Justin Francis Self-Portrait

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Good bye Steady Beat

We said good bye to Steady Beat on July 16. She has a new owner and a new life in Hawaii.
Why did we sell her? well simply because we ran out of money. We enjoyed our time on her and together while on the ocean but its time for us to get some jobs. Our plan is to buy another boat (smaller) to cruise the BC coast maybe in a year.
She was great 1st boat for us but it was time to move on.

We had an incredible adventure in Mexico and Hawaii and met so many great cruisers and non cruisers!

It will be an adjustment for us to be back on land but we know that we have been really lucky to have done 8 months of cruising for our honeymoon. We look foreward to cruising the BC coast and catching up with everyone.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Transpac, Transpac, all I am seeing are transpac boats!

So yes the 2009 Transpac boats have arrived with the fastest boat crossing the Pacific Ocean in 5 days and 14 hours setting a new record. There are parties and celebrations everywhere for the boats! Where was our party for lasting 27 days out at sea!!!?


Transpac boat with escort entering Ala Wai Harbour

When we got back form the mainland our chain plates were ready and we put them back on the boat late at night and early in the morning to beat the heat. I have been going to yoga classes at Diamond head and have gone out surfing twice! Roger, our next door neighbour and legend here in Hawaii, was kind enough to offer to teach me how to surf. With the south swell gone and the waves "little ankle bitters" I decided to give it a try.....and I have had such an amazing time! Roger takes his remodeled Boston Whaler with surfboards out beyond the break, drops anchor and surfs. Often Dr. John, a former high school student of Rogers, goes out too. Roger gets in the water with fins and a snorkel and pushes me when the waves come, helping me catch the waves. I am happy to report that as of today I am able to catch my own waves, stand and maneuver the board!! On the way back into the boat harbour we saw a pod of dolphins with babies, making my day!!! Roger is what the Aloha spirit is all about! Did I mention that he turned 72 on Sunday!

Dalia


Roger and Dr.John going out to surf


Jerry working on his boat "Glorious". Jerry was our neighbour in Mazatlan (Dock 6) and here!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

San Francisco

So we crossed the pacific to the mainland and it took us 5 hours...by PLANE! Justin's dad invited us to San Francisco to help him move apartments so we got on a plane and flew over the ocean. It was a bit humbling to do the trip back in 5 hours but I think we are still proud of our 27 days!

We helped move furniture in the morning and enjoyed the sites in the afternoon. We were also spoiled with great dinners a mere walk away from the apartment.

San Francisco is a fantastic city and we enjoyed the change from the Hyper-touristy Honolulu. Here are a couple of photos of our trip.


Dinner at a great little Italian restaurant


Justin and Gordon with the Golden Gate Bridge


Dalia and FAT CAT with the hills of San Francisco in the background