Into the mountains we go....

It's been a while since my last blog and again so much has happened.  You know...when you take life by the horns, there has to at some point be a bull on the other end.

A whirlwind of a year, back in Johannesburg, South Africa and also living in our own home.  Private, secure and so comfortable.  After 5 years of couches, boat beds, hostel beds, spare beds, and a beach, we welcome the small comforts that you take for granted every single day.

One of my personal life changing experiences this year, was our magical honeymoon to the Northern Drakensberg.  AMAZING!  Big thanks to our special ones for making it possible by contributing to our honeymoon fund.

We eventually break the honeymoon fund bottle and count the cash, R4 500!!  If you know us at all, you will know that we live a very simple lifestyle and because of our lifestyle choice we never splurge cash.  This time we could, because that's exactly what the money was for.

Surrounded by the most beautiful and happy souls, we were gifted, the use of two comfy camping chairs, a bottle of red wine and the use of a good, a beautiful hammock and a reliable car with a full tank of petrol.  Two days into our honeymoon, we were also reimbursed for our camping fees by the owner of the backpackers. With complimentary drinks at a beautiful hotel.  Amazing how beautiful life is when you live each day without expectations.

Anyhow, camping accommodation booked.  Shopping done, backpacks packed, honeymoon vehicle packed.  We departed at 2am on Thursday morning (27 October) and took our usual alternative route.  What a feeling, the best feeling in the world..saying bye bye to Jozi.

The new moon was bright and larger than usual.  That's when I realized that the mountains were calling our names.  Excitement building and much chatting with Baz whilst Joshua snoozed all the way.  Good music playing..our wedding play list.  And there the sun starts to peep across the Platberg just outside Harrismith.

Fresh air, beauty all around us, the start of the Berg ahead, the sun shining but raining at the same time.  We knew we were in the right place at the right time and for such a special reason.  We stopped on route through the pass to take a look at the levels of the dams, a sure sign that rain has been scarce. We arrived at the Amphitheatre Backpackers just after 7am.  With people there so welcoming and happy to see us again.  (we have been going there together for 10 years but Barry's history is much longer).

Day one:
Divine breakfast all around, camp set up and man does the heat set in.  The only motivation, to hang around the pool and sip on ice cold somethings, anything.... Sun set took us back to our tent, sun downers and a massive fire.  What?  The biggest, hottest and most beautiful fire I have ever been that close to.  Followed by a thunder storm like I have never seen.  Bolts of lightening leaping across the top of the berg, from the Sentinel to Cathedral Peak, like a giant sitting throwing lightening from his fingertips.  Scary but so breathtaking.

Day two:
Up early bells, breakfast overlooking that beautiful mountain and then some fishing at a local dam.  Joshua hasn't been fishing in ages, so it was a tad frustrating for him but soon got the hang of it.  The heat soon became unbearable so off we went to Little Switzerland for drinks.  A special place for Baz, so we spent time there enjoying the view, the people, hanging out with old friends.  Life is grand!

Off to the Tower of Pizza for late afternoon lunch and to escape the constant heat.  The Tower of Pizza has the nicest trees that offer relief from the heat and the warm winds.  Full tummy's and back to the backpackers to freshen up and do absolutely nothing.  Early to bed because day three was a big day for us.

Day three:
Up at 5am, quick breakfast and we are off to climb the Amphitheatre, to summit the Sentinel.  Joshua possibly being the youngest to ever climb (to be confirmed) this specific trail.  We drive up the road from the park gate, the view are something else.  Goats being herded by a local on horseback, water seeping from the mountain rocks, the paper flowers are in full bloom and the skies are clear.  We chose the right day for this adventure.

Fees paid and register signed, the long walk begins on a thin concrete pathway.  The minute we set foot on the pathway the wind picked up and the temperature dropped.  Right away, I knew that we were stepping into a special place and we were at the mercy of this mountain and all that surrounds her.

The hike to the gully was long and in some places quite a challenge as we ascended.  The spectacular views eased the intensity of the vastness around us.  Loose stones and rocks all the way, which meant that we had to be alert at every step.  Falling down there was not an option.  The air became so thin and the wind blowing so hard, it blew right through us.  Cutting like a sharp knife.  Right there, I realized just how blessed I am.  To be in such a beautiful place with my husband and my son.

