Intermittent chatter

We will leave for  South America, specifically Argentina, on December 7 and return February 3.   Visits with our families and friends over Thanksgiving became a possibility as events shifted, so Toni traveled to Fayetteville, NC and Florida while I visited my clan in  Jackson Hole, Salt Lake City and Bozeman.   Thanks to the many who made my trip so much more pleasant by offering me their couch to surf. Toni is in her element, and getting her much needed fix, being grandma with our beautiful grand-daughter.  It will sustain her temporarily.   

I am ecstatic about our "Endless Summer" as just a touch of the cold weather in Jackson and Bozeman, 10 degrees on several mornings, made me grateful that we have decided to take a winter off from winter.   

On the elections and so forth:  Continued detachment from the media and their deluge of information has given us a new perspective. Talking with people as we travel has given us a view that doesn't air on the 24 hour news programs.   It is our hope that the problems we are facing now bring about the awareness that Mother Earth is indeed in trouble and needs mankind to live up to the "kind".   We are elated about the election and believe that an awakening may be occurring.   While I feel powerless over Wall Street and the greed factor that dominates their culture I feel very powerful thanks to the election.  My vote counted.  

I will continue to post photos and fodder as we travel south of the equator and we will look forward to hearing from you.  

  

Leewards of the Caribbean

Two weeks of bliss.  Sailing the Caribbean was "bitchen".  We sailed among the islands of the Leewards in nearly perfect winds and gentle seas. We enjoyed dives on unbelievable coral walls, we met and talked with the islanders about the elections, the hurricanes of the season, etc.,  and then we sailed some more.  The people of the Caribbean seem for the most part pleased that the U. S. A. has finally elected a president who isn't a good old white boy.  These people are educated about the U. S.  and had great insight and understanding as to what our politics and policies mean to the world.    

The trip was full of memorable experiences too numerous to give the proper time now .  Hopefully we will have the chance to speak to many of you in person and give you the details.  Mix water and people, things happen.

The captain and crew made each day a gift by bringing their very best spirit of adventure to each challenge.   It seemed that not a moment passed without something to imprint for future reflection. Thank you Joanne, John, Linda, Charlie and Toni.  

The history of these islands is on many levels dark and troubled yet also rich with stories of triumph that can keep one's curiosity occupied for a lifetime.   Then there is  the scenery and  the food which are deeply satisfying to the senses.  Above all however are the beautiful people who have over the many generations survived here, thrived here and in spite of the difficult history they welcome everyone, even Americans. 

Double click the photos to enlarge and view.