There is a type of blackbird common in Bequia that has a distinctive and loud call. These birds’ cry sounds as if they are saying “Bequia Sweet… Bequia Sweet”. No matter where you go on the island- from the bustling streets of town to the rum shacks on the beach- you can hear the joyous sounds of birds singing “Bequia Sweet.” It is as if these birds know how special their island home is and they can’t help but sing about it. This bird cry is also an earworm to us frequent visitors- reminding us how lucky we are to be in Bequia and how sweet it is!
We returned to sweet Bequia yet again and allowed the island to work its magic and melt away our stresses and slow down our senses. Electronic devices were put away, air conditioning turned off, shoes removed, and to-do lists forgotten. The rhythm of daily life slowed down and we set our internal clocks to “island time” where no one is ever in a hurry and when a local tells you he will be “jus now” it could mean anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours. But who cares, because there is always sun, rum, sand and sea to occupy us.
We caught up with all of our Bequia friends and visited all of our favorite spots. One of the beauties of Bequia is that not much changes from year to year. There are no new high rise hotels, or beach clubs or fancy restaurants. And that is fine by us. We like the locally-owned establishments with local food and local customers. We feel more a part of the island this way. And the people are truly what makes Bequia so sweet. They are open and accepting and warm and generous.
Closing my eyes and remembering Bequia- the smell of its sea breezes, the sounds of the birds, the taste of a lobster salad at De Reef, the feel of the warm sand in my toes… can bring a smile and relax me instantly. My smile is even bigger knowing I am going back in 1 week! Bequia Sweet!
Big smiles for sunset cocktails at Jack’s BarPirate at Frangiapani waiting on the sunsetA margarita at Mac’s is just what the doctor ordered…Watching the start of the double-ender sailboat race for the Bequia RegattaDaily lunch at De Reef- fresh mahi and a lobster saladA spectacular sunset from our villa AllamandaCooling off in the sea, two thumbs up for Pirate’s favorite pink hat…Looks like a perfect nap spot to me…
For the past 5 years, we have been going to California each spring. We alternate between Wine Country and San Diego. We can’t pick a favorite- they are both great!
When in Napa, we have enjoyed staying in Yountville at the Hotel Yountville. There are lots of fine dining restaurants and tasting rooms within walking distance. It is a great central location that one can enjoy without a car. It can be nice to not have to worry about driving when you are drinking wine all day!
Walking the garden near The French LaundryWine tasting at Silver OakStarting the day off right!A visit to Chandon for bubbles…A visit to Iron Horse Vineyards
For a quieter and more remote location, we have enjoyed staying in the Russian River Valley. We like to winery hop and visit all of the small, rustic wineries, where tastings are super casual and no reservations are needed. We also like to visit Armstrong Redwoods Natural Reserve for some gorgeous scenery and a break from all of the eating and drinking.
Feeling small at Armstrong Redwoods Natural ReserveAfternoon tasting at Fog Crest Vineyards
In the San Diego area, we love the Grand Del Mar Resort. The grounds are gorgeous, the service is second to none and the spa is the best we have ever experienced. If you want to be pampered and completely relax, the Grand Del Mar is the place to be!
Mornings on the balcony at the Del MarGetting pampered at the spa.Enjoying a post-spa soakPrivate wine tasting for our group
The Grand Del Mar is so large, you can be entertained for several days without ever leaving the resort grounds. However, there is much to see and do in the area. We enjoyed hiking the dunes and lunching by the sea in La Jolla.
Dinner in La JollaEverything in bloom.Breakfast al fresco
It’s that time of year again. When everything is in bloom, the windows are left open all day and night and the cool ocean breeze and smell of the sea is constant. Summertime in Newport, RI! We love our New England summers, the weather is perfect and much of our days are spend outside in the sun.
Newport is a fun little town nestled on the sea. Hundreds of sailboats and mega-yachts are perched in the harbor, waterfront restaurants are plentiful and there is always something going on. It is a tourist town, so weekends are packed with parties in full swing. But weekdays are generally tame and it is easy to take a quiet stroll through town or along the water.
A sunset sail in Newport Harbor
While there are many reasons to love Newport, the quality of the restaurants is definitely on the top of our list. The seafood is fresh and tasty. Lobster, clams, mussels, cod, calamari are great at every place you go. Much of the dining is al fresco, so you can enjoy the beautiful weather and fantastic views.
