USCG aboard Mother Jones
So, yep, that just happened.
On the passage from Jamaica to Providencia (where we safely sit and send this update) we had multiple systems fail (steering, engine, shredded sail and leaks into the bilges). At 12:30am on Sunday morning, 130 miles from Providencia, we decided to call the Coast Guard, who arrived later in the day, patched us up and were generally awesome.
Now, we’re all safe and sound here in Providencia and will start work taking the boat apart to put it back together again as soon as we get some rest.
Needless to say, it’s not all cheeseburgers in paradise, Jimmy. Although, we’d certainly love one right about now.
More soon . . .
-L, D & Mr. K
Ps. I haven’t spoken with my Mom yet, but I’m pretty sure getting a phone call from the Coast Guard ranks up top with the best of the worst.Mother’s.Day.presents.ever. Sorry, Mom. But, hey, look at the bright side, in terms of being a kid that still freaks you out sometimes, “I still got it, eh?”.
Click here to jump to the rest of the story: We’ve Got Issues, The Whole Enchilada
Yup, there were a few (about 7) stressful hours when I didn’t know what was happening. And I’ll back up what Laurie said about the International Emergency Response Coordination Center and the Coast Guard – wonderful folks and incredible resources. And after 12 hours of no change in the GPS location in the middle of nowhere, it was so wonderful to see movement and especially great to see that the Mother Jones made it to Provendencia this morning.
I am so glad you are both alive and no injuries. I was thinking of you all weekend realizing that you were going to leave on Friday. I was so relieved to get your point this morning on the island about 100 miles from Nicaragua. I am thinking about you.
Love
YOUR DADDY
Wow!
Sounds like the trip was a little hairy but we are glad you all are fine and Mother Jones is safe in Provendencia!
Keep us informed of how the ‘fixes’ go and don’t let it change your goals.
Fair Winds, Crew of Tribe
Thanks, Bill! Bottom line: don’t get the gas from Errol Flynn 🙁 We’re now in Bocas and working on repairing our sail, getting a new steering kit and, yes, finding time for some Sangira and Balboas in the mean time. Fair Winds to y’all!
Phew! Glad you made it safe kids.
What a story, and your poor Mother!
Staying in Providencia, or onwards to Panama?
Hey Allie! Yes, pfew, indeed. We LOVED Providencia! Have you been? I think you’d love it: public art everywhere, fierce local pride, pristine ecology. We even got to see the once-a-year black crab migration for which they closed the road (as in the only road around the island!). We would’ve stayed longer but had some friends visiting Bocas we wanted to catch before they left. Plus, now that we’re here (in Bocas) we’re so glad to be stationary while we await boat parts . . . yep, we’re now one of “those people” in Bocas living on an inoperable boat!
glad to hear everyone is safe. I admire the courage it takes to hit the open seas. It’s just not the same as breaking down on some highway in a car. I’m keeping you all in my thoughts and can’t help but think what a trooper Kemah is ~ all star adventure dog!
You guys will work it out I’m sure! Just stay stocked up with Panama beers (Balboas are for girls). Great meeting you all and perhaps our paths will meet again!