A Break In The Holiday's

Sea Island Girl is resting nicely in Boat Harbour Marina, Marsh Harbour, Abaco. Her Captain is in Atlanta, alone and in a wheelchair!

Stupid I guess, but he fell while climbing aboard the boat following the Royal Marsh Harbour YC Christmas Party. It was one of those "low tide" nights and it seems the fixed docks create all sorts of boarding opportunities. This night had him stepping down onto the coaming, opening the boarding gate, stepping onto a utility ladder and then into the cockpit. Well it was the utility ladder that slipped out from under him!

After a trip to Dr. Binard and the Abaco Family Medical Clinic the following morning it was confirmed the fibula was broken and the recommendation was for him to return to Atlanta for treatment. Two members of the club escorted him to Miami via American Airlines using a wheelchair borrowed from the Abaco Beach Resort. Everyone should try a full body search in a wheelchair going through customs...a real trip. They obsconded his shaving cream and someone suggested he looked like "Captain Dan" from Forrest Gump by the time he got to Atlanta.

Anyway, the prognosis looks good following a visit to the Atlanta orthopedic doctor. Plans are to retake xrays in a week and if all looks good to get him back on Sea Island Girl before Christmas. Will have some pictures later.

It's The Bahama's

December 2 was the magical day when Sea Island Girl made her first trek across the Atlantic to Grand Bahama Island and the Old Bahama Bay Resort. The crossing, though a little bumpy, was enjoyable in the company of Magnum Opus and Jaftica 2 following several days together in Old Port Cove Marina in North Palm Beach, FL.

Our North Pacific 42 performed beautifully as she maintained 9.5kts cutting through the 3-4ft waves. The crew was comfortable during the entire passage and all systems performed as anticipated. After-all she was built for the Pacific Northwest.

Bob Krimm, and the staff at Old Bahama Bay hosted their Croon To The Moon full moon celebration that evening and as usual it was a fun time for all. The resort continues to make improvements each year after suffering from the devastating hurricanes of two years ago.

By carefully planning our exit, we made way the following day for Hawksbill Cay and anchored for the night. Bob and Rita, hosted a fun get together aboard Magnum Opus that evening. While the others departed early the next morning in hopes of making Marsh Harbour, our crew slept in and enjoyed three days in Green Turtle Cay, just north of Whale Cay. New Providence, the township on Green Turtle is always an enjoyable stop and this year we enjoyed friends aboard the vessels Two By Sea, Orient Express and Soleil.

On the 8th we had a brief weather window in the morning that permitted passage around Whale Cay. Rolling beam waves gave us a little excitement during the passage but once we turned toward the Sea of Abaco we had a comfortable three hours down to Boat Harbour Marina, on the southside of Marsh Harbour.

With air horns blowing and a crowd of dock hands standing by, our crew docked Sea Island Girl (stern in we should add) on Dock 4 which will be our base for this years Bahamian season. It sure felt good to be home among our friends and the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club. And while some are yet to arrive we are anticipating another fun filled time. 

Yes, We've Arrived

Following almost a month of watching the weather forecast and looking out for hurricanes, Sea Island Girl successfully made it to Ft. Lauderdale and was unloaded from the PAC Adara safely. Al Ressa, our friend from Lake Lanier, assisted in the process by accompanying Robert and getting the boat moved safely into the Hollywood Municipal Marina just south of Port Everglades.
A number of projects were planned and completed: bimini and air conditioning. It took a month to line everyone up but things are completed and she looks great!
We have now moved north enjoying a couple of days in Lake Worth, near West Palm and was pleased to know that we could transit most of the 20 bridges without having to stop for a bridge opening. Following a brief stay we moved on to Vero Beach and are enjoying the company of many of our fellow cruisers whom we plan to be with for the annual Thanksgiving get together at the marina.
It has been enjoyable learning the ropes of power boating and managing the waters of the ICW enroute to our current location. We are anticipating a smooth crossing to Abaco before Christmas and will keep you posted and take plenty of pictures. 

