Pacific Grace 2003 Leg 2

Sorry for our poor communication.This time I can blame it on our tempermental commputer who has been complaining that its break in PV was not long enough. We did have a very pleasant stop in PV. Warmly welcomed at Marina Vallarta,we enjoyed showers,laundry,coffee shops and swimming pools shared by visiting parents. Our time did go very quickly.

Before leaving, leg one trainees were involved with hull painting, rig setting up and grocery stowage. Also we did have a formal dnner. Catered by the crew, trainees were seated around the aft cabin top which was decorated with table cloths, flowers, white mini lights and specially crafted place settings. Our evening began with cocktails on the fore deck, served with baked brie and garlic. Once seated trainees enjoyed ceasar salad, lasagna, garlic bread and banana splits to round out the meal. Dinner music was supplied by Jon and John and their guitars. To complete the evening we all were treated to a true "master of ceremonies" when John A conducted our awards portion of the night. Hilarious moments were recounted as every type of award was handed out. So thanks all around and a very heart felt goodbye goes out to our leg one trainees.

As you can see we are underway once again. Our departure from PV went without a hitch and all trainees decided that a return visit to Isabela was a good idea so the new tainees could have the chance to see this unique island. We left PV on Mon arrived at Isabela 0300hrs Tues and left today for a quick stop on the mainland before heading south. During this stop at Isabela some of us were fortunate enough to swim with some large(7´) manta rays while snorkling. An amazing experience, while at the same time a little unnerving.

Arrived in Chacala yesterday. Chacala is a small delightful village 60 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. Today was spent hiking in tropical forests and enjoying wave riding at a beautiful sandy beach, just a short swim in from the boat.

All are ashore at present enjoying a mug-up,complete with bonfire and guitars.

Our masses decided to stay one more night at Chacala in order to celebrate Daniel´s birthday with all present. We left today at 0700hrs and are heading down the coast to a small village in Chamela Bay, about a thirty hour run.

Forgot to mention to you that on the way into Chacala we caught two 30lb. dorado which were enjoyed for supper on arrival.

Arrived at Chemela at 1200hrs with a lovely NW wind which allowed us to sail up to our anchorage and anchor under sail. We were imeadiately welcomed by a small vessel from Victoria crewed, much to our surprise, by Elske´s grade five teacher.

Miles of beach awaited the body surfers, snorkeling for those interested and palapas ashore to try the local fare. Plan to be here one more day then off to Bahia Navidad about fifty miles down the coast.

Had another great day at Chemela yesterday with games and long walks on the spectacular beach.

Left today for Bahia Tanacatita instead of Navidad. We were told about a river that led inland from from the bay and that taking a trip up the river was possible by small boat. After anchoring we took the inflatable up to check it out and spent 40 min. traveling through mangroves which sometimes completly closed in over head. Very narrow in parts with only inches on each side we were constanly on the lookout for the crockodiles that others have seen near here. Many beautiful birds, crabs and fish were seen before our destination was reached. At the end of the river there was yet another beach out of "never never land"

Our plan is to tow the dories up the river tomorrow so everyone can have the chance to see this fascinating place. Oh yes, and moms, no Crocks. seen.

Had a very successful dory trip through the Mangroves yesterday. In all it took two hours to tow the dories together up the river. Birds, crabs, butterflies, fish and the odd panga made for an exciting trip. A short portage brought everyone to a large beach where they met the Grace which had been moved from the previous anchorage. Horse back riding, boogie boarding and visiting the local palapas made up the remainder of our day.

We left Tenacatita today at day break and headed south again. This time we have Zihuatanejo as our destination. At present under Main, courses and rafee we are slowly making our way south at about five knots.

 - Lovely to be sailing again.

Sorry for the delay,computer problems for the last couple of days. We had an uneventful trip down to Zihuatanejo. A bit of sailing but mostly motoring in calms. Arrival in Z. was on Sat. at about 1100hrs after a quick stop in Ixtapa for an anchorage during the previous evening. All are well and ejoying the beautiful town of Z.

For those of you at home who remember the vessel Vltava, she is here running dinner cruises with tourists. Our plan is to depart from Z. Dec.1 for the 110 mile trip to Acapulco. Weather is very hot and a bit muggy.

