Week ending 10/08/2005
Location: Guatemala

Well, we had a great three week visit with Damon’s parents while we traveled all over Guatemala. They left back to California this week and we made our way back to the boat. Though we really enjoyed the past few weeks it was really nice to be back on the boat. Ashley was super glad to see us even though she did give us the cold shoulder for a couple of days for leaving her. I think this is the longest we’ve ever been away from her.

The boat is in great shape but was a bit dirty. We had someone come over and give her a good washing and waxing so now she’s looking sharp as usual. David is busy working with Cristal and Darrel, the current managers of Monkey Bay Marina, to learn all he needs to know about taking over in a week or two. It really isn’t that much work, maybe about 20 hours a month but the benefits that come with the job are really nice. I purchased my plane ticket last week and will be heading back to California for a short bit of time to take care of some personal business, time to start getting packed.

Week ending 10/15/2005
Location: Guatemala

We were saddened to hear about all the heavy rains and mud slides around the Lago Atitlan area as it has created a lot of devistation. Some entire villages were lost in the mud slides with a lot of fatalities. There are a lot of efforts going on right now trying to get aid to those that need it. I’m glad we had an opportunity to visit many of the places only two weeks ago before they were destroyed. As there were so many unique cultures specific to the towns we visited we can only hope that not all is lost.

Looks like David has learned a lot from Cristal and Darrel and is now taking over the marina. Having been in Monkey Bay Marina for a couple weeks now we have decided that we really like it here. It’s quite and comfortable, gets a lot of breeze and the people here are just wonderful. I have my suitcase packed and will be heading down to Guatemala City in a day or two before flying out. It’s exciting to be heading back to see my family but at the same time I will greatly miss being on the river and my home, Bruadair.

Oh, I went to the fish market in Fronteras this afternoon and couldn’t resist, I bought two 2 pound lobsters. David steamed them and then served them with hot butter and vegetables. They were excellent, and a steal at only $7 each.

Week ending 10/22/2005
Location: Guatemala

David has settled right in as the manager of the marina. While David remains behind on Bruadair I have decided to make a trip back to California to follow up on some personal things. It was a difficult decision but it looks like we’ll be holding off on leaving the river for one season. I suspect that I’ll be in California for about six months but if I can get back sooner we might be able to at least head up to Belize for a month or so. We’ll have to see.

Copyright 2004, 2005, 2006 S/V Bruadair. No reproduction without written consent.