Lobster night al fresco at the rooftop deck of the Viking Hotel.A traditional clambake on the lawn at the Inn at Castle HillWhen you can’t decide, just get it all in one pot!
Another great attraction of Newport is the gorgeous scenery and amazing views. Whether it be the impressive harbor full of boats, the magnificent mansions on Bellevue and Ocean Drive, the expansive views of open ocean, or the spectacular sunsets… it is always beautiful in Newport.
Watching the start of the Newport to Bermuda race.Afternoon cocktails with a view at Castle HillSunset on the rooftop of the Vanderbilt GraceIt is always easy to find a fantastic spot to sit and admire the view
It is also wonderful to be in a town so steeped in history. Many buildings date back to the late 1600 and early 1700s. The buildings are narrow and high and definitely built at a time when people were smaller. Pirate often has a difficult time fitting through the tiny doorways and halls.
One of our favorite neighborhood bars, the Whitehorse Tavern
Declaration of Independence is read from the courthouse steps every 4th of July.
And last, but not least, Newport is a drinking town! There are countless places to have a libation. Whether it be a cocktail on a rooftop watching the sunset or a margarita outside in the sun at the busy harbor watching boats and tourists come and go.. there is always a perfect spot to pass the afternoon.
Sunset cocktails at The DeckMargarita on the harbor
Rooftop martinis…Breakfast in a glass…Margaritas at our neighborhood pub- Pour JudgementChampagne at The Mooring
For all these reasons and many more, Newport has a special place in our hearts. Cheers to Newport and cheers to summer!
As 2016 comes to a close, we have been reflecting about the whirlwind that the last year and a half has been. On the one hand, time has flown by and it hardly seems possible that it has been one year since we have updated this blog. On the other hand, we have gone through some trying times that did not seem to go by so quickly. In August of 2015, Pirate had emergency open heart surgery. Following the successful surgery, he contracted a viral infection and was readmitted to the hospital and was in pretty bad shape for a bit. Recovery was slow but progress was steady and his strength and stamina eventually returned. Rum drinking commenced again (although now interspersed with regular cardio exercise sessions and a healthier and nearly meat free diet). As expected, we had a lighter travel schedule and our adventures were mostly closer to home.
However, when a Pirate recuperates, it must be somewhere warm and tropical where rum is in abundance, the salt air fills ones lungs and the sea provides the soundtrack. Back to Bequia we went! This time, with a lesson about the fragility of life fresh in our minds, we experienced it a bit differently. We savored it more. Spent more quiet time. Read less and watched the weather roll in and out over the harbor more. The time still flew by, but when we returned from our 5 week respite we were rejuvenated, rested and ready to get back to reality. Not too ready to return though, we booked another five weeks in 2017 so that we had something to look forward to.
Bequia Back Porch Sunset
This time to Bequia, we selected a different villa named Allamanda located at the highest point of the island, the top of Mount Pleasant. Our reason for changing villas was due to several factors: 1) We wanted to see sunsets 2) We wanted to see boats come and go 3) We wanted a constant breeze (no mosquitoes) 4.) We wanted a flat living space with limited stairs. Our previous villa, while gorgeous, did not offer any of these must haves. This time, we found our forever spot. The villa and location were perfect. Sunsets were spectacular, breezes were constant and mosquitoes were absent.
Allamanda Villa front viewSunset swim at AllamandaMorning view of harbor at Allamanda
Just as on our last visit, our favorite hangout during the days was De Reef bar and grill on Low Bay Beach. We loved their Callaloo soup, lobster salad, fresh tuna melts and of course the best and most potent rum punch.
Quiet day at Low BayPirate takes a plunge at Low BayCajun and a very large rum punchCallaloo soup, tuna melt, rum punch… and a fantastic view!
During this visit, the surf and swell on Low Bay was pretty severe on some days, washing over the road and making beach combing and swimming impossible. On those days, we would venture to the opposite side of the island to Friendship Bay and the Bequia Beach Hotel and lime the day away there.
