We are writing to wish you greetings for the holiday season and best wishes for a most enjoyable New Year. We thought we would send an update as so many of our attempts over the past few years has been less than successful and we now, as we wait for our #3 grandbaby to come home, we have the time.A year ago this date (Dec. 23'09)we escaped the clutches of the US Customs and Border Patrol and departed San Diego. We headed south for Mexico with crew Kelly and Dave Kendall aboard the new Blue. You may remember Dave and Kelly from our earlier adventures, they are the couple that were living aboard SV Shearwater in the slip next to us in a marina in Benecia. The last time we mentioned them was on our trip up the San Joachin River back in '05. We reconnected with them in, of all places the Napa Valley Marina in summer of '09 and then again in the fall of '09. It was in Monterey where we convinced Dave and Kelly to "go for a boat ride". With 
their arrival we departed San Diego and arrived in Ensenada on Christmas Eve we breezed through customs, immigration, Capitinia de Puerto and importation of the boat before they closed for the holiday. Departing Christmas Day we headed uneventfully south with stops in 
Turtle Bay, where most of the crew went for their first dip (still not warm enough for Maureen). Then on to Bahia Magdalena where we celebrated the New Year with a number of new cruiser friends. Next port of call San Jose del Cabo, we've never seen as many whales and dolphins as we saw on this leg of our journey, it was fabulous. A bumpy passage as we crossed from the Baja to the mainland side, the upside of the passage was that much to Dave's delight we caught a yellow fin tuna, just a perfect size for 4 people for 2 meals, yummy. We arrived in La Cruz in Bahia Banderas (just west of Puerto Vallarta) where our friends Kelly and Dave left us in early January to get back to their lives. After an exciting 7 weeks in La Cruz, su
rviving waterspouts (tornadoes on the water) and a weather bomb (kind of like a 45 min. hurricane). Weather bombs are not expected in the winter months but as much the rest of the globe saw unusual weather systems so did Mexico. We saw 59 knots on our windspeed indicator, and were heeled over while tied up at the dock which was nothing compared to what those folks in the anchorage not protected by the breakwater had to deal with; 100 knot winds, dragging anchors and boats banging into one another. Or, those folks living around the bay, where trees had been torn out of the ground, fences flattened, roads covered in mud. Fortunately, we only heard of a couple of injuries, one a cruiser friend, Nadine was found under one of those flattened fences, happily I report after about 4 weeks was completely healed and back cruising again, and another cruiser fell down the companion way and broke her arm. After all the excitement and working on the numerous boat jobs still required to make Blue into the vessel we need and want, we headed north to Mazatlan. Most of our time in Mazatlan was spent getting acquainted with the new boat as we gradually made her our own, rebuilding lots of stuff on the way. "Boat building in exotic places" is a phrase we use often, don't know who to give credit to, but are grateful for the accuracy of the phrase.
their arrival we departed San Diego and arrived in Ensenada on Christmas Eve we breezed through customs, immigration, Capitinia de Puerto and importation of the boat before they closed for the holiday. Departing Christmas Day we headed uneventfully south with stops in 
Turtle Bay, where most of the crew went for their first dip (still not warm enough for Maureen). Then on to Bahia Magdalena where we celebrated the New Year with a number of new cruiser friends. Next port of call San Jose del Cabo, we've never seen as many whales and dolphins as we saw on this leg of our journey, it was fabulous. A bumpy passage as we crossed from the Baja to the mainland side, the upside of the passage was that much to Dave's delight we caught a yellow fin tuna, just a perfect size for 4 people for 2 meals, yummy. We arrived in La Cruz in Bahia Banderas (just west of Puerto Vallarta) where our friends Kelly and Dave left us in early January to get back to their lives. After an exciting 7 weeks in La Cruz, su
rviving waterspouts (tornadoes on the water) and a weather bomb (kind of like a 45 min. hurricane). Weather bombs are not expected in the winter months but as much the rest of the globe saw unusual weather systems so did Mexico. We saw 59 knots on our windspeed indicator, and were heeled over while tied up at the dock which was nothing compared to what those folks in the anchorage not protected by the breakwater had to deal with; 100 knot winds, dragging anchors and boats banging into one another. Or, those folks living around the bay, where trees had been torn out of the ground, fences flattened, roads covered in mud. Fortunately, we only heard of a couple of injuries, one a cruiser friend, Nadine was found under one of those flattened fences, happily I report after about 4 weeks was completely healed and back cruising again, and another cruiser fell down the companion way and broke her arm. After all the excitement and working on the numerous boat jobs still required to make Blue into the vessel we need and want, we headed north to Mazatlan. Most of our time in Mazatlan was spent getting acquainted with the new boat as we gradually made her our own, rebuilding lots of stuff on the way. "Boat building in exotic places" is a phrase we use often, don't know who to give credit to, but are grateful for the accuracy of the phrase.
