However, we will not be cruising again in the easily foreseeable future.  As much as we love the boat, it just doesn’t make sense to hang on to it for several years until we are ready to cruise again. With three kids to school and a job to do and cars and gasoline and all the other trappings of life back in the “real” world, we need to transition our energy and resources to other things. We are praying for a buyer to come along who will take her back out cruising. That is where she belongs and that is what she does best. We have had some great experiences while aboard and it is our wish that another family will be able to have great experiences with Cannibal too.

If you know anyone who is looking for a boat, send them our way. The details of the boat are on the s/v Cannibal page of this blog and of course, there are lots of pictures in the gallery. We are asking $180,000 which we believe is quite a bargain based on our experience and the other boats that are available on the market.

The bad news: She’s now a middle schooler, rapidly approaching teenager syndrome (sniff).

Oh, and more bad news:  the sail has not arrived yet and we have no idea when it will.

Thanks to President Bush, we also get to benefit from the Economic Stimulus Plan. I don’t agree with it, but I’ll take the money! We didn’t pay any taxes, we don’t owe any taxes, and yet we get money back—(makes no sense to me) but I’ll take it.

And now it’s time for an Awards Speech moment:

I would like to thank my wonderful father-in-law for taking care of our mail, and relaying important information to us. He had to email me all of our tax filing information. We couldn’t do this without him! I would also like to thank my wonderful mother-in-law for helping as well. She has amazing organizational skills (probably better than me, if that’s possible), and she, no doubt, has had a hand in keeping our records orderly. Plus they both check our PO Box several times a week, pray for us, and encourage us when we need it.

I would also like to thank our children for being alive. Because of them, we will be getting $900 from our federal government so we can stimulate the economy of the Bahamas (grin). Not sure that’s what the gov. had in mind, but that’s what will happen. (They will consume it all in food!)

I would like to thank God for creating the beautiful islands we are enjoying, and for the wonderful ocean full of interesting life. Apparantly, God has a different opinion about what a “fair wind” is than I do, but I’m sure He’s right!

OH! And I would like to wish for world peace!

Every year, when I hit the SEND button and file our taxes, I feel like I have just accomplished an amazing feat deserving of an award. I suppose the award is our refund check!

Before we began living aboard, I had read in several cruising magazines that cruising was nothing more than boat repair in exotic places. It’s true. There’s always something to fix. This time, it’s the water-maker. Several attempts later at getting parts, we think we have what will work now. We don’t want to leave the US without the water maker working because water is expensive in the Bahamas.

We have seen lots of interesting boats. Cruise ships come and go about every 3-7 days. We’ve had a couple of northers and seen boats bump other boats, one ran aground and had to be towed. There’s always something new and exciting happening. There are some really beautiful boats that have come and gone. We saw a reproduction three-masted schooner, the Dennis Sullivan from Wisconsin. It’s a school and research ship. We’ve also seen several really big mega yachts and charter boats.

Once John repairs the water maker, we will have to wait until the winds change and blow out of the south to cross the Gulf Stream over to the Bahamas. Right now, the earliest we can leave is Wed or Thur…and then only if the winds are right. We’ll see.

John posted some new photos on the website, so check them out.

That’s all for now!

There are lots of VERY cool boats here.

We happened to arrive during an annual race week. There is a huge yacht anchored out here with us. It’s probably 104 ft.–a beautiful sailboat flying a flag from Cayman Islands. John looked it up on the internet. It’s a charter boat that you can charter for a meager $63,000 a week!!! No problem! There are 3 or 4 old, wood schooners that take people on sunset sails. They’re beautiful. We have also seen two really big cruise ships… really big. There are tons of sailboats out where we are anchored.

Yesterday, we walked around and looked at all the sights. There are many beautiful old houses. They’re very picturesque, and the tropical foliage is beautiful. On the way back to the dinghy, we had to pass by several charter boats, some fishing charters. One boat had 4 or 5 barracudas laid out on the dock. We also saw a bunch of pelicans fighting over a really big fish. Eventually, they all lost the battle to a shark! Cool!!

Being the “home” of Ernest Hemingway, I felt compelled to read “The Old Man and the Sea.” Some friends we met in Palacios had given us the movie, so we watched that as well. It made us all think of Papaw because he’s so strong and brave and afraid of nothing. In fact, on our Gulf crossing, I was wishing he was with us to take my watch! So, Namama & Papaw, if you happen to read this, we talk about you both a lot and always with so many wonderful memories and stories and fun times. We are so glad you’re our Mom & Dad/Namsta & Papsta!

We hope to take in some of the museums that are here before we leave. The sailboat race week is over this weekend, so we are kind of waiting for the crowds to leave before we sights-see too much. Plus, we’re hoping the prices for touristy things goes down after they all leave. We have visited the laundromat (interesting), and the little grocery store. It’s neat to watch the people and try to determine who’s a local and who’s a tourist. It’s not that hard. The local females all have big dogs with them. The males, for the most part, look very “artsy” with long hair and beards, or they look like old salty dogs that have been on a boat way too long.

