 |
| Time to leave Curacao! What a treat to go through the Queen Emma Bridge and having Ian and Maggy on board. I had not been sailing since I broke my ankle and was anxious to get my sea legs back. |
 |
| It felt great to get to a new island after an overnight sail. Getting into port was a little tricky as Mr. Perkins decided to take some time off. After bleeding the engine we managed to make it to the customs dock but were told to go to the main harbor as the wind was blustery and the dock was crowded. All told, we managed to check in with customs and immigrations and dock Toi et Moi before lunch, leaving plenty of time for a swim! |
 |
| We had heard wonderful things about the Renaissance Marina in Oranjestad, Aruba's capital and largest city. Those wonderful things were all true. We had access to all the amenities of a top notch resort hotel including three pools and two private beaches. The marina was right in the heart of the city with all the conveniences, including a Starbucks, within easy reach. Not bad for $28 a day! The views weren't bad either! |
 |
| After living in the Keys for almost 10 years, I have grown accustom to the iguanas, so prevelent there and in the Caribbean islands. As a Floridian, lizards don't faze me much as well. BUT I just loved the color of this little guy. |
 |
| My chair was waiting at one of the two beaches. |
 |
| Beach number two was actually a private island! The resort had launches that ferried guests (including us) back and forth. The island actually had two separate beaches, one for adults only and a second one that was kid friendly. |
 |
| These guys are residents of the adult only beach. |
 |
| On our final day here we rented a car and toured the island. Our first stop was Baby's Beach at the southwest end of the island. Beautiful water and a great beach bar with a Flinstones theme. Yabba dabba doo! |
 |
| Continuing the tradition, while at Baby's Beach we had to try the local beer-- Balashi. This Euro Pale Lager is brewed and bottled on the island and has a light bubbly taste. Very refreshing! |
 |
| Our next stop was The Butterfly Farm of Aruba. You can wander around this enclosed botanical garden on your own but the best way to truly educate yourself is to take a tour or talk with some of the passionate volunteers that staff the place. |
 |
| The farm is home for hundreds of exotic butterflies from all over the world. |
 |
| We toured the island from stem to stern. The California Lighthouse guards the northwest tip of the island. Aruba, like Curacao, is a dry, rugged island with rough terrain. Much of its coastline is remote and not accessible by car. |
 |
| It's not a Balashi and it's not from an island. Jon and I headed back to St. Petersburg for some quality land time together. Jon especially enjoyed his first visit to the Hoffbrau House, formerly the St. Pete Times (oops, now the Tampa Bay Times) cafeteria. My how Times change! |
 |
| We may be enjoying some land time but Toi et Moi, Ian, Maggy and Opti continue sailing. The F40 points her bow toward Cartagena, where Ian and Maggy had visited on their Pan American journey. This view is a lot different for them. Next stop, Panama! To continue following Toi et Moi's adventures check out Ian and Maggy's blog,...the1st3rd.com. Meanwhile I'll let you know what we are up to here! |
