IC the end

Some of you know already and the rest will learn by the end of this post,

Whenever I talk about Infinity Cycle (IC) to any one, I have always tried to include the fact that this is a spiritual journey above anything else. That I'm always open to finding what I seek and decide to stay or go somewhere else.

I'm cycling and promoting Bikes Without Borders along the way... they are a great not-for-profit organization whose aim I support very much and want to help with their projects in anyway I can. If you haven't already you should check out their homepage and consider getting involved. However as it regards to IC, I think I have done most of my work with them while in the US. Talking and spreading the word making future contacts for them. The truth is I can't do much work down here and neither have I been given instruction as to how to proceed in this situation.

I have previously mentioned my girlfriend, Luiza, and the fact is that she came to Honduras to see me in other posts. We stayed together for a week and had a wonderful time exploring the area and a future together. This time had a great impact on our relationship. Though I had a great time cycling the week after she left, I frequently found my mind to be somewhere else other then where I was.

Arriving in Tegucigalpa, Honduras capital city at 1200m above sea level, I got myself a small, simple & cheap hotel room and made it my home for 6 days. During this time I began to speculate the idea of moving on wards with life, transforming IC (I see) into ISAW. From experience, I know that when I start to speculate & investigate an idea in my mind, doors begin to open. Sometimes when it's the right idea it will bloom, like a flower does in the spring time and as this "new" path was being revealed in my minds eye, I notice that it had been there for quite sometime and since I had never paid any attention to it, it was dormant.

At this point I was super overwhelmed with this decision that seamed to have already taken place in my sub-conscious, and it was being revealed to me at this instant. Through out this whole process I had been on regular skype with Luiza, who was mostly giving me space to digest all the information, and trying to not give bias opinions. Even though I know she was happy with the decision that was about to take place.

After having travelled, for the last 9 months over the land and the sea covering around 8000km, the critical moment came, and I purchased a one way flight back Toronto. Within 10 hours I would be right back to where I had began. This fact simply blew my mind back to... the reality of travel that is true to most; check-in, boarding pass, flight delays, security, seat number, etc... - "I miss you Spicer..."

I feel that I have seen, learnt and experienced what IC was meant to offer me up to this point. I'm certain that should I have chosen to stick to the road, I would continue to be amazed with great experiences. In simple terms (which I'm very fond of) Let's just say I've been called to try something entirely different than what I was doing, that which I have not much experience with therefore I am whilling to take the plunge and see how deep the rabbit hole goes. Perhaps this is my turn to try living a somewhat normal life for a while.

I understand that there may have been some of you who lived vicariously on this blog. To this, have not much to say expept that I'm sorry if this disappoints you, but IC was not a reality show. I really wish that you got inspired enough to get off your butt and do what you always wanted to do, go where you always wanted to go and see what you have always wanted to see. As soon as you begging to investigate the possibilities you might notice that doors begin to open for you. Take the plunge, try something mew!

"live your life's dream before they become real, in time they will manifest themselves naturally, and your life will become that which you were already living." - Lalo P.

During the last nine months, my commitment to keeping up this blog has lead me to a few life realizations. One is that I have discovered an aptitude of writing, as I frequently received complements on the writings contained on the blog. Something I was not aware of in my earlier days, and do intend to keep writing as I go about other things in life. Another thing that I became more confident through your feedback was my eye for photography, Thank you for your words of encouragement. In fact I do intend to keep using this blog as a place to post life as it presents itself to me. I also do plan on publishing a collection of my work sometime in the future, stay tuned...

Like always, I'm always receptive to all your comments and question you may post them as a comment online or send me a private email . Don't be a stranger

My first flat tire & Tugucigalpa

Since I left Lago de Yojoa on Monday, I have been going up and down montains and thus taking it easy other wise. I stopped at this beautiful sugar cane farm, ¨La Molienda¨. I drank some juice and since it was already near 4pm I asked if I could camp the night. The owner Amir was very friendly and hospitable.

Old school way of squeezing juice from the cane

That day I got my first flat tire since I left Toronto! 5400km/3400mi on the same tire and tubes! thanks to Chris at VeloTech for choosing the best tires in the world!

