Wand'rin Star Blog Log

Note: Now you can read about the trip in Gary's own words here and see more photos on the Photo Page

For the next 2 or 3 months, we'll be doing a Blog Log, how's that for a play on words?

The crew of the S/V Wand'rin Star will be on different boats; Dorothy will keep "the home fires burning" on S/V Wand'rin Star in Mexico and Gary will be crewing on S/V Grace. He says he was shanghia'd (but he really VOLUNTEERED) to help out on the boat as she makes the 2008 Puddle Jump from Mexico to French Polynesia. You can follow the adventures here and vist the Yotreps Website to see the boat's progress.

S/V Grace and Gary with the Puddle Jump Flag

June 6, 2008- Gary arrived in Puerto Vallarta on June 2 after a 36 hour trip from Tahiti, which included two "red-eye" flights. He was delighted to be home and looked almost like the man who left me 2 months ago, the exception was a much longer beard and hair! That first kiss was a doozy!

We're preparing to leave Puerto Vallarta this morning and will update the log with full details of his trip as well as breath-taking photos when we reach Mazatlaan.

May 26, 2008 - News Flash...Gary just called (11:00 p.m. EDT) and they are safely tied up at the Tahiti Yacht Club.

May 26, 2008 - Tahiti is in sight! The email I just read from Gary said they were only 15 nm
from Tahiti and it looked wonderful amid the calm azure Pacific! Luckily they've had
more wind on this leg than on the previous one from Nuku Hiva to Manihi, an atoll in the
Tuamotu archipelago of French Polynesia. They had very little wind and were sometimes
traveling as slowly as 4 nm/hour under power on that leg! His emails have become shorter
(the propagation is quite poor) and with less information, so we'll be sharing his more
detailed observations as well as his photos when we update the log after his arrival in Mexico
...which is in 7 days! I'm so excited about his return!! (Hopefully with some of those black
pearls for which Manihi is known!)

I'm sitting in a motel room in Flint, MI awaiting a very early morning flight tomorrow that will
take me back to Puerto Vallarta after three weeks in MI. Memorial Day weekend I enjoyed
being in Traverse City watching Kate & Damon, my daughter & son-in-law, complete the
Bay Shore 1/2 Marathon! They both did well and we also celebrated Kate's birthday. It's
been wonderful seeing family and friends in Michigan, but I'm anxious to get back to our "real life"
with Murray the Cat on SV Wand'rin Star.

May 17, 2008 - The crew of Grace was warmly welcomed by the folks on Solace with cold beers and a lemon meringue pie in Nuku Hiva after 21 days at sea when the hook was dropped on May 3, 2008. Their first meal ashore was PIZZA! They spent the next week socializing with other cruisers, practicing French, waiting for a fuel permit so they could buy fuel for $9.00/gal. instead of $12.00/gal., exploring the interior of the island by car, repairing damage to the boat, and just generally enjoying being stationary. Gary swam off the boat (and got clean at the same time!) even though there had been shark sightings in the bay. We'll post a more "in-depth" view of Nuku Hiva when we write the next Log. Grace left Nuku Hiva on May 15, heading to the Tuomotos which they hope to reach in 3 or 4 days depending on the weather.

I'm enjoying my visit with family in Michigan and looking forward to Gary's arrival back in Puerto Vallarta on June 2.

May 3, 2008 - They've arrived in Nuku Hiva, Marquesas!!!! I still haven't spoken with Gary but did hear over the PPJ Net on Friday (May 2) that Grace was at anchor in Nuku Hiva! All arrived safely and I'm anxiously awaiting direct word or email from Gary. Thanks to all of you who sent good thoughts and wishes skyward for their safe trip!

I'm preparing for my visit to Michigan and Murray is already enjoying being at the Cat Spa in PV (?)

