Sailors Run reporting in from Bahia Caraquez, Ecuador. May-2015
Debbie and I are happy to report that the moorings here at Puerto Amistad have been holding the boats in place without any problems and we have been experiencing large tide changes that amplify the normal current running down the Rio Chone, especially this time of year when there is more rain in the mountains.
On security issues here we have had no incidences of theft since we have arrived, and are very pleased with the regular cruise patrol that the security guard does around the boats many times each night.
The good old Sailors Run has been getting lots of TLC in preparation for the “Adventure”. The wind generator is happy to be spinning silently on new bearings and a new set of blades. All the winches are greased and ready to go.
The decision has been made to replace both the Mizzen sail and the Main sail as they are 7- years old as I fear they would most likely be blown out in the Southern Ocean, and I don’t like sewing all that much in confined spaces and heavy weather.
The Sailors Run is on a diet and she is shedding pounds daily and the locals are benefitting as we get rid of things that have not been used in the last year.
THIS IS SOME OF OUR STUFF GETTING OFF THE BOAT AND TO A NEW HOME TO AN ECUADORIAN FAMILY
Debbie is packing up and taking all her valuables with her “Just In case”, actually I cannot blame her. I must admit it gives me a sickening, sinking feeling, deep down inside, as I watch her pack up and I must ask myself is she seeing something I’m missing. I can only hope she is just being cautious and I will surely be keeping my senses tuned into the little details before departure.
The other part of pulling this adventure off , is that the skipper has to be up to the many challenges he will surely encounter along the way. The only way I can do that is to get in the best possible shape I can over the next 5.5 months. Debbie and I have found a great running course out across the Rio Chone River across the bridge and back, and have met some great people while out on our runs like the four guys from the capital of Quito, and we had them out to the boat to check it out.
JEFF AND DEB ON THE BRIDGE OF THE RIO CHONE
DEB & I MET OTHER RUNNERS ON THE BRIDGE AND SHARED MY ADVENTURE WITH THEM
OUR NEW FRIENDS ENJOYING SAILORS RUN
ECUADORIANS HANGING OUT ON THE BOW OF THE BOAT
THE GUYS AND ONE IS READING MY BOOK
I have also signed up for a local 10-k run that goes off at the end of June, this will give me something to further motivate me. Oh yea! I have to drop 10lbs. as speed comes with weight loss as well as endurance, one of the key ingredients to having a successful passage, especially when it is a tremendously challenging one and endurance often times can make the critical difference.
MOTHER’S DAY DINNER
AT PUERTO AMISTAD
YUM!!
ME AND MY NEWER BEAN BAG,MUCH FULLER TOO AND COMFORTABLE
HAVE LEARNED TO COOK A REALLY GOOD CHICKEN STEW IN OUR PRESSURE COOKER
Your Amigos Jeff & Debbie on S/V Sailors Run.