July 6, 2008

"Once freedom has exploded in the soul of a man, the gods have no more power over him." Jean-Paul Sartre

Yesterday (Saturday) it took all day to do 3 things First, to find 2 alternator belts, to do the laundry and finally grocery shop.
No one speaks or seems to want to speak English or even help me. Nothing is written in anything but Portuguese so it takes twice as long to accomplish anything. It gives me a better appreciation for what immigrants and foreign visitors experience in America.

We could not find anyone who could fill our propane tank due to a difference in regulators but we have a tip where we can purchase a propane bottle with an attached burner for $45 Reals ($30 USD). That is much more preferable than eating out of a cans because without propane we wouldn't be able to cook anything.

I went walking in the industrial section today to see if I could find a place to get alternator belts tomorrow (we adjusted the bracket and the ones I got yesterday no longer fit). Everything (and I mean everything) is closed today including convenience stores (is that an oxymoron?).

Brazil is pretty, and tropical and the pool is nice here (attached to a five star hotel) but we are ready to leave after a couple of nights rest. We know we are ready to leave because when we get up in the middle of the night to go to the head we start checking the battery banks etc. as if we are going on watch.

Everything is ready to make passage: we had delivered to us 400 liters of diesel at $1.50 USD per liter (is that good?) not as cheap as my friend purchased last year in Venezuela ($0.14 per gallon) yes I said fourteen cents per gallon. I am carrying 200 liters in jerry jugs as well as our 100 gallon tank. We only used 40 gallons from St. Helena to Fortaleza just to charge batteries; we were able to sail the entire way.
I have to say I feel great both physically and mentally (I hope this does not jinx me) but the sense of freedom out here is intoxicating.
When I am on watch I am looking at charts of places that would be great to sail to, and dreaming of doing that with Donna, the dogs and friends. That would be the best situation of all. See you when I get back.

Update: July 8, 2008 all stocked and ready our plan is to set sail at 6am. Our heading is Barbados but we will be closely monitoring our route for any tropical storm activity. The alternate plan is to head for St Lucia as provides more protection. Next communication should be 12-14 days.... Stay tuned..............Wayne