We've visited: 17 countries, more than 40 islands and at least 60 different anchorages. It's hard to believe it's been a year and then there are days it feels likes it's been much longer. We've finally settled into the cruising life but this time it feels like it took a bit longer. Learning a new boat is taking longer than we anticipated and "knowing" your boat is critical to cruising enjoyment. We still feel like we learn something new about Astarte every week. We've been at anchor the whole time except for, a marina in Nassau, Bahamas, a few nights in the Turks and Caicos with an outboard problem and now the boat is sitting in a marina while we are in the states.
There have been so many interesting people we've met along the way. The cruising community is truly an international community. We've sincerely enjoyed traveling with and getting to know Friedl and Angelika from "Tumshi" and wish them great luck as they head to the Galapagos and continue their adventure through the South Pacific. Many of our friends are now heading through the canal continuing their ocean journeys. We wish fair winds and good seas to all of them (Anthem, Vagabond, Calypso, Inspiration Lady, Bristol Rose and others). We are certainly a bit jealous.
We've decided that the boat isn't quite ready to make that Pacific crossing - we need to get a lot done before such a passage and are not certain with the funds for that commitment. For now, we'll stay in the Caribbean and after a bit more time in Panama, the plan is to head up the western Caribbean to Providencia (off Nicaragua) and the Bay Islands of Honduras. Perhaps we'll make it as far as Belize. Then as the hurricane season heats up, we'll work our way back to Panama and the San Blas. From there - who knows. Our cruising plans are written in sand at low tide!
The year has been a healthy one for us - physically and mentally. Though there have certainly been highs and lows, the good times clearly outnumber the bad. A few mechanical issues have cropped up - and those problems tended to be part of the "lows." The outboard issues early on in the cruise were a problem. Now, we are battling some power issues and will be putting in new batteries when we return to Panama. Small things like propane tank issues, stuck thru-hulls, fuel shut-off problem, radar mount weld break, centerboard hydraulics, broken shackle, bad North Star navigation instruments and the hassle of getting the company to make good, dinghy leak and a broken forward head have kept Michael busy "fixing the boat in exotic locations."
Guests have kept us entertained through the year - Dave and Lorna suffered through the broken outboard and us, still getting into the cruising life while in the Turks and Caicos; Frank came to Grenada and broke out of his Ohio bubble on an anniversary gift from his lovely wife Lisa; Kathryn and Mark landed in the San Blas on a strip of land no longer than a driveway and then proceeded to get soaked snorkeling and by the incessant rain; and, Richard and Rene experienced the beautiful Kuna Yala weather and overland adventure to the remote islands.
Everyday things like shopping for groceries; doing laundry and "hunting" for fish continue to be fun and adventurous. We've broken out of many "Velcro harbors" to continue the trip - though at times, we thought, "we could just stay here!."
Our Spanish language skills continue to improve - though we are far from fluent. Our Kuna language skills won't get us more than a fish or a crab! But it's fun trying and people have been patient and generous with our butchering their language.
It's been a wonderful year and we both feel very lucky to be living our dream with each other.
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