For the first time in over seven years, Gitane has been
decommissioned and the memories of our first year of offshore cruising are
neatly bundled.
Down below, her folded sails are stacked in their bags,
reflective insulation is in all port lights and hatch covers, the watermaker is
pickled, the water tank is filled with water and two gallons of vinegar,
electronics are unplugged and removed, all surfaces were washed with vinegar,
clothes lockers are emptied, the refrigerator is cleaned and dried out, the
dehumidifier is plugged in and fans are strategically placed. Topside, sheets
and halyards are stowed, all canvas has been removed, the dingy is deflated and
lashed to the deck, reflective tarps are tied tightly, extra lines and fenders
are in place. She’s ready to withstand
hurricane winds and the torrential rain of a summer in the tropics.
We will spend the summer months exploring the interior of northern Mexico and the western U.S. in our motorhome, “Casa del Sol”, visiting family and friends along the
way. Hiking, biking, swimming and bocce
ball are on the agenda no matter where we find ourselves.
This has been a fascinating year of discovery in the great
outdoors. Living in nature every day, enjoying new friendships, great food and the generous hospitality of the
Mexican people have extraordinarily enriched our lives. We will continue our sailing journey to southern
Mexico in the Fall. In the meantime, you
can follow our land cruises on our Facebook pages: Nancy Arnold-Hunting or Ken Hunting.
