I know I’m still behind in my blog posts but I thought I’d let you know what we are up to right now. We're here at the Costa Rica Yacht Club in Puntarenas.We’realmost ready to head to the Galapagos, then onto the South Pacific; we should be leaving in the next few days. We've been busy with boat projects; Al’s been working on getting leaks repaired, he’s been up the mast a few times installing a lightning rod and repairing something or other up there, those are just a few of the jobs he’s been knocking out.I’ve got the easy stuff; I made new bug screens, boom cover and a bright yellow quarantine flag,Our old bug screens disintegrated in the sun and all it took was hearing that there are no see-ums in the Marquesas to send me into a sewing frenzy. We have done most of our provisioning, except for the last minute bits...meats, fresh veggies, eggs, and fruit, of course we won’t carry very much fresh produce because it just won’t last for the month long trip to the South Pacific.We have a good store of canned goods and that will just have to do us.We’ve nuked and vacuum packed some things to prevent little critters from feasting on our food.
Most days we usually leave our A/C'ed room before 8 in the morning to beat the heat and work until about noon, or until the temps reach above 100 degrees F, whichever comes first. The rest of the day is seems to just go by, going into town, naps, playing on-line, taking showers, and watching the TV in the room. It's funny, I used to be one to never watch TV, but since we don't see any when we're on the boat, I find I tolerate the tele pretty well when it's available.
The Marina was really hopping last week, it being Semana Santa (Holy Week) the place was full up. Latin American countries seem to take the week off and search out places close to the water to relax and enjoy.
Our next bus trip took us to Northern Chile, to the desert town of San Pedro de Atacama.The bus drops us at the dusty outskirts of town, where trekking companies are picking up their new arrivals and guesthouse owners are vying for guests. After checking out a few locations, we settle in at a place close to the center of town.We were not very impressed with Atacama to begin with but it definitely grew on us.The accommodations are simple, cold and a bit overpriced but there is magic in the air and the longer you stay the more difficult it is to leave.We booked a few tours; a hike through terrain that made me feel like I was strolling on the moon, another to some amazing high sand dunes that we climbed to catch a wonderful sunset.Lastly and my personal favorite was an evening with a French astronomer to learn and observe the night skies, only how Atacama can show them to you.
The outdoor observatory, the largest public observatory in Chile; it’s located about 6 km out of town, far away from the lights that would distract from the sky gazing.It is where Alain and his wife, Alejandra, both live and work.Their 2 goals are to conduct private research on Near Earth Asteroids and to show the sky to as many people as possible.The astronomical tour begins with Alain explaining some of what we will be able to see and detect, he spins such an interesting tale, you can easily tell this is a man who has truly found his passion and has figured out the best way to share it and inspire others.We go out side to the big telescopes; with Alain’s assistance we see the craters of the Moon, the rings of Saturn and contemplate our universe.The evening ends with a wonderful mug of hot chocolate and an experience I will remember for a very long time.
The website for San Pedro de Atacama Astronomical Explorations is:www.spaceobs.com