After a very stuffy motor through the night we arrived in Acapulco at 1100hrs. This port has grown substantially since I was here aboard the Swift in /89. Our days up to this point in leg 2 have been filled with small coastal villages, dream-like beaches and visits to the outback of Mexico. Everyone was very excited when we were warmly welcomed to the yacht club, complete with showers, laundry, steam room, pool and the ability to go ashore whenever you want. We plan to be here a couple of days until the weather down south lets up a bit. All are well and planning their shore time to make the most of our visit here.

Our stay in Acapuco was wonderful in every way. We had the luxury of docking at the private Club de Yate which is very quiet and safe. Everyone there was very helpful and they all enjoyed having the Grace visit. We were the only wooden vessel in the club and by far the largest. We made many friends during our stay. As well as using all the facilities at the club, many trips were made into town, to the famous cliff divers and to the local surfing beach.

Before leaving today we did a drive by of Sylvester Stalones private residence with the Grace and had a quick snorkel visit to the nine foot submerged statue of the ´Virgin of Guadalupe´ who resides at the entrance to the harbour in about 15´ of water.

Leaving Acapulco at 0700 we have shaped a course southward to the small harbour of Puerto Angel. Arrival should be tomorrow around 1300hrs. This is possibly our last stop in Mexico before jumping off to Costa Rica.

Arrived in beautiful Puerto Angel at 1700hrs last night. Its always exciting to wake up in a new place. Puerto Angel is a very small, non-touristy Mexican village.

Yesterday we had one of our finest fishing days ever. Begining at 1000hrs we had the first bite and 20mins. later hoisted a 90lb Sailfish aboard. A fastenating fish measuring 93" in length. Minutes later our rod buzzed again with a 30lb Dorado. Just as both fish had been filleted one more Dorado had taken our hook. Ignoring our fish books recomendation that Sailfish was rated "poor" in the edibility department Glenn prepared delicious cajun style fillets that were devoured by all. Our Dorado was baked plain as is the favorite. Thank you Mike Farrens for leaving your rod with us as landing the Sailfish would have been imposible without it. This fish ran hard and strong before tiring.

Departure from Mexico has been set for 0630hrs tomorrow. Our weather window has opened and our course will be set for Bahia de Coco, Costa Rica, land of the Howler monkeys, beautiful birds and surfing crocodiles, so we have heard! All are well and excited for a new country and more adventures.

Hi everyone.As you can see we are still here in Mexico. We did leave but decided on one more weather stop at Huatulco before crossing the gulf. Winds were forecast at 45kts with seas building to 20´. Yesterday was spent at a fascinating beach 2 miles outside of Huatulco. A very steep beach with sand cliffs and large indentations where turtles have deposited large quantities of eggs.

We spent the day here before moving to our present anchorage off of this sleepy tourist town, Huatulco. The Port Captain here has graciously allowed us to stay and visit even though I had officially cleared out of the country in Puerto Angel. After many faxes and weather chats we have decided to leave at first light tomorrow and travel very close to the beach and beat the seas that would be found further out. Winds are forecast to come down by tomorrow afternoon. All are well and many were busy working on their secret Santa gifts. We have picked names and the goal is to hand make your gift.

Left Huatulco today at 0630hrs and headed NE along the edge of the Gulf of T. Very beautiful coastline in this area of Mexico. Huge dunes, hundreds of feet high were tempting us all day to stop and explore. We found some wind finally near Salina Cruz. A 20knt beam wind that gave us a fantastic 11kts with main, fore, jumbo and jib. Unfortunately it just came to an end and as you can see we have only 5kts at present. Great day of sailing ,sighted many sea turtles and a lovely pod of baby dolphins spent some time alongside, jumping and showing off their newly learned tricks. We have our weather window and are making good use of it.

There is another blow expected in two days but we should be out of here by then. Love from all onboard to all of you back home.

An uneventful day motoring in calm weather. No fish,but a turtle sighting every 5-10 mins. These are the Green Back turtles that grow up to over 3´ across the back. They are everywhere out here. We have to be extra careful while steering so as not to run them over. Most are about 2.5-3´ in diameter.

Weather very hot today so a swim stop after lunch went over well. Our course will take us past the Mexican/Guatemalan border in 2 hrs. At present we are about 40 miles off the coast.

Crossed Guatemala/El Salvador border today. Also had an unbelievable dolphin show today. At about 1400hrs we had somewhere between 250 and 300 dolpins jumping, spinning, forward flipping, & back flipping all around the Grace. We spent about 45 mins. with the show before carrying on our way. Quite something!