Heading Home

Despite all preparations, our 3pm loading of Sea Island Girl was delayed and we had to leave her tied along side the PAC Atara and catch a float plane to Vancouver. She was sitting rather nicely and we were able to manage a few shots from the air as we took off from Victoria Harbour. We left at 7pm and the freighter left about 9pm for her 19 day trip through the Panama Canal to Ft. Lauderdale.
What a wonderful trip! We tried to share some of the highlights but there were so many exciting things to experience, to see and to learn. In summary, this was a grand opportunity to learn the boat, establish some valuable procedures, and to "test" them in a real life situation. The 14ft. tides, the 6kt. currents and charting unknown territory were all a test of our previous experiences and they proved valuable.
Now back in Atlanta we are catching up on our land-lubber chores, trying to refill the cruising kitty and preparing for our Florida departure. Maggie met us at the airport and has not let us out of her sight since the return. We have a few projects planned for our stay in Florida (bimini, a final departure punch list, and transferring our belongings from storage). We are planning on celebrating a traditional Thanksgiving with our cruising friends in Vero Beach after the chores are complete and will then shortly depart for the Abacos.
We have heard from many of our friends from the RMHYC, even spent time with one couple (Bob and Ellie McCreery)in Canada, whom we subsequently "sold" a North Pacific 42 that is currently in production. We know they are excited and were pleased to welcome them aboard.
For those of you that correspond via email, you will want to note that our address has changed to cruiswils@earthlink.net and you will want to change your address book accordingly.
Here's hoping that everyone had a wonderful summer, and will experience good health and abundantly good and safe cruising as the winter approaches. 

The Sun Is Setting

It has been almost six weeks since we arrived in British Columbia. The weather has been absolutely beautiful and it hasn't rained a single day. But like so many things it must come to an end so we are enjoying the last of several days in the Gulf Islands, just north of the US border.
The North Pacific Yachts rendevous was a big success. There were 14 boats represented during the Labor Day gathering in Victoria. It was quiet impressive to see so many "new" boats and the owners of the company was wonderful hosts. From all indications this will become an annual event, and who knows, we may soon have enough NP owners on the East coast to have a get together on our own side of the world. Now that will be exciting.
Yacht Path International, the company responsible for shipping Sea Island Girl to Fort Lauderdale has been in contact via email on a daily basis. The staff has been very helpful and the loading of the boat is the last hurdle for us. The trip through the Panama Canal is expected to take twenty days and we cannot wait to be back on the boat in Florida.
Canadians have been extremely warm and most helpful. They are a fun-loving, outdoor oriented group and certainly enjoy the warmth of the summer months. We will miss them.
The sunset shown was taken near Ganges, on Saltspring Island, just east of Vancouver Island. A beautiful evening for certain. 

Jedediah Island, BC

There's alot of history along the coast of BC. The First Nation tribes maintain indian reservations in many of the areas even today. Fishing is big business as can be witnessed by the traps sprinkled across the Strait of Georgia, or the Malaspina Strait and the mixed heritage seems to all go back to the outdoors.
Jedediah Island is an example. A small island, with several coves and inlets, deep forests and on the eastern shore a former homestead recently donated to the Marine Park Service. Here you will find a few wandering sheep and goats, apple and pear trees full of fruit and trees reminding those hiking along the trails of the Redwood Forests of California. There are no facilities or staff to monitor ones activities, as the people here in British Columbia savor their summer times outtings so much tthat hey never leave a trace .
After saying that, upon close observation, we discovered Clue #5 left by a Nora Jones under the skull as part of a scavenger hunt she was having with some of her friends. As we exited the area after several hours we noticed the Clue had been removed. 

Oooh Canada!

Words cannot describe the majesty and the beauty among the islands of British Columbia. Each inlet and cove seems to have its' own personality, offering something new to explore and experience. The calm and stillness was only enhanced by the clear blue skies, mild temperatures and the absence of humidity.
The mornings tended to become my favorite. With a fresh cup of coffee you can witness seals splashing about, or bald eagles soaring overhead and there was nothing to disturb the calm.
Desolation Sound is a popular destination. A few Americans, mostly Canadians and the boats were of every size, shape and configurations - all were extremely well maintained. Everyone seemed to have a kayak, and a dog; if not, they carried prawn traps, and were well equipped for crabbing or fishing. West Canadians are a healthy lot for sure, and they savor every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Our friends Romer and Susan Shewchuk, now living on Vancouver Island, were our tour guides in and around Desolation Sound. Susan did the trip planning while Romer set the prawn trap, and while anchored at Prideaux Haven we dined on fresh prawns and toured several of the coves by dinghy.
After a few nights we have become more comfortable with deep water anchoring. Thus far we have managed 75 ft. ,without a stern tie, and were pleased we marked the anchor chain ahead of time. Plans are to move on to Vancouver Island and visit Schooner Cove, home of Romer & Sue's yacht club just north of Nanaimo and Nanoose Bay.
Our Victoria shipping date has been delayed a little, but how can anyone complain about that!
Until next time.  