Tomas and his donkey

The morning came and I began to get ready and repair the flat as well as clean the chain etc... Till Amir invited me to stay another day (to chill, do maintenace, read and sleep), which I did.

Riding over Calan Bridge - video

The next two days I hit the road at 7 sharp, up and down mointains (1507m was the highest point) and arrived at Comayagua - stopping only for some marvelous traditional food - and then Tegucigalpa yesterday, I search and found a cheap but nice little hotel to stay ($7 a night) I decided to stay two nights, as I'm hopefull that I'll find a new pair of keen sandals (mine got stolen at Lago de Yojoa) at the malls here, this would definatly be worth an extra day in the big city! Wish me luck!!

Mango Road Stand

Bike ride in Tegucigalpa

Enjoy all the photos and videos on my flickr page (click here)

Honduras - Week #2

This is what I call a vacation - one full week with out touching my bike, I feel refreshed and full of new ideas... Luiza and myself had a wonderful time together, we visited Pulhapanzak Fall - the most prestigious in Honduras - there was an awesome guided tour that took us right under neath them and more (see photos and videos on my flickr).

Pulhapanzak Falls, Honduras

Under the fall video

This week was also a week to reflect on my goals for the future and I can feel new ideas forming as to the future of IC. I'm not ready to publish them as of now, but when I've worked it out in my head a little better, you will be the first to know...

map making at D&D

Now I'm taking advantage of the internet in San Pedro Sula and will continue my ride south, probably be headed into El Salvador (Does anyone have any contacts there)... then cycle on the pacific coast till Panama. Where I'll find another sail boat to take me to Cartagena, Colombia

Young Logger

Cheerios for now,

Lalo



Enjoy the photos and videos on my flickr page (click here)

Hunduras - week #1

I left Andy's home in a hurry, as all of a suden I felt it was time to hit the road, and so I did. I biked on a dirt road for about an hour just before sunset and got to an previouslly recommended spot, called Marabella Beach. This is what most people view as paradise, white sand and lots of palm trees. I camped only a few steps from the water. what a night that was stargazing in the tent... A great way to start the new phase!

Camping in Paradise

I woke up naturally before dawn and ready to go at 5:40 and rode for about a hour to the ferry terminal to La Ceiba. After coming to terms that Ihad to be away from my bike for the 1 1/2 hour ride, It all went smoothly arriving on the main land, I met these Americans x-Cubans one of whom was called Eduardo, he showed me this device, it is called SPOT Sattalite Personal Tracker (http://www.findmespot.com/)... It can be used in emergency, if something happens, I can send a 911 signal and they will send a rescue to that spot - that would be updated every 10 minutes in case I'm on the move...

I wanted to ask your opinion. If you think it is something worth getting, it would cost around 150USD plus 150USD year membership fee. Who wants to sponsor me? Speaking of sponsorship, I decided I need a manager/sponsorship coordinator... Somebody who can be my official voice for seeking media, money and equipment sponsors. Send me an email if you areinterestid. infinitycycle@rogers.com

River break at noon

To continue my first few day ride in Central America, I have been meeting great people, who have been most generous and hopitable to me, I've been camping at peoples houses and even took a day rest in order to go vist this beautiful water fall. Then yesterday I hit the road toward the montains and climbed 655 meter above sea level in a few hours... what a climb that was. To think that this is just warming up for the Andes boggles my mind...

I will stay here at these montains for a week and then move on towards Tegucigalpa and Nicaragua on the 15th of June... Stay tunned!



Enjoy the photos and videos on my flickr page (click here)

Earthquake in Roatan

It was 2:25 when we were ambushed out of our beds.
Half asleep, the floor was trembling,
the walls were rattling and panic was ahead.
I jumped up from the bed out of instinct,
only to find myself struggling to remain standing.
There were loud panic screams and crashing of many things.
Those 45 seconds felt like an eternity,
I was confident that just out side, there was a
hurricane with lots of water, waves and might...
When it passed, amongst all the commotion,
I stepped outside to find that the sea stood still like fine wine.
There was no wind, no waves, and no might,
the only fear was that a tsunami would attack us that night.
Dumbfounded by the forces of nature,
we sat there in reflection and prayed for our protection.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A powerful earthquake of 7.1 magnitude struck northeast of Roatan in Honduras early on Thursday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The quake that hit 39 miles northeast of Roatan, Islas de la Bahia, had a shallow depth of 6.2 miles.