April 30, 2008- I just got Grace's position at 00 Zulu today and they are at 06.25 S, 136.09 W! It's exciting as they get closer to their initial destination; I'm definitely enjoying this vicariously!!!There are only 3 boats left in the group that they have been reporting in with each evening; the others have all made landfall. Some have already left the Marquesas for other ports.

Gary enjoyed a deck shower on April 28 as he said they had a really nice rain and all took showers. He tried to talk the others into a swim, but to no avail. Since having crossed the equator the night skies are beginning to look different. He wrote, "The stars are wonderful and the Southern Cross is very nice. When the moon is up and bright it's cool being out in the cockpit alone and enjoying it."

Sally forwarded the following snippet to me which we both thought sounded quite incredible! In Geoff's words: "We are about 315 NM from Nuku Hiva and moving along well at 6.6 kts. Looks like we could arrive later in the day on Friday. We'll see. Saw something amazing late yesterday, maybe 75-100 dolphins racing towards Grace from about 1/4 mile away. Jumping high out of the air to gain speed to catch us. They swam alongside and in the bow wave for about 20 minutes."

Here in Puerto Vallarta life continues at a pleasant pace. Sue, Bill's wife, left yesterday for their home in Vancouver after being in Mexico for six months. We had a great time keeping each other company after the guys left; she even graciously let me luxuriate in the marble bath tub in her hotel room before she checked out! Gary told me he was definitely jealous!

I'm in the process of getting Wand'rin Star ready to be left here at Paradise Village while I travel to Michigan to visit family for a few weeks. Murray is anxiously awaiting his trip to the kennel (NOT!)

April 28, 2008- " Second Week on Passage " from Captain Geoff.
"Today is Sunday, April 27 and this is GRACE's 15th day at sea.  The big news for the week is that yesterday, at about 17:30 Zulu time, we crossed the Equator.  We dug out a bottle of "champagne" and, after giving Neptune his due, drank the remaining 9/10s of the bottle between us.  In the equatorial heat, that was quite enough for me.
Progress Details
As a result of decent winds during most of GRACE's passage to the equator, we have this week moved 1072 nautical miles closer to Nuku Hiva, our landfall in the Marquesas.  Our speed for this second week of our passage averaged 6 knots.  Our best day's run was 176 nautical miles for an average speed of just over 7.0 knots.  Unfortunately, that rate of progress couldn't last.  At 2 degrees N, we just ran out of wind and have been motoring for all but about 12 of the last 50 hours.  Our weather charts show that we have the best chance of picking up some wind S of 2 degrees S.  So, that's where we are headed.  If we can fall in with the SE trades in the next 36 hours, it looks like we should have a good sail the rest of the way to Nuku Hiva.
Events of Note
In general, this has been a drama-free passage.  However, we did manage to bend our gooseneck earlier this week.  GRACE sailed herself under poled-out jib for the day while we three put-together a jury rig from parts we have on-board.  So far, so good.  I will try to have a permanent repair made in Nuku Hiva if possible, Tahiti if not.

About the only real concern at the moment is that our pile of garbage bags on the aft deck is growing pretty large!

That's all for now.  We'll write again in a week when we hope to be in Nuku Hiva." - Geoff

Based on the above information and if my math is correct, the three men in a boat have traveled 2082 nm since I waved goodby to them in Puerto Vallarta on April 11. Gary surprised me with a SAT phone call on Saturday and it was so good to hear his voice!

April 26-2008 - The propagation for sending Sailmail messages has deteriorated and I'm only hearing from Gary every other day now. Currently all is well on Grace and they expect to cross the EQUATOR at approximately 2:00 p.m. CDT TODAY!

The Pacific Puddle Jump Net on April 25 reported their position at 00 Zulu to be 01.32N, 130.3W, speed 5.6 (motoring), winds- S 5kts, Sea state- NW 2', 95% cloud cover.

