On Friday, we awoke up to no wind and super clear water. We knew the calm wasn’t going to last for long. The forecast was that the winds were shifting direction and would pick up from the southwest, so we needed … Continue reading →
Grand Americas Part 3
Monday – Tuesday, Jan 9-10, 2023
Seas remained calm and winds favorable as we set a direct course for the eastern entrance of the Panama Canal. Shortly before 0900 on January 10 we entered the first lock chamber at Gatun and began the 85 foot rise to Gatun Lake, in three steps just behind a large container ship from China. As predicted, the skies opened up and we had intermittent rain showers, heavy at times, as we proceeded westward to the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks. Entering Pedro Miguel lock, the eastbound lock chamber had a very large crocodile swimming around, providing a photo op for many of us. We exited the locks around 1700 and proceeded to Fuerte Amador and the new, but unfinished, cruise ship terminal. Seabourn Quest docked about 2100 and will overnight here.
Miraflores Lock
Approaching Canal East Entrance
Exiting Panama Canal at Miraflores Lock
Entering Panama Canal at Gatun Lock
January 11, 2023 – Fuerte Amador
Patrick rode the shuttle into Perico Island Marina and then walked a mile to the duty free store at Flemenco Marina where he found the cognac he was looking for that the ship did not carry. The day turned out to be very hot and humid, but the rainstorms have held off for the time being.
The ship departs early, at 1500, as we head down the coast to Manta, Ecuador. Tonight is also the “Block Party” in the hallways to meet our fellow travelers in close-by suites. The ship’s officers circulate around all the corridors and greet every passenger.
The weather report calls for light winds from the south, favorable seas and intermittent rain showers as we begin another day at sea.
Jan 12, 2023 – At Sea enroute Manta, Ecuador
Jan 13, 2023 – Manta, Ecuador
Manta is one of the major tuna fishing locations in the world, and the harbor was filled with tuna fishing boats in various stages of disrepair. Both Starkist and Bumblebee have large operations in Manta, a city of about 250,000.
Patrick went snorkeling at a nature preserve at Puerto Lopez, about a 2 hour drive south of Manta. The preserve is primarily to protect several endangered species of sea turtles, and humans are not even allowed to walk on the beaches within the preserve. The snorkeling was only fair, with visibility limited to about 10-15 feet and significant current to swim against.
This is an overnight stop and we noticed how tight the security was around the ship, with guards with sub machine guns patrolling the breakwater between the ship and a large public beach next to the breakwater. We believe it is because of demonstrations leading up to elections in February.
Jan 14, 2023 – Manta, Ecuador
We awoke in Manta to find another cruise ship docking, the Seven Seas Mariner, which left Miami 2 days after our ship, as part of a 143 day world cruise. We spent the day relaxing and taking a walk around town through a large and modern shopping center just a few blocks from the cruise terminal.
Modern Shopping Mall in Manta
Public Beach at Manta next to dock
Sunset departing Manta
Mall Entrance at Manta
Seabourn had one of their signature events, a caviar sail away as we left the dock in Manta at 1800. We were treated to a nice sunset as we headed out of the harbor.
Jan 15, 2023 – Machala, Ecuador
Machala is a city of 500,000 and is supposed to be the banana capital of the world. There were two banana ships tied to the dock when we arrived about 0700, one of them labeled Del Monte. Patrick had a tour of a petrified forest at the Puyango River which was a two hour drive south of the city in the foothills of the Andes, which start only 20 KM from the coast in this part of Ecuador. The petrified trees are about 100 millions years old and date from before the Permian extinction. It was amazing to see the trunks sticking out of the rock walls. Since it was Sunday, by the time we had finished the 1.5 KM loop trail there were long lines of people waiting to get in, with lots of children.
Machala city statue commemorating Banana harvesters
Ecuadorian Naval Vessel protecting the cruise ship dock
Massive Pintero Tree at petrified forest preserve
Petrified Log sticking out of bank
Public Utility wiring in Machala
Amancay Plant at Petrified Forest
Large Petrified Log, visible portion 40-50 feet
On the return trip we stopped for lunch at the Hillary Nature Park, a upscale hotel and resort perched on top of a hill overlooking the banana and cacoa plantations below.
Machala is also known for shrimp farming, much of which takes place in large ponds located in the mangrove swamps surrounding the city.
Jan 16, 2023 – At Sea enroute Lima, Peru
Jan 17, 2023 – At Sea enroute Lima, Peru
Grand Americas Part 3
Monday – Tuesday, Jan 9-10, 2023
Seas remained calm and winds favorable as we set a direct course for the eastern entrance of the Panama Canal. Shortly before 0900 on January 10 we entered the first lock chamber at Gatun and began the 85 foot rise to Gatun Lake, in three steps just behind a large container ship from China. As predicted, the skies opened up and we had intermittent rain showers, heavy at times, as we proceeded westward to the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks. Entering Pedro Miguel lock, the eastbound lock chamber had a very large crocodile swimming around, providing a photo op for many of us. We exited the locks around 1700 and proceeded to Fuerte Amador and the new, but unfinished, cruise ship terminal. Seabourn Quest docked about 2100 and will overnight here.
