Tue July 28 2::30 PST Well we have been here for a week. Weather has been nice except for yesterday and today where the temps have hit 90. I have been spending time online ordering parts for the boat. My son Matt thinks I am rebuilding the boat in his basement. Will be interesting to see if we can get all this stuff in our luggage on the way back. Guatemala does not allow for Yatch in Transit. Seems they charge a 35-45 % duty along with other fees that almost double the price. So we plan on heavy luggage on the way back. Delta still likes me as they let me have 2 bags up to 70 lbs...so we get an extra 40 lbs.
The political mess in this country is depressing. If the left is able to pass this health care mess I fear our country is lost. Hopefully the voters will figure out that Obama's taking us over the edge and stops this destruction of our republic. Guess I don't need to get on that soapbox.
We are house sitting for Joyce's sister till tonight. Tomorrow Joyce's son Paul arrivies so she can teach him how to scuba dive. Back to Seattle on Saturday.
Our aditions to the blog will probably slow down till we get back to the boat in October. I'll try and keep my blood pressure down by not watching the news....more later
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Guatemala to Seattle to housesitting dogs and a cat...
A picture is worth a thousand words....
Mas tarde.....
Mas tarde.....Monday, July 13, 2009
Packing for Vacation
The Fourth of July party was well attended...and we had a good time chatting with all... 
and Paul laughed so hard watching the blind dingy races!! 
Interestingly enough...no male/female teams went...only male/male teams! 
I thought I would include some additional pictures of the road/trail that some of us walk!
Walking by myself, I don't go as far...
This is one of the homes along the road. 
And rubber trees are what is "farmed" in this area. When one of the other ladies goes with me we go a LONG way...up and down many hills. 
This is a look back from the turn around spot at the top of one of the hills.
And, this is a view from the top of that hill. Of course the day I took the camera it was overcast...but it was still beautiful!
Then Thursday was Ladies day at one of the Marina's near Lake Izabel which is farther up the Rio Dulce. Since I was early for my appointment, I took Hugo up to take a look!
The lake is huge and beautiful!
I didn't stop to take a tour...but it was fun to get pictures from the lake! 
The grounds of the other Marina was beautiful as well...
These of course are EVERYWHERE!
Facials...manicures...pedicures...none of which is my style! But I did need my hair trimmed...and of course it was done at a fraction of what it would cost in the U.S. So anyway...back to what else we have been doing for the last week! Packing...we take a bus from Fronteras, Rio Dulce Friday for Guatemala City...a five hour bus ride...for our flight Saturday back to Seattle. Our two month vacation away from the boat...the longest Paul has ever been off of the boat since starting his live-aboard adventure!
and Paul laughed so hard watching the blind dingy races!! Interestingly enough...no male/female teams went...only male/male teams! I thought I would include some additional pictures of the road/trail that some of us walk!Walking by myself, I don't go as far...This is one of the homes along the road. And rubber trees are what is "farmed" in this area. When one of the other ladies goes with me we go a LONG way...up and down many hills. This is a look back from the turn around spot at the top of one of the hills.And, this is a view from the top of that hill. Of course the day I took the camera it was overcast...but it was still beautiful!Then Thursday was Ladies day at one of the Marina's near Lake Izabel which is farther up the Rio Dulce. Since I was early for my appointment, I took Hugo up to take a look!The lake is huge and beautiful!And this fort was right before it...
I didn't stop to take a tour...but it was fun to get pictures from the lake! The grounds of the other Marina was beautiful as well...These of course are EVERYWHERE! Facials...manicures...pedicures...none of which is my style! But I did need my hair trimmed...and of course it was done at a fraction of what it would cost in the U.S. So anyway...back to what else we have been doing for the last week! Packing...we take a bus from Fronteras, Rio Dulce Friday for Guatemala City...a five hour bus ride...for our flight Saturday back to Seattle. Our two month vacation away from the boat...the longest Paul has ever been off of the boat since starting his live-aboard adventure!Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Fresh Air and Choices
It's raining out right now...and actually this is the first time it has rained...just rained since we have been up here! Usually the rain is wrapped up with the wind, lightening and thunder! I went on a walk with another cruiser yesterday morning...we chose 6:ooam as it is cooler then...and we walked faster and a lot further than I previously had! There were some great views at the top of some of the hills...but I had left the camera back at the boat! We are hoping to go every OTHER day...so truly then, tomorrow morning at this time, I will be walking (and taking pictures)! So...if I had a choice...this morning the rain is okay (like we have choices on that anyway)!