They did have excitement on April 24 as the wind increased resulting in an accidental jibe, causing the gooseneck on the boom to bend. Luckily no one was hurt and crew spent most of the 25th repairing the damage. At the completion, Gary celebrated by drinking the one bottle of Coke he had aboard, so it must have been quite an occasion! To add to the fun, it was also raining for the first time on the trip and Gary realized he hadn't felt rain in 8 months! I was concerned that he was still following "MY SAFETY" rules and always wearing his PFD & tether; he assured me that he was and even commented that he was glad that I "honey-trained him so well." This helps me rest a little easier.

I'm looking forward to hearing about the equator crossing and what offerings they make to Nepune in the process.

Thursday afternoon I was delighted to see Jim & Don on SV Dreamweaver pull into the slip next to me. We met them in Ventura in 2004 and really enjoyed hearing of their adventures; it was great to be able to do some catching up for a couple hours in the cockpit. They left this morning for Marina Vallarta and will head to La Paz, putting the boat on Dockwise for the trip north to Nanimo, BC. I wish them well as they definitely brighten everyone's day!

I should be receiving a "Second Week Update" directly Grace soon and will post it.

April 22-2008 - No news from Gary yet today, but as of Sunday they had their best day so far, making 170 nm in 24 hours with an average speed of just over 7 kts! The winds have increased and waves are occasionally 12-14'. They thought about reefing the main, but the Captain decided to keep the speed up. At current speeds SV Grace should be crossing the equator in 2 or 3 days!

The "land crew" enjoyed a day which began helping FAD, Families at the Dump - a non-profit organization at Paradise Village - make 250 sandwiches which will be delivered to the adults and children who live and work at the dump near Puerto Vallarta. This is an incredible organization & I urge you to check out the website at www.familiesatthedump.org. I will be going to the dump tomorrow to give water to the workers and a doctor & nurse also visit on Wednesdays..

After that, Sue and I went to the pueblo of Jarretaderas for "Tuesday Market", where I stocked up on wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables.

April 19-2008

Sally, Geoff's lovely wife, forwarded this to me for your enjoyment.

First Week on Passage

As of today, Grace and her crew of Bill, Gary and Geoff have been underway for the Marquesas for 8 days. The total distance to the Marquesas at the start of our passage was 2,774 nautical miles. As of now, Grace has moved 1010 nautical miles closer to her destination. Our speed for this first portion of our passage averaged 5.25 knots. Our best day's run was 154 nautical miles for an average speed of 6.42 knots. The first few days were very slow with little or no wind. So, our daily distance-run has improved dramatically over the past week.

Boat and Crew Doing Well

We have been fortunate to have had no significant issues with either crew health or Grace herself. Both boat and crew are in good shape and we are working to keep them so. The crew is eating well and still enjoying the fresh and frozen foods that we put aboard in Puerto Vallarta. In another week or so, menus will likely shift to more canned foods. But, we are prepared for this with a variety of interesting prepared Indian dishes, pasta and canned meats to add to both.

Some time ago, we added a towing generator to Grace’s inventory of electrical generating gear. This is the first passage on which we have used the generator and it is already on my personal list of favorite gear, which also includes our ROCNA anchor, Monitor wind vane and Little Wonder water maker. We find that the combination of the towing generator and two 80-Watt solar panels more than satisfies all of our electrical needs (Whoopee! Clean laundry and showers on passage!).

Some Excitement

Equipment conflicts do occur. Last night around midnight, the wind vane and the Towing Generator tangled, literally. The generator has a rope that trails astern with a small propeller attached. The propeller spins in the water turning the generator. Unfortunately that rope also got itself caught in the wind vane. We spent about an hour cleaning-up the mess and getting Grace back on course. Fortunately, no permanent damage was done to any of the gear.

Coming Up Next

In a few days, we will reach the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone. (ITCZ) This is an area where the weather patterns from the two hemispheres come together. The result is typically squally, unpredictable weather with little wind. We have a strategy to get through this area and we'll report on its success (or lack thereof) when we write again in about a week.

April 18, 2008 - The following is Gary's email response when I asked him to tell me about a "typical day on Grace."

