The good ship Magic Carpet.
She’s versatile! Now an assisted living vessel snugly nestled in Marina La Cruz, where each afternoon the cool Pacific breeze’s sweeps through her cabins offering a daily reminder of what waits the Admirals recovery. After a total reverse titanium shoulder replacement & an eight day Hospital stay the crew of Magic Carpet is again complete. Long ago our boat was set up for single handed sailing, all lines lead aft & there are handhelds & safety lines everywhere insuring the Admirals doesn’t fall again. The dock master & crew built a step up to Magic Carpet insuring easy on & off. The Captain stepped right up and took over as director of this assisted living vessel covering all bases as needed. The nurses & care personal of San Javier Hospital instructed the Captain on her care to prevent infection and insure fast recovery. The physical therapist team showed him helpful exercises to help insure compete movement, the dietitian discussed proper nutrition to encourage fast healing. So after a little over a week we returned to our boat, yes I say we because the Captain was with the Admiral 24/7 during her Hospital stay a local custom. Gustavo our driver guaranties safe comfortable transpiration to Doctor Appointments & physical therapy sections. Sonja picks up laundry and returns it the next day clean and nicely folded when called. The Captain draws the line at hair care he’s all for cutting it off. To avoid the Captain sheers. Nallely shampoos and washes away the stress gray that suddenly started to appear as needed. The Captain dose a great breakfast an easy lunch and he’s a genius at dinner he calls out! Several favorite local restaurants prepare meals under the Captains watchful eye even offering suggestions as to what they could do especially for the Admiral.
When we first arrived back in La Cruz at what now seems like ages ago with a broken auto pilot, we were amazed at how comfortable & welcomed we felt. Locals greeted us and told what was happening in there little cobbled stoned village, cruising friends were everywhere. Banderas Bay racing season was in full swing, there are puddle jump seminars for the 2016 Pacific crossing, circles of knowledge discussions on Panama, Ecuador, El Salvador this is a busy Bay. Now once again returning after surgery we are touched by the warmth & caring this community shows. Locals ask the Captain if they could visit, if we need anything just ask. As the Admiral struggles on her daily walks the greetings always cheer us. Sometimes a local comes out and sits with the Admiral sharing a story or two and even brings out a cold bottle water that makes the walk a little easier. We can’t help thinking how different it would be at “home”. We were right in choosing to convalesce here surrounded by friends & fellow cruisers.

The Admiral has become a VHF radio junkie, never far from her I Com hand held. We have been greatly saddened and fascinated by the loss of Rage a 45 foot cold molded sloop here on the La Cruz entrance reef. The struggle between the owner/Captain, environmentalist, Port Captain, Insurance Rep’s, Surveyors’ is truly a sailors nightmare. The small silver lining in this giant black cloud tragic loss is the support & helping hands of fellow cruisers & Marina La Cruz. Magic Carpets Captain was asked to photograph this recovery/salvage ordeal; some of the photos will be posted in our gallery.

Magic Carpets “Honey do list” is shorting items the Captain has given low proity to but the Admiral rated much higher are now getting attention. Even little Z has Findlay learned it’s not wise to bit the hand that feeds you! She two is now completely dependent on the Captain for her needs & wants. It currently looks like we will be at the docks for 60 days or more depending on the Admiral’s therapy progress. The peace and tranquility of being at Sea & secluded anchorages that sooth our souls is on hold.