Tuesday, December 29, 2020

 


Belated Holiday Greetings from the Erbens



2020 has been a year for the record books and most of us are COVID weary. That might account for these late greetings, but actually plain old computer issues are to blame. However tardy, we do send our warmest wishes for a much healthier New Year with a return to a more normal life for all of you. Until then, please be safe and stay well.

 

Our computer problem relates to our recent return to the states followed by a rapid move off the boat, a drive across country and resettling into a travel trailer.  Somewhere along this process the computer was separated from its 120v-power cord – so when she died, she was dead until we solved the problem. (FYI Dell computers do not play with just any brick!)  We will be traveling in the new rig much of the new year but will retain our Florida address for snail mail as well as our emails and phone numbers. Eventually, we hope to find a land base, probably in the Jacksonville area.

Erben42@gmail.com, 411 Walnut St #6744, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 and 850 8324564 or 850 3813669

 

That just about catches us up; however, there are some details below if you are really curious about our year or just plain bored!




For most of 2020 we had the good fortune to be marooned, quarantined or stranded with a motley, random, disparate but remarkable group of fellow cruisers in an out of the way corner of Colombia. While it wasn’t the plan for 2020, we have no complaints.
 
Our year began on December 25th, 2019 as we finally departed Trinidad for Grenada after more than 5 months – most of it in the boat yard – boat out of the water.  Feeling very, very happy to have all the work, dirt, and disruption behind us we headed out for a few weeks in Grenada.  Our stop over mostly involved getting Teddy, our boat cat, a new Rabies Titer – proof that he is rabis free.  (Many countries require this which is above and beyond the valid immunizations) We planned – naively as it turned out – to take Teddy back to the states for a couple of months in the summer while we left the boat in Panama.
 
From Grenada we had a run over to Bonaire, the most easterly of the ABC islands. This was our first run west and it took research to get the info on the currents and timing.  Arriving in a new place in the dark is nice to avoid although leaving in the dark is rarely an issue. Thanks to a blog written by boaters with similar vessels to ours, we managed to time the currents and arrive in daylight. (There are several places to stop between Grenada and Bonaire, but these are island groups controlled by Venezuela where our welcome as a USA flagged vessel was questionable, so we made the 450+ mile trip in one jump – several nights and days).  Bonaire is famous for the preservation of its reefs and a laidback vibe. Limited mooring balls are available and anchoring is not allowed.  Diving off the back of the boat is a treat. As with most cruiser friendly islands – dinghy docks were available for small fees, as well as shopper’s taxis and a cruisers info “net” on VHF.  Although “Dutch”, English is spoken everywhere making the process of checking in and out easy.  All of the ABC islands were part of the Netherlands Antilles but now they each maintain their own customs and immigration procedures, meaning moving between these neighbors requires paperwork – in some cases a lot of paperwork, but fortunately very little money.
 
Our next stop was Curacao where most boaters anchor in one of the designated areas in Spanish Waters – a large protected bay on the south side of the island. It required a 30-minute bus ride into the main town – Willemstad – to visit several widely separated custom and immigration offices where the cheerful civil servants got us legally entered. (The process must be reversed to leave   - lest anyone wonders what we do with our time.) From there we were on to Aruba (little America) for a few weeks waiting to make the jump to Colombia.
 
Towards the end of Feb, we made landfall in Santa Marta on the northern Caribbean coast of Colombia – another couple nights underway.  This is a tourist town with lovely beaches, seafood restaurants and a small but quaint old quarter.  Most of the tourists seemed to be from the region – other parts of Colombia, or neighboring countries. We saw one small cruise ship visit early on before the Covid lockdown. While the charming areas are small, the population and more modern sprawl were extensive.
We landed in the IGY marina which is adjacent to a large working port, boatyard and Armada base. The marina is gated and includes five main docks, all in great shape. The style of most finger piers was less robust than in areas subject to hurricanes, but more than adequate for us. Most of the boats were allotted two slips so we could tie across fore and aft somewhat compensating for the lack of pilings on each slip. When we arrived, our plan was to spend a month or so there to allow some land travel before going on to Cartagena and eventually heading to Panama within a couple of months. Of course, Covid 19 changed those plans. 










