By Nicole
As I type this, Bella Star is softly bobbing and swaying as she dances with the gentle waves rolling into the anchorage (that’s right – the anchorage!). After spending two months tied to the dock doing repairs, being at anchor feels like coming home; like we can finally take a deep breath, kick off our flip-flops and relax.
We did it! We’re cruising again!
Knowing that so many people were rooting for us (and for Bella Star) helped keep us smiling through the blood, sweat and tears. Thanks for all your support!! Sure, we still have a long list of projects on the yellow legal pad, but the basic gear has been installed, and we’ve been cleared for take off.
On the road again
At anchor (at last) in Bahia Ballena, Golfo de Nicoya, where the teal-colored water is a perfect 90°F
While the lighting strike was traumatic, and it’s meant months of lost-cruising time, logistical headaches from finding and shipping parts, physical headaches from installing replacement gear and a new-found fear (yes, fear) of thunderstorms, we acknowledge that it could’ve been a lot worse. We feel very fortunate that no one was injured and that we have insurance. But beyond that, we find ourselves believing more and more that everything happens for a reason. Without the strike, I doubt our incredible trips to Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja and Lake Arenal would’ve happened. And to be honest, some of the key memories of our entire cruise were made in the last two months. This absolutely isn’t something we would’ve wished for, but as they say, “When life gives you limes, make margaritas.” Or is a key lime pie? I can never remember. :)
Margaritas and Key Lime Pie, I think!! Oh, I am so happy to see you guys out on the water again! Yippee!!
ReplyDeleteBella Star is one beautiful boat - I love those sails. Looking forward to lots more great photos of gorgeous teal water. Happy Cruising!
Not to dash all your hopes, but I am sorry to say that project list will never disappear. The only hope is that it gets a little smaller
ReplyDeleteI am very happy to see the Bella Star under sail again!! Looking for more great pictures and maybe another retirement home site. Althrough the last one will be hard to beat, A MICROBREDWERY IN THE JUNGLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT A DREAM!
Enjoy the feel again.
Be safe and have fun.
LOVE
DAD
Congrats you two for persevering through it all. What an ordeal - but you've come out the other side... We look forward to following your tales on the water again!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations - great work and great attitude. Best wishes from British Columbia. Alison and Craig
ReplyDeleteCongrats on hitting the open water again! It's great to follow Bella Star's travels so we know the good spots to hit when we take off!
ReplyDelete-Nate, Natalie and Sullivan from S/V Astraea
Hey, that´s terrific news!!! And we can´t help but remind you, we haven´t seen a lightning strike since leaving Costa Rica nearly 2 months ago.....as the old ad guy would say....."come on down!!"
ReplyDeleteKicking off your flip-flops and relaxing ... congrats! Glad to hear that some great experiences came out of an unpleasant ordeal!
ReplyDeleteYay! Congrats! We are heading your way tonight - I'll send a message on FB with our itinerary - hoping that we can meet up while we're down there. :)
ReplyDeleteYay for you guys! Your adventure continues! Lookin forward to more posts of all the cool places you will see next! Susan and Gary
ReplyDeleteWOOO HOOO!
ReplyDeleteGreat job getting the boat back in shape and keeping your spirits up :)
It also allowed for an awesome girls' weekend in DC :)
ReplyDeleteLove the positive outlook and the new photos from the open waters where Bella Star and her crew belong.
Love you!
Hi, everyone! Thanks for all the awesome comments! We have the best friends and followers. :)
ReplyDelete-Nicole & Aaron
Glad to read you are back home. YOu are probably just now getting good night rest... Many more to come.
ReplyDeleteI can't seem to remember you posting who your insurance company actually is though. I am curious. Thanks, and Fair winds and Fairer Customs agents!
Jim
SV Dawn Treader
Olympia, WA
Thanks for the kind words, Jim. And you're right about finally getting a good night's rest -- as I'm sure you know, quiet anchorages are perfect for that!
DeleteOur insurance company is Pantaenius, and so far we've been very happy with how this claim has been handled. We still need to get a few ducks in a row before we can close the claim, but as soon as we do, I was planning to write up a review.
Take care,
Nicole
Hey Guys, congrats on getting under sail again! What an adventure! We always knew that adventures come in all shapes and sizes and you guys weathered the worst of them. On the home front, we have about 2 weeks before we cut the docklines...Yikes! Can't wait to be anchored next to Bella Star in Mexico. Until then, fair skies and awesome winds!
ReplyDelete~b & r
s/v Osprey
So glad you are on the sea again! Definitely interested in that insurance write up, sounds like a good plan to have. I know you're enjoying the quiet anchorages again.
ReplyDelete