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Tonga |
An chain of islands comprised of approximately 170 different islands, divided into 7 main groups, only 36 of which are inhabited. While visiting the last country truly goverened by a King, we had the opportunity to witness the transfer of power of his Royal Highness as the current King passed away during our stay . Truly a sailing mecca, there were so many wonderful nooks and crannies, caves and creatures to discover during our two month stay there.
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Niue |
A road stop as they call it, the anchorage for Nuie is not much more than a lot of boats moored at the edge of cliffs next to a surprise of an island. Once you hoist your dinghy via crane up on shore you are sure to be astounded by the amazing variety of chasms, caves and friendly people that call this home.
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The Cook Islands |
15 amazing islands to choose from but so little time. We decided on the southern route. Our first stop was Rarotonga where we were dazzled and amazed by festive dancing, breath taking island hikes, beautiful dives and the most friendly folks. Palmerston Atoll was very exciting though not what we expected as difficult weather directed most of our activities that week including recovering 3 boats anchors.
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The Society Islands |
Our final stops in the French Polynesian chains. We made all the rounds touching base on Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea & Tahaa, and finally Bora Bora . Highlights of these islands were visits by friends from home, tying up to a dock for the first time since we left Mexico, reconnecting with old friends and of course making some new ones.
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The Tuamotu Islands |
Atolls, crystal clear aqua blue waters, black pearl farms and so much more. We visited the Makemo, Tahanea and Fakarava Atolls. Snorkeling in the passes brought color fish, amazing corals and our biggest introduction to black tip sharks. We had the opportunity to meet Beko, spend time with his beautiful family and see him in action carving black pearls.
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The Marquesas Islands |
Our first landfall after crossing the Pacific Ocean was the lush green tropical Marquesas Islands. We decided to start with the southern most and remote island of Fatu Hiva and work our way north through Hiva Oa, Tahuata, Ua Pou and on to Nuku Hiva. Though each island looks so similar, they each hold their own special personalities and characteristics.
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The Puddle Jump
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We planned, we prayed and most of all we provisioned the boat to the hilt in anticipation of sailing across the Pacific Ocean. Lowered that water line quite a bit we imagine. You fill the boat full of everything you can think and then some, all in duplicate, (you always need a spare everything). You begin to feel like Noah's ark. As much as you dream of what it is going to be like, you can't begin to imagine. And then as soon as it begins, it seems to be over, like a dream.
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Zihuatajeno |
We cruised into Zihua Bay and immediately found some familiar faces. Fellow cruisers getting ready to make the "Puddle Jump" as well were there and getting prepared. We enjoyed more company from home, found some time to get away and play in the sun and surf. Finally we prepared and provisioned ourselves before we bid our farewells and began our crossing of the Pacific Ocean.
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Ipala to Manzanillo |
After our 3 week trip back home to get Papa back on his feet we returned to a well cared for Ohana Kai. A few days of preparation and we were back on the road. Anticipating more visitors in Zihuatanejo, we made a few quick stops along the way to sight see or play. Ipala was a nice quiet anchorage for our first night out, Chamela offered a great spot for a playing on the beach with Lawur and the celebration of our newly arrived Puddle Jump t-shirts with new friends on s/v New Dawn. Careyes was a quick sight see detour. Tenacatita had a bit of surf and a fast and fun jungle river tour. Barre de Navidad holds a beautiful new resort & marina. Manzanillo offered the perfect rest stop as we geared up for an overnighter down to Zihuatanejo next.
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Puerto Vallarta |
Almost 2 months of memories to draw from in Puerto Vallarta. We had old friends visit from the states, reconnected with a lot of cruisers and made amazing new friends. We ate out more than we care to admit from our favorite tamale Senora on the corner to great restaurants all over town. We covered the town on foot, by bus, and zip lines. We worked on a lot of boat projects in preparation for our next trek down to Zihuantanejo and then the crossing coming up in April.
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Chacala |
Chacala is a little oasis tucked in the side of jungle covered cliffs dotted with mango plantations. We had a nice hike to the top of the ridge and enjoyed a nice meal at a restaurant/bed & breakfast called Mahajua.
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San Blas |
In San Blas we gave ourselves a self guided tour of the Tovara Jungle in the hopes of finding some wildlife such as turtles, native birds and maybe a crocodile. Look who we found! At the end of the tour is a fresh spring water swimming hole. We all had the chance to enjoy swimming in the waters, including the crocodile.
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Isla Isabella |
Right after New Year's we headed east and ventured across the Sea of Cortez to get to mainland Mexico. In the middle of the sea we stopped to celebrate Sebastian's birthday and caught a marlin. We motored our way over to Isla Isabella, known as an amazing bird sanctuary. They weren't kidding. We were able to explore the islands and their territories. We were treated to the views of thousands of frigate birds, blue and brown boobies, pelicans and iguanas mating, nesting and thriving.
