Yes I am still on the boat. Dolce Vita has been tied up in Mazatlan, Mexico at a marina since last June. As for me I returned to the states in August to visit my family and friends although because of my schedule and many friends schedules I was not able to visit everyone which was very disappointing. I since has been encouraging everyone to visit me here in Mexico. I am sorry to say the odds of this happening is small other than my family whom has been here for visits. My son Steve and his family are meeting me in Baja this summer. I am looking forward to this since two of my grandsons will finally see and sail on Grandpa's boat.
I have put together some photos that I have taken while here in Mazatlan that I want to share. I will be throwing off the dock lines in about two weeks and pointing the boat south to the southern coast of Mexico and returning here briefly at he end of March before sailing to the Sea of Cortez where I will be meeting up with the other Gade family and returning again here in July to hold up for next year's hurricane season.
So let's view a few photos.
Boats have been referred to as ladies since the old Vikings days. One thing we all men have learned that a happy man is one that keeps his lady happy If you don't there will be hell to pay. 😓 Now Dolce Vita has not been kind to me for the last three years as she has thrown many problems at me. All that I have solved and fixed but she keeps the problems coming. Now being a man, our ladies know we are slow to learn. Am I correct? I finally realized that I have not been taking care of my lady so I am thinking that if I give here a new set of cloths and makeup she can dress up for the party and be the sexiest lady at the dance. So I throw a lot of money at her and she is now looking good. In a couple of weeks, when I set sail again, I will find out if she has forgiven me. 😃
I took this photo from halfway up the mast looking down at the deck below with the new paint job and varnished rails around the edge.
Here is a photos taken from the dock looking back towards the stern.
Dock level looking forward towards the pointy end of the boat.
Then I had the boat pulled out of the water so we could paint the bottom. Here she is being prepared to be placed back in the water.
Slowly she is being lowered into the water.
Now it is time for the skipper to go out dancing. Three friends and I went to this interesting restaurant
last evening that at one time was a cistern to provide water to schools and hospitals here in Mazatlan. It was converted to a wonderful place to enjoy great food. The decor is very interesting.
Then I went to the square in Old Town to see and experience the holiday spirit.
Last and most important is a photo of the largest cathedral here in Mazatlan where the spirit of Christmas will be celebrated today and tomorrow.
I hope you have enjoyed this and in knowing that all is well here and I am still sailing the seven seas.
I hope this finds all of you healthy and happy having yet another good year and enjoying the last two weeks of the year with family and special friends. Tomorrow, friends and I are going for a three hour cruise off of the coasts. Merry Christmas to one and all.