April 22 we hauled out in the new Singular yard in Mazatlan and flew north to Sacramento. We were lucky enough to be picked up by friends SV Big Wonderful, Mel and Sandy to end up once again in Napa to visit our Napa Valley family and pick up our car. After spending a week with our Napa family, Jeff, Kimberley, kids (Cole, Sven, Signe and Sofphie), and even a brief visit with Jeff's mom Linda we headed out.
May saw us driving north to Anacortes for our biannual visit with friends SV Bravado Carl and Linda before arriving in Victoria just in time for
May saw us driving north to Anacortes for our biannual visit with friends SV Bravado Carl and Linda before arriving in Victoria just in time for
Frances' 5th birthday, Chris' bday and visiting with friends. And of course, boat chores as the 'little' Blue was for sale and needed some maintenance. By June 9 we had done all our stuff, which usually only includes getting our health, dental, optical and of course boat needs addressed this year we also included the sale of our condo and moving our 'stuff' into what we expect will be a much less expensive storage locker. So, we're now homeless and officially couch surfing and living out of our car. To start our annual 'mid Canada tour' first stop was a sleepover with friends Tim and Susan, formerly SV Falcon VII, Kamloops was our next stop visiting with friends Jim and Karen. Then to Edmonton to celebrate
Leah's first birthday and do as much child care as possible to make up for the whole left from our last visit and some 'job jar' jobs to keep Dick busy at Lane and Jay's house. Then a visit to Calgary kids for more home renos with Hans and Kelly including preparing a nursery. We flew to Winnipeg living the car in Edmonton and Dick had the opportunity to do some more 'job jar' jobs at Helen's house and he got to help build a fence at Sharon and Eric's. Good time was had with all the rellies and friends. Visits to the lake, and even a sailing day with 
Dorianna and Phil.
One of the highlights of Dick's life was to go to Harmony University at the U of Western Missouri for the first week of August. A week of singing and learning Barbershop music, like no other and will last a lifetime. Strike that one of the 'bucket list'. After flying back to Edmonton we picked up the car/home and drove back to Victoria. August also saw the sale of little Blue. It was a happy/sad day, lots of memories and experiences to leave with her. She has a perfect new owner and we are now proud to say we're only 'one boat stupid'. An expression that we learned from another cruiser SV Keetya, Rob who has been 2 boat stupid just as we were. We finished off medical appointments visited with friends mid island and then drove south on 28 August to accumulate more boat parts for the new Blue.
We were based once again in Napa with Jeff after visiting Carl and Linda in Washington and SV Ladara Star Larry and Danice in Oregon. We picked up many supplies as well as all the gear for a new roller-furling mainsail. That turned out to be a beautiful and practical modification. With many thanks to cousin Hartley and nephew Chris
for their expertise and helpful suggestions manipulating the flat pieces of stainless steel.
Arrived in Mazatlan by car uneventfully in mid September, we had heard the 'warnings' of problems driving in Mexico. So, we were cautious, as we would be driving/visiting any foreign country. We, mostly, kept to the sped limit (hard for m to do) obeyed the signs (or at least the ones we were able to translate) and behaved like responsible tourists. Bob at Total Yacht Works was ready to do the bottom job, which was a boat job we had planned to have done, and done it was, expertly and efficiently. He faired all the blisters applied a barrier coat and bottom paint for about 15% of what it would have cost in the US or Canada, Yeah! We launched Sept 28 and promptly bought a window air conditioner that we placed over the aft hatch so that we could sleep on board. It was HOT, high 30's during the days and cooling down in the evenings to the high 20's and humidity around the ~80% range. Needless to say we lived in an air-conditioned motel unit for a couple weeks before the launch, doing the jobs that would have been impossible on the hard, with the heat and humidity, and got a good nights sleep. While Maureen sewed the new interior upholstery for the salon in air-conditioned comfort for one of those weeks Dick toiled in the heat building and wiring and putting things together and taking things apart.