The gully was insane.  A steep 300m climb to the top.  Its okay if the rocks don't move, but they do and its scary.  Joshua climbed it with ease.  Baz kept motivating me from behind and in total took an hour to climb.

The minute I saw life from the top, I then realised that everything else is so small and insignificant.  That there is so much more in this world that we never ever get to experience.  Then I realised how blessed I am to be married to this man who has changed my life in more ways than most could imagine for almost a decade!

A walk along the top of the mountain to the top of the Tugela Falls, a few pools of water but no flow.  Scary to see just how scarce water is now.  A picnic on the top of the world. Biscuits, tea and fruit.  Just enough to get us moving, making our way to the chain ladders.

All the way, Baz has not said very much about the chain ladders.  I also chose to ignore them, hoping that they would go away. It turns out that I am actually poop scared of heights.   A fine time to find that out.  The weather is moving towards us, the cloud is low and the rain drops are sporadic but large enough to get your attention.  We stop in to take a look at the 'hut' which is just a stone structure, no windows, no toilet, just a safe spot to wait out a storm, which is a good idea.

At the hut we find two backpackers, who set out the day before to camp on the top of the mountain.  Well the beautiful storm I watched from below the night before was the same storm that broke their tents.  Barry's story of the couple that died on that mountain at that very hut motivated me to get moving.  Walking directly into the rain drops, the sun shining but the clouds coming, we finally get to the top of the 'chain ladders'.  Oh my life!  Whaaaaaat?

I wait patiently for my turn, trying to find a calming space in my mind and my body.  Barry and Joshua disappear down the first chain ladder, my heart beating super fast by now.  Adrenaline is pumping through my body.  So thankful to see Baz's head pop over the top.  I knew I was going to be okay, but I didn't realize how a climb down two chain ladders (35m high) would change my life.

Baz-man being the most amazing Guide I know, he took me down the chain ladders, slowly and always right behind me.  Left hand, right hand, left foot, right foot..and so I climbed down the infamous chain ladders.  The first set was supposed to be hardest of the two, according to Baz.  But the second chain ladder was double the length and less stable than the first one!  I could hardly breathe, the wind was howling and the temperature dropped.  All the way, Joshua is up the ladder next to me shouting...'you are doing great mom, keep on going'.  And I did it.  I really had no choice at the end of it all.

Another 4 hours from that point, the wind was insane, the trails were all of a sudden harder.  Legs and feet tired and mentally exhausted.  When the rain hit on the 8th hour and the big wind lifted Joshua off his feet, we both realised just how powerful Mother Nature is.  It was time to leave this mountain and make our way back to the car.  Shoes off, and the entire experience floods right through my body and the tears just flowed, uncontrollably until we left the main gate.  The energy I felt for nine hours is something I can not explain to you.  But inside of me, I felt my world shake and my life change.

Back at the backpackers, all we wanted to do was shower, eat, drink and go to sleep.  But as we walk through reception, one by one, wide eyed backpackers are telling us about the 'big wind'.  Sure as heck, it was the very same big wind that lifted us and moved us on that mountain.  Not showing any concern for the tents that have apparently blown away, we settle into a delicious dinner and an ice cold drink.  Yes life is grand!  We make our way to the campsite, giggling all the way, because low and behold, our tent was the only one standing!  Well done Barry Sanders, using all the tent pegs and guy ropes provided ensured that we arrived back to our spot, unharmed.

Day Four:
Off to Little Switzerland for a hike to Begonia Falls, a delicious lunch and a pony ride for Joshua.  The hike to Begonia Falls was so easy compared to our little expedition to 10 000 ft. A hike along part of the river and a picnic on the top of the falls.  So beautiful and not a soul around, except for the Green Water Snake, the baboons playing around in the area, the river crabs and all the other creatures around us.  A dip in the ice cold pool soon got us moving towards the hotel for lunch.

Back at the backpackers, Joshua was out and about, hanging out with his new buddy, Oliver.  Baz and I chilled in the hammock, sipping on those ice cold beers, with a view that people pay big money for.  Then I realised just how blessed I truly am.  Married to the most beautiful soul I know, in this special place, together.