A typical day on Grace, where do I start? We have 3 night watches, 8-12, 12-4, and 4-8. I have the 4-8 so I sleep most of the night and then get to see the sun come up. During my watch I fix something to eat and have tea. Things have been very quiet and so it's just a matter of watching the course to make sure the Monitor is working; it's proven to be very reliable, so most of the time there is not a lot to do. I do use my iPod much of the time. During the day all three of us are up most of the time. I tend to take a nap during the day for an hour or so. Lunch is pretty much "fix your own" and that's fine with me as my clock is off. DInner is more organized with each taking turns fixing it and someone else doing the dishes. I then do the PJ Net and get ready for bed between 8-9.

April 17, 2008- Gary celebrated his birthday on Grace yesterday with gifts from home and a bottle of Port Townsend Porter! He was surprised that I had given it to Geoff to put away for his special day! His birthday began with a SAT call to me and it was great to hear his voice and be able to talk with him! I hear him daily on the PPJ Net when the boat checks in, but I don't have a HAM license so I can't transmit on the marine bands. It's still a joy to hear him though! It can be stressful being on land and having a loved one far away in circumstances that can change by the moment with no warning. In the last email I received, he said life was a little boring, but we've all agreed that "boring" is fine especially given the "excitement" they dealt with on the first attempt. Gary is really enjoying his iPod nano and has listened to all the TWITS he'd loaded on it.

The winds are still light and they are using the spinnaker to get as much go for the blow. The average speed on the last YOTREPS update was 5.8 kts., not bad, but definitely not a speed record. All things considered life aboard Grace is just fine!

Life on land isn't bad either. Yesterday (in honor of G's birthday) I enjoyed my gift certificate at the spa and came out glowing after my massage & treatment.

Last evening I hosted a Going North Get-together for Jim & Mary Ann on Second Wind as they prepare to bash back to San Diego. Steve & Lori on Pacific Wind and Sue (Bill's wife) of Scot Free. A good time was had by all as we enjoyed our sun-downer. A great way to end a day that started with talking to Gary! I was on hand at 6:15 a.m today to help with the dock lines and bid them "fair winds & following seas." I'll miss them.

April 15, 2008- The land half of the crew enjoyed a dinner at Restaurant Mauricio's, a great local Mexican Seafood place that specializes in shrimp. Jim & Mary Ann dined here 5 years ago and invited Sue & me to dinner with them. What an experience! I think we were the only Gringos there and diners were entertained by 3 Mariachi Bands! Great music and mountains of delicioso food, along with free shots of tequila and after dinner kahlua! Plus they leave the bottle of tequila on your table for refills! Could be dangerous???? Not bad for $15 per person (not including the t-shirts we bought!)

April 14, 2008- Latest news from Gary is that the winds are being flaky and currently they're motoring. All aboard are beginning to get into the routine of watches, meals, and sleep. Lastest news from the land-based crew of Wand'rin Star is that I won a gift certificate to the Paradise Village Spa during the Welcome Party on Sunday evening. Now I need to decide how I want to use it????

The temperature & the humidity are both on the rise here, making it difficult for me to get motivated to tackle the boat jobs I wanted to do!. I am looking forward to wishing Gary "Happy Birthday" via the Sat phone on Wednesday morning!

April 12, 2008- Update from Gary via the SSB email at 8:00 CDT: "It took about 8 hours for us to get out of the bay, no wind, but then the wind picked up to 25-30 knots. We put two reefs in the main, rolled in the jib and were doing 7-8 knots. We made 130 nm in the first 24 hours. Rough seas now".

It was good to hear from Gary and I've also been in contact with the other two women left behind, i.e. wives, and we're also doing alright...just a little different from our "normal" lives. Of course, I'm not exactly sure what "normal" means on a boat!

The Yotreps Website is now showing accurate boat position.