Although we did get a ten-day inland trip, for almost seven months, we tucked into our cozy life in Santa Marta. It could not have been a better place to wait out the virus. Colombia was very proactive in shutting down, closing borders, and imposing quarantine restrictions. Some semblance of a normal life began to emerge in mid-August, a full five months into the new normal. Before that trips to the grocery store – conveniently only a few blocks away, were limited to a prescribed schedule based on the last number of our official ID (i.e. passport #). We had to show the number as we entered – get our temperature checked, walk through a disinfectant shoe bath and use hand sanitizer. The number of customers was regulated so frequently a line waited outside – at six-foot intervals and then checking out also usually involved long lines winding through the store at six-foot intervals. Everyone wore and still wears a mask some also a face shield and gloves.

There are many reasons why we feel so lucky to have been “stuck” with this group – most of the are listed with photos in one of my last blog entries. www.erbenrenewal.blogspot.com.  They range from creative activities like “trash Tuesday” a competition to clean up the marina – of course the kids always won, to weekly yoga and visits by the trained Dolphins.  But the warm hearted and generous people were the greatest joy.  Folks generously shared their talents when one of the boaters had a problem – everyone took the opportunity to work on big projects or repairs – as well as reaching out to support the local community with food drives.

Like most of you it was not what we planned to do in 2020, but looking back we were very fortunate to have spent this time with a remarkable group who will be friends for life.



From Santa Marta we finally were permitted to travel on to Cartagena where we found a warm welcome at Club De Pesca.  However – casting no aspersions on the group in Cartagena, they did not enjoy the close “bubble” experience that was possible in Santa Marta.  Their group was spread over two marinas and a mooring field with no safe and COVID free place to gather.    Clever cruisers did establish a VHF net to help overcome the strict isolation imposed for almost 6 months. Only a few weeks before we arrived in mid-Sept residents were allowed to exercise freely around town with appropriate masks. Shopping was still limited to once a week by ID number. (In the smaller and less infected Santa Marta we were allowed to exercise and shop twice a week from early August.) Shortly after we moved to Cartagena, more restrictions were removed and into October the shops started opening and by Nov 1st in the old city almost all the shops that had survived were opening at with the safety protocols of temps, hand and shoe sanitizing and restricted entry.  Only outside dining was allowed but fortunately most restaurants had outdoor facilities given the tropical climate.  (Did I mention one of the few negatives was the heat? Temps are warm and muggy most of the year – more or less rain seasonally, but generally HOT – thankfully our ACs were up to it)

 

In fact, as the shops and “crowds” returned – borders were still closed but tourists from within the country were taking the opportunity to vacation in Cartagena, we realized how lucky we had been to wander the old city virtually alone – and certainly unmolested by T-shirt, sunglass, or cigar vendors. 

 














Tourism is clearly a main source of employment and while we had great sympathy for those missing the usual tourist income, we also appreciated the magic of the historic district when it was less crowded. Without other visitors we could easily imagine life there several hundred years ago. As the full scope of the tourist attractions reemerged, we glimpsed the vibrant colors and smells which make this city a major destination. Groups of ladies clad in traditional dress sporting the colors of the Colombian flag wandered the old city ready to pose for pictures (for a small fee). Street vendors offered sweets, baked goods and outdoor restaurants tempted with spicey aromas which mingled with the scent of horse drawn carriages. Imposing buildings and vibrant colors or stark stone crowded narrow passages only to open into a district famous for massive wall murals. We were indeed fortunate to take our exercise on the old city walls and enjoy this unique, vibrant and well-preserved living museum for almost two months.