For those who enjoy this blog for the pictures...sorry there will be none on this "Fresh Air and Choices" blog. So to get right to my point...I REALLY enjoyed Roatan, Honduras. Notice the really is in bold...had we had a little more time there it could have been I LOVED Roatan! It seems that a lot of the cruisers here do. I had been in contact with a couple of realtors there...that is how much I enjoyed Roatan! After the coup, I have continued to email them...speaking of fresh air and choices...here is a quote from one of his emails:
"It's interesting to see from the inside out how the world press is manipulating this whole scenario. From our perspective here on Roatan and on the mainland, there was no coup. It was simply a corrupt president who broke the law, was advised in advance that what he was doing was illegal and they transported him out of the country to avoid bloodshed. The next in line was appointed by the congress and life goes on. So, we'll have to see how long it takes the world to see it for what it is."
Does anybody get the "fresh air" that I'm talking about now? We the people in the U.S. ELECT and allow appointed individuals to break the law and DO NOTHING...SAY NOTHING...because they take on an elite status once in a position of government power. "We" (mostly the press..and then those that follow the press blindly) treat them like, well like the Michael Jacksons... the Elvis Presleys of the world. THEY are HUMAN...they ARE falliable and once in a position of power IF AND WHEN they abuse that power or fail to serve those to whom they are paid to represent THEY should be "deposed"...stripped of their power...relieved of their salaries AND their pensions! So yes, I am speaking of most of the U.S. government right now...the House and the Senate...up the line. If "we the people" don't wake up soon...we will loose our choices...AND our ability to speak out...our "fresh air"!
For those who enjoy this blog for the pictures...sorry there will be none on this "Fresh Air and Choices" blog. So to get right to my point...I REALLY enjoyed Roatan, Honduras. Notice the really is in bold...had we had a little more time there it could have been I LOVED Roatan! It seems that a lot of the cruisers here do. I had been in contact with a couple of realtors there...that is how much I enjoyed Roatan! After the coup, I have continued to email them...speaking of fresh air and choices...here is a quote from one of his emails:
"It's interesting to see from the inside out how the world press is manipulating this whole scenario. From our perspective here on Roatan and on the mainland, there was no coup. It was simply a corrupt president who broke the law, was advised in advance that what he was doing was illegal and they transported him out of the country to avoid bloodshed. The next in line was appointed by the congress and life goes on. So, we'll have to see how long it takes the world to see it for what it is."
Does anybody get the "fresh air" that I'm talking about now? We the people in the U.S. ELECT and allow appointed individuals to break the law and DO NOTHING...SAY NOTHING...because they take on an elite status once in a position of government power. "We" (mostly the press..and then those that follow the press blindly) treat them like, well like the Michael Jacksons... the Elvis Presleys of the world. THEY are HUMAN...they ARE falliable and once in a position of power IF AND WHEN they abuse that power or fail to serve those to whom they are paid to represent THEY should be "deposed"...stripped of their power...relieved of their salaries AND their pensions! So yes, I am speaking of most of the U.S. government right now...the House and the Senate...up the line. If "we the people" don't wake up soon...we will loose our choices...AND our ability to speak out...our "fresh air"!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Settling in at Mario's
As with any Central American country...everything takes time...but I believe now we are finally getting settled. 
Finding where at Mario's to take the garbage was one of the first issues...and this little critter...well he scared the !!!! out of me the first time I went to the garbage bin enclosure. I have gotten into the habit of talking to unknown critters whenever I go for a walk by myself. So as I was getting closer of course I began talking to all of the critters that might be there...telling them to leave...I heard rustling and then... 
it looks like I scared the !!! out of him/her!! 
We have gone into town a few times...the town is called Rio Dulce or Fronteras...
This is the dingy dock at Bruno's...
Typical Guatemala women dress...I almost bought one of their "shawls" the other day...I still may...as I do enjoy my shawls!! The streets are LOUD ...trucks with cattle in them roll down the main street as well as every other type of huge truck imagineable...locals parking their cars just about anywhere...so honking becomes the norm!
The cabs are little three wheel vehicles...and because it is a farming community...there are farm tractors going down the streets as well. The limes and papaya are wonderful...we had some fresh green beans last night that were very good too! We found some WONDERFUL fresh bread across the river at Tienda Reeds. The main grocery store is okay...but not enough to "write home" about!!
These are called Cayucao's...and are all along with river with locals using them as their fishing boats....
One day we went under the bridge and to Tortugal Marina...the good news is that Little Bit has a new home!! 
The bad news is that it was quite a long dingy ride for Paul...and he was hurting for a few days after!