A tsunami watch was in effect for Honduras and Belize, Guatemala, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. The quake, which struck at 0824 GMT (4:24 a.m. EDT), was originally reported to have a 7.4 magnitude.

IC Phase Debriefing

I've been on land for the last five days with some really special friends; Andy, Anna and Family. The time I will spend here is of significant importance as it is a good time and place to stop, reflect and direct my intentions on the roads to come.

Vivid Clouds at Swan Island

We sailed for Seventy-two days from the Florida Keys, across the gulf stream, cruised along the Northwest and Southwest shores of Cuba, then headed southbound to the Grand Cayman and crossed the Caribbean Sea to arrive here - Roatan, Honduras. This entire sailing trek was an incredibly inspiring, intensely humbling and a life changing experience for me as the situations I encountered compelled me to stretch all of my limits - physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual.

Grand Cayman pre-sunset

On board there were relationships I strove to build and find common ground, but often failed to suffice its demands - While there were lots of other challenges with sailing techniques and the sea life in general - I find that these were my hardest challenges at sea.

I can say that I have improved my skills as a listener, I learnt to listen way more than I talk. I have also learnt that even though our society depends on it - time is irrelevant. Of course, I can now say that I know how to sail and that will be very valuable when trying to crew on other boats. On the other hand I have to admmit that it was very leberating to have all my gear on two wheels between my legs on solid ground again. I would like to extend once again a huge thank you to Patrick, Melanie and Paciphaée for taking me across the seas, helping me on such a vital part of my journey. Merci Beaucoup!!!

This marks a big milestone for Infinity Cycle as I begging a brand new continent. I think that I'm starting to have some weight to my word after having travelled over 7000km/4500mi. I feel that I can give myself a couple of weeks off, so I will stay here for a bit than gently make my way into the land, where I will be joined by Luiza for a week get-away in the mountains of Honduras. After which on the 15th of June I will be hitting the road toward Nicaragua, and hope to be in Panama by mid July to look for a ride to Colombia. It is a good feeling to have the power to move yourself at your own speed. I'm very excited to start this new phase!

hi-five over the corals

I've been working hard these days to put the site up to date. Now you can check the map to see where I have been with some proximate dates and distances.

I wanted to bring special attention as well to some videos I have posted on you tube about my experience at the "Rincon de los Milagros" in Havana.

For those of you who want to reach me, I'll be on skypolandia the next few days.

Total Distance Travelled: 7321km / 4549mi
by sailboat: 2433km / 1368nm
by bike: 4888km / 3037mi

View Infinity Cycle in a larger map

Up to date map, tracing my travels from Toronto to Honduras

o mi/km - Toronto, ON - Oct 6th, 08
563mi/907km - New York City - Oct 17th, 08
2268mi/3651km - Miami, Fl - Dec 2nd, 08
3038mi/4889km - La Habana, Cuba - Mar 19th, 09
3975mi/6398km - Cayo Largo, Cuba - May 5th, 09
4143mi/6668km - Georgetown, CI - May 12th, 09
4549mi/7321km - Roatan, Honduras - May 21st, 09

Enjoy the photos and videos on my flickr page (click here)

Across the Caribbean Sea

Wow... I thought that this sailing adventure was almost over, but the trip keeps getting longer and the adventure just begging... I'll start this entry from when we go to Cayo Largo, our last stop in Cuba. Upon meeting this Irish sailing Vessel, Indio. They informed us of the possibility of going to the the Grand Cayman for a layover and break up the long Sail. There Patrick and Melanie also decided to work on their boat, in La Ceiba, Honduras and not Guatemala as originally planned.