 







We also got permission to make several short trips to the islands about 20-25 miles west of Cartagena Harbor.  This group called the Rosarios are normally very crowded and a major draw for boaters from the big city. Again, we were fortunate to enjoy them almost on our own. On our second overnight trip out there in early November, we woke to a message from the weather guru, Chris Parker. A nice weather window was opening so if we could clear out quickly, we would have a chance to get back to Florida.  Normally, clearing out of Colombia is straightforward; however, as with most things during the COVID lockdown, nothing was for sure.  On our way back to the marina, we contacted our agent to start the process so we could leave the following morning. Dollars were paid and fingers crossed, yet we were still on the dock four hours after our expected departure!  Finally, the papers arrived and we were off for the seven and a half day crossing to Stuart, Florida.

 



Previously our longest trip had been the 5+ day crossing to Bermuda in 2017, but on both those outward and return trips we had extra crew. This was our first long trip with just the two of us. However, after the first night taking shifts we settled into a routine and both felt we had adequate sleep, albeit in 3-hour segments. The weather guru communicated updates regularly via our InReach and we caught some very favorable currents thanks to the hurricane west of us.  As a result, we flew north through the Windward Passage – between Cuba and Haiti then west via the Old Bahama Channel and on up the Gulf Stream to enter the St Lucy River inlet about 9 PM a little over a week after we left Cartagena. This night time entry was possible since we had departed via that inlet four days short of two years previously. Since this inlet is subject to shoaling and has floating marker buoys that move accordingly, we had probably the most intense moments of the entire trip during the 30 minutes it took to reach the ICW and a safe anchorage. Steve, as an expert at the helm, got us in and the hook down with a sense of accomplishment to end our 8+ years of boating life. The next morning, we moved a few miles to a marina where we began the heavy lifting to empty the boat. A sad few days – OK maybe 10 – as we hauled and sorted and hauled – who would believe the “STUFF” that our fat bottom girl could hold?

We made a run to shift some to our storage in Panama City but still had two car loads to move to Jacksonville where we rented another small storage unit!  Hopefully one day we will find a land home in that area and all our belongs will have a happy reunion.

 

While sitting around in Colombia we purchased a new truck to pull the used trailer that we also purchased via Zoom!  The truck was shipped to Florida so we could load her and meet up with the trailer in Oregon – stored there with Steve’s sister, Kathy and husband, Howard.  They greatly facilitated our transition from boat to trailer – much of it happening in their driveway!  On our trek west we stopped for a couple days with our son, Paul and his wife Amanda in California.  While we ran up to Oregon to get the trailer, they kindly cared for our Teddy cat, adding chaos to their menagerie including two older cats and a new puppy.  While Teddy enjoyed Ziggy the puppy, the older cats and Teddy never reached a happy state. However, Teddy who has never known any home but the boat, is now happily settled in the trailer. He also had no stress with his cross- country hotel stays – quickly sniffing each room and claiming the best sofa or chair.

 







Summary of our Travels from June 2017 to November 2020

Happier 2021 to ALL!


Saturday, July 4, 2020

Quarantined in Colombia


Quarantined in Colombia - three months and counting
What to do while quarantined on a boat in Colombia? Thankfully we always have boat chores and when they run out there are puzzles and crafty projects.  
Steve worked through our stash in the first month of lockdown


Then the books that we normally read keep us sane.  Sounds familiar I’m sure. Being in a Spanish speaking country does add a twist or two – since we are very limited in our Spanish skills.  So, daily sessions with our Duolingo Spanish lessons also help fill the time and keep our brains ticking over. And, many thanks to Google Translate!
Not March 17, but tinted to trace a leak

One weekly trip for each of us to the grocery store is a major outing.  With mask in place and cleaner spray as we enter the store as well as return to the marina, we shop in a very well stocked grocery store. Even without seeing the smiles, we are well-treated and our few words of Spanish patiently processed and rewarded with crisp English responses. Steve also manages to sneak out to the marine stores as needed to keep his projects moving along – that is when fellow boaters don’t have what he needs.  As usual boaters help each other and pool their resources and talents to help on urgent and routine projects.
working on Thomas' motor - repeatedly


Our group of boaters are a resourceful bunch in many ways.  One tech savvy cruiser noticed that he could access the projector outside the office and we could watch movies on the wall – all appropriately socially distanced. We have enjoyed a variety but probably the best was “Styx” a recent sailing themed movie with a refugee sub-theme. 

