Bittersweet Goodbye

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This post is one we never thought we would write. Rufus and I had to say goodbye to our fellow Melodians today and it was not an easy thing to do. Many hugs were had and tears shed as this two year journey ended for the four of us together.

When Rufus and I did some ex-pat work in Zambia last year I consulted for an international steel company. I was fortunate enough to be part of an extraordinary team and for the first time in my life I couldn’t wait to go to work every single day. I know that is something that is very rare. When I was offered a permanent senior management position on two separate occasions to stay in Zambia, I obviously turned it down  to continue pursuing the sailing dream and I made peace with the fact that such a perfect opportunity would never again present itself.

Never say never though, because upon our arrival in Jacare, Brazil, I received an email from the company asking me to apply for same position. Rufus and I took a week on our own to think everything through and after serious consideration we decided that I should fight to get my dream job back.

Vivian and Wilhem were beyond supportive and I can never ever thank them enough for their understanding and positivity. After a series of interviews over SKYPE, and some serious competition from the other candidates, I once again received a phenomenal offer! Things have happened a lot faster then expected and it almost hasn’t sunk in that this is the end of one dream and the start of another.

I want to thank Rufus for being the most supportive, generous partner I could ever have wished for. Also, a BIG thank you to Vivian and Wilhelm for being awesome team mates and our for fantastic life changing journey together - it takes super special people to go through and do what we did together. I also want to thank our all our families: David & Marlis, Theunis & Lizette, Boris & Rynette and of course my parents, Sue and JC. You all thought we were crazy when we decided to do this but that didn’t stop any of you from loving, supporting and contributing to our dream.

To all our friends, we definitely could never have got this far without all of your help and generosity. Most of you also thought we were crazy and that we wouldn’t even get out of Gordon's Bay, never mind South Africa, but you still stayed amped for us and kept us going with your positive words and generous donations.

Just because Ruf and I are leaving does not mean that this is the end of the Melodian cruising adventure! Wil and Viv will continue to explore the Caribbean with old Melodius till the end of 2013 as planned, only now they have some extra space for more friends to visit ;) GOOI NAT julle, it's going to be AMAZING!!!!!

Thank you again for everyone's support. This has been the time of our lives!!!

Kate

First published on offtheline.co.za

Happy Birthday!

Today is a extra spacial day. We are celebrating three birthdays - Wilhelm, Rufus and Melody! The big one though is Wilhelm's birthday, the big THREE-ZERO!
We started the day off with a special "rainbow vanilla custard suprise" cake and an extra special bottle of champaigne from Margie & Jean-Louis (big thank you to the Freys!).

We plan to end the day with a lobster braai/bonfire on the beach - paradise!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOYS!

Kate

First published on offtheline.co.za

Brazil to Tobago

We finally completed our last before the paradise of the Caribbean! This one was extra special because we crossed the Equator!! As per Maritime tradition, we had a Line Crossing Ceremony or, more commonly know nowadays as, an Equator Party to celebrate. Wilhelm served as Neptune, the king of the sea, to give the boat "permission to cross" and Rufus, as our Captain, faced Neptune's interrogation in order to get his blessing. 

Viv and myself were the only two crew who had not yet crossed the equator and so we had to endure a mini initiation of ash baptism by the captain. After our ceremony was done we each took a turn to swim over the equator line (and wash off all the ashes) and then enjoyed a feast of beef lasagne and chocolate mousse for desert.

Wilhelm created a special drink called a "Stormy Petrel" which combines one part cachaca (a bit of Brazil) and two parts Amarula (a bit of Africa - thank you Sara for the awesome gift!). Rufus also treated us to some of his "flapcakes" (thick flapjacks) and fried sugar cinnamon bananas, DELICIOUS!

After about 13 days at sea with little wind we are happy to be at anchor in Pirate's Bay, off of Tobago. We're loving the island life!

Kate

First published on offtheline.co.za

Pipa

Somehow we managed to stay in Joao Pessoa for over three weeks. A glimpse into how easy it is to get stuck while travelling by boat. We decided it was time to move on. After a wonderful time on the peaceful river we got the boat ready for the next leg.

The first stop was Pipa, a small beachside town just south of Natal. We spent the time relaxing on the beach drinking ice cold coconuts and beers while the boys did plenty of surfing. Pipa became a popular local surf spot in the  70's with its pristine beaches and numerous breaks. Although it has grown somewhat since then, with its bustling tourism and crowded beach bars,  it is still spilling with charm. Pipa is well worth a visit if you ever happen to find yourself in the North East of Brazil and is only a two hour bus ride from Natal. Visit Pipa On Line for more info.

The relatively unprotected bay made for some more than bumpy anchoring and adventurous tender rides . So after two awesome days of taking it easy  the rolling around become enough and it was time to set sail. We arrived in Fortaleza yesterday morning and we will be staying for about two days. This will be our last Brazilian stop so we'll be stocking up for a lengthy 2 week sail to Trinidad. Bring on the Caribbean!!!

Viv

First published on offtheline.co.za

Joâo Pessoa

After leaving Fernando de Noronha we made our way to mainland Brazil and arrived at the mouth of the Paraiba River after a two day sail. Realising that we had finally crossed the Atlantic, as we motored up the river to Jacare Village, just below João Pessoa, was an unbelievable feeling and after being here for over a week it still feels surreal.

After catching up on sleep and ensuring that our boat was going to stay put, Ruf and Kate took a week to do a little road tripping along the coast. Wil and I spent the week on the boat taking it easy and exploring the nearby sites and beaches. During our stay we were fortunate enough to meet another cruising couple, Peter  & Louise, who had just spent 7 months in the Amazon River! It was fascinating to hear the stories about their adventures as well as catching up with a fellow South African, Louise and learning about Trinidad, where Peter has lived for the last 30 years after immigrating from the UK.  We were spoilt rotten by their hospitality, Louise's incredible food and endless helpful tips. We hope to meet them again along the way for some more laughter filled evenings. Check out their website to see what they have been up to.

Kate and Rufus arrived 'home' on Sunday afternoon after a great trip and are staying on Melody for the next week. Wil and I arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Monday afternoon to meet my parents, who are travelling, as well as seeing family.

Viv

First published on offtheline.co.za