Well, the schooner survived the tropical storm that just went past La Paz. I guess there was about 35 knots of wind, which isn't a lot, but there was quite a bit of rain. I have had people who would like to know what we need for the schooner. I will keep a list going and add to it when I can. We really need everything, as the boat was stripped in Mazatlan, but some detailed items are port holes-17 1/2" by 8" bronze,and a clutch driven motor with 1 1/2"-2" hoses. I have asked the guys to send me a more detailed list and I will pass it on. If anyone finds anything that would work and wants to donate it to the cause we have friends coming down in October and November so we have a way to get the stuff to us. I will write more when I get details from the south. Thanks, Allison

Hello Everyone, I have been getting a lot of grief for not updating the blog sooner. I will try to be better about keeping everyone informed as things move along. I have included a few pictures of the boat and the kids raising the 120 pound anchor on our trip to the islands. Let me go back. The last post had the guys leaving Mazatlan an having engine problems on the second day out. The water pump(which pumps sea water into the engine to help keep it cool) went out and they were forced to sail for two days. I got a cell phone call 30 miles outside of la Paz and found out they needed an impeller for the water pump. Tom, from Callisto, ran all over town and came up with the part that was needed. He then passed the part off to our friends Slade, Jimmy, and Simon, who then drove the part out, in Simon's panga, to the boat, as it was nearing La Paz. There was a lot of high fives and some beer drinking when the part got to the boat. They spent the night just outside of town to get the water pump rebuilt and then headed into La Paz the next morning and was anchored up next to new Sunbreak by lunch! It was very exciting and the guys were tired but happy!!!! WE were able to turn around almost immediately and take Vltava out to the islands for a few days, with the kids. We had all the sails up for two days running and had a blast getting to know the boat a little bit. The kids an I will be in the states visiting family for the next month so it will be easer to update the blog from there. I will post more pictures when I get east. I will also have all the pictures, some movies made by Will, and all the dreams with me so I'd love to share it all with whomever I run into. Just ask!!!!!! Thanks, Allison

I got a phone call this morning around 8 am. It was kevin. They were 30 miles off the north end of ceralvo island and they had lost their engine. I guess the water pump went out a day ago and they have had to sail. They were doing well and sailing at about 5 knots. They were hoping to be able to get a new impeller and have it brought out to them when they get closer. Tom has bought the impeller adn slade, jimmy and simon are waiting in the wings to head out. We are waiting for another call to get the latitude and longitude and their direction. They should be in by tonight though so I will let you know. Allison

Well, Vltava left Mazatlan on Sunday, around noon. We are expecting them today. It is already 6:30 our time so If they aren't in the harbor by dark(8:30 pm) then they will anchor out and come in with the light. It is about 200 miles as the crow flies and if they are traveling at 5knots it should take them 50 hours. They only have a hand held radio and I don't know if they can charge it with the system the way it is now, so we may see them before we hear them. There are people all over La Paz, with different vantage points keeping an eye out. We are all very excited! Tomorrow we move out of the house we have been house sitting for the past three weeks. We will miss the computer hook up the most, oh yeah, and the air conditioning! Keep checking the blog for info on the crossing. Thanks, Alison

Will helping with the sails
David, the mechanic
Some of the crew
Kevin checking the rigging


Here are some of the most recent pictures from Mazatlan and the schooner. I think everyone is having a good time working together to make this happen. The engine was running the other day and looking good. The plan is for them to leave tonight or tomorrow. the weather looks good at the moment but there is something brewing south of us so time is very important. Check out eebmike.com to see what the guys are looking at to help decide when they leave. We will be leaving the house on the 6Th and will be back to Internet cafes and good friends so be patient. We will keep the blog going it just might not be updated daily. Allison

At 9:30 lat night I get a skype call. The engine is running and everybody is up! They are planning on leaving on Sunday as long as the weather keeps cooperating. The picture here is of when Tim and I went to Mazatlan, the first time, to survey the new sunbreak(kevin was working) and Vltava had to be moved from the old harbor to Singlar Marina, where she is now. I am promised new pictures soon so I will share when they come in. Allison