Sailing Vessel "Indio" - Cayo Largo, Cuba

We arrived in Georgetown, CI after 32 hours in the sea. Nice and hospitable port authority and pretty friendly place in general. It was strange to be in a developed country after two months in Cuba. I felt a guilty familiarity and sense of relief when I walked into a sparkling clean, wheel chair accessible public washroom with automated hand driers and with plenty of toilet paper available to use.

Pirate ship on a silver sea

What an experience that was, but I must say that It really hit home for me when I found the Thai Restaurant of Georgetown, called "Thai Restaurant", I went in there with my heart open and speaking the little Thai I remember (from my Thailand days 10 years ago), and minutes after I walked in I was invited to sit down and they were feeding my all this free delicious Thai food that I could not refuse (for those who know me :-). So keeping with my polite attitude I kept eating all the food they gave me. Plus They gave me and my sailing family free internet for a few hours. The following day, I came by again to find another delicious free meal and internet, thank you Miss Yen Dee and staff for your generosity.

We left Georgetown the next day after fuelling up. This leg was when the adventure really began. By 11pm the night the engine dies on us (problem with the oil pump), I was doing the night shift and the wind was decent, so we decided I would sail the boat slowly till we figure what to do. At 5am, there was no wind to be found so we went to sleep and simply drifted in the middle of the Caribbean Sea till the morning (let me detail that this was no quite sleep, due to the waves the boat vigorously rocked from side to side and everything - pots, pans, etc - made it very loud ambient). Melanie bravely took the helm and sailed a mare 2 knots (mile per hour) for the entire day. Later on that afternoon, Patrick was able to repair the engine and we were back on track.

The following day, 48 hours in at sea, we arrived at Swan Island, Honduras. This place was know to have a striving little community some time ago, but it for what ever reason everyone left, and to protect it, Honduras sends an army plane with a troop of 8 soldiers a cook and food every 2 month or so. These men make sure the island is safe from invators.

Swan Island - "El ultimo Paraiso del Caribe"

We get there and with the intention to stay a day and 2 nights, however (this is the punch line) on the morning of departure, on a routine engine check we discover that the transmission was contaminated with sea water (for those of you that don't know, this is a BAD COMBO). There was not enough fluid to clean and replenish the tank and according to the army, we could be stuck there for weeks - this was a bad situation to be in. Lucky the head of the troop also imformed that the plane was due to come by any day and the there would be space for more passangers. The idea that one or more of us could go on the plane back to La Ceiba, on a mission to get the necessities (parts, transmission fluid, food, water), and find a way back out there with fisher man or something. This was indeed a mission, and I was voted to do it.

Dolphins at play near Roatan, Honduras

Another day goes by, no plane, no oil, low on food and water... we decided that if this plane was to arrive, Patrick would be the only to stay on board to conserve the food, Paciphaée, Melanie and I would depart as soon as the plane arrived. However to our great relief, a fishing boat - Driftwood - came by and were able to help us with enough oil to clean and replenish the transmition plus gave us lots of tuna fish. We set sail the following morning and had a safe and quite ride all the way to Coxen Hole, Roatan, Honduras...

The end of a phase


Coxen Hole - Roatan, Honduras

Enjoy the photos and videos on my flickr page (click here)

Reflections of Cuba

This is probably our last day in Cuba and I wanted to put a few words together to maintain tradition of writing about the countries/regions that I experience.

This particular phase of IC, has took a different format and mind set as It would have taken if riding my bike solo. I have been a crew on a private sail boat, (belonging to a family; Patrick, Melanie and Paciphaée) and all plans regarding travel (where to go, when to go, etc) were made by the Captain, not me. I therefore have had to work on other aptitudes like doing as I'm told with out any comments, Also always being ready for duty and the trickiest of all would be to try and fit in somewhere in the family dynamic.

Binoculars

With these new structures, I can say that we have gone through some difficult times (some would say it is inhumane to have 4 people living in such confined space - the boat) and at one point I came close to considering coming home. But with all that said, we managed to work it out, and are keeping our words till we reach Central America, Roatan - Honduras.