Looks like about two more days to Costa Rica. We don´t mind as everyone is enjoying being together at sea, where the community is allways stronger.

Uneventful day today with mostly light winds. Dolphins made regular showings all through the day. Had a large fish tasting our lure this afternoon. No catches but exciting to watch the fish strike.

Hove to tonight for Sunday service and for the entire time dolphins were playing alongside within yards of the Grace. Should be in Costa Rica sometime Tuesday morn.

Motor sailing most of the day. Caught another 100lb. sailfish today but released it as the fish seemed to beautiful to keep. Uncomfortable motion at present, motoring into a head sea. Speed is down so our ETA will be much later in the day tomorrow, if tomorrow at all. We will keep you posted.

Very lumpy 24hrs.

Most of yesterday was spent motorsailing into a 20-35kt head wind. Grace did well though. This morning at 0400hrs we lowered the trysail and jumbo and continued under the fore alone. Prior to lowering our lee rail was in and out of the water and spray was covering the decks. Grace felt safe and did well in these conditions. At 1100hrs we were making good speed again towards our destination. At 1630hrs our anchor found the bottom in Bahia del Coco.

We are all looking forward to a good nights sleep tonight.

Sorry for the delay. We have had a very exciting three days. On arrival to Cocos we were blasted by a very strong NE wind for the last 8 hrs of travel. Thurs was spent ashore in Cocos exploring, meeting new people and really enjoying our first taste of Costa Rica. Yesterday we left at 0700 and headed for a well known snorkeling area about 20 miles to the north.

This day turned out to be one of the most exhilerating sailing days of this voyage. Our sailing began shortly after leaving. With 25-30 knts we began with a double reef in the main, fore and jumbo. This was fine for about 2hrs of very boisterous sailing. Soon though the wind began to gust up and we shortened down to trysail, fore and jumbo. The wind at this point was up to 40+ and we were close reaching at 9 kts. As we reached our destination and began motoring into the bay the wind was gusting to 50kts. After some looking we found a reasonable lee and anchored in very squally conditions. Our day finished with santas work shop and swims along side. Sailing in these conditions I should mention was possible due to our close proximity to the beach, allowing strong winds but no sea.

Conditions were not healthy for a relaxed evening at anchor so at 1700 we weighed anchor and left this wind ridden area. Four hours later we returned to a quiet resting place once again in Cocos. Truly a fantastic day. Today we left at 0800 and headed south with a 30-35knt NE wind and have been averaging around 9+ knts all through the day. Our course is for Punta Arenas tomorrow sometime. Our Grace has again proved herself as an able all weather sailer. Trainees as well have developed into a well oiled machine when it comes to handling the boat in tough conditions.

Papagayo is the local wind here that can breeze up very quickly and can reach strengths of up to 50kts. We had another great sailing day yesterday traveling the 130 miles to Punta Arenas. Only for the last 30 miles were we forced to motor due to light winds. Starting the morning under courses traveling up at 10kts later we set reefed main, fore, jumbo and jib. During the afternoon we went down to reefed main then finished with double reef,fore and jumbo. Again everyone is working so well together and have developed a good understanding of the boat and how it works. Apon arrival our shipping agent greated us and presented the cherished box of mail, which was very warmly received. Our plan is to be here until the 23rd and then move to some quiet beach somewhere to celebrate Christmas.

After last minute Christmas preparations we left Punta Arenas and headed off to Isla Tortuga, a small island 14 miles south. Tortuga is a very beautiful island near the west coast of the gulf of Nicoya. Close to the mainland Tortuga has secluded beaches, great snorkeling and is very near the Curu Wildlife
Refuge. Located on the mainland only a mile away Curu is a private
game reserve containing capuchine and howler monkeys, armadillos, pacas, coatis and many varieties of birds. As well the olive ridley, leather back and rare hawksbill turtles use the beach for nesting. On our arrival at Tortuga we all enjoyed a wonderful swim in the calm waters off of a deserted beach that we plan to check out in the morning. Our thought is to stay here until boxing day when we will continue exploring Costa Ricas coast up until Jan.09 when we are due back in P.A.

