Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Christmas Greetings from "Doc", Kaija & Gary

 
 Posted by Picasa


Christmas Greeting 2006

From Kaija, Gary & “Doc”


2006 has been a more relaxed time as we are learning how to enjoy the cruising lifestyle. To put it in perspective, aboard KaijaSong, the first year we visited 14 countries and traveled approx 6000 miles. This year we visited 5 countries and traveled approx 4000 miles. At this rate we may take a little longer than planned to make it ‘all the way round’, but then again, what’s the hurry.

It is hard to believe we are entering year three of this Lifetime Dream Adventure and it is only getting better. Aside from the obvious pleasure of visiting so many new ports of call in the US, Cuba, Mexico Belize and Guatemala. The real ‘joy’ comes from meeting so many wonderful new friends. We are trying to keep a ‘journal’ of our journey and you may visit it anytime on the web. Here’s how. Just ‘copy’ and ‘paste’ the ‘URL’ below into your browser.

Http://kaijasong.blogspot.com

Have fun viewing our Sailing Journey and we welcome your comments.

We are heading for the Belizean Atoll “Lighthouse Reef” for Christmas. Please think of us as you enjoy Tom Turkey. We will do the same as we enjoy our bounty of the “Turkey of the Sea” variety.

You are all part of ‘our family’. We pause to count our Blessings again this Christmas 2006. We realize that with each new day, having you in our life experience is a treasured gift from God.


Wishing that You and Your Family have a Safe & Happy Holiday Season, A Prosperous New Year and May Your Dreams Come True!

Friday, December 08, 2006

Friends!!! - Belize - December 2006

It’s all about the people you meet along life’s journey that make the difference in experience. We have been so blessed at each stop along the way to meet the most incredible people who are all doing what we are doing and so there becomes quite a bonding almost immediately in the known shared loves and nuisances of life afloat.

Aaron and Lyla (S/v Blow Me Away) are a terrific example of getting it done when you are young. They have a system of cruise and work that allows them now to enjoy some wonderful stops along the way. They both have a passion for good food and good music and it’s been said on more than one occasion, that BMA is ‘sound powered’.

Sonny & Kay (S/v Valentina) are from Texas and embody the soft dulcet tones and southern Texas drawl that make them immediate friends upon 1st greet and meet. Sonny has more fun in one hour with a suitcase full of harmonicas that most grown men do in all their lives. It is great fun to spend time with he and Kay.

Tom & Lyette (S/v Mesqua Ukee) fellow Canadians from Quebec. Gary and Tom shared more laughs fixin everything from ‘One Pull 2’ (outboard) to sorting out of the mysteries of Universe as relates to Refrigeration on a Boat. As talented as Tom is in the workshop, Lyette can whip up some absolutely delectable nibblies from her galley…and…. did I mention she helped solve the secret a good thick Pizza with a ‘crisp crust’. Tom shared his Conch skinning secrets he’d learned from Gene (S/v Queen Mary) and so the knowledge was passed on. Gary was able to share a little secret of how to clean lobster in two steps.

Also enjoyed some fun evenings with Mike and Glenda (S/v Moon Slipper) also fellow Canuks who are old hands at this and have pretty much perfected the art of ‘life aboard’.

Torrey & Barb (S/v Litbe) whom we met at Cucumber Marina months ago. They have purchased land in Belize and will be developing lots with a dredged canal for boat storage. The project will keep them busy for some time and we wish them terrific fun and success and look forward to hearing of the progress as we will look forward to returning some day and being Guests of Alegria Point Resort.

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner on the Beach in Cay Caulker cooked by ‘Jolly Roger & His Sister”…they cooked Red Snapper on the BarBee with Garlic Toast and mashed potatoes with Fresh Pie for desert……… does life get any better?…good food, great
scenery, exceptional friends!

Spending an evening with Gene & Brenda (S/v Queen Mary) and Brenda’s mom, Helen, was a real treat. Not only are they a wealth of information given their years of cruising these waters, but can they make music. Gene has his electric Bass and Brenda’s Electronic keyboard all wired for sound and along with Sonny on his Harmonica, and Gary trying to blow along on his, or strum along on his little ukulele or hit the keyboard, it was a night of fun and laughter with some great singing by the Singin All nite, Ain’t Sit Tight, Holy Ghost Revival Choir (that was everyone present who wasn’t playing a musical instrument) singing at the top of their lungs, everything from Gospel to the other two kinds of music, Country & Western. Posted by Picasa

Belize it 'or not' - oh what fun!

November has been spent in Belize. We said our goodbyes in the Rio and met new friend fisherman Antonio who taught us how to clean baby conch...mmmm bout the best conch fritters known to man! The weather has not really cooperated for us to go out to the reef, but we are enjoying the time in Placencia, Sapidilla Lagoon , Lagoon Cay, and Spruce Cay. We are traveling with Mesqua Ukee and Litbe. We have had many wonderful evenings of laughing, playing cards and music with Queen Mary. Gary has now caught his first fish that we were actually able to eat – catfish for fish and chips. On leaving Sapidilla Lagoon he also caught a 6 –10 pound cobia – which we shared with Litbe and had two great meals. Spruce Cay provided for another lesson – cleaning conch. I was not present but Gary says it was messy but oranges helped. So now we are fully versed in catching and cleaning fish and conch. But lobster is still the easiest to clean of all of them. Posted by Picasa

To See Belize is to Belize it with your own Eyes!


Some of Kaija's terrifc pictures!...it's all about colour !
And...if you are ever in Placencia, you absolutely must tried "Fried Jacks" mmmmmmmmmmmm....mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....good...there are two excellent choices....'Le Tatch' on the beach...or 'Wendy's' on the main Road near the water. All I can say is it is everything good, lightly deep fried and it is 'smokin'!!!! good!!!!