Floating in Friendship BayBeautiful Friendship Bay beach… easy for strollingExercise done, time for Rum!One of our favorites, Bequia Beach Bar! Best rum and guava juice!Barbecue night at Bequia Beach Hotel… our favorite table on the water
We visited many more places during our five weeks, hitting all of our favorite restaurants, bars and beaches. Here are a few…
Dinner at Mac’s for their famous Lobster Pizza- but the sunset view is even better.Grocery shopping at our favorite fruit stand..Sunset cocktails at FrangiapaniToes in the sand and rum in my hand….A picnic under the palms in IndustryBeaching it in SpringBeautiful Day in Spring for a beach picnicOur favorite place for local food- Keegans!Keegans on the BeachThe look of total relaxation…The look of total relaxation….
In the Spring of 2015, we went back to Bequia. This time we arrived by air instead of via our boat. This time we stayed high up in the hills of Mount Pleasant versus anchored in the harbor of Admiralty Bay. We wondered when planning this 5 week getaway if Bequia would still be as magical to us as we remembered it as sailors a couple of years ago. In every way, Bequia lived up to our expectations. 5 weeks went by in the blink of an eye and before we left, we re-booked for another 5 weeks in 2016!
Our villa in Mount Pleasant was named Whispers. It had fantastic views of Mustique and other smaller islands. We even saw a couple of whales!
What is the allure of this tiny island that no one has heard of? It is one of the few places still unspoiled by massive tourism, cruise ships, large hotels/condos, traffic, noise, etc. It is small and hard to get to and lacks many of the modern amenities of luxury resort destinations. It forces you to take life slow, relax, appreciate the beauty of nature and the kindness of people. It is a hidden paradise and we will continue to visit Bequia and hope it remains just as it is, unknown and primitive.
Our villa in Mount Pleasant was named Whispers. It had fantastic views of Mustique and other smaller islands. We even saw a couple of whales!
Our villa in Mount Pleasant was named Whispers. It had fantastic views of Mustique and other smaller islands. We even saw a couple of whales!Our villa in Mount Pleasant was named Whispers. It had fantastic views of Mustique and other smaller islands. We even saw a couple of whales!Our villa in Mount Pleasant was named Whispers. It had fantastic views of Mustique and other smaller islands. We even saw a couple of whales!
Our villa in Mount Pleasant was named Whispers. It had fantastic views of Mustique and other smaller islands. We even saw a couple of whales!Our villa in Mount Pleasant was named Whispers. It had fantastic views of Mustique and other smaller islands. We even saw a couple of whales!Our villa in Mount Pleasant was named Whispers. It had fantastic views of Mustique and other smaller islands. We even saw a couple of whales!
Beautiful Day on Low Bay
Low Bay Beach
Sunset views
Coconut shack in Hope Bay
You put the rum in the coconut and shake it all up!
Our spot at Poppa’s
Friendship Bay day!
Holding court at Poppa’s
Apres lunch at Spring Beach
All smiles at Spring Bay
Too many rum punches at De Reef, need tree for support!
Lunch at Auberge!
All smiles a Mac’s Pizza
Lazy Days at De Reef.
Our villa in Mount Pleasant was named Whispers. It had fantastic views of Mustique and other smaller islands. We even saw a couple of whales!
We are just back from our trek around the continent of South America. What a trip! We saw so many places, experienced so many different cultures and sampled so many different cuisines. We went from warm and humid 80 degree days to cold and windy 30 degree days. The drastic change in climate made packing difficult, especially when trying to fit everything in 1 suitcase! We did it though. We also both caught the South American flu while we were traveling which hounded us for 12 days. Unfortunately, we did not catch it simultaneously, so one of us was always sick during this trip. Ugh. I call it the South American flu as the US flu shots we received obviously did not protect us against it. We did our best not to let it slow us down, but we did miss a few things.
Our overall impression of South America is that it is a place that offers some of the most gorgeous scenery we have ever witnessed along with some of the most abject poverty. Many of the towns and cities we visited throughout the continent were very dirty and homelessness and poverty were everywhere you looked. All of the gorgeous historical buildings were covered in graffiti, trash was everywhere, stray dogs, shanty towns, etc. It was really quite sad and surprising to us. We expected poverty, but this was poverty on an Africa scale and we did not expect that. It truly makes you appreciate where we live and how fortunate we are to be born in the United States. However, when we traveled off the beaten path in the southern part of South America, especially Patagonia (which encompasses parts of both Chile and Argentina), the sheer beauty of nature was all that was on display. The pampas of Patagonia, the fjords of Chile, the Strait of Magellan were all so magnificent. It is hard to describe just how beautiful it is and pictures do not do it justice, but we still took plenty!