As I write everyone on board is involved in tree decorating (we bought a tree in P.A.) also trainees have made a huge gingerbread house, and it too is being adorned. Everyone has been charged with making a decoration for the tree. Today we had gingerbread, shortbread and butter tarts baking. Tomorrow peppernuts, chocolate balls and spice cake have a place in the baking schedual. No we are not suffering! All are very excited to see the next few days unfold.I´ll be sure to keep you all in the loop.

Hi everyone.

As I write all are heading to bed after a great evening together. Some are still up busy with final touches to their Christmas presents. Today was a very prductive day. More baking, swimming and a great deal of woodworking, leather working, glass and material working. Trainees have been more creative than ever this Christmass. Crib boards, bone with abalone inlay pendants, wooden boxes, ditty bags, boggle games, embroidery, sailers palms, music boxes are a few of the gifts handmade this year. Many thanks to Elsa Anderson, Neanie Hookins and Robin Lee for donating tools to the Grace. These tools have been in constant use for the past two months. Tonight began with dinner at 1800hrs. Our menu included shrimp cocktail, focaccia bread, lasagna and salad. After dinner all were treated to a performance from the drama club."Twas the night before" was acted out with multiple parts keeping all viewers in stiches. Following is the script:

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the Grace
Not a creature was stirring not even a ...small Anderson child
The bikinis were hung by the dories with care
In hopes of drying in the hot tropical air
The trainees were bound by lee cloths in their bunks
Sweating and tossing in the salt water funk
With James in a hammock and Phil with his harem
With Charlie´s loud snoring we could hardly bear´im
When out on the sea there arose sucha noise
It was Skipper in a dory with three tiny boys
They rowed up to Grace with fishing lines out
Awaking Glenn up from his dreams of stout
In the galley he works with fancy pants and an"ummm"
The foc´sle can´t help but notice his ...humous
Up from the aft cabin Bo rose in dismay
Searching for children,you might here her say
"Where´s Elske? Where´s Becca? Where´s Arwen? Where´s Jacob?"
Where´s Noah? Where´s Simon? Its time for their makup
And there is Finn all poopy and small
"I like this,I like that "mooching from all
When up from the yard there came such a splatter
But snow it was not,but booby fecal matter
Down from the topmast he came with a bound
A Christmas hero we think we have found
He was dressed all in fur from his neck to his toe
Santa it wasn´t, but Jonny Leupold
Now where is Santa,the man with the presents?
Will he arrive with his joyful presence?
But the lights are not up and varnish not dry
Jamie´s in her bag/bunk starting to cry
Ditty bags by our bunk they are hung
Baking, sawing,and carving not done
Rob´s brasso-ing his belts, Daniels flipping his pages
Pete´s perched on the head "I hear its contageous"
"Compensators compensate!" Jill yells from the dory
But that´s not really part of our story
Did Jeff and his gasses keep Santa away?
Or did he get lost in Tehuanapec Bay?
With or without him we know we´ll have fun
All on board wonder, Will Santa come?

After our drama we sang carols and Bonice read "The Gift of the Magi" We finnished by singing Silent Night under the stars with all the lights out, and reminisced about our Christmas eve family traditions. Good night all at home and may God bless you all on this Christmas Eve.

Idyllic is the best way to describe today. Our morning due to a planned brunch was slow, quiet and peaceful. Some were swimming, some ashore collecting coconuts, others reading or sleeping late. Just before ten we all assembled to open our stockings which had been lovingly made and filled by Shauna, Andrea L and Brandy. Each stocking had a name and special goodies relevant to the owner. These were hung in the early hours of the morning as to surprise everyone on wakeing. Brunch followed, and it was a brunch to rival high tea at the Empress. Eggs, hash browns, Fruit plates, crepes with multiple sauses, real juices(cold)and cereal to round things out. A very slow enjoyable meal.

Our afternoon was spent swimming, tarzan swinging and enjoying gifts sent from home. At about 1300hrs the coffee house began making specialized drinks for everyone as we gathered to open our secret Santa gifts. I must say this was one of the most heart warming times we have had together. All the gifts assembled under the tree were handed out one by one as we all watched the anticipation of the giver and receiver. Wonderful gifts were presented, each giver was hugged and thanked in a way that ment something to everyone. This process took a couple of hours but to everyone the time flew. Christmas baking also made its rounds as gifts were being opened. Pepper nuts, shortbread, rum balls and biscoti all fresh from the baking crew. More swimming and beach trips before supper which began at 1730.

