We spent a lovely 5 days at the AFaSYN, Yacht Club of Argentina, and enjoyed the cosmopolitan lifestyle in Mar de Plata. One thing about Argentina is that the coffee, pastries, and meat are great. The feeling is European and public transport is good. We were really looking forward to Buenos Aires, putting Frannie away and heading for the Pantanal in Brazil before heading home, but it was not to be.

One thing about cruising, plans always change. We took off for the two day short hop to Piriapolis, Uruguay and upon arriving at the marina and yard where we planned to haul, we were told that only under "emergencia" could we even enter. We anchored out, went in and were able to beg for 3 days in the marina. The hardstand would only be available for 3 months stays. Not enough for us, as that would put us back in the water in the middle of the South American winter. Hmmm What to do? At the same time, my sister in Connecticut was reporting that my dad was failing fast and she was under a lot of stress trying to keep it all together.

So, we rented a car and literally drove from one end of Uruguay to the other. One thing we learned about Uruguay, terrible coffee, great beef, 3 million people and 12 million cows. We visited every small marina there was and after much hoping we realized that none felt secure enough weather-wise for us to leave Frannie B for what would be 8 months. The only thing we could come up with was sailing Frannie B an additional 4000 plus miles to Trinidad. I didn't really feel right leaving my sister hanging for another two months and the prospect of losing my dad and not being there felt wrong so I made the decision to fly back to Connecticut from here. Not sure I cherished the idea of 30 days more at sea either. Rachel said that she would help sail and of course many of our good friends offered to drop everything and come down. I feel especially lucky to have such great sailing friends. Boshie was the first to say yes. So now Ned has a "fourth wife" and probably two of the most experienced sailing crews he could find. Lucky guy! I am lucky that they will keep him in line and safe. I might have killed him if he didn't throw me overboard first. More photos when I return to Ct.

I begged another week in the marina, Rachel and Ned took off for Buenos Aires today. Hopefully R will get some great photos of Ned doing the Tango. I sit at a lovely café and will head for Connecticut tonight.