Suzi Checks In

We have been on Sidewinder for days and have finally broken free. The wind was intense, and we never left her yesterday, for fear that she would break loose and fly away into the reef. The winds clocked up to 40 knots, but that was not very often. This is the most wind we have had so far and it is supposed to dissipate tonight. Richard, Virginia, sister Jo and Julia went inland on a short trip to the inland lake and the volcano and we have been in charge of watching Mandy. Luckily little Mandy behaved herself so we did not have to panic. What would we have done if she had broken loose? I am certainly learning an awful lot about the weather in a very short time!

Tell Daniel it is not the time to go to the South Pacific, but I agree wholeheartedly: let's get out to the clear water, beautiful reefs and gentle trade winds! Unfortunately we now have to wait for next February to head out to the South Pacific. It has something to do with cyclone season and the trade-winds. Lord knows I have an awful lot to learn! The weather here is beginning to calm down, and I know in the next few days we will be able to explore the surfing beaches northwest of here, which are supposed to be beautiful. The water here is clear green and feels wonderful when I swim in it. Just outside of this bay, the water is crystal clear and blue. It really is beautiful. There are many small green parrots in the trees, and I do look forward to doing a bit of hiking. It has been strange being stranded on the boat when I so want to move!