Ship Shape in Vancouver

As is normal, there was work to be done when we arrived in Vancouver. Despite our preparations in Atlanta there was much to be done - spare parts, provisioning and learning the systems aboard Sea Island Girl. We also finalized plans with Jensen signs in N. Vancouver for the graphics and until we read Sea Island Girl on the transom it was just another nice boat.
Granville Island in downtown Vancouver served as our base for the first few days. West Marine was close by, a dock neighbor kindly drove us to Costco and to the government bottle store and there was a variety of stores with access via bus. Trevor Brice, of North Pacific Yachts, provided the Captain with a few docking lessons and following a visit by friends from Atlanta we were prepared to depart to tour the coast of British Columbia.
There were so many options for places to visit. Our first night out we thought we would make it an easy overnight by staying at a public wharf, as tales of anchoring in 75 ft. and stern-tying to a tree along the shore was a little more than we wanted to tackle our first night. Pender Harbour was our choice - a quaint harbour just fifty miles north of Vancouver and nestled among the mountainous and distant snow capped mountains.
Public wharfs are common in the area and are inexpensive alternatives to private marinas. As we learned everything is first come, first serve however, rafting is permitted. That first night Sea Island Girl was rafted to a 45 ft. fishing boat (nets and all). Thankfully, the owner was away and there was not resident fishy smell.
That first evening in Pender was quite enjoyable. A string quartet performed a concert in a local art gallery and the next morning we "toured" the grocery, coffee shops and even found a garage sale to benefit the local 30 bed hospital - they were trying to buy a CAT machine. Carolyn picked up a "typically British" tea pot at the sale and we found several books that had come highly recommended enabling us to learn more about the people and the area.
Our Vancouver visit had been enjoyable, however now that we "cut the lines" and are cruising the coastal waters, we can truly enjoy the splendor of British Columbia and savor the comfort of Sea Island Girl in style. 

Making The Change

As we had suggested in previous posts, the Cruising Wilson's are making the change over to power now that we have taken delivery of our North Pacific 42. She is a fine yacht and comes to us after years of searching the trade magazines, walking the docks and attending boat shows.
Sea Island Girl is her name...and she will be christened as we enjoy the First Annual Rendevous of North Pacific Yachts in Victoria, BC over the Labor Day weekend.
The boat adds a different dimension to our cruising. We will have more room, added conveniences and will not be as subject to the whims of the wind as before. Luxurious throughout, she will cruise easily at 10kts. and keep the crew protected from the elements. In case we miss the wind in our hair, there is a roomy and easily accessed fly bridge atop with plenty of room for the crew and guests.
Carolyn has always wanted to do some fishing, but before we had so much in and around the cockpit it would have been next to impossible to land a fish when and if he caught the hook. The roomy cockpit on the stern will provide a wonderful platform for fishing, getting in and out of the water, and for some of the crew and refreshing spot to take a "hot and cold" water shower before retiring for the evening.
To prep everyone just a little we will be flying out to Vancouver BC for the Rendevous and spend the month of August cruising the coast of British Columbia and then down the coast of Vancouver Island. There are some wonderful harbors, inlets and islands among the Gulf and San Juan Islands as well where we hope to catch some wonderful pictures.
As of this writing it is 59 deg. F in Vancouver, or better stated, thirty degrees cooler than Atlanta so it will be a refreshing time before we load Sea Island Girl aboard a Yacht Path International transport ship for the journey to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. That will take approximately 19 days, which is just enough time to fly back to Atlanta, wash a few clothes and provision for our annual Bahama trip.
So look forward to some wonderful pictures! And don't forget to send us an email every now and then. Until next time. 

