We are back in Memphis!!!

We made it home and boy is it cold!  My body is used to 86 degrees.  I will just keep telling myself that it won't be for long.  We have already jumped headfirst into the family Christmas get togethers.  I promise to get the rest of the pics posted in the next few days. 

Anna and Phillip, it was great catching up with you last night over a great dinner.  This is for Anna.  Here is what you see on the AIS when the radar picks up another boat.  Then Paul Allen's boat Octopus passed  right behind the boat.  It is a super to see the boat and all it's information before you see the boat.  It was super to see our friends again.  Merry Christmas to you guys and have a wonderful new year. 

That's all for now,  Theresa

Anse Chastanet & Jade Mountain

Our friend Stephanie Frazier works at this magical place called Jade Mountain & Anse Chastanet.  We had a perfect lunch on the beach and she took time to show us her world.  All I can say is WOW!  I want to wake up there someday.  I think you will agree.

This is the celestial deck to look out over the ocean and the Pitons.  What an experience this was.  The owner is an architect and designed each space with a mind, body and soul experience.

There are only two walls in this space and the rest is open to nature.  The sea and the Pitons.  First class service and cuisine you don't even have to leave your room.

This is a good wake up call!

My pictures don't even begin to do it justice.  The owner is also planning homesites that capture the essence of the rooms.  Very few walls and no limits to the imagination.  I can see myself living there.

Stephanie and Mark by the entrance to this magical place.  Just take a look at the entry door.  The attention to detail is beyond anything you would expect.  Thank you Stephanie for spending time with us and it was a pleasure to see where you work.  I am more than impressed.  Can't wait to get you on the boat and do some sailing.

As we left our beautiful lunch and visit with Stephanie we were bid farewell by a rainbow.

Adios for now my friends as I am off to the Rainbow Forest Hideaway for a very belated birthday dinner.  More pics later,  Theresa

Between Gibraltar and the Cannary islands

The islands of Tennerife port of Santa Cruz.  The following are pics of the island and port.  Very nice place and the people were very friendly.

This is their Olympic Plaza. 

It was too much to resist, just look at those legs...ha ha

Leaving Tennerife with Mark at the helm.  Heading out for the big crossing.

The clock tower in Santa Cruz.

The sun was shining on us as we left, but a storm was brewing behind.  Whew, we left just in time!

As you enter and leave the harbor you can see the unique Convention Center, shaped like a glatiators helmet.  Very beautiful.

Good bye Santa Cruz.

We are blessed with a beatiful sunset as we head off into the great unknown.

Enjoy, Adios, Theresa

Fish stories

Crossisng the Atlantic is a perfect opportunity to fish for your dinner.  We caught three Dorado's and they were delicious.  Thanks to Claude for helping me buy the right lures.  The one I caught the dorados on was a guaranteed foolproof lure to catch TUNA!  I never caught my tuna....

Nothing quite like fresh catch!

It's official

Yippppeeee!  It's official, I have lost 15.9 lbs on the Atlantic Crossing.  I knew my clothes were falling off of me but I wasn't sure til now how much.  There's an idea for the Biggest Loser.  Weight loss on the high seas.  Now my goal is to loose 10 more.  Just wanted to share...

Island Christmas.

This is what Christmas in the islands looks like. 

We visited the offices of LeParadis today and Mark just can't help jumping behind a desk...Ha Ha.  Check out the view from the top.

We had a full day of taking care of business today and tomorrow will be back on island time.  I am going to spend some time by the pool and some time updating  the blog with pics and stories.  Look forward to seeing all of you soon.  Theresa

Chateau Mygo, Marigot Bay, St. Lucia

Our first day on land was a great one, we have air conditioning, we were able to relax and we finished the day with one of the best kept secrets in the caribbean "Chateau Mygo".  Chef Micheal caught the tuna in the morning and served up some of the best sushi ever last night.  The band started at 8 and we had a great time.  Enjoy as we did.

Our new friends from Annapolis, MD.

Chef Micheal showing Captain Turner some love. 