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La Paz |
We ventured into La Paz the week before Christmas to do some last minute preparations for the season. It was a change to be connected to a dock after not being tied to land for almost 7 weeks. Endless electricity and water are quite a luxury. La Paz itself is full old world cultural experiences and new world comforts. We enjoyed walking the whole town, meeting new faces and catching up with old friends. Lawur arrived the day before Christmas just like they said and we all enjoyed the season together.
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Cabo San Lucas |
Cabo San Lucas rises up out of the rock much like Las Vegas rises up out of the desert. It is alive with activity of all types especially in regards to the water. We stayed a few days to partake of the snorkeling, local food and fun. We left there with the wind hard against our nose and decided to hide out in Los Frailes for a couple of days with the same group of boats before we all headed up for La Paz.
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Southern Baja California |
Abreojos, San Juanico, Bahia Santa Maria. Wind, waves, a great hike over the mountain and our first taste of fish. We met up again with the crew from "Float On" and they led us over the point to find this view on the other side of the point from Bahia Santa Maria.
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Central Baja California |
After clearing the border we hopped our way down through each bay: San Tomas, Bahia de Colnett, San Quintin, Punta Baja, San Carlos, Bahia Blanca, Punta Negra, Santa Rosalillita, Cedros Island, Bahia de Tortuga, and Asuncion. Most stops were quick with the exception of surfing in Rosalillita and our great Thanksgiving in Asuncion in the central portion of Baja.
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Ensenada, Mexico & Northern Baja |
Our first stop across the border. We anchored in the bay and made our way through customs with the help of Roger from Baja Naval. Hola Amigo, Buenos Dias, Mucho Gusto... that is about all we remember from our high school days of spanish classes. Hopefully we will have a whole lot more under our belts when our 5 month stay here is through. We walked the town, did some provisioning, found a great playground to get out some energy.
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Oceanside, Mission Bay and San Diego |
A quick stop in Oceanside brought the pleasant surprise of company. A large schooner on tour. We spent one night in Mission Bay to survey the San Diego scene and make our next move into Glorietta Bay. After the Baja Haha crews headed out on Oct. 31 we made our move for the police docks and with encouragement from new friends the Schmid family, enjoyed the town for a week.
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Newport & Dana Point |
Newport known for it's great waves, didn't disappoint. The "Wedge" wasn't large but the waves were great for the boys. We enjoyed the Venice style town even with the first L.A. rain storm of the season, including lightning. From there we made a quick stop in beautiful Dana Point. A great town with friendly people and more good surfing.
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Ventura & Marina del Rey |
After the Channel Islands we tucked into Ventura Harbor. We reprovisioned and discovered the fun of geocaching, a treasure hunt with a GPS. Under the great Santa Ana winds we left for Marina del Rey and had a great sail, 25-35 knot winds. We even had our second hitchhiker, affectionately named Hootie, the owl.
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Santa Barbara & Channel Islands |
Santa Barbara Harbor, our favorite marina yet. We spent a couple of days there to get some school work done and enjoy the beach a bit. Light breezes, warm sun and long beaches. The people and the town were wonderful. After there we head out for a quick trip to San Mateo and Santa Cruz Islands and experienced a lot of firsts, including climbing, creatures and caves.
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Morro Bay & San Luis Obispo |
Morro Bay we found a great beach by the Morro Rock for the 3 Martin boys to play in the water together. Dolphins joined them in the fun. From there we headed for warmer weather in San Luis Obispo and enjoyed some great hospitality and a visit from our friends the Clifford family from New Zealand.
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Santa Cruz, Capitola & Monterey |
Santa Cruz brought the beach and a celebration of Matthew's 7th birthday on the Board walk. Roller coasters and cotton candy! Capitola brought the Elste family over for another visit and a fun beach and surf day. Monterey brought the famed Monterey Bay Aquarium.
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Golden Gate to Yosemite and Beyond |
We crossed under the Golden Gate Bridge with a bit of fog, found a slip in Coyote Point and began our road trips. My parents home in Los Altos was base. From there we ventured to see the Elstes and Martins in Modesto and Yosemite, the Exploratorium in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and the boys Great Grandma Mimi in Reno, NV.
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Bon Voyage - Port Orchard, WA to Fort Bragg, CA |
July 11, 2005 - We're on our way! After a great send off from family and friends, we departed from Seattle and began the first leg of our newest adventure. With great weather we arrived in Fort Bragg, CA in just one week. We stop here in Albion for our annual camping trip. As always, it is full of fishing, fantastic food and lots of fun.
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Inside Passage to Alaska Summer 2004 |
2004 - Our 2 month shake down cruise that took us all through the Inside Passage and north to Auke Bay, Alaska just north of Juneau. We were entertained by waterfalls, whales, ice bergs, glaciers and celebrations along the way. Both sets of parents were able to join us again for different legs of the trip to experience life on the water. Best of all, the trip left us wanting for even more.
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Seattle - Princess Louisa Inlet, BC Summer 2002 |
2002 - A 2 week cruise to Canada. This was our first real venture outside of Washington waters with this boat. We explored the San Juan's and were able to take both Bruce's and my parents up through the Malibu Rapids to experience the amazing waterfalls and deep waters of Princess Louisa Inlet. |
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