Chillin' with Chuck and Peggi, too!

It is always great having friends join us - but extra special when we get second year veterans on board.  Chuck  (2011 - 3 weeks from Antigua to St. Lucia) and Peggi joined us on Companion in Golfito - our mission was to sail north to Putenaras.

We had absolutely wonderful weather days - for Dale the winds were light - with a slight breeze off the bow - waves only a meter or a pinch more - so as far as I was concerned it was a perfect way to introduce Peggi to sailing on the ocean.  They named it “Pacific” for a reason!

Tina continues to be a joy on board - very helpful with her terrific attitude - she really has gotten into the rhythm of Companion … life on a boat! We have been creating all sorts of new “experiments” in the galley - she is learning to whip up some mighty tasty sauces and we have reaped the benefits of her efforts!! We have yet to toss anything overboard!

It didn’t take Chuck anytime at all to adjust back to life on the boat - he brought his tunes, books, magazines, and a newspaper - (which Dale thoroughly enjoyed reading page to page) -  we knew he was back in the swing of things especially after he had his first sip of “Imperial” - the Costa Rican beer and gave Peg the tour!

                                          Chuck is happy sittin’ on the front deck lookin’ at the water.

What I loved best about Peg - is that she really rolls with the flow. Always game for anything … sitting on the decks, taking reef watch (makin’ sure we don’t run into any big rocks or coral out there), chopping veggies for dinner, playing a couple of rounds of Oh Hell nightly, or makin’ like a "fugitive" with Chuck and Tina  … (that is a story on its own! And better spoken than written - so just ask one of us -  you will get five stories - all entertaining I am sure!)

Peg ever ready with her camera - can’t wait to see what she captured!

Every morning it seemed for the last week that we had to keep the journey moving forward - so at the crack of dawn - often before the sun rose - and definitely before anyone else was out of bed -  Dale was setting the main sail - waking me in time to be at the helm to bring up the anchor and often on cue we left the anchorages by 6 am … it is really one of the prettiest times of day - but really… 6am?

Pretty happy guy hoisting the main!

Of course coffee is the first thing Chuck thinks about when he wakes up - or at least that is what he told me - so often the coffee was ready - he just had to wait the required 4 minutes for the French Press to do its work and then we or he was good for the day! 

Time really does move forward on this boat - especially after getting the schedule down - coffee, breakfast, dishes, plan lunch and dinner menu - maybe a little prep work - all this is being done while Dale is at the helm - we read our books and chill - maybe once in a while we put out the fishing pole, then we read our books  - the rotation is easy - Dale is still at the helm - I need to share this with you - the Captain now uses the autopilot since the waves aren’t so big - so he is reading too  at the helm or playing Angry Birds on the I Pad!  The day continues and if we have planned accurately we like to be anchored by 4 so the evenings are restful - but I will tell you - we all have enjoyed our reading time.

Chuck and Peg - enjoying the time to just be ….

Tina has gone thru a few books already!

But besides reading, Peggi has become the newest member of the Companion Embroidery Guild …

Peggi hooked on a new hobby?!!

But the next photo says it all - really … on the bow of the boat we still have our needles and project out - love that!!!  Dedicated members! :)

The girls were really on “reef watch” - well kind of!

As we sailed north we enjoyed a few stops along the way - the anchorages are very remote and no sailing vessels - a few fishing boats - a few motor yachts … it is peculiar to me that we haven’t seen a whole lot of people …  oh well - we have these spots all to ourselves.

The coast line for the most part is cliffs right on the waters edge with a dry forest look … the rock formations are beautiful and intriguing … to watch the surf is amazing - huge rollers that just don’t stop.  Hundreds of arches created with water and sand - one of my very favorite sights to find.

Water and sand arch

We made a couple of stops up the coast to get out and walk the beaches … the surf is often so high we get a drenching going and coming back to the boat.  But the walks are nice and great exercise. 

Now that we are officially checked into the country at the Port in Puteranas - the port captain made it easy -  we are now relaxed. The Costa Rica Yacht Club is a nice little marina with pool, bar and restaurant - feels like we are on a holiday!  When we motored to the marina  we had to go about 2 miles over sand bars - kind of scary when there were only inches between us and the ground … good thing we lucked out and came in right after high tide. So when we leave - high tide again!

We really didn’t have to say goodbye to Chuck and Peggi as we will be seeing them in the next week - they are extending their trip and hanging out at Playa Conchell for two more weeks- so we get to be  guests - it is only 15 miles from our destination!  Lucky us!