Phyllis and I began taking morning walks down this road behind the Marina...
True local "color"...I was told that there use to be a lot of howler monkeys on this side of the river ...but the locals ate them...not sure if that is true...but there are howlers on the OTHER side of the river!!
Home along the "road"...path... One day a local "loco" man snuck up on us...then ran by us...and hit Phyllis in the back!!! We have continued to walk...I just bring Paul's cane so we have something to "deter" such behavior!! She is leaving for two weeks in Antigua tomorrow so I haven't decided if I will continue to walk without her!
Dinner for another day....
Paul enjoys seeing these sorts of things...his first response is: "I'd love for someone to do a lifejacket check on THAT boat"!! This is pretty typical though...many people on little boats!
These guys are everywhere! And, I must tell you that all is not sunshine and blue skies!! Last night was a HUGE storm (squall?) that passed through. 30 plus knots of wind...lightening...thunder...and lots and lots of rain! The Lady H was being pushed up against the dock and the fenders were just not in the right spot as we were heeling over into the dock! Out in the rain we both went to re-arrange the fenders! Our neighbor came out to help too!! There was a boat that had been anchored out...he dragged anchor into the marina...missed us...not sure yet if anything else happened...(Hey Phil...want to bet he has a plow anchor??...Ha ha ha)
And these pictures are for my mom...sweet smelling flowers from the trees and bushes down here...love the pictures...no allergies!
So there is live music tonight at Mario's...we will be there...and a big 4th of July party tomorrow here at Mario's as well...we will be there. We haven't done a lot of work on the boat yet...and there is still a lot to do...but we are settling in here at Marios!!!
Finding where at Mario's to take the garbage was one of the first issues...and this little critter...well he scared the !!!! out of me the first time I went to the garbage bin enclosure. I have gotten into the habit of talking to unknown critters whenever I go for a walk by myself. So as I was getting closer of course I began talking to all of the critters that might be there...telling them to leave...I heard rustling and then... it looks like I scared the !!! out of him/her!! We have gone into town a few times...the town is called Rio Dulce or Fronteras...This is the dingy dock at Bruno's...Typical Guatemala women dress...I almost bought one of their "shawls" the other day...I still may...as I do enjoy my shawls!! The streets are LOUD ...trucks with cattle in them roll down the main street as well as every other type of huge truck imagineable...locals parking their cars just about anywhere...so honking becomes the norm!The cabs are little three wheel vehicles...and because it is a farming community...there are farm tractors going down the streets as well. The limes and papaya are wonderful...we had some fresh green beans last night that were very good too! We found some WONDERFUL fresh bread across the river at Tienda Reeds. The main grocery store is okay...but not enough to "write home" about!!These are called Cayucao's...and are all along with river with locals using them as their fishing boats....
One day we went under the bridge and to Tortugal Marina...the good news is that Little Bit has a new home!! The bad news is that it was quite a long dingy ride for Paul...and he was hurting for a few days after!Phyllis and I began taking morning walks down this road behind the Marina... True local "color"...I was told that there use to be a lot of howler monkeys on this side of the river ...but the locals ate them...not sure if that is true...but there are howlers on the OTHER side of the river!!Home along the "road"...path... One day a local "loco" man snuck up on us...then ran by us...and hit Phyllis in the back!!! We have continued to walk...I just bring Paul's cane so we have something to "deter" such behavior!! She is leaving for two weeks in Antigua tomorrow so I haven't decided if I will continue to walk without her!Dinner for another day....Paul enjoys seeing these sorts of things...his first response is: "I'd love for someone to do a lifejacket check on THAT boat"!! This is pretty typical though...many people on little boats!These guys are everywhere! And, I must tell you that all is not sunshine and blue skies!! Last night was a HUGE storm (squall?) that passed through. 30 plus knots of wind...lightening...thunder...and lots and lots of rain! The Lady H was being pushed up against the dock and the fenders were just not in the right spot as we were heeling over into the dock! Out in the rain we both went to re-arrange the fenders! Our neighbor came out to help too!! There was a boat that had been anchored out...he dragged anchor into the marina...missed us...not sure yet if anything else happened...(Hey Phil...want to bet he has a plow anchor??...Ha ha ha)And these pictures are for my mom...sweet smelling flowers from the trees and bushes down here...love the pictures...no allergies!So there is live music tonight at Mario's...we will be there...and a big 4th of July party tomorrow here at Mario's as well...we will be there. We haven't done a lot of work on the boat yet...and there is still a lot to do...but we are settling in here at Marios!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)