Our Bahama Farewell

As it the Sea God's were speaking directly to us, Mother Nature gave us a direct message that suggested we should stay in the Bahama's a bit longer as a major Nor'easter pumped major rain and high winds into the area and then stalled. Two fronts converged (like in The Perfect Storm) and we could not depart for the US. This sounds terrible, but Old Bahama Bay is not a bad place to "have to stay."
Since our earlier visit here in December, the staff has done a marvelous job completing major repairs from last years hurricanes. This trip the restaurants were open serving marvelous food, the fuel prices were comparable to the US and the staff welcomed our return with open arms, a free t-shirt and we were also able to take in the infamous Full Moon Party down on the beach!
We met some wonderful folks during our eight days, many of whom we will certainly remain in contact with. We also had an opportunity to email and receive replies from other cruisers from previous visits to the marina....Zippidee Doo, Lazy Bone, Attitude, Lucky Peek and Tidepool. Memories of the times and places are always fun, but when you can continue to share the times with the people it's even better.
Thanks to everyone at Old Bahama Bay for making certain that our 2006 Cruise to the Bahamas was a tremendous success! 

Its Been Grand

From our vantage point on Man O War Cay it is easy to see why we return year after year, yet we return to be with the Bahamian people who welcome us and entertain us. More importantly they remind us of many of the lessons we learned as children but are commonly forgotten by most in our own country.
We will soon embark on our final sailing venture aboard Gypsy Common as we begin another learning experience aboard our new boat in August. We have been given an opportunity to commemorate this rite of passage in the new
Waterway magazine and we encourage all to purchase a copy and share in the excitement.
Our final sail as we depart the Abacos will be to Great Sail Cay and on to Grand Bahama Island and the port of West End where we will visit for a few days at Old Bahama Bay. This is a lovely spot and you will not want to miss our next update regarding the visit. 

Mad Hatters Tea Party

I've never understoody why, except maybe for her creative aptitude and flair for the novelty of it all, but once again Carolyn won First Prize for her chapeau at the concluding get together for the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club. While the other entries were clever and more traditionally "british" the umbrellas, wine glass and postie notes adorning the Wilson entry took the cake.
Although a picture is not included here, Dick Stover, Carolyn's cousin Joyce's husband, had joined us from Philadelphia. Dick created his own entry on the theme of "Throw It or Stow It?" His bonnet was covered with an assortment of items found lying around for which he added an ecological theme. It looked great Dick, but no cigar!
This was to be our last night in Marsh Harbour. Dick was flying back to Philly and we were setting sail for Green Turtle Cay and points north to stage for our trip back to the US. It didn't turn out that way as we experienced some minor engine problems that delayed us by one day, but more on that to come. Congrats ladies!!!! You look loverly! 

Ladies Walking Group

Since December, the ladies of the RMHYC have been walking each morning, some more than others, and the results have been rewarding. Many new friendships were created and some lost weight! Anyway, it is almost April and for most the walking sessions are over as members are beginning to head back home.
Peggy O'Neill, of Attitude, provided lobster and the enthusiasm to have one more party for the ladies. Pictured here is just one of the more delectible tables. Everyone had a wonderful time and those extra calories were gathered in preparation of some serious cruising schedules. Thanks Peggy...and ladies!! 

Always The Teacher

Every Child Counts is a program for child with learning or physical disabilities - something the Bahamian schools are not equipped to handle. Lyn Major, a mother from nearby Hopetown, had adopted twin boys when they were 3 yrs. old, only to discover that they had severe learning problems. Not to be outdone, she started ECC shortly thereafter.
The school receives no funding or support from the government and the only financial support that they receive is from a Catholic education fund or private donations. There are 66 students, 4 teachers and a handful of volunteers to provide the only service outside of Nassau.
Carolyn has been volunteering since our arrival in Abaco. Anyone knowing her can attest to her enthusiasm and commitment which the children picked up on right away. Not only did they enjoy the arts & craft projects and stories, but she always managed to sneak in some popcorn, brownies or cookies which many of them seldom enjoy at home.
The school is dealing with a space issue and thanks to the generosity of the community, volunteers and private donations a three room classroom is now being constructed. Donations of teaching materials and funds are always appreciated.

The Barefoot Man

Abaco came alive on March 5th as the Barefoot Man performed his calypso-reggae music at the colorful Nippers Beachside Bar on Guana Cay. The crowd representing all age groups was estimated to be around 2000 and the Foot autographed just about anything you could imagine - everyone had a wonderful time!
A large contingency of cruisers spent the weekend anchored just off the island while others took advantage of special ferries that were running from all of the surrounding cays. As the snorkeling is good along the Atlantic side of Guana, many came in their bathing suits and enjoyed the music from the beach. If you have never been to Nippers and would like to learn more, visit their website at www.nippers.com . This popular Abaco bar has recently opened a bar in the new Hooters Casino in Las Vegas.

