Getting back into cruising mode

Colorful church in Castro

Ned and Carol of SV Frannie B



Windarra at Marina Quinched



My birthday sickle

We have been preparing Windarra and ourselves to do a little cruising in the northern canals of Chile before returning to Puerto Montt in April. The preparation has included getting rides into Castro and Chonchi with William, who owns Marina Quinched. We had some laundry done in Castro as the weather has not been conducive to drying everything on the life lines. There we visited the Unimarc, as well as Market Brujula, the fresh vegetable tienda and the carniceria, where Rich was able to buy some fresh lamb. A trip into Chonchi allowed us to fill some jerry jugs with diesel and check out the grocery store there as well. We think we have enough supplies for at least a month.

 

Last night we had Ned and Carol of SV Frannie B over for dinner. Rich made a great lamb curry for my birthday. Carol brought over some 'black bottom cupcakes'. They also gave me a very sharp sickle for my birthday and they explained that this is a very useful tool for cutting kelp off the chain and anchor. In the picture above, it still has some protecting tape and paper on it so I did not cut myself when opening the package. Not sure if I am looking forward to doing this but now I will have a good tool for the job.

 

Windarra will be off 'the grid' for a while so please use the sailmail address to get ahold of us. Not to worry as we may not be able to respond right away depending on the reception of our HF radio. We are looking forward to exploring and getting away from the dock. Life is very easy at the dock and William is a great host but it is time to move on.