I think our favorite aspect of the trip is the people we met and all of the things we learned from them. We used local guides for each port/city we visited and did private tours with them. These guides were so knowledgeable and proud of their towns/countries and so friendly and welcoming to us. It is truly the best way to experience a foreign place. We enjoyed the conversations and everything they taught us. They made our experience authentic and meaningful.
Here are some of the highlights and our favorite places that we visited (many skipped or this would be a novel and not a blog post):
Lima, Peru- Great food, horrible traffic!
San Francisco Monastery
Lima was a highlight of the trip because we had a great guide, Oscar, who taught us much about his city and country. Although the traffic was a nightmare. It seems there are no traffic laws in Peru. Vehicles create 5 lanes on a three lane highway. Stop signs and red lights are a mere suggestion. Dogs and rickshaws share the road. And there is dust and dirt everywhere. Once we were out of the car, all was ok.
We visited the Convento de San Francisco monastery dating back to the 1600s. While we have seen many older churches than this one in Europe, this monastery was interesting due to the catacombs below which were only discovered in 1943. You can walk around the narrow passageways in these catacombs and view the bones of the thousands of individuals buried there over the years. It was quite spooky and a little confining, especially for Pirate who could not stand up straight. It was kind of like bone overload though—femurs to the left, skulls to the right. The monastery also had the most amazing library we have ever seen. Antique texts dating back to the 1400s lined the walls, there were thousands of them.
We visited the beautiful Plaza de Armas to see the changing of the guards and were surprised to see the official government band serenade the crowd with an odd assortment of old pop tunes, Xmas carols and the expected national anthem. We were shooed away by police with assault rifles due to approaching protesters. There were protesters in every main plaza that we passed.
Plaza de Armas
We also enjoyed a feast of the typical Peruvian meals of ceviche and wok seared beef and veggies. We were given a lesson in how these are prepared and then ate it all up. It was delicious. After that, we learned to make Pisco Sours and even took our turns behind the bar. Pisco is a quite strong over proof brandy. The traditional way to make the cocktail includes Pisco, key lime juice, agave nectar and one egg white- shaken vigorously with 3 ice cubes. The result is a small martini sized drink with a nice froth on top. Very good and very potent!
Learning to make a Pisco Sour Shake it up!Making Ceviche in Lima
Another highlight was our visit to the local farmers market. It was interesting to see the unique fruits and veggies they had on display. Every variety of potato you can imagine- they like their tots!
We visited other places in Peru, but they weren’t highlights of the trip, in fact there is one place we would like to forget completely..lol.
Chicken swinging in the breeze at the market. An abundance of fruit
Valparaiso, Chile- A tour of the Casablanca wine valley
Pirate in Casablanca
We also enjoyed our time with Respado,our guide who showed us around the Casablanca wine valley of Chile and the coastal towns near Valparaiso. The Casablanca Valley is new to wine having only started planting vines in the 1980s. We visited several wineries but the two worth mentioning were La Domita which had an outdoor tasting area with an incredible view and Emiliana which was an organic winery which did lots of experimentation with mixing grapes. The white wines were quite good. The reds wines were lacking, but that is expected in such a new wine region.
Cajun at La Domita
We had a Chilean feast in the coastal town of Vina del Mar. We ate the local specialties of conger eel and corn pie. Pretty interesting and quite tasty.
Casablanca Chile wine valley Chilean Corn Pie
Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, Lake Llanquihue and Petrohue Falls, Chile
The gang at Petrohue Falls
All of these places were simply gorgeous. We were fortunate to have had beautiful weather when visiting them as the norm is rainy, overcast days. We had a clear and sunny sky and were able to really appreciate the beauty of all of the scenery around us. What was interesting too about the town of Puerto Varas is that it was like stepping into a Bavarian or Swiss village. Many Germans and Swiss came to this area in the 1800s to farm the land and descendants of these families are still prevalent today.
The lake and the falls were too beautiful to describe. We didn’t know where to look- everything was gorgeous. Lunch was a fabulous meal of freshly caught salmon with a king crab sauce. So decadent and delicious!
Petrohue Cajun in Puerto Varas Llamas grazing with volcano in background Pirate at Petrohue Puerto Montt vistas
Punta Arenas, Chile
Cajun at the Estancia
Punta Arenas was our introduction to Patagonia and the never-ending pampas. The city of Punta Arenas is located in the southernmost area of mainland Chile right on the Straight of Magellan. Driving from Punta Arenas to the north is the Chilean pampas (or steppe). It is miles upon miles of flat land mostly used for raising sheep. It is beyond beautiful. We drove for miles and miles and never got tired of the view.