Day Five:
Back to Little Switzerland to go horse riding.  Not me thank you, I learnt my lesson 9 years ago, horse riding with Baz.  Joshua and Baz, off on the trail they go.  An hour goes by and Joshua and Baz are back.  Joshua looking a little frazzled and Baz hot on his heels, heading for the loo.  Joshua shouting..'that horse ride jiggled my insides, I've got to go!'.

Goodbyes to the special people at the hotel and its time to head back to the backpackers.

We spent the afternoon with some cool people, pool vibes, ice cold beers and dinner, found us fast asleep.

Day Six:
Up early and packed up by 07h00.  This time we traveled back to Jozi via Golden Gate, Clarens and Bethlehem.  Surrounded by so much beauty, all the way.  Life is grand!  We arrived back home at 2pm.  Its always good to be home, but I sure do long for that mountain, that place, that life and that energy.

I now know that I am blessed, my life is good, I am happy and my husband is one special guy ;-).

There and Back To See How Far it is!

Well we know how far it is to Howick via the Drakensberg, but it was a great excuse to sneak out of the city on Friday evening.  We are super spontaneous people and sunshine kid needs no invite to pack his backpack and skateboard in a hurry.

Departing the bustling city of Jozi at 21h00, stopping on our way out for a bit of food before hitting the road to Harrismith.  People of the South, Steers, The Glen to be specific, your cashier is not the friendliest.  Note to sell, don't stop there again.  It's super important to start our journey with the right cup of coffee and a good bit of food in our tummies.

Never-the-less, off we went and soon soon we were in Harrismith, hot after a second cup of coffee.  The N3 was hair raising so by that time I could have done with something stronger!  Crazy people making U-Turns across big busy roads, trucks hitting high speeds resulting in swaying trailers.

The moon however was just breath-taking all the way.

Arriving in the sleeping town of Howick at 02h30 we were greeted by a very happy Granny and Grandpa.  Eager to chat and catch up after four years.  Joshua up at sunrise and straight down to the kitchen to hang out with Granny and Grandpa.

Off we went to a well known restaurant over-looking the Howick Falls.  The view was beautiful but the food and outdoors restaurant area was disappointing.  Us being budget travellers, scrambled egg on toast for R58 should have been more than sloppy egg on shop bought bread.  I'm all for an experience and we don't mind paying if the food is good.

Breakfast done, it was time to pop in and surprise the hell out of Sid!  That's exactly what we did.  Plans were made to hang out later.  Back home, totally chilling in the garden.  Joshua skateboarding with his new made friends.  Playing on the green in the very same spot his Dad played as a boy.

Saturday arvie we are off to surprise the hell out of some of Barry's high school friends at the Karkloof Polo Club, who still live in Howick.  Too cool.  We arrive smack bang in the middle of a 'Hippie Party' for a 40th birthday.  Ha ha ha, no need for me to dress up.  I naturally wear peace signs and comfy hippie clothing anyway.  The total bill came to R200 for both Barry and I and that included two Jaggers.

After a long catch up with each person, we snuck out (before the wild ones go out of hand) and went to our favourite spot in Howick, The Red Tap.  Dinner and two beers each, only came to R122!!

WHAT!!  what the hell are we doing living smack bang in the middle of Jozi where life is unaffordable!!

Sunday morning, up with the rising sun and back to The Red Tap for a hearty breakfast which I might add only cost R35.  A large plunger of coffee and still we had change from the original R600 we drew on arrival in Howick.

Amazing!

Breakfast done, a walk around town, down to the Howick Falls, a good chat with the local artists and musicians and my hunger for time in Howick was satisfied.  Late afternoon catch up with Sid and friends and then it was time to get home to pack for departure at 06h30, Monday morning.

As always, we don't enjoy saying goodbye to those we love but we were eager to drive through the central Drakensberg.  The views, the drive, the weather...all perfect.  Welcomed with arms wide open at the Amphitheatre Backpackers.  Breakfast was divine and what a treat!  How that beautiful place has grown.  The people are just amazing souls, the decor made me want to stay.

But we had to hit the road back home as our city life starts early bells on Tuesday morning.  We arrived home at 16h00, welcomed by our family who very kindly held the fort to allow us time out of the city.

Whilst we miss many people dearly, it is always good to be home, in our personal space.

Take time out, spend that bit of money, stick to your travel budget and have a little fun in a beautiful place.  It's so important to get away from the usual, to let your hair down, eat good food, drink beer and surround yourself with awesome people along the way.

