Out with Toys on the River
Sowell Family's Travels on Gijima
Skipper: Tim Sowell Admiral Tracy Crew Sean & Alex
Wed 4 Aug 2010 05:37
thunder clap in back ground, the boat (Gijima) is very comfortable and
secure. The storms at night bring and initial short wind and then rain, I
think of fresh water tank filling off the run off, and continue my check of
deck leaks, we seem to be winning on that front. We had Dennis over for
dinner (he looked after the boat while we were away) and we were having
chicken curry which is rare out here, and for a "single handler" family
dinner is too much to refuse. It is also nice to entertain, and then later
we watch a dvd of something tonight it was 2 episodes of Michael Palin
(cover much the area and ferries we had covered in part of the last 3 months
in South America, good for us, and boys in bringing good memories and
validation.
The day started with rowing, to Dire Straits, and a clear but cool day with
a breeze, then internet calls which was frustrating as the internet was
coming in and out. Getting back to boat about 10.30 am Sean and Alex had
completed their morning school and craft activities and Sean and I jumped in
the dinghy and we borrowed one of the towing Hydo inner tubes and Sean towed
behind at high speed he loved it. My outboard did not as much and we blew
the watercooling impeller which put an end to that activity, which I then
took the engine over to Santos a local mechanic / handy man on the island.
From there with the wind up I set sail with the Walker Bay and sails to sail
up the estuary as there was a good breeze. And it was a great sail. Again
the wind up, the clear skies, green mangroves gliding past, the islanders
running about their daily business, and I had Dire Straits concern in my
ears and loving every moment.
It was a day of activity, busy and less productive on the boat, but we did
get the VHF re Installed, this is the critical communication between all of
us in the estuary as we use it like you use a phone. So Santos will call on
the status of outboard, exercise class will announced on it, and general
discussions will happen between boats, Sean's Friend Rodney communicate via
it to find Sean using Jan's VHF. Simple but effective in this little
community.
We are exploring going away to Guatemala for 2 weeks in in 2 weeks, and then
back here and then maybe on to Honduras for a 10 day run in early September
we can use these destinations to also do more road exploring of El Salvador
and the neighboring countries. What we want to do is do short trips so the
boys can get away, but also not become restless for toys, as they are
settling in now and enjoying the many activities we have going.
Stay tuned, the rain has increased, may fill up the fresh water tank tonight
YES YES!!!