The tourists look lost, or they are in rental “cars,” bikes or scooters. There seem to be lots of French tourists here. Not sure if they’re here for the race week or what. This race seems to be a really big deal. We’re clueless.

I will post more when we have more interesting things to report.

Before I get to the list, I want to say that we are so excited about this coming year we can hardly stand it. It has taken us 3 months to get ready but we are feeling great about our readiness for the voyage and there is a certain appropriateness about starting fresh in a new year. I’ve got a new log book started and we are eagerly awaiting casting off. As soon as we get our welding done we are off with the first good weather window. We are excited to have a cargo bound for Haiti and to see Seven Seas Ministries begin to bear fruit. We are ready for this next phase of our adventure!

So without further to do, here is the answer to the questions I know you’re asking, “What have y’all been doing for 3 months? How come you haven’t left yet?” In no particular order, this is what we’ve been doing.

• Installed Lectrasan system
• Put a new raw water pump in the main engine
• Brought the boat from Pensacola to Texas
• Rebuilt the A/C compressor box in the boys closet
• Replaced the fuel pump on the generator
• Replaced all fuel filter elements in the whole fuel system for both generator and main engine
• Installed plywood panel alongside Garrett’s bunk so his stuff doesn’t fall into the lazarette
• Installed grab rail above Garrett’s bunk
• Extinguished on board electrical fire
• Recharged fire extinguishers
• Rewired entire 110 volt system including adding breakers and transfer switches
• Replaced oven thermostat valve
• Tuned refrigeration system including adding small air circulation fans in each box
• Repaired 150% Genoa
• Sewed new luff tape on spare 150% Genoa
• Repaired 100% jib
• Sewed new hanks on staysail
• Repaired sail cover
• Installed new flood light over sugar scoop
• Had propane locker repaired
• Ran aground and got centerboard jammed
• Built hookah supplied air breathing unit
• Unjammed center board
• Upgraded wiring from main battery bank to inverter/charger
• Rebuilt forward head
• Replaced Lexan in forward hold hatch cover
• Lubricated all winches
• Installed HDTV over the air antenna
• Repaired clothes washer
• Changed engine oil in main engine and generator
• Studied for untold hours and sat through 20 hours of USCG testing to get my License back
• Made and mounted port light curtains for the main cabin
• Made and mounted privacy curtains for passageways
• Repaired outboard motor ignition system
• Replaced all cabinet knobs
• Loaded cargo of shirts and computers for Haiti
• Crashed Shirley’s laptop
• Purchased and configured new laptop for Shirley
• Bought lots of miscellaneous spare parts, supplies, charts, cruising guides, etc
• Built half wall around generator to protect it from gear adrift in the lazarette
• Whipped ends of all lines on board
• Tuned standing rigging
• Replaced ends on both shore power cords
• Made up fender boards to span fenders for use at commercial type docks
• Lots of reading and researching on cruising and our destinations
• Installed new propane grill on aft rail
• Replaced gasket on portlight
• Gave away and sold unneeded extra sails
• Scraped barnacles off the dinghy bottom (a sure sign you’ve been somewhere too long)
• Replaced watermaker diaphragm
• Replumbed watermaker – hoses and fittings
• Provisioned for our trip south
• Homeschooled the kids on an ongoing basis
• And more stuff that I’ve forgotten

I’d also like to take a moment to thank all the folks who have helped us do all the stuff listed above. It is amazing the resources God puts in your path when you are doing what he called you to do. We have been blessed in lots of ways by lots of folks and this list is incomplete but here it is none the less. Also in no particular order.

• My mom and dad, Sue and Travis Votaw – for everything
• Shirley’s brother, Kevin Morrison – thanks for all the hours of electrical work
• Charles and Katherine Walker – thanks for all the transportation, mail handling and fellowship
• Charl DeVilliers the Silent Voyager – for his advice and expertise
• Charlie Jones – master craftsman
• Phil and Susie Collins – for cars and trips and fun
• Phil and Leslie Colquitt for feeding us and helping with mail and transportation needs
• Carl Westbrook for being a pastor and believing in the vision God has given us.
• Everyone else who has helped with anything else. The list is a long one, and we are overwhelmed by all of the help and encouragement you all have provided.

So together we embark on a new year. If this past year was any indication, we have lot’s of excitement and blessings in store. God bless you all an we look forward to moving forward together through 2008.

Stay tuned. Ciao for now!

I never dreamed we would still be in US waters in December! I definitely never planned on being cold. Even in Galveston it’s cold. Last night was 38, and today’s high was 64. We’re all running out of cold weather clothing. We didn’t pack but a couple of pairs of jeans, and a couple of sweatshirts each. The kids didn’t bring any coats, either. We walked to Academy last week and purchased everyone a cheap, fleece-lined windbreaker. I also bought a fleece sock hat for my head at night. It’s so cold at the bow that I can’t sleep because my head is cold. The hat solved the problem, but talk about bedhead—wow! Good thing I brought all those extra comforters and sleeping bags. We’re using them all!

