We are on the final leg of a three and half year journey. Oh, what a time we've had! I've mentioned several times over the last few months that we were headed to La Paz by early April. The reason is to reach there before it gets too hot, so we can start prepping our beloved Just a Minute for sale. It is finally time to head back to the States, get jobs, and get Jack back on land with easy access to kids, libraries, school and a garage (the kid loves to tinker and putter). It's time to let Rudy hunt bunny rabbits and squirrels in a back yard, and actually pee on REAL grass. It's time to be close to family and friends. It is time to have hot running water with the twist of a faucet, outlets with plentiful power, a dishwasher, a washing machine and (pause for angelic choir) ...... a bathtub. And too, it is time to have a little space. The three of us have been living together (with a big dog) for 3 1/2 years in approximately 600 square feet, the area of some people's walk-in-closets. Yes, we had a big backyard, but that's still a LOT of together-time.
Today we pulled into Marina El Cid in Mazatlan, the one place in Mexico that we think of as our "home base." It didn't let us down. As we approached the marina, they were waiting for us and sent out a panga with the dock manager aboard. He gave us instructions for entering the dredged channel. Then as we pulled into the marina, various workers were calling out our names and greeting us. It was nice to be back and see everyone. We have a little work to do here, and then we will head to La Paz in about one week.
Just a Minute is in great shape so it shouldn't take long to polish her up, pull her out of the water in La Paz, list her in brokerage and wait. We will be posting information on Just a Minute later in the week for anyone who is interested. She's a great boat, ready to cruise and in a prime cruising location, so she has a lot to offer.
We still have a few more adventures left (and about 240 miles) before this journey ends and the next one begins. And who knows? I sometimes wonder if we really will be able to pull the plug, or if we'll imitate that ending on the movie "Captain Ron" where they approach the dock and then turn a "crazy Ivan" and head back out to sea. Stay tuned. Anyone taking bets?
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Hard to imagine having JAM and her crew back on land. We hope this doesn't mean we won't hear from you again. We feel fortunate to having met all of you at Marina El Cid back in 2008. We've enjoyed following your adventures and watching Jack grow up on your blog. We'll miss seeing you in La Paz, as we won't be back until May. Enjoy what the future brings and keep in touch. If you get homesick for tight quarters, we'll have Citla in Mexico for at least another season or two!
ReplyDeleteYou're just teasing us with that little part at the end of your blog. Bad girl. ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you Pete for all your nice comments. We'll be sad if we don't see you again, but you just never know.
ReplyDeleteAnd you, Jesse! How else can I keep the suspense? The truth of the matter is, returning "home" without a clue, plan or idea is suspensful enough. As Patrick said today, "We have a lot more adventures coming our way soon!"
Yikes.
Laura
I'm sure you guys will do great.I'll be watching.
DeleteHey Laura--we wish you guys the best. Enjoy the transition back and hold tight to all the things that made your cruising life special:)
ReplyDeleteAnd you are right--there really are adventures everywhere--you'll find them.
Hi Diane,
ReplyDeleteOh, we are definitely different people. We have no intention of returning to the States and trying to get the "old" life back. Been there and done that.
Thanks for the good wishes.
Laura
Thanks for the blog over the years. We've followed it from the beginning, you're doing what we dream to do but are not ready for yet. Fair winds and good luck from Vancouver Island.
ReplyDeleteHenk.
Thank You Henk and Jesse,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind wishes. It is all very exciting. There are so many changes in front of us and so many decisions to make. We sold everything to come out here, so we are pretty rootless right now. We could end up anywhere really!
Laura
We're seriously disappointed. When you follow a lot of blogs prior to casting off the dock, you feel like you know the folks and look forward to running into them out on the water. Sorry we won't have a chance to meet you.
ReplyDeleteDeb
S/V Kintala
www.theretirementproject.blogspot.com
You have had a wonderful adventure for sure - so glad we got to meet all of you and hope to run into you again one of these days. I know that your future will still hold amazing and wonderful things. Just keep your eyes open!
ReplyDeleteDeb,
ReplyDeleteThe best part of cruising is all the amazing people you meet. I am sorry we won't have a chance to know each other, but I know you will find lots of great friends out here. I am impressed with your "retirement project". You've put a lot of thought and effort into it. Enjoy.
And Carla,
We have so enjoyed meeting you and Doug. I am looking forward to reading your continued adventures as you use each and every one of the courtesy flags you have! Have a great time.
Laura