Chuck and Peg on the deck - their smiles tell it all -

Thanks for spending time on Companion!

Costa Rica Bound!

There is something to be said to having neighbors - as you know we have had the greatest neighbors wherever we live and that also goes for our sailing neighbors.  It was absolutely “super nice” to have Ben and Nannie right next “boat”… 

On our sail to Golfito, Tina was working overtime bringing the fish in - the dark Tuna was on the “catch and release” program - not our favorite meat but they were sure fun to catch!

                                                                       Just a little one …

Arriving into the bay at Golfito, Costa Rica was gorgeous -The coastline heading north was still jungle - the bird life extremely active.  Dale was intrigued with the pelicans - very vivacious, precarious and huge … they fly in large flocks and act like they are the Blue Angels - synchronized flying  - then they nose dive right in for their dinner - very entertaining!

Perfect timing between Dale and Ben, we anchored simultaneously with a new technique for us - we call it the “free fall anchor drop” - no windlass - just let the chain go and then a quick jerk back and we are secure (usually!) Just takes practice and Dale likes the challenge.

Anchoring near the Land and Sea Service Marina was delightful - easy access to the dinghy dock - they have an honesty box system for beer & soda and $1 internet per day for all on board the boat - plus a real treat - ice cream just down the street - we all were happy…

Got to enjoy a wonderful walk - 3.5 miles up the ridge into a jungle - left our dock at 6 am - first sighting - squirrel monkeys - really fun to see them in action especially that early in the morning.   Second sighting - toucans - glorious toucans - their song was unique and they perch on top of the canopy.  We lucked out and saw them several times.

                                                    Up close - their bills are so gorgeous

At the top of the ridge - at that point a 2 hour walk we rested - enjoyed a couple of snacks!

Ben - a tease with the pretzels!   Tina just smiles!

 

We are pretty much on top of the world here - see all that water?  We just came from there!

 

Dale cools off - spring water filled hat!

As I said before Dale really loved watching the birds - he witnessed the Red Scarlet Macaws a couple of mornings - not sure where I was, so I missed them (but I am making them a top priority to see in the wild.) and the Turkey Vultures - so huge - they loved eating the fisherman’s leftovers - you know the guts and stuff.  There are so many different species of birds - we need a bird guide for Costa Rica …

We spent the rest of our time doing the daily life chores, reading, knitting, planning the next leg of the journey, and enjoying our evenings with Nannie and Ben and prepping for Chuck and Peggi to arrive.

                                   A wonderful evening at a local restaurant - we really need to learn Spanish

Saying adios to our dear sailing buddies was not difficult - they have quite an adventure awaiting them - first to Guatemala, then over to Hawaii by end of March, up to Alaska near June, and down to Vancouver BC in September - where we will reunite in LaConner sometime shortly after that!

Receiving a sailor’s hug from one vessel to the other … Nannie shines!

Dale reminds me that there are so many more stories to share and favorite anchorages to list … so when we are back and you come to visit - watch out the photos will be up to date and the popcorn popped ...

so be ready to sit for awhile so we can share with you!!

7 Degrees North

Seven degrees, twelve .071 minutes north is the farthest SOUTH that Companion and her Captain Dale will see - 

lucky Tina and I got to share the moment with Dale -

Dale took this photo of our chart plotter to record history!

You never know who might take her south again  … but for this journey … this is it!

Panama ... thank you!

Panama, we have been here … in this country longer than any other - thus far.

A lot of time to think …

So … first let me share this with you - reconnecting with Companion and Dale …

Re-acquainting myself with boat life  …  for I was the late arrival this time and needed to get back in the groove that “this is my life” for the next 6 months … it is a little bit of a shock to the system but then I pinch myself and say “Who does this stuff?” “Can I believe it? No not really!”  “Remind myself of Dale’s dream and goals.”  “Remember that it the time of our lives and getting Companion up to our home will be great! But on the other hand - don’t miss out and rush to fast - this world has a lot to offer and I need to just be!” - Then I say a prayer or two - one for the safety of Companion and crew and the other for me to just enjoy and let go …

Ahhh … Panama. has offered so much …

(only a few times were we frustrated but mainly that was with the boat issues).