The longer we sit here, the more I want a house. Living on a boat isn’t so fun if it isn’t going anywhere. Did I mention that we share the bayou with two other full-time (apparantly) live aboards? There are two other sailboats anchored out here: one houses a couple of alcoholic/drug addicts who from the looks of them would otherwise be occupying a park bench somewhere–but they seen harmless enough–except for the story we heard that a couple were out sailing with them and the husband got so drunk that he fell overboard and drowned and the others didn’t seem to notice til it was too late. The other boat has a couple on it. It’s a very small boat…too small to live on full time. They have jobs here and seem nice enough-although the guy seems a little moody. The girl is from Cuero and is always nice.

The tourists come by every week, either on the duck tours or in the “Colonel” (Moody Gardens’ faux steamship tour boat). We’ve been here so long, the guide probably points us out as an attraction. The tourists all point and wave–probably jealous (ha). Oh, and there are a couple of shrimp boats that live at a dock over here. They come zipping by at high rates with large wake that rocks us violently–well not as violently as it rocks the little boat, but still, how rude! On weekends, several day-sailors pass by and holler out, “nice boat.” That’s fun.

We got our passports yesterday! Yippee! If only we could go somewhere. (sigh).

And finally, I will end my gripe session with this: I MISS MY DOG! How can I live without a dog? John said I could have a pet gecko, but I only want the one from the Geico commercial that talks like he’s from Australia—he’s cute. Not as cute as Buddy, but it would at least be entertaining. Buddy probably doesn’t even remember us anymore. He probably loves it so much at the Snelson’s that he will never want to leave.
All Kimi and I want for Christmas is our dog. (deep, longing, forlorn sigh).

We have had lots of visitors (family and friends) and it’s been wonderful. Some VERY good friends from Victoria loaned us their car for as long as we’re here, so we have been attending church in Victoria at Faith. It’s quite a drive (hour and 15 min or so), but well worth it to see all of our old friends. Many of them have also come to the boat to visit us, which has been really fun.

Susie, Phil and Philip Collins took us to Port Aransas to the beach! I love the beach. Phil surfs and he taught the kids. They’re all hooked on surfing now and we are in the market for a surfboard. I was impressed. Travis got up the first day, and the second day, he was surfing. Garrett also eventually got the hang of it. Kimi managed to get up on her knees…so the next step is standing up. They had so much fun.

John’s parents came for a visit last week. John’s aunt came out as well. We had a great time. Then we took his parents for a sail as well as Charlie Jones (the guy that built Pilgrim, Travis’ boat) and his wife Laura. Although boat lovers and sailors, none of them had ever been on a boat this size. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time.

Other than the reconnecting with old friends and homeschooling, John has been doing lots of repairs/improvements. He and our oldest son rebuilt the head (very necessary). He repaired the outboard on the dinghy (long story). We hired out the repair of the propane tank lid (it was rotting). He tightened up all the shrouds. He rebuilt the air-conditioner duct work and tightened all the hose clamps. And (drum roll, please) He freed up the centerboard!! Doing that required him to purchase parts and make a hooka (sp?) unit. He had to dive under the boat with a hacksaw blade, and the hooka unit is a homemade diving—thing. His first step was ordering the parts, which I won’t go into because it was a horrible nightmare that we don’t want to relive. Let me just say that there were many days devoted to accumulating all of the parts (long story–which is related to all the other long stories. Perhaps John will post about it all). Anyway, he freed it up and he is a happy, happy man.

I have had almost as much fun acquiring my sewing machine, but I got it and I’m a happy, happy woman. I haven’t any fabric to sew with, but I have it–I can touch it, and look at it and put parts on and take them off! When I get fabric, I will make a new bimini and curtains for the cabin for when we stay in marinas.

A cold front moved in yesterday. It got down into the 50′s! That’s chili on the water. We actually had to turn the cabin heater on. We’re supposed to have several days where the high is only low 70′s. It’s time to head south!

John hasn’t had a lot of free time to study, but he has managed to get some in. We hope he will be ready to take his license test by the first part of November. Our time in the marina here is up NOv 3rd, so we might go back to Galveston and anchor out in Offits Bayou, rent a car for him to drive to the Coast Guard office in Houston. Galveston has a lot of fun things to do, plus we have friends there, too.

Here is my deep thought for October. Travis and Sue (John’s parents) just got back from Israel and we were looking at their pictures of their trip. I had this thought: Did Jesus ever have the inclination to enlighten people in that time about technology. Did He ever want to tell them how to make electricity and water treatment plants and pumps, two way radios, washing machines, outboard motors… I was just wondering if he ever got frustrated living in such rustic conditions. Or did God not let him have access to that knowledge so we would discover it on our own. Just a thought!

Till next post… fair weather and fair winds!