Contrasts & Extremes

This flag tells tales of wind-swept seas.

We are happy to report that another major stretch of our journey is now behind us. After a five-day push, we are docked near Barra de Navidad. We will spend a few days here for rest and maintenence (for the boat and ourselves).

This last stretch was another challenging one. Now that we are attached to a dock at the Grand Bay Hotel with pool access, showers, umbrella drinks, etc., we again are laughing about the contrasts and extremes that we have experienced over the last 5 weeks. When we are out at sea, we often face extreme conditions and sometimes extreme discomfort. For example, during this last stretch, we set out expecting to be able to anchor each night, take our time, visit some bays, swim, surf, etc. That all changed in an instant, when we could not anchor in the first bay due to large breaking waves in the anchorage, which meant that we had to go all night to reach the next viable anchorage. This unfolded after we had already been sailing for 14 hours, starting at 2 a.m. the night before; we knew the sleep deprivation would add a level of discomfort to our experience, but we also knew we´d be fine. Only then, Ryan got violently ill and proceeded to get sicker throughout the night. All of a sudden, I was the captain: sailing upwind in up to 17 knots in the dark, avoiding freight traffic and trying to stay awake. All night long. By that next afternoon we were heading into gusts of up to 25 knots, with large windswell pounding into us. We had to tack a lot. Long story short; we arrived at the next viable anchorage, Manzanillo, at 10pm the next night, after 42 hours of non-stop upwind sailing. Needless to say we were extremely happy to drop the anchor in Manzanillo.

Then began the contrasting experience. We were anchored in front of a marina and hotel called "Las Hadas" which means "the Fairies." It was an enchanting Grecian fairyland, and for just $9 (because we were anchored out in front), we were able to enjoy it´s facilities--pool, exercise room, internet, etc. Ryan and I would not usually seek out the resort with swim-up bar and fluffy towels, but we have grown to appreciate them. Along with safe harbors, we are finding safe havens that allow us to relax and unwind. I realize that most people probably envision the whole sailing experience as relaxing, and wonder why on earth we would need to unwind, but I guess maybe you are starting to see what I mean.

We have learned a lot on this journey, and the lessons continue to unfold. I have learned that the ocean is a wilderness. I have learned that I am afraid of the dark. I have learned that I am a bit of a control freak. I have learned that I need to ground into the earth to stay balanced. There is so much more, but I can´t see it yet.
What lies ahead is the home stretch. After somewhere between 1300 and 1500 miles, we know that we can complete the final 100. We can feel your love and support, so thank you for sending it. We´ll continue to send love to you all.

P.S. We never seem to take photos when we´re in the thick of it, so I guess we´ll be sure to remember the more pleasant parts, and the wildlife!

Check out this crocodile that was cruising around the marina in Ixtapa. I estimate it was around 14 feet long. Creepy!

Brett and Abby got more adventure than they had expected. They were great to have aboard!

The spires in Fairy-land were a welcome sight for my eyes, after they had been focused on the horizon for so long.
The view over Las Hadas, with Brainstorm anchored in front (second boat from the right, the one that is farthest out).
This place was pretty cool.

Our mascot, the bobbing-head chicken.