Baskets from home

Women of the Embera tribe weave these baskets with intricate patterns using fiber as fine as human hair. The baskets help to express the beauty and achievements of the Embera culture. This is one of many missions for the Pajaro Jai. During their travels the crew contact other native peoples to share their experiences and learn ways to preserve their culture and develop their future. This beautiful boat carries the dreams of a tribe living in the rain forest of Panama. How amazing that it was built and it is sailed by people who had never seen the ocean. You can find out more on: www.PajaroJai.org.

The boat from Panama

Crew from the Pajaro Jai invited us aboard. The Pajaro Jai (Enchanted Bird) was built in the Panama Rain forest by people of the Embera tribe. In 12 years they built the 92 foot boat, using the wood from their forests. They imported ingots of lead which they melted in fires to cast the keel. The entire boat was made in the jungle by the tribe, except for the motor, sails, and winches. This picture of the interior salon only hints at their beautiful craftsmanship. Some of the spindles are turned, while others are carved medicine sticks which are used for healing in Embera culture. The cabins were a gallery of unusual and beautiful woods, including iron wood and blood of Christ wood.

Pajaro Jai

Our curiosity grew as we noticed that the people on the boat were using dugout canoes with leaf shaped paddles to get back and forth to the dock. 

Neighbors

We returned to the anchorage to find ourselves with very big neighbors, a beautiful 92 foot wooden boat. Lovely lines, elegant wood work, and several people working on her. Her name was Pajaro Jai. 

Life with family

The best part of anchoring in Washington DC is that we are close to Bethesda MD and family. Here we are having fun mixing, decorating, cooking, and eating cookies. This entertainment is not available on the boat's stove top. Lexie, AKA super duper girl, is the star cookie chef.

Visiting DC

We sailed up the Potomac and into Washington DC, anchoring in the teeth of a storm. Wet and cold, it was great to go inside to make dinner. The anchorage was safe and this smile did not greet us at the boat. We found him at the National Zoo during one of our visits to the city.

Annapolis star

Our trip down the Chesapeake took us near Annapolis and there we found Bob and Gail. Hinkley the cat was guarding their boat and could not join us for dinner. This photo gives evidence that Maria and Gail are secretly related, a happy discovery. 

Home is the sailor

It happens less frequently, but still we have flashes of amazement and gratitude, "Look, Vinnie can stand!" 

Reseach findings

Our visit with Patricia and Michael shows that sailors can leave their boats and return to land for an exciting, productive, and happy life. As Patricia has noted, it is best if you don't mention the "W word", wwwwooooor, woooorrrrr, oops, work. 

Walking in Philidelphia

Pat and Michael gave us a tour of Philidelphia and we wandered through historic areas, past the famous mosaics (see previous photo), museums, and parks. They covered many of the famous sights and several which were of personal interest, including the house where Maria's father had lived as a child. We ended a wonderful day in a large, wooded park. There on a hillside, we found this statue of an unknown indian chief. It is thought that he is looking for his people who are gone. He has been waiting like this since the early 1900's and Maria's father used to see him as he explored these woods so many years ago. 

Ashore with Twice in a Blue Moon

Patricia and Michael from Twice in a Blue Moon had returned to Philidelphia and were moving back to land life. We took a couple of brisk over night sails to get down the coast and up the Delaware to check up on them. Patricia, Michael, and Ginger were all doing well, surrounded by the family, friends, and neighbors who were celebrating their return. Poor Oliver, however, was distressed and could not be extracted from his litter box. A born sailor, he yearns for the rolling waves, sea breezes, and the sound of Patricia and Michael singing sea shanties over their bottle of rum into the early morning hours. 

Heading South Through New York

We had wonderful visits with the Stacks in Rhode Island (twice), the Herrmann's in Cape Cod, and the natives in Nantucket. As autumn approached it was time to head south. We sailed through Hell Gate, the East River, and finally New York harbor. Diva with Carl and Debbie Gaines were traveling with us and we took pictures of each other along the city. 

Interviewing

We've been looking for a live aboard feline mate. On previous visits we have been impressed with Tip's wisdom, personality, and serene world view. Here she and Vinnie discuss the responsibilities and wages. Unfortunately, Tip's services to the Stack's are more essential during the winter months and she was unable to accept the position.

Rhode Island Return

We left New York for Rhode Island and a visit with Ginny and Peter Stack. Ginny, Peter, and Tip seemed happy to see us. Bailey's reaction was a little more difficult to determine. It certainly made walking a challenge for Peter. 

One last celebration

We lived with Meg and George for a month and most of that time Vinnie was a bedridden stranger. He was in good form for Nellie and Larry's wedding and we left shortly after the festivities. Here Meg and Melanie celebrate the marrage and perhaps our imminant departure.