The San Blas Islands and it’s Kuna People - experiencing for a short time the culture and beauty of the Kuna Indians was a rare treat - remote but yet attainable - these folks may have found a good balance with their society and needs - they seem to love their place on this earth and yet know that they need to make a living and care for their families … yet they graciously sharing their place. As we sailed, swam and relaxed, we think we were good stewards and just took away good memories and mola’s  ….

From the first anchoring in the Isla Grande … I wish you could hear this .. It sounds so much better than the written word - but for those of you who have actually witnessed the words heralded “Welcome to P-A-N-A-M-A” (actually it sounds like a song!) from the fishermen on their little skiffs … the world takes on a whole new meaning. Welcome … It’s Refreshing … Enjoy! … Love it like we do!  …. Just BE! 

 Crossing The Canal - humbling and grateful - the process went so smooth - from the time we arrived in Colon - the provisioning, the perfect timing of all of our agents, immigration and Port Captain, “our crew” and their attitude, the wonderful weather - we had no issues and could really take in the whole experience … thank you to all of the workers of so long ago that made it possible for us to make this crossing with safety and joy.   (If you really want to talk to Dale about this - he has a great monologue of the making of the Canal - it is not even boring as I have listened to it a few times! Actually entertaining and informative!)

Panama City, I guess it is what we expected … a big city.. a place for us to say goodbye to our crew and wait for our Emily, Kyle and Bryce to arrive … a place for us to get lost in a few times, a place where Companion could get “fixed”, a place for us to make new friends, the place where we reconnected with Our Dutch friends, a place for Tina to get to,  … this place that connects the two oceans … it was the place to ready our ship for the rest of her journey.

Las Perlas Islands - beautiful and remote - (Two seasons of The Survivor were filmed here) - the beaches called our names when the tide was out, snorkeling, hiking and just enjoying hanging out with our kids - that was what mattered.  I needed and also Dale - just to be with family … it is good to be loved!  We treasured our time and the sail to and from those little islands - memories are for keeping and that is what we have from this Christmas holiday.  Thanks Em, Kyle and Bryce …. You made it extraordinary!

The Voyage first to the south, then west, and now north - heading towards Costa Rica - this is the Panama that I never knew existed - beauty beyond … Isla Parida you hold a special memory for us. We just couldn’t believe our eyes - first of all the magnificent  bay, water animals - dolphins, sting rays, jumping fish of all sizes … showing off for us … every day and then …  the peace … there are no words for that kind of quiet -

Just peace-filled is what we were … tranquil.

 Farwell Panama … we wish you and your people well … Thanks for sharing!

Ready to get moving ....

We were ready to get moving - leaving Panama City was almost a relief - being there for nearly a month … it was time to move on …. the “wanderlust” does kick in … 

Again provisioning was a necessity as we planned to sail for 10 days to Costa Rica - so off Tina and I went to shop and made Companion sail ready …  washed her down with “sweet water”, all engines double checked, oil gauges a triple check … all is well. One overnight sail to meet up with Ben and Nannie at the southern peninsula of Panama -----, they will be our traveling partners for the next eight days. Neither Dual Dragon nor Companion has sailed next to another vessel.

Tina's smile says it all...

Leaving the Balboa Yacht Club at 9:30 am we set out by ourselves - we actually had somewhat smooth sailing - just little incidents and mishaps that first morning and afternoon - Dale workin’ with a couple of “sailor rookies” for sure … but to give you a little insight on our day - the spinnaker was raised - a little chaos getting that done, then the wind kicked up (of course) two notches - got that down with some resistance from Dale but he knows me better and realized that I was not comfortable with the speed so we got it secured - then the steering stopped - no turning the helm in any direction - not once but twice… Geez Louise - what is happening … when the steering went out the second time - we had a “fish on”  - there was no way Dale wanted to lose another lure - so Tina held on - taking her time to reel her in - Dale working diligently on the steering cable and me behind the helm making sure the wheel was coming back to life …. The steering restored - Tina brought her 5 pound, 30” yellow fin snapper to the deck - whew … way to much excitement … we all but collapsed - looked at each other …. and just kept on sailing  …  thankful all this happened in the daylight.

Now for the nighttime - we took turns sleeping - the girls watched together - the first and third shift - of two to three hours each … Dale the other hours.  The girl watch between 2 and 4:30 am was predicted to have a meteor shower - well Tina saw a couple but no shower for me - the stars were out and glorious - the moon ¾ full was a tremendous spot light - the waves calmed down and we actually had a beautiful sail - to tell you the truth I kind of liked it. Dale back at the helm brought us to our destination by 7:30 am. What was glorious; we knew that where we were headed was a sheltered bay - and lo and behold our Ben and Nannie - arrived earlier that morning (3am) - seeing their “cat” just bobbing in the water - made that crazy day all worth it … we anchored, slept the morning away and enjoyed an afternoon of swimming and visiting - life was oh so good! 

