May 19, 2008

Reflections

This was probably the most amazing experience we could share together as a family.
Cruising was really just what our family needed to reconnect and learn from each other.
When Michel and I arrived back home, the girls had surprised by having the house clean and decorated with welcome home messages.
They presented us with a large card thanking us for this amazing adventure.
Josee wrote:
This trip meant everything to me...I am so thankful for those time the wind was in my face and sun in my eyes. I had a big grin on my face, and all my worries were gone.
I knew my family was the best family to be taking me a journey so big; so loving, and full of joy. I know we may have of struggled, and might of not been the best sailors of the sea, but we are the strongest, and made a life time story. We may of thought everything would be normal, but we are not normal. We are the Poirier family and I am proud to be in this family.


Chantal:
I guess I changed my mind when I thought I did not want to come. I must of been crazy! The whole entire trip was unbelievable! My most vivid memory was waking up in the morning walking into the cockpit and seeing a spectacular beach right in front of my eyes. it made me realize how lucky I was to wake up in a place that hardly anyone in the world can see.
It really changed my life. the whole entire trip was amazing and made me see life is worth living at its fullest, and we sure did live life at it's fullest down there.

Genevieve: You were right, in every possible way, 1 million percent. Our trip was life changing- each of us grew and changed into mature, intelligent, globally aware, well travelled human beings. Who else can say that at 17?
We truly know the value of a dollar. You have shared with us your dream and given us new and exciting dreams for ourselves. You have given us so much in the past year. Things that money can't buy. You've given us the gift of travel...which we will keep with us forever and pass on to our own children.
You have given us the gift of perseverance, which you have mastered- taking care of 3 teenagers Girls!) as well as taking car of a 51 foot boat. I'm sure other cruisers would marvel at your courage.
You have given us the gift of love, even when we didn't deserve it. And most of all you have given us the most amazing, wonderful and unforgettable experiences.
Our hearts will always be with the ocean, and our family will always be able to reminisce about our crazy adventures we had together. I love our family and I love and admire your both.


Was our trip everything dreamed it would be? I would have to say no, it was more enriching than what I could of imagined.

Welcome home


Back to reality. This is what 8 months of mail looks like. Most of it is junk mail!
Such a waste of resources.
What's with this Capitol One banking mailouts!.
I received over 12 credit card invitations and 7 congratulation you have won a Caribbean cruise notifications.
Really quite amusing after travelling and seeing people so happy in Central America with virtually noting.
Do we really need all this stuff?

May 7, 2008

Barillas El Salvador


We are now in Barillas at Bahia de Jiquilisco El Salvador. This is an estuary with a lot of really healthy mangroves. There was a 4-5 foot crocodile hanging around our boat. These boys appear to be living in the mangroves while they mind fish traps in front. The estuary is quite large with meandering arms of water winding around for miles. It is quite easy to get lost exploring these waterways.
There are so many mosquitos and "no see ums" here it is unbearable. At Barillas they burn coconuts to smoke out the bugs for folks like us at the anchorage. I guess these guys are immune to the effects or just a lot tougher than gringos.

New Crew


This little fellow hoped aboard while we were at sea, in fact, we were about 20 miles from shore. He explored the boat and hopped on our legs, unafraid and very curious. He kept going inside the companion way, then flew out the hatch. Everytime he found his way inside he would peep away until he discovered a hatch to escape only to explore his way back inside. He continued this game for just over an hour. Silly bugger.

New Crew



We meet Sam and Jules Scuba Diving in Nicaragua. We asked them if they would like to help us sail to El Salvador and they jumped on the opportuinty without a lot of time to think about it. I think they had fun. We actually had the best winds sailing with them. They are backpacking around Central America and call South Africa home. Sam is a doctor and has a contract to work in Australia after this trip. We had a great time together and wish them well in thier adventures together.
They are getting married this December in India-

San Juan del Sur Nicaragua




Perhaps one of our favourite spots on the trip was San Juan del Sur. We really spent a lot of time there. Glen, Larry, and Mark from the Scuba Shack were great friends and very helpfull in arranging our sail delivery.
The Scuba Shack became our hangout. This little town offers great tourisim activites for very little cost.

Cool People

The best part of cruising was meeting a wide variety of people who all lead incrediably interesting lives. We have learned so much from all these new friendships. The following is a sample of our El Salvadorian friends.
with out a doubt, the Salvadorians are the most hospitable, friendly and lively Central Americans.

The Dardano family




"Me Casa su Casa" my house is your house is the moto of this wonderful, vibrant family. We are certainly happy that Chantal "hooked" up with Charlie. We spent a lot of time with this family and shared a lot of laughs and fun together.
We feel really blessed to have met them.

Giovani Fabietti


Giovani's assistance was pivitol in getting our crates into El Salvador. He is the only Salvadorian with a sailboat.
He spent countless hours negotiating and exploring options for us. He is currently working hard on starting up new anchorage opportunites in El Salvador
We are forever gratefull for his help and friendship.

Gervin and Debora



This couple who live rather humbly in Tamerindo were happy to have us anchor in front of thier house. Debora cooked meals for Michel and Gervin worked very hard along side Michel getting Jovietal ready to go.
He organized these locals to dive for oysters for us for a farewell dinner.

Gervin and Edmond


These two amigo's were great friends. Gervin is from Tamerindo in El Salvador
he was great help in getting things done on our boat. Edmond " A Canadian lawyer living in El Salvador was great help as a friend and translator.

May 5, 2008

Jan Costa del Sol



Jan is a great friend to cruisers and the local people who live on a small island in the Estuary, near Herradur. She offers trips to town to help cruisers provision and hosts a chicken barbecue every Wednesday. Her students like to practice their English on the cruisers. The students hope to secure good paying jobs because they can speak English.
She currently teaches these children and a few adults from the Navy English classes on her property.
This is a picture of her school and students. The other picture her giving locals a ride back home from a day of shopping. When she offered one of the students of her school a ride the whole family joined. It was pretty hilarious getting all the stuff in the truck.
We all jammed in and laughed all the way home to the estuary which was about a 45
minute drive. Jan arrived in Costa del Sol over 12 years ago in Quantum Leap a 72 foot Oceanis sloop. She fell in love with the place and decided to call El Salvador Home.