Well, we arrived OK in Quito, all our luggage intact, with no extra fees or problems with our 'boat stuff'.
But just when we thought we had the Ecuadorean immigration situation figured out, we got another surprise. When we went thru Immigration in Quito, they only gave us 5 days!!
This is the remainder of the original 90 days we got when we entered in February. They permit 90 days per year on tourist visas. Period. Even though when we left, our passports from the previous entry said we had about 60 days left. That was because we entered into Ecuador once when the computers were down and they gave us a new 90 days. But the Immigration lady would not budge, not even to give us a few extra days because of the holiday.
We think we know how to get a longer stay visa--lots of paperwork, running around, and some money. But the problem is that Ecuador celebrates Halloween with a vengence. Monday and Tuesday are holidays (and Tuesday is the end of our 5 days). So we are scrambling to get to Guayaquil this morning to try to get the renewal process started before our time runs out and we get fined $200 per passport, on top of the visa fee.
We changed our flight from Quito to Guayaquil to leave earlier, so we have more time today to scramble around. Too bad we're lugging 200lbs of luggage with us (still trying to figure out what to do with it while we run around town).
Just the fun of being sn international traveler on a slow trip around the world...
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Headed back to Ecuador
Well, the fun is over and it's time to get back to work.
We fly from Miami today for Quito, Ecuador, and then fly to Guayaquil tomorrow. We should be back on Soggy Paws by tomorrow night.
We will be lugging our usual 4 big suitcases full of 'boat parts' and 'specialty food items' back with us. Not just ours, but small critical parts for 2-3 other boaters in Ecuador. (Hopefully we won't have trouble going through Customs).
Then the fun starts... we need to put 8+ coats of epoxy and bottom paint on. Click on our 'Maintenance' link to see all the bottom products we have stored up waiting for us.
We fly from Miami today for Quito, Ecuador, and then fly to Guayaquil tomorrow. We should be back on Soggy Paws by tomorrow night.
We will be lugging our usual 4 big suitcases full of 'boat parts' and 'specialty food items' back with us. Not just ours, but small critical parts for 2-3 other boaters in Ecuador. (Hopefully we won't have trouble going through Customs).
Then the fun starts... we need to put 8+ coats of epoxy and bottom paint on. Click on our 'Maintenance' link to see all the bottom products we have stored up waiting for us.
Friday, October 23, 2009
In Atlanta for "Thanksgiving"
I woke up this morning wondering where I was.
We are in Brooks, Georgia, outside of Atlanta, at my sister's house for a family "Thanksgiving". We won't be in the U.S. for Thanksgiving this year, so we decided to have it a little early.
The Gray Family 'Nieces' Show Off Their Gifts
Tucker Heintz, the newest addition to the Gray Clan
Waiting for someone to come play with him
I lay in bed and counted up how many different beds we have slept in since we left Soggy Paws in early September... 23!!
3 Countries, 4 States, and 23 different places we have stayed. No wonder I am tired!! I would like to stay longer in the U.S. and relax (and socialize) a little more, but we are looking forward to getting back on board and getting ready to go into the Pacific.
As of yesterday, we are one week from leaving to go back to Ecuador. We rented a car yesterday in Daytona and dropped Dave's car off at my brother's house in Hawthorne, for storage until we come back next fall. We used the rental car to drive on up to Atlanta, and will use it for a week and drop it off with Budget in Miami.
On the rental car... I was amazed at the price difference in renting from different airports. I have always been aware of a minor price difference between different rental offices--where an airport might be charging an airport tax and a local office won't. But after checking rentals from Melbourne, Orlando, Daytona, and Gainesville airports, we found that renting from Daytona airport was MUCH cheaper. We got a nice brand new Pontiac that only had 92 miles on it! Nice for driving.
We are in Brooks, Georgia, outside of Atlanta, at my sister's house for a family "Thanksgiving". We won't be in the U.S. for Thanksgiving this year, so we decided to have it a little early.
