This and that update

Reading the recent blog posts of many of our cruising friends, it seems like 2013 is starting off as a year where flexibility and changes of plans are the norm.  We wish you all well as you head back to deal with family issues, wait for good weather, recover from the flu, try to stay warm in Mexico.

We've made no progress yet on finding those all important cat-sitters for Rosie and Sebastian. Our plans to spend some time in San Carlos with INTREPID II are still undefined.  Weather here has been mostly wet, cool to cold, windy with an occasional glimpse of sunshine.  Unfortunately, the 'get the year off to a good start' resolution received a set-back when we both were hit with severe chest congestion, wracking coughs about ten days ago  We've been lying low recovering ever since.

In December, we attended the Bluewater Cruising Associal annual Awards night. We've been away the past three years "doing" the cruising scene when the annual awards are presented.  It was opportunity to receive our "999 Coastal Awards" in recognition of the nautical miles traveled on INTREPID II  on our bluewater adventures.  Receiving an Offshore Award is still the goal.  Past Commodore Glenora Doherty traveled from Vancouver to make the presentations. We were so pleased to receive our awards from her, as Glenora and her late husband Peter were instrumental in us deciding to become BCA members.  That was 1994!

Glenora presenting us with 999 Coastal Awards

Adam (one of our crew in 2009) and Kelly tell tales

While we mingled with our cruising friends, Kelly offered to provide the current Fleet of 2013 with an overview of what had been required to enter and cruise in Mexico, which was readily accepted. However, trying to cram in all sorts of legal requirement, examples, recommendations and useful links into a 30 minute presentation took us both a number of days to find-tune for the 'dreamers'.  At the Fleet presentation we included recommendations of our favorite cruising guides, commented on where stern anchors were useful as well as flopper-stoppers and wished the group well.  It is rewarding to 'pay back' the association for all the guidance, advice and assistance we have received over the years.

Currently it's time to renew our boat registration, update our radio licenses, get back to our Spanish homework and continue the search for parts for the transmission. Wishing you all well and missing those sunnier climes...hope to see you soon.