Wishing you an amazing adventure.

Blu, Baz and Joshua

Shopping at the Nakawa Market - Kampala

Our weekly adventure to the Nakawa market is just that, an adventure.  I love it.  This is my favourite thing to do in Kampala.  I'm not into spending my time in shopping malls and chain stores.  I prefer to mingle with the locals, live like the locals and eat like the locals.  It's really cost effective and there is nothing better than soaking up the energy and culture of the people.

I have been shopping at Nakawa since I arrived in Uganda.  After 2 months of weekly visits to the market I am rocking the shopping.  There are hundreds of stalls that display the most delicious fruit, vegetables, beans, herbs, spices, maize and flour.  How do I choose the stalls to buy from?  I look at the quality of the produce and the prices BUT my deciding factor is the smile on the stall owners face.  I have my regular stalls that I buy from so when I walk towards them, the stall owners are standing up, smiling and already beckoning me with their beautiful friendly faces.  That's how!

I see that the 'Mzungu's' (white people) are always out to save a buck or two, always trying to bargain the prices down and usually don't approach the stall owners with a smile.  That isn't the way I shop.  I am not into crippling the locals financially through bargaining for a discount.  The prices are so affordable already and even more so for the quality of the produce.  Quality I have not seen in South Africa other than imported GMO produce.  Because I don't engage in silly bargaining tactics, each stall owner pops a few extras into my bag.

All of the produce is sold per kilogram and the prices range from 1000 UGX to 5000 UGX.  Just a reminder that the exchange rate is:

1 USD =  2500 UGX
1 USD =  10,50 ZAR
1 ZAR = 243.9 UGX

Today's shopping list:

• Spinach  - 2 bunches
• Broccoli  - 2
• Carrots - 1 kg
• Cucumbers - 2kg
• Green Peppers - 2kg
• Lemons - 1 kg
• Oranges - 1kg
• Garlic - 4 
• Onions - 2kg
• Potatos - 3kg
• Avo's - 3 kg
• Brinjals - 1 kg
• Pineapples - 3
• Bananas - 3kg
• Mango's - 1kg
• Herbs
• Watermelon - 1kg
• Pumpkin - 1kg

All of this shopping cost a total of 50 000 UGX = R205.00

This feeds two families of 8 people, lunch and dinners for one and a half weeks worth of meals and salads. The vegetables and fruit last long and once washed in vinegar water are good to eat just like that.  

If you ever get the opportunity to visit Uganda, then you simply have to venture into the Nakawa Market in Kampala.  I get royal treatment because I am classed as a 'rasta lady' and people from all over shout greetings to me throughout my shopping spree.  People stop me to have a chat because I am friendly and respectful towards them every time they see me.  It's wonderful to be accepted, for just being me, by the most humble and happy people.  

Here are some pics of the Nakawa Market.  Just look at the quality and the smiles.  If you are ever looking for me, then the Nakawa Market is where you will find me.  This is my local hangout ;-)

Bright lights, big city, bad people!

Our time of limbo in South Africa has been an adventure all of its own.  We arrived back in South Africa on the 23 January and took up residence in Pretoria which lasted all of 50 days.  The first few weeks we spent enjoying the luxuries of city life, a private bedroom with a double bed, a bath with running water, a cupboard to unpack our clothes into, shops close by, slabs of chocolate and delicious home cooked meals.  But with those luxuries of the big bad city comes the big bad people. 

Barry left for Uganda as planned on the 2^nd March and right away I felt like a part of my soul was gone.  Considering that we have hardly been apart in the 7 years of our relationship, I took it quite well I think, until my boat was rocked, my patience was tested, my faith in the universe shook and my friendship, with whom I assumed was my good friend, failed dismally. 

So here is the long and the short of it, and of course without naming names, but I know the people involved read our blog and so know who they are. 

 

On the 16^th March, Baz had been in Uganda for only two weeks, always worried about Joshua and I, missing us terribly while in a strange country far away from all that he knows and loves.  And BAM life as he knew it was all shot to hell!

