well everyone has been asking how is the boat coming along so I figured I would show you that we have everything that we need....

The provisioning day has been an active and successful series of events. Kyle's crate from USA filled with all types of goodies such as tools, dinghy and motor etc. Arrived and all the contents were stowed or prepared as required. We are fortunate to have lots of safety gear around so the vessel INTHEWIND will be fully outfitted to take on anything that mother nature will throw at us. John T. The delivery Captain compiled a great list for provisioning so it was off to the local markets to proceed to fill the list. I love provisioning as it seems to cause a great deal of excitement in any of the stores that we visit. The mulitude of shopping carts filled to the brim with canned goods, paper towels, and other supplies regardless of the country I am in whether it be Canada, Venezuela ,Grenada or here in South Africa generate the most interesting puzzled looks from the locals. The food that is available is great and we have a ton of room on the vessel...no skimping for this lot...

The jetlag seemed to be going OK and yesterday was filled with getting a Visa and making lists of things to do and places to go. Today we need to haul-out to attach a dynoplate so a short trip to the Royal Cape Town Yacht club was in order. Good thing we hauled her out as we discovered that the folding props that were supposedly installed were actually regular props. New boats take a lot of attention from right out of the factory and the folks at Robertson and Caine have been very good to deal with although they are all run off their feet to supply the Caribbean charter market. The Cape Town Harbour is absolutely huge and accommodates vessels from all over the world. This was the first time I have ever seen an oil rig up close and personal ... these structures are an engineering marvel. The list is getting shorter and we seem to be on schedule for our departure next week.

The workers and most businesses that are shipyard related close down for the most part on the weekend. This gave us a great opportunity to see the sights of this wonderful area. Kyle has been officially designated as an honorary tour guide as he has toured all of his guests around to these spots so often it is amazing that the baboons aren't wearing Harley shirts. The landscape outside of the city is a rugged mix of sparse plants situated among numerous jutting and balancing rocks with a rugged blue ocean background. The view from anywhere was simply awe inspiring. We had a great Sunday brunch style stopover at an outside garden patio style pub. The music was playing and the afternoon was going along great. The coastline is as rugged as can be which makes it beautiful as well as majestic. The only way I can describe it is that it seems that in this area of South Africa the harmony between raw nature and the sophisticated urban interface has been found. I am restricted to 1 picture for the blog but I will try and get more photos up on the website when I finally get some reliable wifi. South Africa is a must ad to your bucket list. Beautiful nature, people and country!!

The flight from Seattle to Amsterdam was a long red eye style affair but for the most part it was good. Having a seat selection that gave me the option of stretching out in the seats next to me for some sleep is definitely a comfortable way to fly. After a short layover in Amsterdam I was crammed between 2 biker dudes that were very tired from their flight from Seattle one being very jovial and the other being a bit of a grump. The middle seat on a crowded aircraft is the epitome of traveller's hell!! The nice part was that the aircraft was large enough for some roaming around. The view of the desert and Africa was breathtaking and magical. If you are considering a flight make sure you attempt at least to do the last leg in the daytime as it is well worth it.

Barb and I were up bright and early for the flight to Seattle. My mission in Seattle is to find an American Flag...no such luck here at the airport and some of the staff actually had no idea what I was talking about ...even when I switched to Spanish so I was unsuccessful. The 3 hour wait will be made up of pacing and lounging in succession so the boredom won't set in yet. Security has been easy and very friendly so things are looking good for this journey. Up up and away to Amsterdam...I think I might take the "Drink Monkey" along with me .....