Hello all, it's been some time since I've written. Not that I haven't had news to impart; of course not. But mostly, since an hour after we arrived, we've been busy with paperwork, mechanical repairs... and, even an upgrade in the form of stainless steel railings at the cockpit (which, I must admit, look splendiferous).
And then... there's our friends Mother Nature, or the wind Gods, or just plain luck... that we cruisers must negotiate with, beg somewhat and, in the end, find buckets of patience so as to wait for the merest hint of a smile in our direction. Such is our case today.
We are close to ready to proceed (you are never really ready... you just 'go' when it's time). But, as is the case when there's almost too many sources of information, we spend each morning scanning the myriad of weather info available - looking for the ones more closely associated with our intended course. Oh for the days when you just squinted up into the sky, sucked your thumb and stuck it up into the wind, closed one eye, stood on the opposite foot.... and declared it safe to leave. Aargh; life must have been much simpler then. Today, with digital, projected, model-based, etc., etc., weather forecasts.... it's almost impossible to know when it's safe to go. Some say (I may have offered the advice myself) "just keep reading 'till ya find one ya like... and go with that." Today, I'm still reading, waiting for one where the large swells are farther apart than 5 seconds. Been there, done that; not volunteering for more.
But, like I always say, there are much worse places to be stuck than lovely Marina El Cid. We will be ready... and we will leave... when it's the right time to do so. Until then, know we are safe and hoping you are all warm and cosy and staying safe. Heard there's a cold snap in southern BC. Brrr!!
So for now, adios me amigos. Go well and be safe. CJ
PS: If the weather predictions are more than half correct, we may be here for another week. Time will tell.
Posted by: Carolyn (via Kathy's Google mail profile)