The morning after a night shift

In between all of this, lies Cuba... A glorious nation, geographically close to the States, but quite the opposite contrast in culture and distribution of resources... Here even though the greater amount of the population, live in simple, undeveloped conditions some of us in North America would consider "poor". They live happy lives, with the support of their families and communities, everyone has access to good free education, good free Heath care, and the cost of food are subsidized making it insignificant and available to everyone...

Hasta la Victoria Siempre

The island shares no borders with another country and are very strict in not allowing anyone to leave, (with the exception of a couple of situations, including marriage) so the concept of travelling I introduce is quite foreign to them. And opens up a can of warms that has been tricky approach in conversations, never mind understanding it. The ideas I present here are those friends of which I had a chance to talk with. According to these friends, Castro keep a close eye on it's people and there are many dos and don't s. If you are cough doing a don't, you might be considered an Anti-revolutionary, and may have to live and work and a farm for over six month, with out pay. I have a friend who did that, and has now an open application as a refugee to the States. Some of them fled to Mexico on a speed boat, only to get caught by the Mexican police two weeks later and be deported back to the island.

I view of the ocean

These above mentioned cases, are only a small fraction of Cubans, and is indeed a rare occasion now days. When travelling on a boat or bicycle everyone we meet is very friendly and helpful. The socialist culture is to share all that you've got, and they will feed you with what ever they have, with out hesitation. They are very aware that 1 dollar to us costs nothing, but to them is a full days wage. In Puerto Esperanza, for instance, Some friends get by only because of foreigner sail boats that came by with gift and what not. In the boating world it is well known to always have small things to give away in places that you visit. Things like books, plates, soap bar, tshirts, hats, tools, etc can really make a difference for some and they will feed you and love you for it. This way you make friends where ever you go.

Little Brian... reminded me of me!

Cuba relies on 80% of income from the tourism industry and a good Cuban knows to treat tourist right, so they enjoy and come back again - quite a simple concept. This is a country with two currencies, the national pesos, and the convertible pesos (CUC) that holds equal or greater value to the USD, There are about 24 national pesos in one CUC, and like I mentioned earlier, a regular Cuban earns around 1 CUC per day. It became apparent to me, that Cubans who work jobs that come in contact with tourist, can increase their wage rapidly and swiftly. I began to share this idea with people that I met and they agreed. However, in the first few days in Cuba I saw how these huge all inclusive hotels work and many, many tourist come here to "experience" Cuba. but stay in the resort all day, with the friendly staff, and they don't even have a clue about the real situation, or that there is a national currency... These resort establishments, in my opinon provide a fake experience of Cuba

Sailing Vessel "Seren" and the sun

Every so often I met someone and had the impression that they were really just helping me cause they wanted my dollars - this seams to be a common feeling amongst world travellers - and this is not the best situation you want to be in so you really have to know your stuff (actual prices etc...) and always keep an eye on the back of your head.
phew... so much to write... so little time...

Cayo Largo, Cuba

PLEASE SEE MY IMAGES AND VIDEO FROM CUBA

Isla de la Juventud

Cuba can be really funny because some people tell you one thing and when you get there it is a different story. We were told the here in Marina Colony on the SW corner of isla de la Juventud, we could officially sign out of the country, How ever upon our arrival the guards told us other wise, the we have to go even more east to Cayo Largo in order to clear out with immigration officials. So it looks like our trip has been extended yet another few more days. Such us life… On the positive side, we met up with the same boat that we cruised to northwestern shores. Skipper Steve and his crew on “Seren”. They also come about the same problem and will be making their way to Cayo Largo, so we might do some more travelling together.

Marina Colony, Isla de la Juvendud

After this it is looking like it will be a minimum of 4 days to sail across the Caribbean Sea to reach Honduras or Guatemala, pretty scary thought if you ask me, but it is what I chose for myself, and I’m sure it will be a very enriching experience.
I have been doing lots of talking to some of the locals in places were we stop, besides the fact that my Spanish has gotten a lot better, I have really enjoyed sharing experience and exchanging ideas with them. It really makes me more grounded when I tell them why I’m doing this journey… good self reminders.