The Junk Yard

When traveling you can come across the unusual, and that is what we found about ten miles north of Marsh Harbour on the island of Great Abaco. In the midst of a junk yard was a rather interesting bar and to show everyone that the place had a history, they displayed placards from just about every conceivable automobile.
Kibbie, the owner was our gracious host for the afternoon and not only gave us a tour, but serenaded our group with a variety of hits from Broadway musicals to Frank Sinatra classics. From outward appearances we expected to get a little Bob Marley or rasta classic, but as we have learned, just about the time you think you have things figured out, something will jump up and grab you just to prove you're wrong. 

25th Commodore's Ball

The gala evening this year was the Annual Commodore's Ball at Abaco Beach Resort. There was wonderful food, great music and everyone had a grand time. Carolyn is shown here with those from our table before we hit the dance floor.
Now the festivities are over, and the weather is beginning to settle down, it seems like a good time to get out and about, so we are heading off island for a little while to enjoy some well deserved solitude. 

Medical Access Seminar

After two months of planning, it all came together when over 200 visitors and local residents attended the Abaco Medical & Emergency Services Seminar to learn more about accessing these services throughout the Islands. The community provided wonderful support to the project sponsored by the Abaco Beach Resort, Abaconian Newspaper, Marsh Harbour Marina & YC, the Ministry of Tourism and the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club. 

Welcome Aboard

The Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club held its
Annual General Meeting in February and Robert has been invited to serve as Rear Commodore. As one of the newest members to the Bridge, he will be interact with and support the stateside Port Captains encouraging member activities and recruitment.
To learn more, visit www.RMHYC.com . 

The Real Scoop

I thought it was about time for you to hear from the real Captain of this ship. It's been a pretty good year but we still have a cold snap every now and then ...that's below 70 for those of you up north.
My supply of awesome snacks is holding up okay and being in a marina I am able to get at least two trips ashore when the crews social schedule permits. My traveling companion Heidi is aboard Attitude and she has adapted rather well to the nautical life and although she's a fluffy poodle she's a pretty good mate to have around the dock.
There are a couple of yappers down the dock that prance by Gypsy Common each morning and just for the fun of it I bark and carry-on just to keep them honest. I guess it's all in the thrill of the chase!
Well it's about time for me to get these folks moving and get my afternoon walk in before dinner time. I'll check in with you every now and then so keep those bones and liver pieces coming. Until next time, Maggie 

Yacht Club Rendevous

The Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club held a rendevous to Guana Cay. It was a beautiful weekend and seventeen boats made the two hour trek north from Boat Harbour Marina in Marsh Harbour north to Guana Cay. A committee of club members arranged for discounted slips, a welcoming cocktail party and planned a host of activities for everyone attending.
Fun was had by all. Guana Cay is most noted for the beachside bar Nippers but on this particular day, Johnny, Nippers owner, was hosting the grand opening of Nippers in Las Vegas so he couldn't attend our local function.
It is interesting to see how a group of cruisers can arrange for a good time. After a tremendous brunch there were beach activities including a water balloon toss (last one to break wins) and a butt bowling contest which was new to most folks. You will have to ask Carolyn to tell you more about this one .... she won the contest ! After two days of fun and frolic everyone was dispersing to various sites before returning to "home port" to get ready for the Commodore's Ball which will be held on the 17th of February.
Our social events this year have been focused around the yacht club members and it has been a most enjoyable time.
Here is a picture taken at the beach, just so you can appreciate what a great day it was for a get together! 

Great Abaco Chili Cookoff

The chefs may not look like much, but among the 29 contestants those shown here each won in a special category..medium, mild, most unusual and hot respectively. The third guy from the left offered his Southern Soul Chili which contained a little beef, a little pork and just a dash of cinnamon sugar (yes, the same found in the sour dough bread) that he found in the galley of Gypsy Common.
It was a fun evening and following the award ceremonies we had an empty pot and two new bottles of rum for our effort.
As chili is not a typical Bahamian dish, the picture shown here, accompanied by a very nice write-up appeared in the local Abaconian newspaper. 

