Mike and Sue

Mike n Sue, Sarah n Ben
Week of calm to a week of winds again. 
Mike and Sue with kids, Sarah and Ben are with us this week. Today is the first day of sailing and off we go to Allen Cay where the iguanas are and where we ran aground before. This time the winds are not NE over our beam and 15-20k the winds are S 20-25k almost on our nose which is a tougher sail for the first timers. 
Connie my girlfriend that came in February said it perfectly, "so many people and movies glamourize sailing, it is a lot of work and can be rough." I could not have said it better. how can we prepare our guests for what is not in their everyday's life schema? If you've gone sailing on a little boat on a lake then you have an idea of wind and tipping but still no idea about how vast the ocean can be and how big the wind and waves are and how super boring it can be for some. 
For many that come visit us they don't know if they will get sea sick. They sure don't show that in the movies! Just picture, the lovely couple sailing off in the sunset with wine glasses in their hand. Reality is... one of the happy couple will have to be steering. Both of them at the same time can never just go down below and just sleep or or play cards and etc.
When Ben and I sail we both know what we are getting into for during the day. We have books, crafts and I have a bunch of emails and work to keep me occupied. The days fly by when we are on shifts sailing  i like my time "on" and "off" For the unsuspecting able body crew they might be banned to only the cockpick cuz they might get seasick if they read or go below. 
Going below is the kiss of death for a person apt to get sick. Same with reading books. For them 8 hours of sailing can be an eternity. For Ben and I , just another day at the office. 
Many have asked me what we do? In my recent blogs I give pictures of snapshots of our days of fun at anchor but I'm remiss in showing photos of sick crew or bored sleeping crew all huddled on the deck for fear of getting sick if they go below. 
For the most part sailing is a way to see places and ports as cheaply and slowly as a snail walks the earth. Ben and I happen to do well with stopping in ports and meeting locals and adventuring. We have great fun in seeing the history points of interest, seeing the scenery, smelling, eating, gazing and living as simply as we can. Plus we have time to let God show us mysteries and fun if we are willing to wait for it. People that come for a week have to pack in a lot of fun in a week. I'm finding that God is on His own time with us. 
I have so loved to share our experiences with our friends. Even though it was a short taste and even though when we sail it is different than a one week sail  and it is still a bit different experience when one does it everyday in and out. 
I'm glad we could give you as much of our gifts and fun as possible! Its not always like the week you had cuz everyweek is different when you are sailing by a month at a time the frame of reference is not the same as a weeks worth. Hard to explain. 
Soon we shall reach our destination to give our Crew shade and food.  They have not eaten much today. 
I forgot to post this blog. Here is a nice contrast... Now we are on our way back. The crew has their sea legs. The waves and winds are the same BUT we have a following wind which makes the biggest difference in the world. Instead if heeling over and crashing into oncoming waves we are level and are riding with the waves. Now the crew has eaten a good snack and are all happy. 
Miss you all
Pam