December at Christmas Island

We left Tenacatita Bay and made the 2 hour sail to the marina located at the Grand Isla Navidad Resort. This is the place we will call home for the month of December. 

Entering the Barra de Navidad Marina

Staying in the marina gives us access to the resort including the 5 pools linked by waterslides, a swim up bar, spa, laundry, restaurants and a great cruising community. The resort is not crowded and it seems there is a daily ritual to retreat to the shade at the pool every day.

The choice to stay here was partially due to the Ocean Posse holding a 4 day event of seminars and social gatherings.  The Ocean Posse (https://oceanposse.com/) is a network of yachties that share

Evening potluck with the Ocean Posse crew

information and camaraderie in the main small boat cruising routes across the Pacific & Atlantic, including the Panama canal.  We joined the Posse last year and have found it to be a wealth of knowledge on routes, anchorages, discounts and logistics.  Plus, it is a great group of people!

Getting settled at one of the pools

During the week of seminars, I could not escape the feeling of being at a President’s club event like the ones we experienced during the 20+ years of my mortgage career.  I wake up in the morning, have breakfast, walk through a resort in a warm climate to a conference room, find a seat and participate in a meeting.  It was very nostalgic. 

The morning session of the Ocean Posse

While here at the marina I finally caved in and hired a crew to re-do the varnish on our Okisollo's exterior teak.  I have the supplies and have had every intention of doing it myself as general maintenance. However, the cost and skill available here in Barrra de Navidad is hard to argue with.  After the crew of three spent 2 day of sanding and prep in the heat, humidity and direct sun I was confident that I made the right decision.  That has allowed us more time at the pool.

Leia's Mexican cousin, joins us at the hotel restaurant for Lunch, every time

This morning, as we sit in the cockpit and wait for the French baker to come around in his panga and deliver freshly baked goods, I worry that we may be getting a bit spoiled here. 

Enjoying a cup of coffee, while the french baker delivers fresh pastries

I guess we should just enjoy the moment and make memories that can hold us over when things aren’t so easy.

For now, we will take advantage of what we have.  It’s hot and we need to go back to the pool. 

Onward….

Okisollo's home for December at Grand Isla de Navidad Resort