What a summer we have had. Leaving Ta-b safe in the Rio Dulce whilst we travelled has proved to be an excellent decision. She is being so well looked after in Tortugal Marina and at a third of the price we would normally pay. We recommend the marina to all our cruising friends.

We started our trip in Vancouver celebrating Amy’s graduation from UBC, a very special day. Her flatmate Ali was in Toronto for a couple of months so we became Amy’s “roomies” subletting Ali’s room. It was a treat to spend so much time together and with Edwin just a couple of blocks away it was a perfect place to stay. Russell’s sister Jillie also spent a couple of days with us on her way back to NZ from Croatia, a memorable family time.

Within a few weeks Russell flew to New Zealand to see his family and I flew in the opposite direction to England to see mine. In a short space of time we both managed to see a few friends whilst spending as much time as possible with our respective Mothers. Russell’s mum Gypsy is 92 and still living on her own (with help) and walks up to the village every day for her daily capaccino. She is still very with it and I look forward to seeing her when we arrive in NZ with Ta-b in November 2016. My mum sadly is in the last stages of alzheimers. It is terribly hard watching someone you love so much go through such a cruel disease, I only hope that they find a cure in the near future.

Back in Vancouver we spent our time around appointments, kids, friends and enjoying all that the summer months have to offer. It was our first summer in Vancouver for eight years and we certainly lucked out with the weather, I think we could count the overcast and/or rainy days on one hand. We even managed some time on the water, sailing with a friend one day and going up towards Deep Cove on a friend’s Grand Banks on another.

We took a trip into the interior to visit the Okanagan Lake area and then on up to Sun Peaks to visit friends Ken and Cathy. We love Sun Peaks, however it was our first summer visit and we loved our mountain hiking, lake canoeing, golf and even go carting. It was a busy and fun filled few days.

Another trip was to Sechelt to see friends who we have not seen for a long time, one of them being Amy’s godmother. It was soon after the forest fires, when Vancouver suffered quite a few days of smoke filled skies, and you could see the devestation that the fires had caused. Certainly a few days of rain would have been welcome, everyone was praying for them, but while we were around they did not come. It has been the same in Guatemala, the rainy season which normally starts in May has not arrived.

Another trip to the islands was also planned. First we went to Salt Spring Island. Getting off the ferry felt like coming home, as in the past we have spent a lot of time at Scott Point, one of our yacht club outstations. We stayed with Rich and Kim who have just built a house and met their realtor our second night there. Well one thing led to another and the following day we went to look at a house on Old Scott Road. It was love at first sight and although not planned we are now, just over three weeks later, proud owners of a very special waterfront home. Now we are able to look forward to returning to land in a few years time.

After Salt Spring we continued over to Vancouver Island where we spent time in Nanoose Bay, Victoria, Cumberland and Fanny Bay. It was great to catch up with many of our friends who live there, and to know that they will soon be our neighbours.

Our last few days in Vancouver were spent going to Bard on the Beach, A Comedy of Errors an excellent production. Having a party for Amy and Edwin’s friends and also another for ours. Lunches here, dinners there and the last appointments to make sure we are in top form for our next adventure. Both our laneway house and condo rentals were excellent and we would recommend airbnb to everyone. If you do think of using airbnb please let us know as we get credit for an introduction ☺

We are currently staying at Atitlan Lake in Guatemala, apparently one of the most beautiful lakes in the world to visit. It certainly is spectacular. We are spending a few weeks traveling before returning to Ta-b. Our upcoming plans are to work on the boat for a couple of months before setting of to Belize in November, weather permitting. We hope to be in Cuba for December and will head down to the San Blas islands via Jamacia/Cayman Islands (always depends on winds) in January.

Then the Panama and South Pacific are on the agenda for next year so that we can arrive in New Zealand before the Cyclone Season in November 2016. We have various friends who may join us, sadly we are never able to say when AND where we will be because of the wind (the weather controls our lives when we are sailing) so it is either where OR when, never both. However, if you are in the area do let us know, as we may be close and it is always fun having friends on board for a week or so.

On that note I will sign off. Please see the gallery for all of our pictures, they often tell so much more than words and I do add captions for more information. Stay safe, happy and healthy. Hugs J&R