Moving back onto a boat after six months in the States can be a little hectic. Fortunately, I have Ali, who creates a mess like this, and then magically makes it disappear again. I have no idea where any of this stuff ends up, and will spend the next six months asking her where some little trinket might be hiding, but I’ll happily make that tradeoff.
While Ali scrubbed, the kids went through their belongings. They are really good about this, and always manage to fill a bag full of stuff that they won’t use any more. The challenge for us is then finding a place to drop the stuff off at.
Lowe giving me a hand with washing the dinghy. I’m happy to report that both the engine and the generator fired up on the first try. Over the years I’ve gotten much better at running the fuel out of things before storing them. With that done it’s been pretty much a given that they’ll work again when requested.
Just like that, the boat is a clean, organized home again.
The wind in Aruba is crazy right now, just howling all day long, every day. However, moving out of the marina, and the one mile around the corner to the anchorage doesn’t require any offshore beatings.
The anchorage is well protected, with views of the cruise ships in one direction, and an airport in the other. It’s certainly not our most scenic, relaxing spot, but it’s not bad. The holding is terrible, though.
It took us about three hours to get the anchor set well here. This is the first time I can think of in about five years of using the Mantus anchor that we haven’t gotten a deep hold on the first drop. About two inches down there is a hard pack sand that just couldn’t be gotten through. We tried a few different spots before coming up with a plan. We dropped in a good spot, and backed down hard, which caused the anchor to “till” a shallow wedge through the sand. Then I went in, signaled to Ali to pull the boat forward for slack on the chain (it was super windy), then I’d dive down, pick the anchor out and carry it along the bottom back to the beginning of the first plow. Back down again, this time getting a little deeper. Carry the anchor forward again, and drop it in the same spot again. This time the anchor was buried deep. We do not rest well if we’re unsure of our anchor.
Later on, another cruiser came by to comment how hard it is to get a good set here. He mentioned that he had already saved one boat that broke loose while the owners were in town, and that the sailboat a few hundred yards behind us had ended up there by dragging anchor.
It’s actually kind of fun being so close to the airport. We can practically see the faces in the windows.
This boat is like one giant diving board. If Ali hadn’t laid down the law on diving from the top deck things would really be out of hand by now.
Probably should have thought to bring flip-flops with us when we went to investigate this old wreck.
Cool boat. We all liked the layout and now we want one for ourselves, though preferably floating, without the rust, and with massive stabilizers.
21 Comments on “Anchored in Aruba”
The boat is so clean and shiny. What does Ali use.
Following other Grand Banks owners and using Murphy’s Oil Soap. It seems to be doing a good job.
So glad you’re back on the boat after your land adventures. Just seems natural to see the kids swimming and diving.
Yes, they are good, but they do miss riding their bikes now.
Great to see you back on board, look forward to more adventures.
Heading to Aruba with the family next week and came across your post. Wow Do you guys no how to live! Nice job. Who knows maybe we will see you on our travels. We will be the ones that look like they just arrived from Canada:)
Look out the left side of the plane as you are about to land and you’ll see us. Unless the weather has changed and we’re off again. 🙂
Ahhhh, very satisfying!
Boat looks spic and span. Nice work Ali and everyone.
Noticed your comment about wanting a floating, operating version of the wrecked trawler. Now that the kids are growing fast and moving out of the “kid” stage, is the Grand Banks feeling cramped? Maybe it’s time to look for a nice elderly Grand Banks 50, with three staterooms to give everyone their own space. A while back I noticed an old Gulfstar 49 with three staterooms for sale in Texas, and it had been re-powered recently. Cheap too.
Love the blog, photographs are terrific.
We absolutely loved Aruba and its friendly people. Interestingly, many cruisers say they skip Aruba because the check-in procedures are differult. We actually found them very easy. They came to the boat and we were done in 20 min. Of all the islands in the Caribbean, Aruba is still among our favorites.
The check in was a breeze, just pull up to the dock and they got it all done. But you do have to do pre-arrival submitted and approved paperwork (same with flying in) and a required marina reservation. The marina sends you all the paperwork and requirements, and it must be submitted 2-days before arrival, so for cruisers it can be a pain. It cost us $500 USD to check in May2021 COVID tests for 4. Ugh.
They just lifted the COVID test requirements March 15 – thank goodness!
Budget Marine in the Caribbean should do you right for a new Dinghy
Still following and enjoying your travels after meeting you down in Rio Grande Agentina when you were in the VW. We spent hardly 10 minutes chatting at a hostel- just travelers sharing the same spacetime- (We were on motorbikes) but Its been really cool watching your family grow and your life travels. Keep living the good life bumfuzzles!
Wow, I remember meeting you guys as well. Funny how a connection can be made.
Hi! I’ve been following for quiet a while. I am a registered nurse getting my masters in nursing education, hoping to teach on-line to nursing students. I live in Santa Barbara with my family, which is beautiful and wonderful. But I want a more mellow life. Mexico is like a second home to me, but with 2 small blond kids, I am weary of the cartels. Is the PR culture friendly and family-oriented like Mexico? How would you describe it? It seems like you guys are not the settle down type, but for those that are, what are your thoughts on PR? Thanks and well wishes on all of your adventures!!
Hi Meagan, as you know we loved having our small blond kids in Mexico. They are so family oriented and welcoming. As Lowe was a such a chilled out baby, the locals would just pick him up and cuddle him. We did not worry about the cartels when we were there. You might want to reach out to this family if you want an up to date opinion on moving to Puerto Vallarta with your family. https://www.losogradysinmexico.com
Puerto Rico was nice as well, but definitely did not have the same feel as Mexico. We didn’t travel around the island as much though, so hard to say if there would be really great neighborhoods around. Old San Juan is gorgeous and fun – but also very touristy with the cruise ship passengers – that would get tiring fast.
Good luck! And definitely let us know you do it!
just want to get f/u comments!
Just want to mention how much enjoyment I get from your blog. I admit I do not remember you guys from High school, different crowds and I am sure you have no idea who I am. When husband mentioned a few years ago, hey these guys went to school with you, I was ho hum….. and then Ali’s mom noticed from FB that I went to Tartan too, so I had to give a look-I am not a blog person and follow no others but I am now addicted to your blogs and enjoy them so much that every few years I re-read some of your past adventures (the ones post kids are my favorite!) I have grandkids now, but I really enjoy your writing and can hugely admire you guys for the way you are raising your kids and living your life. Kudo’s to you-thanks for the enjoyment!
Hi Connie, oh my goodness this reminded me that your husband wrote to us last spring about meeting up for dinner and stories and I totally forgot! Next time we are in town, let’s make it a date!
Thank you for the very kind words. Tartan 1992 “Cutest Couple” winners off traveling the world – who would’ve thunk it. 🙂
Congrats on the grandbabies!
Rich experience for your kids is incredible I sure enjoy following your sharing photos and stories; I do ask your Mom where you guys are whenever I see her at Neumann’s
Thanks, Donna. Maybe I will drag her up there the next time we are home.