Early hours on this day in March I was accused by an apparent prominent lawyer and her family, situated in Johannesburg, of being her younger brother’s drug dealer.  I endured abusive phone calls and sms’, hysterical screaming from a person who is apparently this prominent lawyer (who should in my books behave in a more professional manner) threatening me with the police and child welfare.  I was instructed to leave the property that I was renting a room at, at the time.  I was told that I was a disgusting mother and that my children deserve better. I was also told that this particular family had read my Facebook wall and my blog and that they ‘know what kind of person I am’.  

LAUGH OUT LOUD, what kind of person I am?  Hmmmmm, considering that this is the only family on this planet that doesn’t like me out of the thousands of people whose paths have crossed with me in my lifetime, I would say then that YOUR OPINION OF ME DOESN’T COUNT.

Why was I accused of that?  Because I smoke marijuana.  Yes, there you have it.  I smoke marijuana!  Do I smoke it every day? No.  Do I sell marijuana?  No.  Do I go and buy marijuana from the local guy on the street corner like a junkie?  No.  Do my children go hungry?  are they abused in any way, do my children think or love me any less? No.

I smoke marijuana because I choose an alternative lifestyle, I choose NOT to take anti-depressants, I choose to make use of alternative medicines instead of taking those harmful drugs prescribed by doctors.  I choose not to educate my son in accordance with that bullshit that is taught by the corrupt school teachers of today. I choose to stay away from anything to do with politics, I choose a life of travel with my life partner and my child because we choose not to conform to the norms of society.  And my hairstyle of choice… dreadlocks. 

 

Hmmmm… could that be the reason why this family chose me as their scapegoat instead of actually taking their own son to task and ensuring that he takes responsibility for the choices that he makes in life.  Ensuring that the police were involved in the so called 'bust', instead of trying to entrap me into something that, I actually had no involvement with.  Instead of buying and lying their way through life?  What kind of future does this boy have?  The mightier you are the harder you fall, so they say.  So let the mighty then fall hard.

Wow, how sad that one family, just one family can be that shallow and overlook the fact that their son is actually the drug dealer and addict.  How sad that one family believes that they have a right to try and destroy good people with accusations when they in fact are the ones who are the very example of those who are destructive and ooze evil into society.  How sad that this family believes that their son is innocent and everyone around him are the ones to blame for his drug soaked lifestyle.  Phew!

Anyhow, so since the 16^th March, Joshua and I have been doing the best we can with the little that we have had and boy have we done real well.  We are super blessed to have some very special people in our lives, people who came forward and opened up their homes to us. Friends, who actually live up to the status of being our friends.  Friends who took us in, offered us support, advice and always put Joshua’s welfare first!  Real special people who have a real special place in my heart.

Joshua and I have stayed in five different homes in the last 8 weeks!! Not an easy way to live as every home has their own ways which are not our ways. But yet they made space when they didn’t have any and they did so without judgement.  Travelling with our backpacks, camping mattresses, a sleeping bag and a pillow, we backpacked like true champs.

I am so grateful that Joshua is the free spirited boy that he is, because 99% of today’s children would not have survived this adventure the way that he has.  Always smiling, always doing his bit to make this adventure exciting and happy.  Always taking time out of his busy day to put his arms around my neck and squeeze me so tight while reassuring me that “everything will be alright Mamma”  What a boy he is.

 

The saddest thing for Joshua was coming to learn the truth about his 'friend', this youngster, who was the reason why we went from being safe and settled while Dad is up Africa, to being home-less, unsettled and real sad at times.  It’s a sad lesson to learn at the age of 5, but he now has a very good understanding that he is NOT to trust anyone, not even his friends because it’s usually those closest to you that will hurt you real bad and let you down in life.  Our boy is now so much wiser.

So here we are, our last few days in Jozi.  We are in a good place, we are packing, shopping, packing and shopping some more.  Joshua and I are extremely excited to be joining Barry in Uganda soon.  Another awesome adventure is about to begin.  

Grateful, to be showing the middle finger to those who have been the cause of some heart-wrenching moments during the last few weeks.  Sad, to be saying farewell to those that we love and miss the most while we travel.  Super excited to be reunited with Barry again.

Today I say thank you to those of you who have opened your homes to Joshua and I, for one night, a weekend and up to two weeks.  Thank you to those of you who have taken us out for a meal and reassured us that all will be good.  Thank you to those of you who have bought us a few groceries and ensured that we have been fed and taken care of.  My list of thanks is endless. 