I wish you all could have had the chance to peek in on the scene. With the aft cabin house decorated with table cloths, candles and Christmas lights. We had a place for all to sit down and enjoy our meal together. After pulling our beatifully made crakers we sat down to enjoy turkey, stuffing, cranberries, mashed potatoes, carrots and gravy. A party punch was served cold and the scene was delightful as all sat around in their party hats, chatting, laughing and relishing in the moment. John A read the Christmas story from Luke as we enjoyed desert. At the moment all are participating in the post Christmas slumber.

Tomorrow is a planned day off!

Yesterday we left Tortuga and moved 1.5 miles west to anchor in front of the Curu Wildlife Refuge. After scouting the place out and finding hours of operation to be 7-4 all elected to hit the beach early in the morning today. So we did. Arriving on the beach at 0700 everyone checked in and began a day filled with adventure. Apon arrival we were greeted by capuchine and spider monkeys which kept us all in stiches with their antics. These fellows were so tame that they would jump into your lap or reach up to touch or hold your hand. One spider monkey took a liking to our family and escourted us through the rainforest. Regularly reaching up to hold Noah´s hand. Trainees had the option to go on several different hikes, ranging in difficulty and length. Many stories came back to the boat about different encounters during our time ashore. Monkeys, cotis, spectacular birds, spiders, white tailed dear, crocodile and boa constrictor warning signs and of course the ticks. We had to have a deticking party once back aboard as some trainees had picked up the odd rider while traveling through the underbrush. Oh the rigors of tropical life.

I may have mentioned already that we are in crockodile country and have seen quite a few already. Most have been seen in the estuary at Punta Arenas. Remember always to check the water before swimming! All in all Curu was a great success and everyone is thrilled with their visit.

Tomorrow we travel 100 miles SE to Isla de Cano, another island park with very clear water and the only coarl reef on North Americas pacific coast. Sounds very interesting and quite beautiful.

Yesterday was an uneventful day of motoring as we made our way to Isla del Cano. Our arrival was in the dark at 2300hrs. This morning we awoke to crystal clear waters teeming with fish and an exciting looking island to explore. Most of our day was spent snorkeling on the coral reefs that surround the island. Huge grouper, angelfish, barracuda, parrot fish, moray eels and white tipped reef sharks were some of the many treats found here. During the afternoon we circumnavigated the island and snorkeled interesting looking spots along the way.

Tonight we are anchored once again off the wardens cabin on the north side of the island. Our plans are to visit the island tomorrow morning then to move 12 miles to the east and visit the small community located in Bahia Drake for New Years eve.

All are well and enjoying the clear water and warm temps.

Morning spent ashore at Isla del Cano. Exploring a tropical rainforest, hiking various trails and swimming in the surf. For the more adventurous who ventured inland there were stone artifacts from the Pre-Columbian period when the island was used as a buial island. Curious sphere shaped rocks ranging in dia. from 3" to 6´. Also waterfalls with pools large enough to swim in were there for our enjoyment.

After lunch we set sail and had a glorious sail over to Drakes Bay. Our stealth team has just returned from a mission ashore to find cold drinks to celebrate new years. Quite a job heading ashore after dark in a strange place trying to find someone willing to sell enough soda for a boat load of 37 people. They were successful. So we will be sipping chilled drinks as our fireworks committee gives us their best new years eve show. Tonight our agenda includes games, coffee house and singing to take us to the top of the hour.

Happy New Year to you all.
- With all our best wishes Grace crew and trainees.

Yesterday was spent ashore in Drakes Bay. A very quiet, small community that is the last outpost before Costa Ricas´ Corcovado national park. We left this morning after breakfast and traveled 30 miles north to Bahia Uvita. Situated at the foot of the tropical rainforest is the breath taking Uvita beach. Miles of sand very similar to Long Beach on Vancouver Island. With a spit that sticks way out into the Pacific and the mid twenties water temp we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon. Due to the friendly locals and lack of tourists the plan is to stay another day tomorrow and then move on to Quepos.

Another beautiful day spent on the spit at Uvita. Our morning involved traveling to the near by town of Dominical. Dominical is a small town established around the sport of surfing. After lunch we had a huge game of ultimate frisbee and a sunset walk to the end of the spit. Tomorrow off to Quepos.