We spent October at El Cid Marina enjoying the pool and meeting new sailors and reacquainting ourselves with the 'old'. We especially enjoyed meeting a South African couple, who are on a 'around the world' passage. Neville and Maggie on MV Blue,
a 46-foot Nordhavn a power boat. Last we saw (via their blogsite) them they were headed for the Galapagos on their way (back) to South Africa. We continued doing 'boat jobs' as best, and as much as we could in the heat. The air conditioner was only adequate to cool the aft cabin so chores took a very long time. Our days looked something like this; 10 min. of work, fan break (that's where you stand in front of the fan for 10 min.) followed by a water break (that's where you drink water for 10 min.) followed by 10 min. of work. Repeat until you needed a real cool down where you would jump in the pool (which was almost the same temp as the air) shower off and return to the boat supposedly letting the air dry/cool you down. Then you repeat that cycle until you finish the task or quit because it's cocktail hour. Fortunately, we did have a comfortable nights sleep. If you dared venture out of the aft cabin the night air would assault you. It was like being wrapped in a wet blanket and you were reminded of the reality of living in Mexico in the summer. The end of October and the weather broke, bringing cooler temps and less humidity. Time to get moving.
November 1 we were back in Puerto Vallarta at Paradise Village again enjoying the resort, yacht club and pools. We had Victoria friends Kevin and Cidalia and another couple, join us for a day sail.
Then on board, mid November Uncle Jack from Winnipeg joined us for a couple of weeks. He willingly joined us everywhere we went and had a great time. All the cruising folks he met on his visit were still asking about him and wondering when he is coming back.
Dec 1 we moved to La Cruz and settled in the marina, preparing the boat for guests while we return to the Great White North. On, Dec 7th we flew to Calgary to supervise the arrival of our third granddaughter. Dick worked with Hans building a rec room in the basement and Maureen finished her knitting project and helped Opa finish the cradle while 'patiently' awaited the arrival of
Faith Olga Jane Dueck. Faith arrived on Dec 21st. She weighed in at 8 11oz, 20 ½ in. Though we were more than ready for her to come home and check out the nursery apparently she was not and is spending a few more days at the hospital as she lays in, what we call her 'tanning bed' to eliminate the jaundice. Maureen was honored to be asked to be one of Kelly's supports and was able to help out during labour and delivery, and witness Faith's birth. So we are now taking a little breather while we wait for Faith and Kelly to get home from the hospital.
2011 is looking to be a very full year and we are looking forward to it. We will try to keep you informed as we move around the globe.Sometimes in a quiet moment, we look at each other and wonder aloud at the incredible life we lead. Of all the things we do, the most important to us are all the people we meet, the friendships we maintain, and our family, over the distances of miles and through the absences. We look forward to our next meeting whenever and wherever that is. Hoping to see you all in 2011,
Maureen & Dick
aka sv blue, Gramma & Opa, m&d, Mom, & Dad
Dorianna and Phil.One of the highlights of Dick's life was to go to Harmony University at the U of Western Missouri for the first week of August. A week of singing and learning Barbershop music, like no other and will last a lifetime. Strike that one of the 'bucket list'. After flying back to Edmonton we picked up the car/home and drove back to Victoria. August also saw the sale of little Blue. It was a happy/sad day, lots of memories and experiences to leave with her. She has a perfect new owner and we are now proud to say we're only 'one boat stupid'. An expression that we learned from another cruiser SV Keetya, Rob who has been 2 boat stupid just as we were. We finished off medical appointments visited with friends mid island and then drove south on 28 August to accumulate more boat parts for the new Blue.
