL3vPV-YKj9NjAkNxErk16mzyGGM3O-OmEVCCtDBZClu01m866M5dGmgZeDUsbO4ukx0V8BD4RBjYmIyymVM/s640/20180410_111851.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking</td></tr>
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<br />
And exploring.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcex6FI_G4Tul0pVT__eG_S0WheJkA__oSgxMGzBQpLXpffV1SUIkcYCjAKvluYWhVspbL4VpsvcY6nNVNqwey3sGwpaAVaYkeJYGT1MXrrO3l34Y3ZUkigV4_cXVKHsikxeRbIi3OJXA/s1600/20180408_140733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcex6FI_G4Tul0pVT__eG_S0WheJkA__oSgxMGzBQpLXpffV1SUIkcYCjAKvluYWhVspbL4VpsvcY6nNVNqwey3sGwpaAVaYkeJYGT1MXrrO3l34Y3ZUkigV4_cXVKHsikxeRbIi3OJXA/s640/20180408_140733.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bocce Ball</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">And trying new things. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYY7SaRkYbvmsFD3aMktEQGgofa9BxPNsLMPuZoT5YWzBTQiSwLinp_KK6iV2fTUSnIQLspw-lg_7xlsb3stSWKx-iSgEYk9_Q1KSmL8h99JMQQj5pnwm4AUTw4z4lTECYy6z3-zE-nhs/s1600/20180408_140819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYY7SaRkYbvmsFD3aMktEQGgofa9BxPNsLMPuZoT5YWzBTQiSwLinp_KK6iV2fTUSnIQLspw-lg_7xlsb3stSWKx-iSgEYk9_Q1KSmL8h99JMQQj5pnwm4AUTw4z4lTECYy6z3-zE-nhs/s640/20180408_140819.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bocce Ball</td></tr>
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<br />
It's all good. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCIvFyvTqutxbPTtXy1Rf_X3BADLniTeBQ1l8Cg-nO3W3Yyl9jtD97ArretzYNM7VysTTkKzsJO7CsWif3XoCH9xuHQ1x52dm7NWN62l0sWJHXyJKw7l5geROzRU8u9K2l9h5tFfIWIc/s1600/20180408_170522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCIvFyvTqutxbPTtXy1Rf_X3BADLniTeBQ1l8Cg-nO3W3Yyl9jtD97ArretzYNM7VysTTkKzsJO7CsWif3XoCH9xuHQ1x52dm7NWN62l0sWJHXyJKw7l5geROzRU8u9K2l9h5tFfIWIc/s640/20180408_170522.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill (sv Tootaloo)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBVReZUX7faRsLKdX-rahVVVOfDb2y7bpUB6F8HgJBcZP4aGzPmO1pcLh6O4DGw0EP6BQ983ywbOh3cNIQlEVSlcaYAPMg3Dy3t-3Vjvjhqf6-Z4l5MLW_G9ReRGrTqMXWWJ0Op2V7a8/s1600/20180405_182934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBVReZUX7faRsLKdX-rahVVVOfDb2y7bpUB6F8HgJBcZP4aGzPmO1pcLh6O4DGw0EP6BQ983ywbOh3cNIQlEVSlcaYAPMg3Dy3t-3Vjvjhqf6-Z4l5MLW_G9ReRGrTqMXWWJ0Op2V7a8/s640/20180405_182934.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another fabulous sunset</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-18181314239886149202018-04-13T11:14:00.002-05:002018-04-13T11:14:14.233-05:00Bequia to Martinique 2018<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xe1iTDogti-nMjryNwOPFArhkjpAyF_Vr_2N-PSx7L1G8XS40iPMFq8pHzs8moLR5ayaBn11Nb_fkjSyPkkC1RmL9TTmeyTCKanEqmvRrLODtU55n-9_6QamfPkgj6P0Fkb12fi-DQI/s1600/20180319_151614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xe1iTDogti-nMjryNwOPFArhkjpAyF_Vr_2N-PSx7L1G8XS40iPMFq8pHzs8moLR5ayaBn11Nb_fkjSyPkkC1RmL9TTmeyTCKanEqmvRrLODtU55n-9_6QamfPkgj6P0Fkb12fi-DQI/s640/20180319_151614.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our St Vincent and Grenadines flag or what is left after two months</td></tr>
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<br />
March 2018<br />
<br />
After two terrific months in Bequia, we weighed anchor and sailed for Martinique. It seems to us that Bequia has really taken their game up a notch or two. I would encourage any cruisers to spend more time there. I would encourage land people to make the extra effort and go visit Bequia.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_MBWmP-oDovyGV9RWKxyPWfjFFnfL27Epxocbb0JslMRl1GBenvqqz5NUFWn6Lh2Kbo4cx5yhlo_Mi-Yh2cn8fS5UEYGz64zNi_-u1bUVJiQ_vwvbWub7agrbeX-_87g2YRkdmOtOds/s1600/20180318_103415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_MBWmP-oDovyGV9RWKxyPWfjFFnfL27Epxocbb0JslMRl1GBenvqqz5NUFWn6Lh2Kbo4cx5yhlo_Mi-Yh2cn8fS5UEYGz64zNi_-u1bUVJiQ_vwvbWub7agrbeX-_87g2YRkdmOtOds/s640/20180318_103415.