We spent the day at a traditional sheep farm called Estancia Olga Theresa. What an interesting experience this was. We were able to view a gaucho and his highly trained dog herding sheep. We also were able to watch them sheer the sheep. It was quite impressive to see just how fast they can shave a sheep (under 4 minutes). All of this was topped off with a lamb barbeque and Chilean wine and empanadas. This was the best lamb we have ever tasted. It was a great day and it was really eye-opening to see just how hard these people work each and every day. It is not an easy life and they suffer through extreme weather conditions all the time. But they live in one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen.
Pirate bellies up to the bar.. Estancia Olga Theresa Herd them up! Baaa! Before the haircut. After the haircut. Traditional lamb barbeque
Ushuaia and Tierra Del Fuego, Chile and Argentina
Pure Beauty
Ushuaia is the capital of the island of Tierra del Fuego. It is the southernmost city in the world and only 700 miles from Antarctica. People who live here are a hearty bunch. Winters (our typical summer months of June, July, and August) can be quite cold and always dark with only 1 or 2 hours of daylight. Summers (January, February) are very windy and still pretty cold (40s while we were there). There is lots of eco-tourism there and many use it as a jumping off point for exploring Antarctica or for sailing around Cape Horn.
We spent much of our time in Teirra Del Fuego National Park which spans both the countries of Chile and Argentina. This was probably the most beautiful place we visited. Our local guide was excellent in telling us about the history of the place and pointing out all of the unique sights. Ushuaia was first inhabited over 10,000 years ago by the Yamana Indians who only wore seal oil as protection from the elements. Ushuaia was also penal colony in the not too distant past. Our guide told us that government employees are rotated in and out every couple of years as not many people can withstand the harsh environment and months of darkness for too long without becoming suicidal or alcoholic. Lucky for us it was sunny while we were there!
We feasted on king crab for lunch. This was the best crab we ever tasted! One crab fed three people. Of course there were several bottles of wine and chowder and other goodies too…
Cajun at the End of the World Post OfficeSmiling before the rainKaryn walks the trailPirate in UshuaiaPirate relaxing in natureReady for the CrabUshuaian King Crab
Puerto Madryn, Punta Tombo and Escondido Bay, Argentina
Megellanic Penguin at Punta Tombo
Puerto Madryn is part of Argentinian Patagonia. From this city we explored miles of the pampas and went of a sort of safari viewing all kinds of indigenous wildlife. We spotted Guanacos (sort of cross between a camel and a deer), Rheas (ostrich-like birds), red fox, owls, and other animals. The highlight of the day was our visit to the Punta Tombo penguin colony. Punta Tombo has the largest Megallanic penguin colony in the world with more than 2 million of them. November through February is the best time to visit as this is when the penguins are feeding and raising their new babies. What is awesome about this place is just how close you are to the penguins. You walk amongst them trying to keep your distance of at least 3 feet away; but this can be difficult because they are everywhere. It was great to watch them feeding their babies and waddling to and from the sea.
Guanaco
Another highlight was our stop at the remote Escondido Bay where we were able to see an Elephant Seal pup up close. This guy was very large for a pup and made the loudest noises!
Isla EscondidoElephant seal
Buenos Aires
Recoleta Church
While we didn’t have much time in this capital city, what we were able to see was awesome. The highlight was definitely the Recoleta Cemetery. This is no ordinary cemetery. Each grave is an ornate piece of art. Each grave is huge with entire generations of families entombed inside. Also notable here is the grave of Eva Peron.
As always, one of our favorites was the food. We lunched at a local steakhouse and had the best steak of our life. Something about Argentinian beef is just better that others! This steak was huge. Three people ate off of it and we didn’t even get halfway through it. Washing it down with a fantastic bottle of Malbec wasn’t too bad either.
Patron saint of Buenos Aires Recoleta cemetery scenes Elaborate tombs Angels on a grave Eva Peron Grave Best steak ever!
