Next stop... South Africa!

I spoke to Martin yesterday as they were leaving port and headed for Durban, South Africa.  It should take them around 9 days to arrive—pending good weather.  Martin, David and Doug saw a small break in the weather and decided to go for it and leave port and head to Durban.

This could be a good thing... or a very bad thing.  The weather has NOT been great and if they hit bad weather, then there would be lots of wobbling and teetering which is never good on the stomach.

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Last Sunday, Martin went to church at a small congregation of the LDS church on La Reunion island. At the end of church, and in true Martin fashion, he got up and invited everyone over for Family Home Evening (a night set aside for families and friends to gather—usually on Monday nights) on AMARA.  He called me after church and said he had a bit of anxiety about the get together because neither Sue or myself would be there to help out in the planning.  However, I was fully confident that Martin, Doug and David could pull it off (John had left earlier, via airplane, for South Africa to meet up with his wife, Tamrika for a short visit).

As you can tell from the photos below, it looks like the evening was a great success!

Members of the LDS (Mormon) congregation on Reunion Island.

The table is set.

Lots of yummy food for everyone.

The Branch President
(He overseas the congregation on Reunion Island). 

This is a great photo of Martin and
a LDS (Mormon) missionary.

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This week,  Martin, Davie and Doug went on a hike with their aim at the highest peak that they could find.  They were able to climb to 9,500 feet which is equivalent to Mt. Olympus here in Utah.  Martin, who is the most athletic person that I know, and can climb any peak with ease, said he really struggled on the climb since he hasn't been able to workout out much since he has been sailing for the past 6 months.  He's anxious to get back to his regular workouts and climbing the peaks here in Utah. Doug was able to capture some great photos of the climb and of David and Martin at the top of the mountain.

David and Martin at the top of the peak.

The clouds settling in at the top.

Doug at the top!

Martin wrote me this morning and said things are going well and so far, so good.  I hope to hear from him tonight or tomorrow and hopefully there will be good news to follow.  I sure miss my guy and can't wait to meet up with him in the next two weeks.  I am wishing them smooth sailing until we meet up soon!

Beautiful Scenes of Reunion Island

Martin sent me some beautiful photos that he took while on their sightseeing tour around Reunion island.

The flowers are breathtaking.

The beautiful waterfalls.

Martin reports that they are going to sit tight for the next few days since there isn't much of a weather window at this moment.  He is hoping that it will open up in the next few days so that they can head to Durban and then on to Cape Town.  I'm crossing my fingers and saying a few prayers in their behalf so that they make it their safely without the weather getting in their way.

The Gents Have Made it To Reunion Island

I got an email today from Martin telling me it was a smooth sail to Reunion Island.  He wrote that so far no internet but they do have a rental car!  Looks like they are going to do a little tourist activity today.

While sailing, fishing has been at an all time high.  They have caught so much fish that there is no more room in the freezers for fish.  Martin told me that they are eating it as fast as they can but every time they do, they catch another fish.  Well, at least I know that they aren't going hungry.

Martin and one big Mahi-Mahi.

Mauritius

The beautiful streets of Mauritius.

On Sunday, Martin and crew (David, Doug and John) made it safely to Mauritius.  They are now officially two-thirds of the way across the Indian Ocean.   It was a fairly calm sail, with the wind at their back, but they are certainly glad to be on land for a few days.

Mauritius is different than the islands of Indonesia as it is has more of a European influence.   It has been a lovely stay for everyone, especially since AMARA was given the best parking spot in the marina—right in front a 5-star hotel!

AMARA front and center!

It's been really great being right in front of the hotel because Martin is able to sit at a wonderful breakfast in the hotel while he and I Skype his morning (my night) away getting caught up on all things Frey.   It's been a real luxury.

Tomorrow they hope to push off and head to Durban.  It will take them around 12 days (1576nm).  Their weather window wasn't good yesterday or they would have left sooner.  I am hoping to get in one more phone call with Martin before they leave.

Now this is my idea of sailing!

More Updates On AMARA

All,

We've just had a great team effort battling a monster Yellowfin tuna for the last 2 hours and had him up to the side of the boat several times where we were attempting to gaff him.  Unfortunately the line touched the edge of the exhaust pipe and broke.  

All good on Amara,

Martin