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a full moon - aka dark so we didn't sail straight through to Martinique like we had planned but inside stopped overnight in Rodney Bay St Lucia. We pulled in after dark, put up our yellow Q - quarantine flag and left first thing in the morning. There is a lot of theft against cruisers going on in St Lucia. Until something is done to change that, we are choosing not to spend ANY money there. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIV3jE37_SZIFyg5Z_Ha5Hp7P_3atv0DxipUBXkCmESuX0NhC_7j1nOCW1yeZCVYyVi9eSXNeINX-yaL39y9tCihhvRRWZGfORl5TAjtKo54CIoKLBDf7AT5Nc5xZvlq0Lm9VV2BA9WzA/s1600/20180318_114110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIV3jE37_SZIFyg5Z_Ha5Hp7P_3atv0DxipUBXkCmESuX0NhC_7j1nOCW1yeZCVYyVi9eSXNeINX-yaL39y9tCihhvRRWZGfORl5TAjtKo54CIoKLBDf7AT5Nc5xZvlq0Lm9VV2BA9WzA/s640/20180318_114110.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sv Imagine - our friend Kurt ahead of us</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2pqT3_oG4J1DXdf_DoAPQMZx5yp54puw-2NDn9bNT7cBgxlWQGnRyN2d2i2P7RijRqU38hY3h8l6emQZKlDI5WuLoAYxdbaB9ChIECXFW-krFpjUqEA0twWc-2NZ0xEGk9RmVnjuXKs/s1600/20180318_114932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2pqT3_oG4J1DXdf_DoAPQMZx5yp54puw-2NDn9bNT7cBgxlWQGnRyN2d2i2P7RijRqU38hY3h8l6emQZKlDI5WuLoAYxdbaB9ChIECXFW-krFpjUqEA0twWc-2NZ0xEGk9RmVnjuXKs/s640/20180318_114932.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sv Imagine - our friend Kurt behind us </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had a fantastic sail from St Lucia to St Anne Martinique, sailing the whole way. We have never had the right wind angle to sail the whole way in from St Lucia. What fun! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5s4KQEvYV2wMCaUnsTMsa5SGlLOmofAKJrm1qS8jxXz_hEwA8ncU0ZwbKTrm-qMh6jl9bFSCkyQdp5_lA-fZ4Os-5BpnG1ll_wCbIIztcWTf5s0qnaJMsRLUhn0ges9XzimbZ7ySW9o/s1600/20180319_181005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5s4KQEvYV2wMCaUnsTMsa5SGlLOmofAKJrm1qS8jxXz_hEwA8ncU0ZwbKTrm-qMh6jl9bFSCkyQdp5_lA-fZ4Os-5BpnG1ll_wCbIIztcWTf5s0qnaJMsRLUhn0ges9XzimbZ7ySW9o/s640/20180319_181005.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sundowners in St Anne Martinique</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYI8r1_BAqdnIiZ14GSasDkvVSSIrP70xPf3pBVlpaI02xh-A-QZsebsFJYFU7tsFtmNzv6cxMtc7eOsE3QMwDyJt66u9tDSqFlfTfOTEazduXr2Dxzasj0skTHhsLDBkqY01vhcZPd_w/s1600/20180319_181244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYI8r1_BAqdnIiZ14GSasDkvVSSIrP70xPf3pBVlpaI02xh-A-QZsebsFJYFU7tsFtmNzv6cxMtc7eOsE3QMwDyJt66u9tDSqFlfTfOTEazduXr2Dxzasj0skTHhsLDBkqY01vhcZPd_w/s640/20180319_181244.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sundown</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004189091013768875.post-21830454629226696502018-04-13T10:36:00.001-05:002018-04-13T10:36:49.166-05:00Bequia 2018 - Private Party At The Moon Holes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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March 2018<br />
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We have always been fascinated by the Moon Holes of Bequia, especially Tom. If you will remember, he even launched a dinghy expedition a few years back to get a closer look at them <a href="https://wildcatsailorgirl.blogspot.com/2015/02/toms-great-moonhole-houses-expedition.html">here-Tom's Great Moon Hole Expedition</a>. That is part of the challenge, geographically tough to get to and it is a private community, gated off with a security guard.<br />
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I suggested to ex-pat couple Nicolle and Nate that maybe they could arrange a walking tour because we would love to see them closer up. <i>"We would like to see them too"</i> said sv Freedom (John and Roberta). Nicolle said <i>"Funny you should say that. We were just invited to a private party this Saturday up at one of the Moon Hole houses. Come with us." "Really? Are you sure?" "Absolutely!" </i>Sweet!<br />