Julio Cesar a friend from La Coloma
(if you read this email me!)

I’ll cut this short for now; I’ll be doing a massive upload of picture once I reach the continent…

South Shore of Cuba

Hello everyone,

This is yet another post with no pictures and very brief. We are still in Cuba, we sailing across to the south shore and are now anchored on the small town of La Coloma. From here, it looks like we will be headed to Isla de la Juventud, where we´ll stay for a few days then, hit the sea for 3'4 days in a southwest direction toward Central America, Honduras or Guatemala. Where ever it turn out we arrive, I´ll get of with a heart full of gratitude and continue on my own. I do have plans to visit Anna and Andy in Roatan in all goes well I should be there around the 10th of may.

When I reach the continent, I´ll dedicate some time to update and up load photos, video about the sailing adventure I got my self in to!!!

Lots of love and light from the south shores of Cuba!!!

Lalo

Cycling in Cuba

Dear friends, family and followers,

These past few weeks here in Cuba have been great... getting right into the people (el pueblo)
The boat has been anchored in Puerto Esperanza for 10 days and I had the privilege to go on a two day bike ride to Havana and it was nice two days there then two day ride back... I have made load of friends and have plans to return in the future for sure... after Infinity Cycle... if I could plan that far...

Carmen, Pedro and I

Leonardo

It look like we will be setting sail this wed and continue along the north coast to the western tip... from the cut south bond to Honduras... Probably around April 20th or so, no one knows for a fact when you are in the hands of the sea... C. Patrick had a slight injury on the back and I´m getting ready to handle most of the work... kind of scary in a way... we will see I´m in this till the end, however it ends...

I guess the last post was not very positive,... I want to say that even with all the surprises I have been blessed to be have all these experiences and they are all very positive ones...

lots of love from Cuba to all...


Enjoy the photos and videos on my flickr page (click here)

Did I not say I was going to Cuba?! I did not know how or when, but when there is a will there is a way! Here I have been for 10 days, safe and sound. The internet here is rare slow and expensive, plus they have made it very difficult to upload anything (pics, video) to the net, so this are test only posts and will be till we leave Cuba...

The Trek across the Gulf

On March 10th (Happy Birthday Celo and Amy) we left left the Florida Keys from Bahia Honda where we had a day sail form Marathon and anchored the previous night. It had been a good sail but nothing could have prepared me for what was to come. It really is something out of this world to sail in open waters, otherwise known as the deep blue sea.

We set sail that day at about 9h30 and sailed really fast with a total avg of 5kt in 16hrs trip of 93nm. there were a pack of dolphins who swam by our side for a little while. The waves where decent but not huge, 4-7 feet every 4-8 secound, and wind was steady 10-15 knots.

Things started to go wrong when the handle of the winch to roll up the jib (front sail) fell into the Gulf Stream. We sailed a while longer and at 1h30 in the next morning realized we were only a few miles from Cube and needed to slow down. Patrick and myself wrestled the wind in order to take down the jib and stuff it into the main cabin. Soon after we found that both the engine and the generator were not working. By the time I could see the city lights of Varadero not so far away.

The Fact that we were this close to land in unknown waters without control of the boat did not sound like a good combo for me and I insisted we try to contact somebody on the VHF radio... After sometime of trying to figure out what was wrong with the engine and talking with some Cubans at the Marina Gaviota. We decided to drop anchor and sleep, it was then 4h30 and we were exhausted.

In the morning to tow service came around 11h. On our way to shore we had some time to relax and I reflected on the whole experience. When I'm on my bicycle I exercise steadily all day long and can make decisions as to where and when I go whenever I want to. Sailing on the other hand, often you have to work very hard and quick, then after you may sit and relax for a while, but always be ready to work very hard at any given moment. Because you are indeed in the hands of "Iemanja", the queen of the sea and it is not up to you most of the time.

We had a group of friendly officials waiting for our arrival at Marina Gaviota, where we stayed for 6 day to repair the damages on the sails, the engine's problem was that in Florida, the sold us diesel mixed with water... bad combo!