Miraflores Lock
Approaching Canal East Entrance
Exiting Panama Canal at Miraflores Lock
Entering Panama Canal at Gatun Lock
January 11, 2023 – Fuerte Amador
Patrick rode the shuttle into Perico Island Marina and then walked a mile to the duty free store at Flemenco Marina where he found the cognac he was looking for that the ship did not carry. The day turned out to be very hot and humid, but the rainstorms have held off for the time being.
The ship departs early, at 1500, as we head down the coast to Manta, Ecuador. Tonight is also the “Block Party” in the hallways to meet our fellow travelers in close-by suites. The ship’s officers circulate around all the corridors and greet every passenger.
The weather report calls for light winds from the south, favorable seas and intermittent rain showers as we begin another day at sea.
Jan 12, 2023 – At Sea enroute Manta, Ecuador
Jan 13, 2023 – Manta, Ecuador
Manta is one of the major tuna fishing locations in the world, and the harbor was filled with tuna fishing boats in various stages of disrepair. Both Starkist and Bumblebee have large operations in Manta, a city of about 250,000.
Patrick went snorkeling at a nature preserve at Puerto Lopez, about a 2 hour drive south of Manta. The preserve is primarily to protect several endangered species of sea turtles, and humans are not even allowed to walk on the beaches within the preserve. The snorkeling was only fair, with visibility limited to about 10-15 feet and significant current to swim against.
This is an overnight stop and we noticed how tight the security was around the ship, with guards with sub machine guns patrolling the breakwater between the ship and a large public beach next to the breakwater. We believe it is because of demonstrations leading up to elections in February.
Jan 14, 2023 – Manta, Ecuador
We awoke in Manta to find another cruise ship docking, the Seven Seas Mariner, which left Miami 2 days after our ship, as part of a 143 day world cruise. We spent the day relaxing and taking a walk around town through a large and modern shopping center just a few blocks from the cruise terminal.
Modern Shopping Mall in Manta
Public Beach at Manta next to dock
Sunset departing Manta
Mall Entrance at Manta
Seabourn had one of their signature events, a caviar sail away as we left the dock in Manta at 1800. We were treated to a nice sunset as we headed out of the harbor.
Jan 15, 2023 – Machala, Ecuador
Machala is a city of 500,000 and is supposed to be the banana capital of the world. There were two banana ships tied to the dock when we arrived about 0700, one of them labeled Del Monte. Patrick had a tour of a petrified forest at the Puyango River which was a two hour drive south of the city in the foothills of the Andes, which start only 20 KM from the coast in this part of Ecuador. The petrified trees are about 100 millions years old and date from before the Permian extinction. It was amazing to see the trunks sticking out of the rock walls. Since it was Sunday, by the time we had finished the 1.5 KM loop trail there were long lines of people waiting to get in, with lots of children.
Machala city statue commemorating Banana harvesters
Ecuadorian Naval Vessel protecting the cruise ship dock
Massive Pintero Tree at petrified forest preserve
Petrified Log sticking out of bank
Public Utility wiring in Machala
Amancay Plant at Petrified Forest
Large Petrified Log, visible portion 40-50 feet
On the return trip we stopped for lunch at the Hillary Nature Park, a upscale hotel and resort perched on top of a hill overlooking the banana and cacoa plantations below.
Machala is also known for shrimp farming, much of which takes place in large ponds located in the mangrove swamps surrounding the city.
Jan 16, 2023 – At Sea enroute Lima, Peru
Jan 17, 2023 – At Sea enroute Lima, Peru
Third Trip to Ensenada del Candelero, Day 2
Sunrise on Thursday January 12 The wind was screaming. While Kosmos was rocking, the amount of motion wasn’t all that bad compared to the wind speed. At lunchtime, we headed to shore to enjoy dry land. Thanks to all the wind … Continue reading →
Jan. 9-12 South Padre Island, TX
“Beach: a place of relaxation, rest and tranquility.” –Unknown
South Padre Island is a resort town off the southern coast of Texas. It’s known for its beaches and calm waters. We haven’t been to the valley since Kyle and Bryt lived in Harlingen in 2010, and it’s been even longer since we’ve been to South Padre Island. They have 34 miles of beach and enjoy 300+ days of sunshine a year. It’s a popular year around vacation spot, but it’s most crowded during spring break in March and family vacations in July. January was a great time to be there…the weather was amazing and the only people around were other retirees. This trip was all about relaxing, beach-combing, eating good food and taking in the changing of the sun. We enjoyed beautiful sunsets, sunrises and even got to see an almost full moon rise over the Gulf of Mexico.
We drove down to Boca Chica Beach before we went to our condo. It’s as far south as you can go on the Texas coast. The SpaceX Boca Chica launch site is located there. They are currently testing the Starship. The Starship is designed for missions to Mars. It will be a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo on long-duration interplanetary flights.
