I am rapidly moving into the next phase of my cruising adventure. But really it's not cruising, it really is more aptly characterized as a re-entry back into society. But I would only consider myself a fringe element.

I have been busier than ever but was slowed down for a few days of flu like symptoms, but I think I'm coming out of the snafu. I spent another few days in San Juan working mostly on my taxes and my MAC iBook situation. I dropped off the MAC at the repair shop for diagnostics last Monday. The shop told me they would have the machine checked out by Wedsday. They subsequently closed for the entire week starting on Tuesday due to the Good Friday week. Whatever. Irritating in the extreme as it leaves me hamstrung without my computer, especially when I trying to do my taxes. Oh well.

I am happy to report that I have identified my new favorite breakfast joint in San Juan called Pinky's. Right around the corner from Kim's place. You'd think this would be a trivial matter, but for a retired guy a good breakfast place is key for launching a good day. It has great coffee, all kinds of good inexpensive food with the assorted people watching. I have also really enjoyed the beach combing on the north shore in San Juan. The beaches are pretty nice indeed. This week the entire Caribbean was hit by the largest north swell in 50 years. The port of San Juan was closed with swells as large as 35 feet. Crazy. But on the south coast in Salinas, Christa was tucked in snug as a bug.

So yesterday on the way back to Salinas from San Juan, a mere 92 miles, Kim and I made a stop at Ft. Buchannon exchange to pick up a bike for the kid. Really a key piece of gear for shore side living. You can see me pictured on the "blue bomber" my first beach cruiser ever. Gotta be happy with the $69.00 sticker price and no tax! You see the town of Salinas is about a mile from the marina/hotel complex so a bike is needed, plus I love riding a bike. The world just looks differently from a bike seat.

And lastly, today I signed the contract for a slip at the marina. April 1st I will back Christa into a slip and hook up to shore power and give Christa her first real bath in months. Living large no doubt. I will work on getting some pictures and video of the marina complex and the surrounding area. It is really cool and unique to say the least. So as you may surmise, I'm happy with how things are unfolding. It was tough this morning to talk with Snark, Iresie and Another Adventure as they departed Salinas for the East Caribbean. I am the last of the gang and the only one to hang in Salinas. But I do know that folks aren't very far. Adamo is in St. Croix as Snark will be. Prudence is a mere 70 miles based in Culebra, Independence will be in Venezuela this summer and head back north next seaso and Loon checked in on the blog comments the other day from Antiqua. Knowing this gives me great anticipation for a phat juicy cruising season next year!

Capt Chris