Dual Dragon at anchor  what a lovely sight!

Catching up with Nannie

I think (if everything goes as planned) that was to be our last overnight sail for this journey … kind of bittersweet as much as I don’t really like them  - the success of the sail and the sweetness of the morning dawn is the memory that I will hold in my heart - lovely.

 Relaxed ... Life is good!

The Pacific coastline of Panama has been a complete surprise to us - it is magnificent - never could we have imagined the mountains, trees, rock formations, the gorgeous surf, the sand beaches - plus waves and wind that are calm - the sun beats down on Companion - we are shaded by the sails and bimini, but after we are secured at anchor the water is so welcoming and refreshing - a little chillier than the Caribbean side - ahhh Panama!  The nights cool down - lovely sleeping weather  - we like it here!

These guys swam with us daily ... really blessed to witness this sight

Having Dual Dragon to our starboard or portside has been a real comfort - actually real sailing lessons, too.  Ben radioed Dale a couple of times explaining a few sail trimming techniques to increase speed, etc - Dale - the good student that he is - listened and learned - how great to have a veteran sailor near and so willing to share!

What I love about Ben is that he loves enjoys life! And food!

Tina enjoys the culinary experiments - especially when she has guinea pigs!  Delicious bread sticks!

Think this has anything to do with her Biology background?

Sailing into the Isla Parida was simply amazing - never in our wildest dreams did we expect to have our own secluded islands - just our two boats cocooned in the bays with manta rays just jumping all around us, fish flying out of the water, the birds absolutely alive and the sounds of the jungles incredible.  

Dale reeled in a 12 to 15 pound Spanish Mackrel - we had delicious fillets for dinner!

My vision of the Galapagos Islands are what we were seeing on our way to Isla Parida - 

maybe someday we will go there, too and compare!

These visual memories are embedded in my brain … I am trying to work hard to collect them! 

Ringing in 2012

Ringing in the New Year … always causes reason to reflect on how fortunate we are

gaining another favorite son-in-law ranks as a highlight, enjoying the spontaneities and challenges of this lifestyle, having family and friends come to experience Companion with us, meeting people from all over the world and making friends ….

Sharing a festive table on New Year’s Eve with the kids, Ben, Nannie and another couple from Holland we brought in the New Year - it is gonna be another good one - I can just tell….

                                                                                   The Hermansen’s celebrate!

Gotta toast in the new year - Em and Ben

Dale with the lovely Nannie!

Most of you know that Dale likes to plan … so for this new year …. We are going to enjoy the coasts of Panama and Costa Rica …with lots of company  (right now we have Tina with us for the next 3 weeks) …  getting Companion shipped up to Victoria BC and start the building process for our “container!”  We will take our time with each endeavor and enjoy the moments … life is short and I don’t want to miss out on anything!

Just want to say thanks to Em, Kyle and Bryce for making our holiday merry - we loved having you aboard and can’t wait till we just have a 30-mile sail for a “happy hour!” 

The traditional glasses continue - we will save these till we drink again!!  

Christmas Week

There is nothing better than sharing Companion with our kids …. Our Christmas was made very merry with the arrival of Emily, Kyle and the added bonus of Bryce!

Arriving in the afternoon of Christmas Eve the kids got settled in - heading down the causeway for what we had hoped was to be a feast on sea bass - come to find out - after the 2 mile walk that the restaurant was closed - so off to an Italian pasta feast!!  Flexibility!!  But nonetheless delicious! 

Back on Companion it was a quiet night for them as they had traveled for almost 20 hours and were ready to sleep…with visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads!

Christmas Day morning.

Stockings full and little gifts under our Christmas tree … a delightful relaxed wake up call!

 The Newlyweds First Christmas

Christmas dinner was extended to our dear Dutch friends - Ben and Nannie - they crossed the Canal on the 22^nd after over 7 years in the Caribbean … lucky us to have them on board Companion for our “traditional” turkey dinner with stuffing and all the fixins’!  (Love that pressure cooker!) 