A long Boca Chica Beach
Welcome to South Padre Island…leave your cares behind. I loved how there was just a little fog lingering around…it was such a beautiful day.
We stayed at the Suntide III Condominiums. Our condo was on the sixth floor and we had a beautiful view of the gulf.
The view from our deck. We enjoyed watching the sun and the moon come up from here.
Out our front door we had a view of the town and Laguna Madre.
We started our first full day on the island by watching the sun come up and then walking on the beach in front of the condo.
We enjoyed some wonderful mahi tacos at Mahi Nic for lunch. Complete with a little music and a view of the fishing boats in the marina.
We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing at Isla Blanca Beach at the southern end of the island. The blimp in the air is U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The Jesus Christ of the Fisherman was built to honor those fishermen who leave this port and don’t return.
Looking up the beach at the condos in South Padre Island.
The South Padre Island Jetties
We enjoyed the food so much at The Meatball Cafe that we went back a second night. Everything they serve is made from scratch on property.
About six miles north of town the road just ends. The wind blows the sand onto the road and they have to plow it off. The sand dunes were huge. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like these. Nothing but sand for miles and miles. If you have a four wheel drive you can drive along the shore another 20+ miles to the northern end of South Padre Island.
Clayton’s is a popular beach hangout. I’m sure on a weekend or during spring break we wouldn’t want to be here, but it was very nice the day we were there…just retirees and winter visitors.
Some of the treasures we found on the beaches during our little getaway.
One afternoon we went to Sea Turtle Inc. It’s a turtle hospital, where their main purpose is to rescue, rehabilitate and release injured sea turtles. Unfortunately all their rescues are not able to be released back into the wild and they now live at the center. They help to educate the public on the conservation efforts for sea turtles on South Padre Island. The program was started by one lady in 1977. This is Cowgirl. She has been rescued four times in the past two years, so they have decided to let her stay.
This is Allison, she is an Atlantic Green turtle and is the first turtle to successfully wear a prosthesis.
Poppy is a Loggerhead turtle and the largest resident at the center. She was hit by a boat and the wounds have led to buoyancy issues. To prevent her from floating, she has weights attached too her shell.
Merry Christmas is also an Atlantic Green turtle. Turtles are cold blooded and can go into a hypothermic shock and be washed ashore during extreme cold weather. She was rescued in December in the early 1980’s. She has many physical abnormalities that make it hard for her to survive in the wild.
The South Padre Island Sea Turtle Art Trail has 11 permanent sea turtle art sculptures across the city. Each one has a unique shape and charm that comes from each artist’s creative vision.
On our last evening we went to a little place called Driftwood Landing to watch the sunset.
While we were waiting for the sun to set, a fishing boat came back to the dock. As soon as the boat arrived the pelicans began to show up for their free handouts.
We were lucky the sunrises didn’t come till about 7:20 so we were able to watch them as we enjoyed our morning coffee.
Our last morning we watched the cold front move in.
A few of the amazing sunsets we enjoyed.
The moon was just as enjoyable to watch rise over the Gulf of Mexico.
Jan. 9-12 South Padre Island, TX
“Beach: a place of relaxation, rest and tranquility.” –Unknown
South Padre Island is a resort town off the southern coast of Texas. It’s known for its beaches and calm waters. We haven’t been to the valley since Kyle and Bryt lived in Harlingen in 2010, and it’s been even longer since we’ve been to South Padre Island. They have 34 miles of beach and enjoy 300+ days of sunshine a year. It’s a popular year around vacation spot, but it’s most crowded during spring break in March and family vacations in July. January was a great time to be there…the weather was amazing and the only people around were other retirees. This trip was all about relaxing, beach-combing, eating good food and taking in the changing of the sun. We enjoyed beautiful sunsets, sunrises and even got to see an almost full moon rise over the Gulf of Mexico.
Seattle Boat Show 2023
The seminar schedule for the 2023 Seattle Boat Show has been posted. We’ll be presenting this year on Saturday Feb 4th at 12:00pm on our trip around the world in Nordhavn 52 Dirona. We will describe some of the techniques we used to make the trip more safe and comfortable for longer passages and at…
Marina Costa Baja to Ensenada del Candelero on Espiritu Santo
Sunrise on Tuesday January 10 In the morning, Eric was sore from the inverter project. We added bleach to our water tanks before we topped them off, which is something that needs to be done every few months when consistently … Continue reading →
Keith’s Perspective on our Third Trips to La Paz and Ensenada del Candelero/Le point de vue de Keith sur nos troisièmes voyages à La Paz et Ensenada del CandeleroKeith’s Perspective on our Third Trips to La Paz and Ensenada del Candelero/
I had a good time in our last trip to La Paz. Not much to report, just talking to boat people, going shopping, and eating out. I had a huge burger with double everything, and then a cookies ’n cream milkshake … Continue reading →
The Inverter Failure
Monday, January 9, continued… When we went inside, we noticed that the refrigerator/freezer was off. Eric realized that the inverter had shut down. He started the generator and realized there appeared to be something seriously wrong. The inverter reported that … Continue reading →
