We went for a long walk this morning out to the Castillo de San Felipe and back to town. We didn't go into the Castillo but it is a nice 2-2.5 hour walk from the marina where we are staying. We left at 6:30 am to beat the heat, but didn't get back until well after the morning heat began. On our walk we spoke with a nice couple from Canada (Dave and Arlene), who now live in a house they own near the Castillo. They previously sailed to Rio Duice and liked it so much they bought a house. We were talking with them about our desire to learn to sail and they suggested an at-home course that teaches you how to navigate, read charts, and a lot of other sailing safety lessons. So, maybe we will study up this fall and winter, before coming back to the boat to try some more sailing. Dave and Arlene said that they bought a sailboat and *then* learned how to sail. They were very encouraging of us to study this course, but mostly to get out there and DO IT.
The day time temperature here feels like it is heating up, in general. There are fewer and fewer rain clouds and thunderstorms (as the rainy season is ending), and so the days are mostly very hot and sunny. Even the sun at 5:30 pm feels hot!
In a few minutes we will head to the boat to put some polishing wax on the top sides of the boat (i.e. the outsides of the boat), which will help protect the boat for the next few months. Today we will finish our "boat chores" and tomorrow we will do a quick trip to Quirigua (Mayan ruins nearby) with Omar (of Asistur) and some other folks. On Friday we will meet with the judge and the Public Ministry for hopefully the last time.
I can fully understand why my parents enjoyed living here and preparing their boat for some years of sailing. The general routine here is relatively relaxed (due to the high temperatures) and it is pleasant to practice Spanish and slowly accomplish projects. Despite this, however, we are ready to return to AK and our many projects there to prepare for winter. Also, we are ready to be with our many friends and family at home and to continue the grieving process in our home environment, where we shared so many wonderful years with my Dad. I am ready to be cradled by the mountains and nurtured by the harvests of the summer gardens.
Love, Jessica, Nancy and Brian