My most important thanks go out to Barry who is thousands of km’s away and has supported me and believed in me every step of the way.  Who has continued to love me unconditionally and who has motivated me to just keep on going.  This man, who has sacrificed so much for the greater good of his family. 

And me… I am stronger, more spiritual and I am even more convinced that our choice in our alternative lifestyle is the right way and the only way!  People will befriend you and they will stab you in the back whilst acting in a cowardly manner.  Those people are the very kind that I dismiss out of my life without hesitation.  I see that we are surrounded by nasty and destructive people.  Those people have no space in my life.  Ever!

I have always believed in KARMA and phew, I must admit, I don’t feel an inch of sympathy for those who have karma knocking on their doors, if not already, then soon.  The karma bus is on route and I am the driver ;-)

Bring on our new adventure.  Time to leave the bright lights of the big bad city behind.  Time to go where we are always happy. Time to continue our African dream xx

Remember to educate yourself before you accuse someone.  It will save you from and those around you from a whole lot of hurt.  Don't be a coward, if you want to know then simply ask.  Don't go and spread nasty rumors because at the end of it all, it is you who is un-liked, not trusted and your life will be filled with loneliness and bitterness.  

Peace, love and happiness always!

Blu

Sailing Vessels and their Captains!

Backpacking on boats is an amazing adventure if you can handle small spaces and people in your own personal space!  Now I'm not that kind of person really.  I am a social animal, however I love my time and my space at the best of times and this was something that sorely lacked.  For me personally, each journey is a journey, no doubt about it.  I am always being taught a life lesson and if I am stubborn as a Taurian usually is, then the lessons are painful and take a while to sink in.

The lessons learnt in the last 10 months are many but the one I am going to focus on today is patience and tolerance.  Phew, two big words those and the lessons have been gigantic for me.  You may just laugh and think it's all so crazy.  Well yes this has all been pretty crazy :-)

You sitting back, you have a cuppa something to sip on?  ....  here we go.

Boats are incredible things, they have such character, they usually have a lifetime of history which they sail with and they usually out live their Captains if they don't sink with their Captain.  On our travels we have seen, 'met' and spent time on some of the most incredible vessels of all types, sizes, ages and colours.  Each vessel has it's name and it's 'birth date'.  Each vessel has a Captain.  And let me tell you a truth, any person can be a Captain!  Sad but fascinatingly true!  The age old saying 'the owner looks like it's dog?' well let me tell you, that applies to boat and Captains too.

We have stayed on 5 boats during our 9 months in the Caribbean.  Each boat completely different to the other!  The only common attribute is that they all float!  Nothing else in common!

The SV Dixi Rollar is a pirate like boat!  Just like the ones you see in the movies.  The Dixi Rollar is the exact replica of the first boat that circumnavigated the globe single handed, Captain - Joshua Slocum.  It's a 36ft, mono-hull.  A Bruce Robert's Spray. Black steel boat, gaf rig with brown sails and old school character.  A steel boat creeks and groan under one's foot steps so there was no chance of being totally quiet on this boat.  Of course with a 4 year old in tow, the Dixi Rollar didn't know what had hit her.  We spent 8 weeks on the Dixi Rollar, we quickly realized that sailing from Grenada to South Africa on a 36ft mono-hull with absolutely no privacy and very little space was not an option.  Besides, we were not ready to sail to South Africa only a few weeks after leaving.  So we had to find another boat and fast as we had been given little notice to leave the boat.

We then found ourselves on SV Inanna!  Now she was a beauty.  We had our own cabin, privacy at last.  A place where we thought we would have time to reconnect and re-look our plan.  The Inanna is a 49ft Bavaria.  Also a mono-hull.  Beautiful finishes inside of teak and leather.  Enough space for the 1 Captain, 3 crew, 2 children and 2 chihauhaua's!  Plenty of physical space yes but not nearly enough space for the extra hot and large personality of the Captain!  With Joshua in mind constantly we new right away we had to find our own little boat, with our own space to ensure we remain sane as a family!