Game Nights

Another, civic minded captain (with a boat load of children) organized weekly Trash Day where we rallied to clean up the litter in the marina waters and have a competition for the heaviest bag of trash retrieved. Not surprisingly, the kids being low to the ground seemed to win every time. The marina staff also provided ice creams for the kids which added to their incentive! 




For exercise and relaxation, another cruiser conducts Sunday morning yoga sessions – Steve has challenged himself to stretch and especially enjoys his nap at the end. 

A fourth cruiser submitted an article to his hometown German paper about the quarantined boaters which was spotted by several fellow Germans living here in Santa Marta.  They reached out and together raise funds for food drives to help those suffering during the shutdown. Weekly bulk food and supplies were delivered to the marina and we joined in a line to bag them up. Trips were made through local contacts to distribute the supplies to families in surrounding communities who were suffering through the quarantine. 



unpacking delivery at Marina


The final distribution trip involved a two-hour bus ride to a neighboring province and a welcome stay at the beautiful resort Finca Escondida where we were family not guests. (Tourist travel was still prohibited.) The lovely beach front setting and delicious food provided certainly enhanced our enjoyment in bringing a little supplemental food to some of the local families. The bus ride back took a unique turn when we were delayed 3 hours for some mysterious “protest” that blocked traffic on the main road.  Everyone very calmly relaxed and chatted while we waited – and it seemed as mysterious to everyone else as to us – even with our limited Spanish – but surely just another day in quarantine.


Welcome drinks



Then there are the dolphins. Next to the marina – down the beach is an aquarium with trained dolphins.  For exercise and to keep them in good training, the handlers bring the dolphins into the marina usually on Sunday afternoon – this is a participatory activity – everyone is encouraged to jump in and play with the dolphins – petting and even riding them between admiring their graceful leaps and turns.  Most people pay a good deal for this privilege, but it is free for this quarantine.
waiting for the dolphins

Dolphins and handlers entering marina



The local Armada also has a few boats based in the marina – they come and go every few hours as they patrol the area but occasionally, they provide a musical diversion – this was especially true during the Easter holidays when they blasted music for the folks in the marina and those shut in the condo towers adjacent to us.


The marina is quite large with five main docks and a heliport jetty so we can walk these docks for exercise and never feel cooped up. It is also on the edge of a large working harbor/port which is entertaining. The Dole cargo carrier comes and goes each week – we are told their plant is in full operation. Car carriers also make regular stops as do the container ships which we are happy to see since they help keep our grocery stocked.  The bulk carriers also unload regularly on the long pier we can see from our back deck – as we are on the far end of the marina dock. The coming and going of the pilot and crew boats keep us entertained as does the travel lift immediately across the channel from our slip. Work in a busy harbor never stops although fortunately they rarely disturb our sleep.

saying farewell to fellow cruisers


Things are slowly opening-up again, but very gradually – restaurants only do take out – the marina treated us to a free meal from their big restaurant which is opening for limited take out service. They normally would host a potluck dinner on the dock but delivered a takeout treat to our boat as a “Safe” alternative. Steve was impressed with the restaurant and found on his visit to get the menu that one of the owners is in fact a relocated American from Texas. We understand why so many expats from around the world like it here.
                                  
interesting cuts of meat????

Our shipment has arrived!

keeping the bugs at bay
                                       


Our Russian Neighbors - one of the boats that has departed


Santa Marta is a large town with ample shopping, restaurants, museums, and amusements when we are freer to move about…chomping at the bit to explore all the intriguing corners. Until then we are surviving in good comfort and with fine friends – one day we will post the movie a cruiser is making of our life in quarantine – and the diverse languages and cultures we represent. Life is good.