Our plan was to sail on the 26^th to the Las Perlas Islands - a lovely 34 nm sail - spinnaker launched for the first time for Em and Kyle. 

 Kyle at the helm

 Bryce and Dale rig her up and let her loose!

 To say the least - Em loved the sight!

Of course as we are cruising along - spinnaker full - the fishing reel takes off  - Bryce grabbed the pole - exclaimed “Fish ON!  A big one - see that tail!”  Well the proof is in the photo.

With all of Bryce’s might - he reeled that fish - remember it is a BIG one - all of a sudden the reel was pulled OFF the pole - the tip of the pole broke - Em jumped in to help him hold the rod - Bryce kept reeling - to no avail - the line snapped - oh so sad - but really what would we have done with an 80 pounder or better?  I’m sure we would have figured out something!  Oh well - the story is in the photo …. there are more fish in the sea!

With all of Bryce's strength!

Spinnaker is still full - gotta get her down - winds picked up - just a little chaos - but everything under control!  Just had time to catch our breath - Kyle says - “look at that “water blow!” - Whale - no not just one - look at ‘em!”   Sure enough - whales spotted - then out of nowhere - actually behind the boat comes and I am not exaggerating - 24 or more spotted dolphins - what a sight! What a gift!  They played at the bow of Companion for at least 30 minutes - such a treat to be a witness to the grace and fluidity of this mammal

Approaching the Las Perlas (the Pearles)- at low tide - the white sand beaches exposed - we were excited to get anchored so the kids could go explore the island! Perfect spot to swim, play, read and chill ….

                                                     Dale instantly sits in his spot - book in hand …

Em ready to see the sights!

 

Kyle and Bryce find their balance!

 

Another member of the Companion Embroidery Guild!

Lunchtime!

We filled our days … and they were going to quickly as far as I was concerned …

Sailing back to Panama City for a couple of days just to “tour” … the seas were relatively calm  …. We all love sitting in those front row seats watching the waves roll by … of course the fishing pole was set … waiting patiently  … this time the fishermen (all of them) brought in a nice size fish - delectable lunch of tuna steaks!! 

Anchoring in the Las Brisas Bay required an additional little bit of commotion - the dinghy dock was destroyed and a make shift pulley system to get cruisers to land was rigged up - to say the least Dale and I really looked like and acted like we had never been in one before …

“Hold on and stay still ... this thing could go over any second now!”  I call this trust!

We did finally get to have the sea bass feast - it was well worth waiting for … a whole fish, salad and plantains or fries for $8 …. 

Can’t beat that! Probably one of the best fish dinners we have ever had  … (except for the crappie dinners in Kentucky!)

Em loved her dinner!

You three made our week merry!

On our own in Panama CIty

On our own in Panama City has been a blast - now that the engines and all systems are working - 

we now have time fun ….

Waking up in the mornings - the city is quiet  - we sit on the foredeck with our coffee (mocha for me) - watching the ships go by … in and out of the Canal lane ... 

The Bridge of the Americas

We certainly have been doing our fair share of walking - especially thru the city - not knowing Spanish - difficult to know which bus to catch - so foot travel is the best with a taxi or two to get us back to the boat …

Downtown Panama City

Most of you know how I love a parade - so in the weekly English/Spanish Visitor newspaper Dale found out about the Christmas Parade … so of course - knowing how crowded a good parade can get - we left early to get a good view - what we didn’t realize was that no body shows up till an hour or so before it was to start … we had a lot of time to kill …

Almost as good Portillo’s! - street vendor delicious!

Parade expectation was great for me … when the five floats went by with about four bands - the million people were estatic!! Wish they could see the Rose Parade!  People watching was fab though ..

Where are the roses?

Getting Companion ready for Christmas is enjoyable for me - besides the regular cleaning I really enjoyed putting a little floral touch to the cockpit … Em, Kyle, Bryce are coming and want it to be festive!!

Fresh evergreen, candle and beach treasures make it merry.

Look who received a new chair as an early Christmas gift - Dale knows how to make me smile - now I can lounge as he slaves away at the helm …. Or wherever  - it will rock me to sleep I am sure!

 Even matches the hammock that hangs from the mainsail!

One more secret on how to make this first mate smile - and that is to be sure that we have enough ice for any occasion - the ice bags here are huge - about 16 pounds of ice - our freezer was workin’ overtime - plus every water container was filled with the extra  … now I am ready for my “peeps” to come … hurry up Em, Kyle and Bryce!!

Let the week begin!