Four weeks later and we were moving onto the Raggamuffin!  A very sweet but old fibreglass boat.  Only 29ft.  No cabins, so we slept on the fold out couches in the saloon.  The wood was old and the boat was horribly dirty and unkept. No fridge on board, a small ice box but with the price of ice it wasn't worth our while.  The other issue was that the fibreglass was old, so in addition to the mosquito and sand fly bites, our heat rashes, Joshua and I were also suffering with the itches from raw fibreglass.  I can't say we were very happy,  itching can drive a person in sane!  Anyhow, the deal with the Captain was that we could stay on the Raggamuffin while we fix up the boat next door, Delfine, and once she was good to live on we could move onto her.  Which is exactly what we did!

Delfine was disgustingly dirty.  Old oil on the floor in the galley, pots of old food that had been left by the last 'tennants' FOUR YEARS AGO!  The toilet was not working and everything had that horrible mildew smell which meant the boat had mildew too.  So we spent 2 weeks cleaning Delfine and fixing her up to a liveable standard.  Finally we could move our backpacks and Joshua onto the boat.  It felt like she was ours.  We were totally comfortable.  We put up rain catchers, reconnected the solar panels, installed a brand new toilet, cleaned and filled the water tanks along with our solar shower.  This was the first time in 16 weeks that we were able to take a warm shower with our own water, every day!  What a pleasure!  We spent an enjoyable 4 weeks on Delfine and then it was time to go sailing!

Backpacks and all, we then boarded Moonjoos!  It felt like pure luxury!  Clean, new, spacious and just perfect continue our Caribbean experience.  Moonjoos is a 36ft Catamaran.  A South African catamaran with a South African Captain!  Finally a like minded person who wasn't only our Captain, he fast became Joshua's best buddy and a good friend to Barry and myself.  We were able to shower indoors, cook a healthy meal once a day.  There is a fridge and freezer on board so for the first time in 10 months we had access to ice cold water, beer and ice!  Total luxury on the seas!  We set sail on Moonjoos on the 18 August, crewing on a magical adventure from Grenada to Colombia via Venezuela.

 

We are still on Moonjoos.  Our final day on board is Thursday, 18 January!  20 weeks on board!  It has been so totally amazing in between my bouts of homesickness!  We crossed big waters, experienced some intimate moments with pods of dolphins, snorkeled some of the most breath-taking spots in the Archipielago, we cooked some of the tastiest meals and drank the most delicious rum!  Memories which will remain in our souls forever!

During our time on boats we have also met some of the most amazing families and single handed sailors along with their beautiful vessels!  One of our favourites was a Tug Boat called the Flying Buzzard,  Anchored in Grenada.  On board this mega steel structure were the most welcoming people,  Captain Mike, Julie, Angie, James and toby the dog.  Captain Mike took the time to give Joshua lessons on Tenders.  Julie always served the most delicious toast, coffee, soup or biscuits at the exact time our tummies were rumbling!

We were also honoured to spend time on the Stormvogel a 60ft mono-hull.  Now she is just a beauty.  We met Captain Ian and Darria in Curacao.  Darria and Ian fell totally in love with Joshua.  This meant he got to spend some special time with very special people on this magnificent 70 year old vessel! The Stormvogel is a famous vessel and known as the fastest sailing yacht of her time, winning many races and regatta's.  She is fully restored, the woodwork is immaculate! Lucky boy our Joshua :-)

The sailing families we have met and spent time with are all on catamarans.  It makes good sense!  A catamaran has space, space for children, space to cook and eat together, space to play and space to sit down and do their school work.  Each family has 2 or 3 children.  Most of them are are home schooled and under the age of 15 years.  Field Trip, Dafne, Day Dreamer and What If, are some of the most beautiful and comfortable Catamarans we have seen and been on.  The families of these vessels are amazing and their stories keep you captivated and wanting to experience their adventures for yourself!

Leaving some of our good friends behind in Grenada was pretty hard.  Goodbyes are never easy, especially for Joshua who made friends with all the children and the adults along the way.  We were however surprised to see SV Marlin in the anchorage of Los Roques.  Another warm and loving family!  Natalie, Mike, Lena and Maya.  Joshua is always the first to spot the boats we know so he was super excited to have friends to play with again.

In Cartagena, Colombia, we are sharing the anchorage with Dafne, Field Trip and Sea Shell.  More familiar faces and good friends whom we never thought we would see again.  What a nice surprise!

And so this chapter of our sailing adventure is drawing to a close.  We have only 7 days left on water and then our adventure takes to land.  From Colombia to Venezuela.  Backpacks are packed and we are ready!