Sharon’s Blog 3/30/14     The “C Island” …  and

What a C it has been!  The long awaited visit from Erica and her family met or rather exceeded all expectations.  WE HAD FUN! 

Kim and I arrived one week before the kids.  Unable to get into a marina, we were forced to do something we have never done.  We left Georgia alone in the anchorage.  After a week with the anchor holding through some 30+ winds, we felt confident, but a bit uncomfortable.  We checked on her every day, sometimes twice.  We had rented a large 5 bedroom house which turned out great.   We had a terrific pool, and I loved the well-stocked, spacious kitchen. 

Erica took on the role of cruise director, planning all of our activities.  Sight-seeing, outdoor markets, dolphins, beach outings, aquarium, and scuba diving for Erica and Kim kept us all busy.   A Barr family tradition (honestly, something I enforce) at the end of the week, we all name our favorite part of the week.  Our Dolphin Encounter was the unanimous choice.  Erica was the only one who actually rode the dolphins.  Kim and I had done it before and the kids were too small.   We did take Georgia out for a quick sail.  The winds were high, and Erica was the only Salcedo who did not fall victim to sea sickness.  Of course she was the only one we had medicated, knowing her tendency.  Prior to this outing, Connor was listing sailor as one of his top career aspirations.  He is now re-considering that list.  One of the highlights for Kim and I was having Connor do his first real sleep over on Georgia J.  No queasiness then.

As is always the case, the week went by much too quickly.  There were some sad faces at the airport yesterday, especially mine and Kim’s.  Erica called when they reached Cincinnati, asking if they could return as they came home to cold weather and rain. 

Back on Georgia, Kim and I are gearing up for a busy week.  The engine repair which turned out to be significant is being done tomorrow, along with some rigging work.  We are still debating whether or not to go on to the “A”, Aruba, or skip it and go straight to Columbia.  Wherever we go, we are taking memories of a very special week with us. 

The lonely crew of the S/V Georgia J, anchored at Spanish Waters, Curacao