We were based once again in Napa with Jeff after visiting Carl and Linda in Washington and SV Ladara Star Larry and Danice in Oregon. We picked up many supplies as well as all the gear for a new roller-furling mainsail. That turned out to be a beautiful and practical modification. With many thanks to cousin Hartley and nephew Chris
for their expertise and helpful suggestions manipulating the flat pieces of stainless steel.Arrived in Mazatlan by car uneventfully in mid September, we had heard the 'warnings' of problems driving in Mexico. So, we were cautious, as we would be driving/visiting any foreign country. We, mostly, kept to the sped limit (hard for m to do) obeyed the signs (or at least the ones we were able to translate) and behaved like responsible tourists. Bob at Total Yacht Works was ready to do the bottom job, which was a boat job we had planned to have done, and done it was, expertly and efficiently. He faired all the blisters applied a barrier coat and bottom paint for about 15% of what it would have cost in the US or Canada, Yeah! We launched Sept 28 and promptly bought a window air conditioner that we placed over the aft hatch so that we could sleep on board. It was HOT, high 30's during the days and cooling down in the evenings to the high 20's and humidity around the ~80% range. Needless to say we lived in an air-conditioned motel unit for a couple weeks before the launch, doing the jobs that would have been impossible on the hard, with the heat and humidity, and got a good nights sleep. While Maureen sewed the new interior upholstery for the salon in air-conditioned comfort for one of those weeks Dick toiled in the heat building and wiring and putting things together and taking things apart.
We spent October at El Cid Marina enjoying the pool and meeting new sailors and reacquainting ourselves with the 'old'. We especially enjoyed meeting a South African couple, who are on a 'around the world' passage. Neville and Maggie on MV Blue,
a 46-foot Nordhavn a power boat. Last we saw (via their blogsite) them they were headed for the Galapagos on their way (back) to South Africa. We continued doing 'boat jobs' as best, and as much as we could in the heat. The air conditioner was only adequate to cool the aft cabin so chores took a very long time. Our days looked something like this; 10 min. of work, fan break (that's where you stand in front of the fan for 10 min.) followed by a water break (that's where you drink water for 10 min.) followed by 10 min. of work. Repeat until you needed a real cool down where you would jump in the pool (which was almost the same temp as the air) shower off and return to the boat supposedly letting the air dry/cool you down. Then you repeat that cycle until you finish the task or quit because it's cocktail hour. Fortunately, we did have a comfortable nights sleep. If you dared venture out of the aft cabin the night air would assault you. It was like being wrapped in a wet blanket and you were reminded of the reality of living in Mexico in the summer. The end of October and the weather broke, bringing cooler temps and less humidity. Time to get moving.November 1 we were back in Puerto Vallarta at Paradise Village again enjoying the resort, yacht club and pools. We had Victoria friends Kevin and Cidalia and another couple, join us for a day sail.
Then on board, mid November Uncle Jack from Winnipeg joined us for a couple of weeks. He willingly joined us everywhere we went and had a great time. All the cruising folks he met on his visit were still asking about him and wondering when he is coming back.Dec 1 we moved to La Cruz and settled in the marina, preparing the boat for guests while we return to the Great White North. On, Dec 7th we flew to Calgary to supervise the arrival of our third granddaughter. Dick worked with Hans building a rec room in the basement and Maureen finished her knitting project and helped Opa finish the cradle while 'patiently' awaited the arrival of
Faith Olga Jane Dueck. Faith arrived on Dec 21st. She weighed in at 8 11oz, 20 ½ in. Though we were more than ready for her to come home and check out the nursery apparently she was not and is spending a few more days at the hospital as she lays in, what we call her 'tanning bed' to eliminate the jaundice. Maureen was honored to be asked to be one of Kelly's supports and was able to help out during labour and delivery, and witness Faith's birth. So we are now taking a little breather while we wait for Faith and Kelly to get home from the hospital.2011 is looking to be a very full year and we are looking forward to it. We will try to keep you informed as we move around the globe.Sometimes in a quiet moment, we look at each other and wonder aloud at the incredible life we lead. Of all the things we do, the most important to us are all the people we meet, the friendships we maintain, and our family, over the distances of miles and through the absences. We look forward to our next meeting whenever and wherever that is. Hoping to see you all in 2011,
Maureen & Dick
aka sv blue, Gramma & Opa, m&d, Mom, & Dad