Decided to make a short stop at Manuel Antonio park, one of Costa Ricas most famous. It is very busy here so we anchored off near some outlying islands to do some exploring. We found a thrilling spot while snorkeling and exploring indentations along the coast. Entering a sea cave snorkelers discouverd a sandy beach at the head of the cave, 80´ in. With waves surging in you could ride almost to the end of the cave where safety from the ocean swell could be found. Once inside trainees were overcome with treasure fever and were convinced that this is the utimate spot for hidden treasure. After almost two hours of digging and many stories of spanish galleons depositing thier booty along the Costa Rican coast, efforts were abandoned. Efforts were not in vain though our treasured sea cave is now 30´ longer due to all the sand removal. Quepos tomorrow.

Spent a delightful day and a half in Quepos, a small town 30 miles south of the Gulf of Nicoya. We found people to be very friendly, the town filled with interesting shops and delicious food available at a variety of resturants. We left Quepos at 1300hrs today for Bahia Herradura, a moderate sized bay north of a favored surfing beach known as Jaco. Our plan is to weigh anchor early tomorrow and move the 2 miles to Jaco to spend the morning surfing. During the afternoon we will be heading north into the gulf to visit a few more areas before having to be in Punta Areans for the 09th. These last three days will be packed with as much as posible.

Yesterday we found the surf wanting at Jaco so we enjoyed a lazy sail up the gulf and anchored by a small island known as Jesusita. A group of howler monkeys were exceptionally noisy here and at 0430 this morning they woke everyone sleeping on deck up. A very spooky sound at that time of day.

Set sail again at 1000hrs and moved to Isla San Lucas 8 miles to the north. San Lucas was the site of a maximum security penitentiary for almost a 100 yrs. During a visit to Punta Arenas in 89/90 some of our trainees traveled there to buy curios from the minimum security prisoners who sold to the public on Sundays to make some spare cash. As of 1991 the prison has been closed. I had heard that it might be possible to tour the site if one was polite to the guards stationed here. So today we went ashore with our best behavior and found that once permission was granted from Punta Arenas the visit should be no problem. Our agent has assured me that he will have all thats needed by 0745 tomorrow morning and that he will have the call made to the guards here. Today I did get a short tour of the site and I must say that it is straight out of the movie Papillon. Concrete isolation tanks for the unruly, only just large enough for a man to stand upright in, balls and chains for the legs and art work on the cell walls done in blood. San Lucas was established in 1893 and was not the nicest place to be if you needed max security. I´ll give you the details tomorrow after the tour. We should be back in P.A. by noon, soon after our visit ashore here.

Tonight we are having a huge "sweet home Alabama" party for Wendy Farrens as she needs to leave us early tomorrow to be home in time for school commitments. Everyone is dressed to the "9s" dancing and eating delicious deserts.We will miss Wendy dearly.

Our prison visit went without a hitch. San Lucas was a truly amazing visit, a visit that will remain with us all for a long time. Seeing the remains of a prison that once held up to 200 inmates in conditions that in some cases were appalling moved us all. Messages of dispair written in multiple layers on cell walls, solitary confinment in sun baked concrete tubes, all now becoming over grown with bush or destroyed by termites. It was a window back in time showing how cruel we can be to each other. All enjoyed the visit and we had the gaurds wife and child out to see the boat.

Departed at 1115hrs and were anchored off of P.A. at 1230hrs where Wendy´s father picked her up. See you Wendy, all our love goes with you, already you are dearly missed.

Well here we are again at the end of a leg. It seems as though we were just here. This leg has gone by faster than any I can remember. We have spent the last couple of days together preparing the boat for leg three. At one point, Tuesday afternoon there were people loading groceries, stowing groceries, setting up the rigging, painting the hull, painting ironwork, taking on fuel, taking on water you name it and it was going on. Two days of work and the Grace is all ship shape and ready for another leg.

Today was our last full day together and we have just finished our now traditional leg end dinner. Everyone was dressed in thier best and again the cooks produced an amazing meal for us all. Tonights menu began with salad and then appis. of jumbo prawns cooked in garlic butter followed by a very tasty main course of chicken breast and rice. Oh yes and banana splits to finish. During desert John A once again kept us in stiches with his fine awards presentation. All now are hanging out together on deck remembering different parts of this last leg. This has been a very memorable leg for us all. We will miss everyone dearly as many strong friendships have developed over the last couple of months. It is always a bitter sweet moment, not willing to let go of the past but at the same time looking ahead with excitment.

God Bless all of you who are leaving us.