We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving today. In the US today it is our day of giving thanks for the blessings that we have received throughout the year and Mary Margaret and I have a lot to be thankful for. Not the least is the successful crossing of the Indian Ocean. We are also very thankful for our three children, their respective mates, our two grandchildren, our respective extended families and all of our friends. It is family and friends which make this life so enjoyable and we are blessed with have them.

Today we joined Michael, Susan and Mathew of S/V Infini, Randy and Jenny of S/V Mystic and Olga and Cornelius whose boat name I am not sure of, for a Thanksgiving Dinner. We all brought delicious goodies to share but the centerpiece was the golden brown turkey that Susan cooked and Michael carved. We had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, chicken, dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, creamed carrots (instead of sweet potatoes), mixed salad, artichoke dip, bread and for dessert: apple pie and steaming hot coffee. Three types of wines complimented the meal along with beer for those who preferred a frosty brew instead of nectar of the grape.

Everything was delicious and there was plenty for seconds and even thirds. As with such a dinner back in the US, afterwards everyone was stuffed and happy! The comradely amongst our cruiser friends was wonderful and we all have a memorable time spending Thanksgiving Day in Simon's Town, within sight of the Cape of Good Hope.

Earlier in the day morning, Mary Margaret and I walked through Simon's Town with what turned out to be 20 kilograms of dirty clothes. We dropped them off at the Washing Well Laundry Service, which is run by two charming women. Since our generator is not working right now, we cannot use our washing machine. It does not like the 50 Hz that South Africa's shore power is based on.

Coming back we stopped at a couple of bakeries and loaded up with fresh baked bread, croissants, pecan torts and two types of quiches. We are set for breakfast for the next few days.

Mary Margaret spied a little artist fair where they had set up stands overlooking the wharf and bay which we just had to explore. An hour later we needed two of the artists to help carry all of the art work that we bought back to the boat. This stuff was absolutely incredible! Beautiful stone carvings, wood carvings, scrimshaw, wall hangings and elaborate African masks. I had thought that we had previously bought all of the Christmas gifts that we are bring back to the US but I was wrong! Mary Margaret just loves to give as gifts things that are unique to the places that we travel through and the art work that we saw today was just too beautiful to pass up. Plus, it was very, very reasonably priced which made it easier to succumb to the urges of buying. Thank goodness we can each take two large pieces of luggage for free on the flight back to the US. Now we just need to figure out how to bring back our clothes...