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So just like that, we were invited to a private party up at the Moon Holes. Saturday arrived and we had screaming winds again - we saw a gust to 44 knots. Ugh! Normally, we would not get off the boat in winds like that but when would we ever get a chance to go to a private party at the Moon Holes again? So we went.<br />
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We all stuffed in Nate and Nicolle's island car - six of us plus their daughter.....in a tiny island SUV held together by little more gray tape. They dropped off their daughter at a friends houses and then we headed to the Moon Hole parking. See, you can't drive into the Moon Holes. You must walk in. And the path is bumpy, uneven lava rock. Kewl because it fits with the whole Moon Hole setting but think about that......if you live there, you would need to schlep your stuff in and out on an unlit path of bumpy lava rock!<br />
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The security guard was not at the gate for some reason so we couldn't ask directions to the party house. <i> "Oh well. I am sure we will find it."</i> said Nicolle as she lead the way. She has been up to the Moon Holes before so we followed along.<br />
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Soon we were upon the first of the Moon Holes house. WOW! I mean.......WOW! Think Flintstones. Houses built into the rock and hills. Some have no doors or windows but are simply open.<br />
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The party location was not obvious. We kept wandering along, taking in each house we passed. We ventured clear to the end of the island, the last Moon Hole house. It may or may not have been open. We may or may not have taken the opportunity to explore it. Wink, wink. Amazing. Absolutely Amazing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge doors and windows trimmed in purple heart wood from Guyana - beautiful</td></tr>
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We eventually ran into a woman cleaning one of the houses who pointed us back towards the party house. It was one of the more developed Moon Hole homes with windows and doors that could be closed....although they were not. It also had some color and decoration to it. This two bedroom was nothing short of amazing. There are two patio's - one facing north and one facing south, both views were stunning. Our host (David, I think) is an ex-pat that comes to Bequia every year for 2 or 3 months. He rents a place in Lower Bay. However, one week each year during his stay in Bequia, he rents this Moon Hole house for a week and he has a big party to share this unique place with others. The party goers were primarily other ex-pats we have been seeing at all the various islands events. The only other cruisers were Sally and Jim from sv Chaos -aka the duo Mice in a Matchbox. Jim brought his guitar and they sang as entertainment on the southern patio later in the afternoon. Sadly, we didn't get any real pics of the party house. We were too busy taking it all in.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that view to the south</td></tr>
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This Moon Hole house rents out with a chef and cleaning person. Wise, given all the water is cistern water. *Land people are usually not used to cistern water which is code for water rationing.<br />
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It was a good party. Crazy trip home.<br />
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A day to remember!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1