A Little Dinghy

The Abaco Dinghy is known world-wide and Andy Albury of Man O War Cay has accepted the responsibility for continuing a long-standing tradition of creating hand-carved replica's from his father, Emerson. The Albury family is widely recognized as pioneers in this almost forgotten artform.
Emerson handcrafted a half-hull model for us in 2004 during our extended stay on Man O War, but due to his increasing difficulties with Parkinson's, Andy completed the project. Both Albury's signed the finished model. As it turns out Emerson passed away shortly thereafter.
We ran into Andy at this years Abaco Arts Festival which was held at the Abaco Beach Resort in Marsh Harbour as he displayed several of his models. It was like old home week seeing him again and it gave us an opportunity to catch up on the happenings at Man O War before returning for the first time in eighteen months. 

Happy Birthday

We aren't mentioning any numbers, but today is another birthday for Carolyn! We had a get together last night with the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club at Curly Tails, and I managed to sneak in an order for a birthday cake. Being a day in advance, she never expected it and when 84 people started singing Happy Birthday she joined in.
Being in the Bahamas, and having such a wonderful group of people to share moments like this is what makes it all that more enjoyable.
Today the birthday girl is off to teach at ECC while Maggie and I are planning our next surprise for the evening! HAPPY BIRTHDAY and thanks for sharing your cake! 

Boat Schooling Is Alive

Ms. Carolyn was in her prime recently aboard Gypsy Common reading Witch Witch Come to My Party to the mini-crew from the vessel Tidepool. The three younger ones are traveling with their parents from Long Island, NY and the older is one of their friends from a visiting boat.
Earlier in the day we have shared a video highlighting a friend of Carolyn's niece who was the trainer for Shamu at SeaWorld in Orlando. The girls had a wonderful time and it was a break from the homeschooling that they are receiving from their parents while aboard the boat.
Carolyn has also been helping with a local school program, Every Child Counts. Funded purely by private donations, the program assists children with various disabilities and Carolyn has found the experience most rewarding during the time that she has been involved.
So you see, its not all sun, surf and rum. We have found that getting involved with the people, getting to know them and helping when you can is most enjoyable and rewarding.

A New Year - A Familiar Place

Looking back over the logbook entries of our first year cruising we were still sitting in North Lake Worth awaiting the New Year and anticipating a favorable weather window to cross over to the Bahamas. We were cold, the weather rainy and it was almost February before we finally arrived.

Apparently we've learned alot during the past five years as we find ourselves nestled in Boat Harbour Marina in the Abacos to celebrate the New Year.

This will be our base for the cruising season and what a place it is - cable tv, two pools, a private beach and free wifi internet. We are just beginning to realize and enjoy what our power boat friends have been doing for years!

Although we have had an occasional cold front the weather has been beautiful. Our typical day includes completing at least one little project and then we head to the beach or the pool, enjoying some of the local cuisine or just reading a good book

It didn't take Carolyn long to get into a routine. She has volunteered to teach with the Every Child Counts program where she has ten children that are physically challenged or have a learning disability. Her first class was "what are the things you love", and with the art project she had prepared everyone enthusiastically joined in and Carolyn came away equally excited.

We have been long-time members of the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club here in the Abacos and are enjoying the friendship and social aspects of being amongst so many of the returning members. A major community project this year will be a seminar designed to create awareness among all cruisers and land-based visitors on the medical resources available in the Abacos and how to access emergency care should that become necessary. I was asked to serve as the publicity chairman and have been busy writing press releases, creating flyers and getting them distributed to appropriate spots throughout the cays.

There are about twenty five boats in our marina that belong to club members and we had a potluck get together earlier this week. The Annual Chili Cook-Off is this coming week and thus far we have twenty Captains scurrying around town buying up chili peppers and cookbooks for the competition. Gypsy Common will be serving "Southern Soul Chili" prepared by Chef Bobby Lee.

As you know Gypsy Common is for sale and the interest has been enthusiastic. It seems that the "blog" we prepared with lots of pictures was quite the trick. We have one gentlemen flying in from Holland early next month with plans to sail his new boat home, but the most unique inquiry was from a Robert Wilson from the UK...he wants our "best and final price...immediately! I guess it will all work out.

Having access to the internet is making communications much easier this year. We enjoy all the emails and being able to stay abreast of things back home. Here's hoping that you enjoy our updates as we will be branching out a little with the content as we continue to get involved in this wonderful part of the world.