Oh Brother!

Big Brother Ed.

So … when Ed found out that the “cousins” were coming - he hinted - well not actually hinted - but suggested - that he would love to join Companion again for another stint … Dale and I were thrilled … the trip south to Golfito (about 350 nautical miles) would be so much more enjoyable to have company and help.

“Hey, which direction are we headed?”  Ed, Dale and Bud …

It just seems that Ed relaxes right into the groove - he just gets caught up looking at the great blue sea.  It makes me wonder what he is really thinking! 

Contemplation! It's the best place in the house for that!

What was really fun - was to hear his sailing stories - of course we had heard them before - but Bud and Sue were a new audience and certainly enjoyed the tales!  It was great having knowledgeable sailors on board - especially when there was “weather concerns.”  On the lookout … a storm / squall was a brewing - not to terrible - but enough to watch for!

 “Over there Captain - head that way.”  Trying to out run the rain!

Or sometimes - just follow rainbows!

Once in a while - when we are sea - the tension is a “little tight” between Dale and I - but with Ed along - he just calms us down - and then after the “situation” is under control - he rises to the occasion with humor … nobody can make me laugh harder than Ed … I mean it. Belly hurting laughter - till tears run down ….. or whatever!

I know I told the story  - but just want to mention one more time the “Gold Bond” powder remedy from the beach walk in Samara … it was such a monumental memory for Ed  - that we (he and I) now use “Gold Bond” as a secret phrase - when I text “Gold Bond” to Ed; he will know that Dale is irritating me and I need a little sympathy … so here’s to “Gold Bond!”  He so enjoys the moment!  All moments!  I so wish I had a photo of him when that powder hits his tender skin!!  It will be etched in our memory banks forever!! (giggling!)

 When in Costa Rica ... do what the Cost Ricans do!!  Coconut milk - really?

Anchoring at the Isla Tortuga’s - Costa Rica’s most pristine islands and beaches - the plan was to just hang out  … Ed - the “exercise guru” that he is - went for a swim and beach walk … after exploring the beach - swam back to Companion - a good little workout for him!

Upon his return - a presentation of his beach treasures … first he found an Olympus camera - the guys quickly took out the chip to check out the pics - to no avail - they couldn’t snoop into that camera’s life!

BUT the other treasure is actually one that I will always treasure!  A perfectly new beer cozy - it is as if Ed actually went out and hand picked it - but no … found it right on the beach - it was meant to be … It couldn’t be more perfect and of course he doesn’t let go of something so funny - and for the next 10 days … we had a field day with the cozy… of course at Dale’s expense!

 The caption reads;

“I am not in charge!  I just know what you should be doing!”

Perfect  - wouldn’t you say!

Traveling with Ed back to Liberia- a 350 mile drive north - was in itself an adventure!  Taking the road that the locals call "the road of death" (no kidding - saw that in the Frommer's book) was a 12,000 foot climb as we came from sea level to see the absolutely gorgeous mountains and jungle .... miles of fields and agriculture into the aired dry north region ... of course going through the capital, San Jose - was nothing short of the guys version of "The Amazing Race" - who gives directions and who takes direction - safe and sound we arrived!!  A quick reunion dinner/happy hour special back at the Marina Papagayo was a real treat for all of us.

Adventures with Ed! Doesn't matter by the sea or by the road ... it is always fun!!

All I have to say is:  "Oh Brother"  - thanks for making memories with us!
Life is good!