Varadero - La Habana

We survived another over-night sail from Varadero to Havana a few days ago. I say survived because we had some trouble, again, with the bilge (inner bottom of boat) soon after sunset, we saw there was a leak on the boat and had to manually bring buckets of water from under the washroom up to the desk and empty it into the sea.This was an other time that I had to work my hardest and fastest even if I felt sick to my stomach. Very unpleasant to be sweating through all your pores and adrenaline rushing through you veins while at the same time your head and stomach are spinning like and amusement park ride... What an experience, hopefully we will have more pleasant ones from now on...

Around 23:00 the night we managed to get a hold of the situation and sailed calmy into Marina Hemingway just after sunrise, which was gorgeous.

Yesterday I contacted Manuel, a friend of friends from Toronto, and biked to his home in Havana. It was another of these immediate affinity encounters of this journey. What a wonderful person with a great life vision. Great time in his studio, witnessed a great show of a folkloric group called "Misterio del Vodu de Haiti en Cuba"... It felt great to be alive!!

Thank Manuel for the bike tour of Habana..

gotta go run out of time...

sailing to bahia honda tomorrow


Enjoy the photos and videos on my flickr page (click here)

Boot Key Harbour

This is probably the last post in the US. We will become “waterborne” (airborne) tomorrow morning, when we depart from Peter’s dock. Since the winds are not favourable for us these days, we will likely through anchor for a night or two just out side of Boot Key Harbour, in Marathon. During the past few days there has been lots of progress as we managed to get most essentials good to go, like the generator, propane stove, and VHF radio antenna amongst others.

Happy family of sailors and world-citizens
Enjoy the photos and videos on my flickr page (click here)

This past Month, I have came to learn a lot about the boating life. Tonight as I was hanging out in the galley (kitchen), trying to keep up with my thoughts and emotions that were super fast, as I tried to imagine life in that boat on the deep blue sea, and the daily living with this wonderful family. I super psyched about this phase of the journey.

Pelican taking flight!


Iguana on a Boat!
Enjoy the photos and videos on my flickr page (click here)

Elaborating on how amazingly grateful I am to be involved in such an opportunity. For over 2 months, I had held the belief that I was going to find I boat who would take me to Cuba and Central America, and specifically that they would be a francophone family, although I got disillusioned time again, and started to expand my possibilities. The day that I met Pat, Mê, and Paciphaée, I did not know how to react to their casual acceptance of my proposal. A month later seeing and working with them everyday has been very gratifying and we seam to be enjoying each others company.

Silhouette of Boot Key Harbour
Enjoy the photos and videos on my flickr page (click here)

I hope that the next post will be from Cuba!!! Stay tuned!!!

Sahalee Sail

Another week has gone by, lots of advances and some unexpected discoveries on the big’ol Quick Silver.

The good part is that I’ve been getting more familiar with the sailing and very familiar with my new franco-family: Pat, Mê, Paci… getting to find out all the family dynamic and seeing where I can fit in to complement and stay out of the way when it is none of my business.

Enjoy the photos and videos on my flickr page (click here)

I joined Billy and his friends for a sail with his boat "Sahalee" this past Thursday. It was quite a windy day and the sea, while not bigger then 4 feet, the waves were not far apart, which made for quite a choppy ride. Ups and downs, I started to feel very heavy and ultimately, useless. That was followed by a strong sense of upset stomach as I decided to relocate my carcass to the stern (back) of the ship as I prepared for the inevitable... As I lay there, I had time and creativity to make up and sing some lyrics to a blues melody that played in my head. I love these moments of “creativity V.S. vulnerability”.

Port side of Sahalee
Enjoy the photos and videos on my flickr page (click here)

As my final moments of integrity drew to a close, I began to pollute the deep blue waters with a mixture of bile and that morning’s breakfast. In between each upward throttle of my stomach, I seamed to find the energy to shout in amusement of the situation and pure physical relief!

