Back in the US

Hello, My trip to Buenos Aires,was short, about 5 days, but took care of some belated family business.I saw my two cousins, which,i had not seen in about 40 years!, i must admit, i wouldnt of recognized my cousin Christian,if i saw him in the street.Buenos Aires, has a huge security problem, and,it seems its residents live in constant fear of being mugged, assaulted and yes some kidnapped for small sums of money. They call those Express Kidnappings.Overall, its a shame that its corrupt government allows this tsunami of insecurity to continue. Individually most Buenos Aires people, i came in contact were friendly and kind. But if traveling there, BE AWARE!.

Buenos Aires

Hello All, Its time to head back to Rhode Island. I will be back for a couple days, then,I am on my way to my chilhodd home of Buenos Aires, Argentina. I was there last in 2004. I am reurning to finalize some pending business, that had to do, with my fathers passing.
y time in Alicante ,Spain was great. and sometimes wonder, if cruising the Mediterranean,is a good idea. There is a lot to see, as this Sea, was vey important in the development of Western civilization.

Spanish Moon

Hello, I am currently in Alicante Spain visiting my only surviving family member, my mother. This city was the start last year of the Volvo, Round the World Race. In general,i am not much for the yachting scene or races. I identify completely withe the cruising world. am enjoying my stay, and training hard for my upcoming RKC certification challenge

Utility boat

I was thinking lately, about my utility/lifeboat. She is my 7 foot Fatty Knees dinghy, i purchased her, used and although, not yet proven, she comes highly recommended.The somewhat, difficult part to figure out,is how to properly secure her to the deck of GYPSY. It seems that the Westsail 28 and 32, dont have as easy an arrangement to secure a overturned dinghy on deck, as say a Bristol Channel Cutter. So, i have to come up with a suitable on deck securing arrangement. I hate drilling holes to the deck,for additional cleats or padeyes!.

A THING is a terrible thing to waste

One of the difficult things to come to terms with,is my relationship with my thing.Back in 93,i bought this 1974 VW THING, which,i partially restored. Fast forward to some years ahead, and i sold it. BUT the chance to have it back came to me, so, i had the compulsion to buy it back. I have this unfinished business to finish the restoration. Its illogical,in some respects, but, it called me to do this. Am ,i stuck in the seventies?, lets face it, a 1976 Westsail 28, and a 1974 VW Thing!. I dont do bellbottoms, or disco though. Anyway, i am driven to restore this car further. But the plans for GYPSY , dont change.

Music to my ears, maybe yours2

Hello, One of my other interests and challenges to myself, is the continual and daily practice of Trumpet playing. I have been taking lessons and playing for about 4 years. I was inspired to try to produce a sound similar to CHRIS BOTTI, but,it is apparent that, i may not have enough years to play in this lifetime!.However, i enjoy it nonetheless, and it requires no electrical power from boat batteries. My new challenge, is teaching myself to play UKULELE, which is done very informally. The study of the trumpet is serious and pretty regimented, and the Ukulele is much more laid back. i would like to achieve at least intermediate competence , so i can enjoy playing with other cruisers and beach pot luck parties , in palm lined beaches .

alternative transport

Hello, Part of making the transition to a simpler life,in my view,is enjoying a more Car Free lifestyle. To this effect,i have the use of my mid-nineties customized Specialized commuting bicycle, and my EGO electric powered scooter.I get a lot of pleasure from the use of these two machines. Eventually, i will part with my daily driver. but have to definitely have it one more winter!

on the hard and Fire service retirement in sight!

Hello, all, Its been a while since last post,so,i wanted to update blog. Gypsy,is on the hard. I need to do some minor work, such a zinc replacement, andneed to put the mast up, and tune the new rigging, as it had time to stretch. I have already decided on a retirement from the Fire Service. It will take place exactly a year from now!. Of course , the cruising plans havent been determined yet! so, chart purchases are still in the works. I will be attending a RKC certification,in the fall of this year (KETTLEBELL CERTIFICATION). I hope to be able to teach ,people, the proper use,of this most effective and brutal fitness and conditioning tool. This should take place as i start to transition, into a new chapter of my life.