The band was fantastic, food was exceptional and we all had a great time.  Stevie, Mike and Captain Lloyd from another boat enjoying the tunes.  I tried to download a video of the band so you could see how good they were but as of  now I don't know how to do it.  Will research and try later. 

That's all for now.  Perfect first day back on land.

  Theresa

WE HAVE ARRIVED!!!!

We made it to St. Lucia.  We are in the Marina at Marigot Bay and it is lovely to be on land again.  Already made it to the local restuarant and I am happy not to cook again for at least a month.  We are all pretty tired and are really enjoying the air conditioning at the dock.  All in all good trip, the boat did well and we only started running out of things like sugar, bread and bits at the very end.  Trust me no one starved, but the Captains wife said ocean law says that when you run out of food on a crossing you start by eating the biggest person first...ha ha.  Pictures to follow later today and as the days go on.  It's a little hard to put a month of pics and stories together all at once, so I will save it for a sleepless night.  Love and miss all of you and be back with pics soon. 
Adios, Theresa

Leaving Gibraltar

It's Tuesday 8 am and we are leaving Gibraltar.  Our next stop is Santa Cruz, Tenerife in the Canary Islands.  It will take us 4 or 5 days to reach our destination.  I will be taking pictures and update you when we are in range again.  Just a reminder no cell phones or email for 4 or 5 days. 

Fair winds and following seas,  Theresa

Exploring Gibraltar

World War II Tunnels - During WWII attack on Gibraltar was imminent.  The answer was to construct a massive network of tunnels in order to build a fortress inside a fortress.  AMAZING!

Mark wasn't feeling up to walking alot today so Steve and I went on a walking tour of Gibraltar.  On the way up the castle steps we saw this cute little villa named St. Bernards rest.  We had to do exactly that we were so out of breath.

The view from the top of the  rock is breathtaking.  This is only half way up.

The Barbary Apes rule the Moorish Castle and are really kind of scary.  They look as though they are waiting for you to let your guard down so they can jump on you, I was a little scared of them and did not turn my back.

The remains  the Moorish Castle.

Looking down from the Rock.  You can see the landing strip for the airport and the Marina where we are staying.  Did I say that Steve and I walked all the way up here.  Can I just say that is why I am up at 2 in the morning updating the blog because of leg cramps.  What where we thinking.

Alameda Botanic Gardens and Wildlife Park.  I will let the pictures tell the story.  Beautiful.

The gardens and the animals were fantastic.  We walked all the way back to the marina and once we were on board, we were in for the night.  Today was a great day of exploration and the history here is almost overwhelming.  It was appropriate that it was Rembrance Day on our day of exploration.  The city under siege exhibition had grafffiti on the walls from soliders that dates back to 1726.   Words cannot do justice to the amazing history here.

ta ta for now,

Theresa

Rembrance Day also known as Poppy Day

Today is Rembrance day in England. This day commemorates the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and the civilians in times of war. These fine Green Berets let me take their pictures by the memorial for all their fallen comrades. I am proud to have been in their presence.  While we  had Sunday roast we saw the ceremonies with the Queen on TV and I must say it was impressive.  Once again, I want to thank all of our military for all they do to protect our freedom.  You make us proud.

Marina Bay, Gibraltar

We are entering the Marina Bay Marina in Gibraltar.  What is interesting is on the left hand side of the Marina is the runway for the airport.  It is amazing watching the planes take off and land.  Spain is still mad that the British have maintained this as their territory so they do not allow the planes to fly over Spanish waters.  The planes have to make an immediate sharp bank (looks like a 90 degree) as to avoid flying over anything Spanish.  It's really considered an illegal bank but they have allowed them to do it to abide by the Spanish request.  Mark is ready to leave Spain so technically we are in British territory.  When we stayed in Ibiza we paid 530 euros for the dockage for one night.  In Gibraltar we are paying 30 euros for a night plus water and electricity.  Mark is much happier here.

This is the AIS on the big screen in the boat.  This shows all the ship traffic in and around Gibraltar.  Absolutely amazing.  Tomorrow we are going to tour the rock and sight see.  More pictures tomorrow and will start to share the British sayings we have learned and some of the funny southern sayings we have taught our Captain and John.  Adios,  Theresa