Bonaire was exactly what we needed... a really great memory …one to file in our memory banks for when we get old and grayer. The relaxed pace, wonderful local folks, great food, fabulous snorkeling, and again warm, warm water so blue … we could and did just sit on the back deck and stare out to the sea.

Waving farewell to Ben and Nanni at 7:30 am - as we took our last little cruise around the Marine Park Bay … we left for Curacao.

Nanni and Ben on the Dual Dragons – we will see them again!

Only 38 miles as the crows flies – so not so long – we planned for 8 hours and made it in 7.5 – mainly motor sailing as the winds have started to die down – which is what usually happens here.

We were cruising along the coast line – enjoying the beautiful beaches and daydreaming (ok only I was daydreaming) about the resorts (that most likely had bathtubs!)  The architecture of the resorts and homes have a “European flair with a Caribbean flavor” – especially dramatic from the water side with all of the great tropical colors….

We were headed to Willemstad , the Curacao Marine Service Company – the plan was that we would have the boat hauled out of the water till we returned in the late fall – this has been the plan since November.  This spot is a great “hurricane hole” -  meaning hurricanes don’t happen here so the boat is safe and sound.  Leaving the “ocean” and sailing into a huge lagoon –  the port authorities granting us permission to go past the water gate/walking bridge so we could proceed up to lagoon – was a little challenging  – we had to be patient as we tried to call the bridge tender on VHS channel 16 only to learn that 12 was their call….

Dale cruised right the gate!

 So we learn something everyday….. I think both Dale and I got a little shock …. This lagoon  is not pretty – we were now in an industrial park of water – ugh – double ugh….As we approached into the marina area –  a gal calls out from her boat, The Denali Rose - later to find out this gal’s name is “Fred” – she informed us not to use the VHS to call the marina but actually call them – so they could assist us - as it seems the boats were packed in like sardines …..  After tying to the dock, Dale doing the usual paperwork – the ladies washroom was the next logical spot for me.  Over hearing conversation … “the 46” Leopard could not get taken out of the water… blah blah blah … and remember the 38” leopard they left for another marina as they couldn’t get taken out either … double blah” ….  I really couldn’t believe my ears – (moral of this story… the ladies washroom is a buzz with information) … reporting my findings to Dale – off to the office he went – confirmation that this was true – totally blew us away – after 7 months and 4200 miles for Dale – how could they not know this…that their lift pads are not the right size for Leopards - what are our options – how bad do we need to take the boat out?  How long can we keep the boat in this water?  Is Panama really that far away – yes was that answer …. A sleepless night – we asked the manager for a backup plan – yes they would try on Monday morning (this was Saturday) to see if they could readjust the pads and if not, could we stay in the marina in the water till we return.  

Not what Dale wanted to hear but we were safe and together and really/truly that is all that matters. We had still to go and declare to customs and immigrations that we had arrived – so we set out in the dinghy … a 45 minute trip to do both- Dale went in to both of the buildings – noticing that the sea walls were dirty with  oil I stayed in the dinghy – held us off the wall with our oar – we knew we had a little grime on the lines – but when we got back into the marina and was going to pull up the dinghy on our davits – the sides were covered – in some places 1” think of oil and tar…our main thought – was still how bad could these waters be from just outside the pristine water of the sea….gross is the only word ... To say the least -  it took over 2 hours and possibly closer to 3 to scrape, degrease with gasoline, using another degreaser, soap and water  - the dinghy was saved – we were frustrated because we had a lot of chores on our list, limited time, hot and sunburned and hungry if I remember clearly…..as we cleaned up or mess  - we thought of the poor birds, seals and marine life that were affected by the oil spills in Louisiana – we just couldn’t imagined how they got that gunk off of those living creatures.

Getting a grip of ourselves – lunch figured out – we started cleaning and readying the boat for wherever she was going… it was the best thing to do – loads of pent up energy to be used ….Dale worked on fine tuning the boat, folding the main sail, cleaning out of the front lockers – drying the lines, scrubbing the entire boat – I on the other hand had the spray bleach bottle and set to work … walls, ceilings, floors – nothing untouched.  All of our clothes packed in airtight boxes and our leftover food supplies sorted thru …. Two exhausting days – and we still had to wait for Monday morning….

Dale knows how to use the scrub brush

Without going on forever….the “ladies of the washroom” were very supportive of the haul out situation – so the marina was a buzz – watching, checking on us and hoping that it would work for us.   The crew that handles the haul out made a plan with Dale – changed the configuration of the pads – this was one giant truck and an extra giant trailer that picks up boats –

 they worked almost 2 hours – inch by inch they moved the trailer and to no avail – the pads would not support Companion … my heart went out for Dale at that moment – Companion needs a rest and so does her Captain ….

                                                       
A disappointed Captain stands by and waits

They helped us move Companion over to the dock … now for the new plan …. What to do ….. Back and forth to the office… find a boat “care giver” ….. etc etc…. A few of the marina neighbors came over to check on us….. and thank goodness “Fred” invited us for a hamburger – we needed some comfort and food was the best solution… besides her car had A/C.

Well – resigned to the fact that Dale might have to come back earlier than we expected – it is ok.  Meeting “Fred” and her husband, Jack is the bonus – they have been cruising the Caribbean for 8 years and know a ton of information – they gave us some advice on boat maintenance …. And besides that, they are bringing their boat to Anacortes – you never know … we might make part of the journey with them …. We have to look at the bright spots …. Oh yes … their main advice was … “nothing is for sure... it is a boat … you gotta go with the wind and wherever it takes you” …. So for now we are satisfied – Companion is in good hands - will have her repairs made, they will protect her by “bagging” her propellers so barnacles can’t eat her, and wash her down once a week – it is ok.

Today (Tuesday) is our last day – I am writing this entry at 3:30 am – I thought it would be important for me to finish this chapter before we start with our homebound ones…. Not being able to sleep - I am sure Dale is also making a mental list of what else needs to be finished up ….The haul out is a one- time experience .. Not really one I care to remember – but it is part of the journey … so let me end with this…

My “time” on Companion … has been good.  I love spending time with Dale and "living his dream" – The whole boating experience challenged me beyond words, and maybe sometimes my words were harsh (only Dale really heard those words – poor guy) , but after usually calming down ...  “let’s give her a whirl” was my answer – my capabilities improved as we made southern progress thru the islands ( I think I earned "The Most Improved Player Award!" - all those years of Dale's coaching really rubbed off on me),my  confidence in Dale knowledge and the fact that I needed to trust that Companion is a good and seaworty grew,   meeting people and making friends has always come easy – some of my favorite experiences besides touring the islands and finding awesome food venues  … BUT …. Sharing Companion with all “four of our kids” -Danylle and Andy, Emily and Kyle, Dale’s dad, Mike, Max, Sandy and Bryce, Zeph, Laura and Brian, Carol and Steve, Amy, Chuck, Anthony and Angelo was a joy. … I thank you for joining us on the “dream journey” of this sailor and his first mate.  

We are looking forward to what the summer brings:  the joy-filled wedding celebration, hanging out with the folks we love, dreaming about when we can get Companion to Puget Sound, remembering our travels and adventures of the last 7 months and lastly what is most important to me ….. 

Thanking God for a safe journey.  Life is good …………………  it is now 5:20 am and time to sleep!

I will be remembering all of the wonderful adventures in the Caribbean!