Christmas Day Passage
Merry Christmas!
Zac successfully made the long trip back to Oregon and promptly jumped in the car with Nan and Zoe and took off for the high country. Swim trunks and flip-flops to wool caps and backcountry skis in 36 hours. I don't think Kel and I could adjust that quickly. We know they will love spending the holidays in Donnelly, Idaho with family, friends and fresh powder.
Chris is here with us now for several weeks. We plan to leave Antigua at 6 AM on Christmas Day to make a passage to Guadeloupe, a French island about 50 miles to the south. As they say around here, we are slowly heading down island. Met an interesting British fellow at customs as we worked through the 4 different stations and government officials to check out of Antigua. Checking in and out can be complicated or very simple depending on the island. This fellow owns several marinas in the Windwards and his grandson was joining him on their catamaran heading north to the BVI's. His grandson was concerned that Santa would find them tonight, as they would be "away at sea." The grandfather explained that Santa had AIS and GPS and could easily find their yacht underway. He also told us he picked up some goat droppings on their hike today. They'd make useful evidence in the morning.
The Antiguans are ready to enjoy a two day holiday. I suppose we should try to understand what boxing day is....but we'll be in Guadeloupe by 3 pm or so, and I don't think they celebrate boxing day.
We'll have a nice day at sea, thinking of our families spread around the states and world, enjoying each other and sharing hugs and gifts. We'll miss you and look forward to seeing each of you again; some of you down island and others when we come back to the states in both May and September.
Our blessings are simple but great, and that's just how we like it. There is no better gift than love and friendship. (Kel may add that an electric-flush marine toilet may finish in 3rd place. More on that story as it develops.) May your holidays be just perfect.
Chris and Kel on top of Monk's Hill, on our hike up to Fort George overlooking Falmouth Harbour. Out on the horizon in the top right you can just barely make out Guadeloupe.
Zac successfully made the long trip back to Oregon and promptly jumped in the car with Nan and Zoe and took off for the high country. Swim trunks and flip-flops to wool caps and backcountry skis in 36 hours. I don't think Kel and I could adjust that quickly. We know they will love spending the holidays in Donnelly, Idaho with family, friends and fresh powder.
Chris is here with us now for several weeks. We plan to leave Antigua at 6 AM on Christmas Day to make a passage to Guadeloupe, a French island about 50 miles to the south. As they say around here, we are slowly heading down island. Met an interesting British fellow at customs as we worked through the 4 different stations and government officials to check out of Antigua. Checking in and out can be complicated or very simple depending on the island. This fellow owns several marinas in the Windwards and his grandson was joining him on their catamaran heading north to the BVI's. His grandson was concerned that Santa would find them tonight, as they would be "away at sea." The grandfather explained that Santa had AIS and GPS and could easily find their yacht underway. He also told us he picked up some goat droppings on their hike today. They'd make useful evidence in the morning.
The Antiguans are ready to enjoy a two day holiday. I suppose we should try to understand what boxing day is....but we'll be in Guadeloupe by 3 pm or so, and I don't think they celebrate boxing day.
We'll have a nice day at sea, thinking of our families spread around the states and world, enjoying each other and sharing hugs and gifts. We'll miss you and look forward to seeing each of you again; some of you down island and others when we come back to the states in both May and September.
Our blessings are simple but great, and that's just how we like it. There is no better gift than love and friendship. (Kel may add that an electric-flush marine toilet may finish in 3rd place. More on that story as it develops.) May your holidays be just perfect.
Chris and Kel on top of Monk's Hill, on our hike up to Fort George overlooking Falmouth Harbour. Out on the horizon in the top right you can just barely make out Guadeloupe.
Montserrat in the distance behind Antigua.
Chris in Peanut. Check out the huge Tarpon in the water.
Rastafarians at the Saturday market before Christmas. "Give thanks Mon"
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