While this may seem like a voluminous trip report, it really only scratches the surface of our South American adventure. We also navigated through the Panama Canal, visited Cartagena, Columbia, Ecuador, Panama and Montevideo, Uruguay. None of those places were highlights though, but they were all interesting. We also had the once in a lifetime experience of sailing through the Chilean Fjords, the Strait of Magellan and rounding Cape Horn. Unfortunately, not many pictures of these were taken as it was overcast and this was during the time of our flu-haze. We did have some 40 knot winds as we sailed through the Fjords but our time rounding the Horn was not the rip roaring experience Pirate was hoping for. The seas were flat for us. Many would find this a fortunate thing, but Pirate was hoping for a wild ride of wind and high seas. Maybe next time J
Ahhh, Anguilla! We love this island most of all! It is special to us as it is where we spent many Christmas and New Year holidays over the last ten years. We always stay at Carimar Beach Club on Meads Bay. It is a magical spot with an unspoiled beach and the perfect shade of water. We visited Anguilla this March and all was as we remembered it. We especially enjoyed our time on Shoal Bay at Gwens Reggae Bar and the food at AXA Seafood House! Can’t wait to return!
Everyone loves the beach in Anguilla!
Pirate is happy on Mead’s Bay Beach..Lobsta pizza anyone?Fresh Snappa too!Jumping for joy on Cove Bay Beach.Howdy from AnguillaNothing like a afternoon siesta under the palms…
Pirate and Gwen.. look like twins 🙂Another beautiful day in the sun
In March we headed to St. Martin for a week of fun in the sun. It was actually a business trip… no really it was. Despite the business obligations, there was plenty time for relaxing and exploring. We love St. Martin as this is the island that we went to for our third date! We fell in love here and spent many months here on our boat, so there are so many good memories! This trip was about revisiting those spots that we hold near and dear and just liming in the sun and sand. It was a fantastic week and we can’t wait to return. Although, we must mention that we did experience an armed robbery at a restaurant on this trip.. not good for tourism St. Martin! Other than that, the beaches were just as beautiful, the drinks just as cold and the romance still in the air!! Looking forward to our return….
There is nothing like a healthy meal, and this is nothing like one….
Some of the places that we returned to included Jimbo’s for Margarita Madness at Simpson Bay Marina where we called home with our boat for many months; Anse Marcel and it’s beautiful resort where Pirate courted the Cajun on our first visit; Friars Bay Beach for a private and amazing beach day and excellent french cuisine- just as we remembered it; the Yacht Club for front row views of the yachts coming in and coming out of the harbor, and Mr. Brisby’s on Oyster Bay Beach for all you can eat lobsters, conch and fish… so delicious!
Pirate enjoying the view on Anse Marcel.A return to the beach where we went when we first met…Hanging out at Zen It on Grand Case beachA couple of fruity libations….Big smiles for a gorgeous day!A refreshing Presidente beer makes it all alright…Lazy day at anchor…Beach bar time!
2014 began with a new knee for the Pirate. After many years of abuse in football and multiple surgeries to attempt to repair the damage, it was finally time for out with the old knee and in with the new deluxe Titanium knee. Total Knee Replacement was a major surgery and Pirate was sidelined for a good 8 weeks. During that time, we relied on the important things to get us through… Booze, good drugs, food, more Booze… By Mardi Gras though, we were able to rally and participate in some of the fun. Not to the extent of previous years.. but we still did ourselves proud.
January pictures are sparse and seem to be of a single theme….
January 2014 surgery recovery….January 2014…still recovering.We had to ship the medicine in….Mid-January required more meds….By the end of the month, things were looking up…Mardi Gras time and he is out and about!! A cane and pink pants…
Enjoying lunch…so much to celebrate!!!New friends to celebrate with!!!Funky Tucks party at Circle Bar.Big smiles!!!my, what beautiful hair you have….A switch of headwear…Catching the parade in our neighborhood…Enjoying the view from a balcony on St. Charles.
Gumbopirate back from hiatus…. Rum drinks in hand!
Wow… It has been nearly a year since I have updated this blog! The year has just slipped by. Mostly we have been busy working. New business ventures and traveling between our businesses has kept us extremely occupied with little free time for blogging. Also, the day to day of running a business does not make for an interesting blog read. It is much more interesting to read about tropical locales, pirate adventures and international escapades.. fortunately we have had some of those this year that I will do my best to catch up on here. And as 2014 comes to a close, we are embarking on one of our most exotic adventures yet- a trip around South America! So stay tuned…. Gumbopirate is back in action!
Gumbopirate 