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It's Monday afternoon (I think). One loses track of days when awaking pre-dawn and sailing through sunrises and sunsets to arrive at the next destination in inky blackness. Only a crescent moon and star-filled night lead the way. Actually, Celtic Song is equipped with some of the best navigational tools available and, under the skilled guidance of Captain Diane, trusty navigator Roxy Darrow, and a couple of over-taxed flashlights, we safely navigated our way into Marina De La Paz at 10pm last night after a 19 hour trip from Bahia Los Frailes.
We outran the predicted northerlies and, from what I just heard at the local dive shop, the port is now closed to boats under 40' from entering and exiting so Diane's decision to make a beeline was a good one. This trip flew by but was filled with so many memories and lessons learned, I will be savoring it for a long time. Diane runs the boat in a way that makes me feel safe but challenges my limits and comfort zones in ways that have helped me grow. I've learned to navigate (much more to learn) using the Raymarine Chartplotter along with the fantastic Coastal Explorer program. I've handled watches, alone in the middle of the night, under a moonless sky. I've moved this big, heavy boat, managing the helm, throttle and bow-thrusters as we've picked up and moved anchor in a blustery anchorage. I've learned to read a barometer and better understand tides and currents and how they impact safe navigation and docking and anchoring. The biggest lesson I've learned is how much more there is to learn. Diane is a wonderful teacher and Celtic Song is a beautiful, homey, sturdy, safe classroom. Thank you Captain Diane for the last several days of learning, laughter, sunshine, wind, rainbows, good food, and so much more. Fair winds and following seas, Valerie
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