Time has come and gone! A few months have passed since our last travel update from onboard Fortitude X. We had left Topolobampo on our way to San Carlos where we reunited with friends and enjoyed some marvelous days anchoring in the bay, socializing and shopping in nearby Guaymas.
San Carlos
Bahia de las Animas
Our last three weeks on the water were mostly spent in solitude, aiming for lesser frequented destinations, dropping the hook in breathtaking anchorages we had, very often, just to ourselves.
We walked the beaches, went for hikes, played board games and cards, went for swims, and enjoyed extensive meals on board. A certain melancholy was undeniably in the air as we were fully aware that this special time in our lives was coming to an end – for now. Our last stop in Puerto Refugio on Baja’s Isla Angel de la Guarda was definitely a highlight before we set sail for the season’s final destination, Cabrales Boatyard in Puerto Penasco.
Isla Coronado
Punta el Pescador
It took us a full week of solid labour to get Fortitude X ready for its beauty rest before we said our farewells.
End of May is just a perfect season for visiting Vancouver Island, on the contrary there is no bad time to wander the streets of Victoria and indulge in street food, music events, or just watching the activities around Inner Harbour. We split our 14 days back in Canada between VI and Vancouver, visiting friends, running errands, and visiting more friends.
Victoria Inner Harbour
Victoria
Next stop: Europe. Summer in Germany was a hot one. After a difficult 2022, we were grateful to see our families reasonably healthy and settled in their daily routine. We realize that invading a certain regimen requires a prudent approach. Our times were spent between helping with small chores and sand just pure enjoyment. For the first time in more than 20 years, Torsten celebrated a birthday back in Hannover, much to the delight of his very happy parents.
Kleines Fest
im Grossen Garten
Hannover
Two months later: A long postponed visit to our first hometown in Canada, Edmonton, was next on our list. We were welcomed with open arms and spoiled by our friends Lidia and Lyle (had we mentioned what an excellent Chef he is?) during the first week of our visit before finding shelter (again) on the beautiful acreage of our lifelong companions, Marina & Michael.
Alberta will always have a special place in our hearts, not just for its breathtakingly beautiful sights but more for the beautiful hearts and minds we met.
Vancouver was the last stop of our journey and the city showed itself in all its glory. Wait – not just the city but the good friends we made in this transient place with the stunning backdrop of the Coastal Mountains and the Ocean. Lisa & Ralph once again opened their house for us and made us feel like home.
Seba Beach, Alberta
Partytime in Alberta
They say friends are people who perform simple acts of kindness and never ask for anything in return – and it is true. Thanks to all of you who have welcomed, fed, comforted, entertained, encouraged, listened and supported us: we are thankful to have you in our lives.
Our four-months “Sleeping-Around-Tour” came to an end when we boarded the plane on a rainy Monday morning end of September. A few hours later, with three large bags in tow, we picked up our rental car and started our shopping tour in steaming hot Phoenix. Home Depot, Trader Joe’s, West Marine, Bass Pro, Amazon pick-up, and finally Costco were the ‘must see” visits on our list before we crushed at our hotel room, long after dark. After a short, good-night’s sleep we left Arizona in the early morning hours for Mexico, crossing the border in Lukeville with no problems. After dropping our luggage and our recent purchases at our little apartment, we finally reunited with Fortitude X.
There she was, standing tall and proud in the boatyard, patiently waiting for our return. The last few months didn’t do her any harm; a little dust and sand, a bit of rust here and there but nothing a good make over can’t fix. What a relief.
More provisioning in Puerto Penasco, before returning the car in Phoenix. We included a four-day road trip, visiting Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, and magical Antelope Canyon. One more night in Scottsdale, dropping off the car at the airport and off we went on Nena’s shuttle bus back to Puerto Penasco.
Grand Canyon
Monument Valley
Horseshoe Bend
Antelope Canyon
The first two weeks of schlepping, cleaning, maintaining, organizing, sanding, and fixing are done. With an average outside temperature of 32 degrees and 40 degrees Celsius below deck we appreciate the site effect of shedding some extra pounds we have gained throughout the summer. It’s good to be back to a certain routine, enjoying the process and the results of our labor.
Or as Bruce Lee once put it “Preparation for tomorrow is hard work today”.
2 Comments
Michael and Grainne
We always look forward to reading these updates. Enjoy the next leg of your journey.
Torsten Schulz
Thank you both, hope all is well with you and the family.