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Tides of Eros 2008
January found us hard at work rubbing Eros’s bare bottom. She was treated with a penetrating epoxy, faired and filled with various dangerous chemicals (A science project to say the least). Returning to the water after 5 weeks high and dry, she barely leaked a drop. Most of February was spent putting her back together so we could sail to Mazatlan at the end of the month. Boy does she love her new bottom!! She raced like a wild stallion across the Sea of Cortez chomping at the bit to take Grandma sailing in March.
March was enjoyed with the presence of Grandma Mike, Bobbi, Katie, Roxanne, Steve, George, Maria, Debora, Mike and the Rodriguez family. Itinerary consisted of Mexican feasts, Parasail flying, day sailing Eros, tacos in the barrio, Palm Sunday at the mission in Las Palmas, days at the beach, lounging at the pool and shopping in the open air market with authentic Mexicans. (ha ha)
On the van tour to local pueblos, we witnessed the mixture of manure, mud and straw molded and baked to perfection producing adobe bricks. Watched ceramic tiles complete with swirling colorful graphics manufactured in a press before our very eyes. We enjoyed the tantalizing tastes of freshly baked pastries from a wood heated stone oven. Escorted by our young Mexican Vaqueros (Cowboys) Grandma graced the streets of Copala upon the back of a burro. She was having so much fun, the kids decided to join in.
Watching Grandma Parasail was a treat for 1000s at the beach. Convincing the beach team to let her fly took all day and 9 of us to go first, but she was our inspiration. She was applauded upon her safe return as she landed in the arms of 6 studly Mexican dudes. Grinning from ear to ear she said “wow it was like being a bird!” A 30 year dream of hers brought to fruition.
We were honored to be graciously accepted into the Rodriguez family. The time spent with them was precious and dear to our hearts. They chauffeured us in style on both sea and land, from parasailing launch to Mexican limo (a pickup truck with 3 in front and 16 in back). We were warmly welcomed into their home for a traditional Mexican send off dinner for 20.
April found us alone again to deal with projects, doctors and dentists. Newly installed chain plate bolts made for a safe return to La Paz. Here we embark upon new ventures helping establish a yacht brokerage in La Paz affiliated with Mazatlan yachts. Our good friends Ray, Jeannette and Mike accepted our offer to help build a new business. Beach parties and pot lucks filled in our spare time before the summer heat.
Shelly facilitated a Man Overboard seminar to the SASS (sisters acquiring sea skills) women of the fleet while Jody delivered a Moorings boat back from Escondido in May. We had our first sea trial and sale of a 65ft Steel ketch. More beach parties and swimming in the crystal clear water rounded out the month.
In June, Shelly flies to Puerto Vallarta to be tour guide for girls week at the beach, while the boat boy staid to do his duties aboard Eros (readying for hurricane season). In PV Karen took Rhema & Shelly for a swim with the dolphins while the other ladies enjoyed the botanical gardens. Let it rain, a day at the spa, a massage and a pedicure, oh what heaven. A delightful sail to Yealapa village included a walk to the waterfall, a seafood lunch at a palapa roofed hut and sunburns relieved by Margaritas on the return sail.
A Chattanooga TN rendezvous at sister Maureen’s house brought the young lovers back together. Stephanie, Bill & Bill Jr. joined the band of merry mates to go for a river rafting tour down the white waters of the Ocoee River. It was 40 years ago that Jody last walked the halls of Brainerd High and wow how everyone has changed. Baldheads, grey hair and couch potato bellies disguised the once proud features of his youthful cohorts. After the stuffed shirt convention we shuffled on down to a local blues bar and found our youth, still not too old to dance and party till 2am. We had a relaxing time in FL where Uncle John and Ann Marie introduced us to their friends at an Ice Cream Social. Dinner with the Hawk family before jetting back to Mexico, or so we thought. The connecting flight in Phoenix was to return us to Cabo, via San Diego, but to our surprise, we were bumped and rewarded with 3 days in our old stomping ground. Graciously hosted by the Hostetler/Everett household, turned a lonely weekend in Phoenix into a pleasant party in Point Loma. We were there for the end of an era, the EYC is no more. We were there for the end of a circumnavigation, Paul & Susan Mitchell, 27years. We were reunited with many old friends and pirates alike. It proved to be the icing on the cake of our US summer tour.
July 1st found us back in La Paz selling yachts. July 2nd a tree falls in Virginia. This began a long and trying time for the extended Rothery family. Jody stood watch at the office while Shelly returned to help Grandma Mike in her recovery. A three month battle for her life unfortunately ended in her sleep at home, Oct. 1st. We will miss her jovial personality and always remember her strength and courage.
In November Cousin Mike joined us a
week for horseback riding up a canyon, snorkeling and sailing in La
Paz. Maiyah got to experience snorkeling with Sea Lion pups, while
watched closely by the protective parents. On the 18th we had
a lovely sail aboard Eros with a ceremony at sea, favorite poems were
read, and a sprinkling of delicate ash released our spirits and set
her free.
Fortunately we have a world marketable item in yachts. Sales to people from around the planet have been keeping us busy and helping us to get back on track. But just to remind ourselves that we are here to enjoy the thrill of living and the majesty of life, we chose to dive a world renowned local sea mount, El Bajo with our friend Robbie from PV. Amazingly enough we were there at exactly the right time for a personal and up close viewing of schooling Hammerhead sharks. We were humbled by their prescience, but ecstatic to realize they have not all disappeared to the long line fishermen from Japan.
The tide comes in and the tide goes out. Just like the ups and downs of life. And the sun still rises every morning. So enjoy each day to its fullest.
May you and your family be blessed this Holiday Season,
With much Love,
Jody and Shelly
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