Me recovering...
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The rest of the ride was even better and we put up the jib (front sail) so we were moving twice as fast and soon we entered the Boot Key Harbor from where we had left several hour back. That was a good day to learn many realities of sailing, and when Melanie offers me some tricks to prevent sea-sickness I will gladly accept such a gracious offer. Thanks in advance Mê.]

So it is looking like there is a window opening up Tuesday or Wednesday. If all goes well, we will set sail at that time. However during this month I have been disillusioned several times, as I was always thinking that we would leave and every time ended up staying longer. Above everything, the last 3 months, especially February, has been a great lesson of PATIENCE. Every few days it surprised me again, to find out that I had been deceived once again. I saw this as a learning opportunity and concluded that patience is indeed a virtue.

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Blessings to all…

USA Reflections:

Saturday was the official day we were to depart from Marathon and set sail to Cuba, but once again, the weather has shown us otherwise and it seems we still have business to do here. So I decided to write some reflections of my experience in the United States of America. I realise that I won’t be able to please everyone, everything I write is from my personal experience and networking with friends. This is not an attempt to define, judge, or discriminate anyone in any way.

This is where I was born and grew up - Farm Satori, Brasilia, Brazil

I spent my childhood in Brazil then moved to Toronto, Canada as a young teen. I never visited the US before; so most of my knowledge and opinions were based on the distress and mass destruction that the US has inflicted on all corners of the globe. I developed a bias to avoid any transaction with the States, whenever possible.

As I started to formulate the idea of this odyssey (Infinity Cycle), I became aware that the US was not only geographically essential but I also needed to get rid of preconceived ideas and find out for myself, through its people, and first hand experience. It also tied in nicely with the intention to experience both extremes and unite South, Central and North Americas together as one.

Sunrise in the state of Delaware, late October 2008

As I cycled through the states of the east coast (NY, NJ, DE, MA,VA, NC, SC, GA and FL) I intentionally let go of pretensions and negative thoughts that came up, trying to absorb it all for what it is. I found most of the people I met to be very welcoming and generous in lending me a hand by offering camp/shelter, shower, food and/or most importantly their friendship. In between a number of set destinations to friends, friends of friends, friends of friends of friends houses and so on, I had wonderfully unexpected experiences meeting new friends, who would in turn give me more contacts of their friends in places further along the road.

A deer near the Hudson river, Stoney Point, NY

I feel it is also important to talk about my impression of the “American way of life”. How in this country, almost everything is disposable. Many of the places I went through I found its people to be disconnected from each other and their environment. Small cities have lost their sense of community and are dependant on oil and technology to survive. Only a handful of villages had a little character of their own and most had multi-national chain shopping centres as their only source of food and other living essentials, putting most small/family operations out of business. It made me very upset to find that the ONLY place I could buy camp fuel was in Wal-Mart, one of the multi-nationals I boycott. I tried to buy my daily food from local farmer’s road stands and small grocery stores whenever possible, but sometimes had no option but a big chain store.

My bike in the morning before hitting the road - Tifton, GA

I was told by friends that in school children are taught that the USA is the BEST country in the world (wealth, health, power, etc). Strategically, to some degree it promotes patriotism, which can be a good thing when it is combined with common sense. But the frustrating part is that most of the population doesn’t even have the curiosity to find out for them selves, and instead choose to live arrogantly ignorant without ever leaving their home country.

Flying on an Ultra-Light in up-state New York

I felt privileged to be present at such a glorious moment when the people of the USA elected their first African-American president, Barack Obama. This marks a great milestone in history and gives hope to the rest of the world for a future with peace. I hope he can pull the integrity of this country back together to make peace not war, environmental responsibility with recycling/composting programs, better education, free health care, strengthen communities, teach the public about the importance of holding ourselves accountable for our actions.

Finally I am glad I had the opportunity to see and experience for myself the reality of the American life. This way I will be sure to remember the contrast with other nations of the south, where resources are not such a privilege and material goods are not wasted in vast quantities. Thank you to everyone I came in contact with during my stay in the USA.

Peace and respect,

Lalo

After having written this text, I came across a documentary movie that I highly recommend.

Zeitgeist Movement - please take some time to watch it...