The Invitations!

Happy February Everyone!!

Yes, I’m sorry to say that Matt has been doing most of the posting lately.  I’ve been busy with a few other things, and it seems there is no shortage of work to do around here.  It probably sounds spoiled but truly, keeping such a tiny space clean and cooking in a tiny space is a challenge.  I can say that thanks to great help from Matt’s Mom before we left, and fellow cruisers we met along the way, I’ve perfected several very tasty recipes.  I’ve yet to get to the stage like my mom, where she just nonchalantly throws something together at the last minute and it comes out awesome every time.   Check back with me in another month. 

Speaking of months, it has been exactly a month since we set out on our own.  We’ve tested the boat, and we’ve tested ourselves.  We’re working to get ourselves somewhere warmer.  Unlike most cruisers, we’ll be taking a different route to the Dominican Republic.  We intend to follow the windward passage AROUND (not stopping in) Haiti and to the south side of the DR.  From there we will continue east along the south side of Puerto Rico and then on to Saint Thomas.  From then on during the trip is the most ideal time to have visitors.  The windward and leeward islands are fairly developed and popular, and there are land activities as well as water activities.  The best part about Saint Thomas is that flights are usually through San Juan, Puerto Rico, and so US citizens do not need a passport since these are all territories of the USA. 

That all being said, flights in March and April (from Philadelphia) to the area seem to be about $500 pp, which is not very cheap, but is the greatest cost anyone would incur.  The resort Alice In Red is free, and meals are served family style.  Reservations can be made via email, sailandfish@gmail.com

I have to make a short disclaimer that living on a boat is not like living in a hotel room, it is a bit like camping and not for everyone.  We do not have unlimited fresh water, and we (Matt)  literally carries every ounce of water to the boat himself in jerry jugs, and it can sometimes cost upwards of 50 cents a gallon.  So, showers are once-a-day navy style on deck in your bathing suit.  We don’t have TV, phone, or internet, but we can usually find some when ashore.  We do, however, have the greatest sunrises and sunsets, unlimited snorkeling, fishing, hiking, exploring, and enough beer, wine, and rum for daily happy hours.  Guests aboard Alice in Red will have their own cabin with a full-size bunk.  Expect not to bring anything but a FEW pairs of clothes with you.  Mostly you’ll be in your bathing suit all day, all you need is clean underwear for the night, a pair of flip-flops and sneakers for hiking (absolutely nothing that even resembles a high heel).  We have everything else you need, except your toothbrush.  If you bring all of your own toiletries, or multiple purses, hair dryers or irons, you’ll be sleeping with it because we quite simply don’t have room for it.  We already have all that stuff, you just use ours.  Also worth noting, our medical kit is complete with EVERYTHING over-the-counter AND prescription that might be necessary in the case of an emergency (or more likely slight hangover).    

           

So, if you think you can “rough it” for a week with us, you might find the simple life quite nice.  It’s a great way to see a place without the costs of lodging and meals, and of course, free tours with great guides.  If you think you really want to come visit us on the boat, but staying on the boat in a Marina is better for you, we can look into that.  Both Matt and I sincerely appreciated all the encouragement we received, in having the plan and getting all the hard work and preparations done. 

We very, very, very much hope you’ll take us up on this sincere invitation to visit us and share in this once-in-a-lifetime trip.