April 11, 2008- S/V Grace left the dock this afternoon heading out into the Pacific! Final preparations were completed and a smiling crew waved good-by. Updates will be added as I hear from Gary via the wonders of technology, i.e. SSB e-mail, Pacific Puddle Jump Net, VHF (at least for a day or so) and satellite phone. Many good thoughts are with Geoff, Bill, and Gary as they really begin this great adventure!

April 10, 2008- Plans are to finish provisioning today, get last minute tasks done and Grace will once again leave the dock tomorrow, headed for the Marquesas. Bill from S/V Scott Free has been added to the crew; he has lots of sailing experience and also came down the coast with the Baja HaHa this year. The YOTREPS map is currently a little confusing due to the comings & goings of Grace recently, but hopefully will be more accurate in a few days.

April 8, 2008- On April 3, a medical emergency arose with one of the crew, which resulted in the Mexican Navy being contacted & sending out a Navy Patrol Boat with 2 medics aboard. Grace changed course, heading toward Puerto Vallarta to meet the Patrol Boat. The medic boarded Grace and eventually the crewmember was transferred to the Naval vessel for transport to hospital.

Grace arrived in Puerto Vallarta on April 4 and will remain in PV for a few days before beginning the Jump again.

April 2, 2008- They're OFF! Life has been very busy for the past several days as final preparations for departure were completed and the 4 G's (SV Grace, Captain Geoff, & Crew - Gary E. & Gary B.) left terra firma April 1 at 2:30 p.m. local time heading to Punta de Mita for the night to await good winds. Gary B. arrived from Washington on Sunday and the above crew picture was taken as we all met him at the airport. The three guys all "clicked" and are looking forward to shared experiences. Gary B. is also excited about the trip and looking forward to being on a sailboat as he has a Kadey Krogen. Plans changed slightly as the La Cruz Port Captain's Office was closed on Monday and Geoff wasn't able to check out or go to Immigrations to get the Zarpe to leave the country. Departure from La Cruz was delayed 'til at least Tuesday...sigh. Monday was final provisioning as well as dealing with a last minute glitch in the fresh water system...nothing that couldn't be fixed in a few hours, but it did add a little tension to the preparations! Fresh fruits & veggies were washed & stored and a million last minute things mostly completed. We had dinner at the marina restaurant Monday evening and Gary (E. not B.) & I spent the night at the La Cruz Inn, enjoying taking a shower without wearing flip-flops!

Tuesday morning Geoff was waiting at the Port Captain's Office when it opened and then headed to PV to Immigrations with all the required copies and paperwork. He returned about 1:30 and the boat left the slip at 2:30 for an afternoon of sailing and then anchored at Punta de Mita. It was bittersweet as I kissed Gary (E. not B.) for the last time for two months and helped with dock lines as SV Grace quickly left the slip with the aid of the afternoon wind. The adventures begin!

I returned to Paradise Village after watching Grace motor out into Banderas Bay and was dealing with a multitude of feelings....envy (wishing I had been able to hide in a hold on Grace), concern for all aboard, sadness at missing a loved one, anticipation of time alone on Wand'rin Star and a visit to family in Michigan. No sooner had I arrived back at the slip and Mary Ann from Second Wind greeted me with an invitation to dinner aboard their boat. Bill & Sue of Scot Free joined us and a delightful evening was had by all....just the antidote I needed.

NOTE: I will be updating this Blog Log as I receive emails from Gary and as my adventures on land continue.

March 30, 2008-Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico-Gary B. arrived today and we met him at the airport along with Geoff. Tomorrow is final provisioning as Gary & Gary hit the Mega to pick up the fresh fruits and veggies for the trip and Geoff visits Immigrations and the Port Captain to clear out of Mexico.

Gary, Geoff, & Gary

March 22 , 2008 - La Cruz, Mexico-Gary is busy figuring out what to take with him on the voyage...how many books? which iPod? what weather gear? Tentative departure is around the first of April, no foolin'. Check back for updates

© Copyright 2008
Last updated on September 1, 2008