Waiting for someone to come play with him
I lay in bed and counted up how many different beds we have slept in since we left Soggy Paws in early September... 23!!
3 Countries, 4 States, and 23 different places we have stayed. No wonder I am tired!! I would like to stay longer in the U.S. and relax (and socialize) a little more, but we are looking forward to getting back on board and getting ready to go into the Pacific.
As of yesterday, we are one week from leaving to go back to Ecuador. We rented a car yesterday in Daytona and dropped Dave's car off at my brother's house in Hawthorne, for storage until we come back next fall. We used the rental car to drive on up to Atlanta, and will use it for a week and drop it off with Budget in Miami.
On the rental car... I was amazed at the price difference in renting from different airports. I have always been aware of a minor price difference between different rental offices--where an airport might be charging an airport tax and a local office won't. But after checking rentals from Melbourne, Orlando, Daytona, and Gainesville airports, we found that renting from Daytona airport was MUCH cheaper. We got a nice brand new Pontiac that only had 92 miles on it! Nice for driving.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Eustis High Reunion, Class of 1964
We had an enjoyable weekend in Eustis, going to Dave's 45th high school reunion. It is the first he has attended, so we saw some classmates that he hasn't seen for 45 years. Carole Kelsey Bozeman, who was the main organizer, did a great job of pulling it off. I enjoyed meeting some of the people that Dave has been talking about, and reading the Eustis High newspaper for his graduating class.
Saturday night, we got to watch the #1 Gators beat the #4 LSU Tigers. We've been holding our breath over QB Tim Tebow's health. But in the end, everything turned out OK. Go Gators! It was nice to actually WATCH the game.. instead of 'watching' it on a virtual football field via and ESPN data feed.
And on Sunday, we actually played a full 18 holes of golf in the 94 degree heat, with a couple of Dave's Naval Acadamy buddies. We just about died out there in the heat.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Back in Florida for a few more weeks
I am way behind on my blog. I do plan to add some blog posts on our French Canal Boat trip. But if I wait til I have time for that before I post anything else, I'll be even further behind.
We flew back from Ramstein Air Force Base on Tuesday night on a C-17 cargo plane. It has a big cargo hold with bench seats along each side. We were the only cargo, though. So we were able to lay a blanket on the floor of the cargo hold and get some sleep. But it was cold and noisy--not as nice as the C-5 we flew over on, but still got us there.
While we were waiting in Ramstein, we saw a whole planeload of troops heading for Kuwait, presumably to be deployed in Iraq or Afganistan. Our hearts are with all those fine young people.
On Weds night we stopped off in Jacksonville to visit cruising friend Tom Service, who's anchored out off Julington Creek Marina.
Yesterday, we thankfully pulled into Satellite Beach.
This afternoon we set off again for Eustis, FL, where we will be attending Dave's high school reunion. He is excited about seeing old friends after so long.
On Sunday we have a golf game scheduled with a couple of Dave's Naval Academy friends.
Next week Dave has Jury Duty in Clearwater, but he's going to drop me off in Satellite Beach before he returns to Clearwater to do his civic duty. We are hoping his commitment is short!
We flew back from Ramstein Air Force Base on Tuesday night on a C-17 cargo plane. It has a big cargo hold with bench seats along each side. We were the only cargo, though. So we were able to lay a blanket on the floor of the cargo hold and get some sleep. But it was cold and noisy--not as nice as the C-5 we flew over on, but still got us there.
While we were waiting in Ramstein, we saw a whole planeload of troops heading for Kuwait, presumably to be deployed in Iraq or Afganistan. Our hearts are with all those fine young people.
On Weds night we stopped off in Jacksonville to visit cruising friend Tom Service, who's anchored out off Julington Creek Marina.
Yesterday, we thankfully pulled into Satellite Beach.
This afternoon we set off again for Eustis, FL, where we will be attending Dave's high school reunion. He is excited about seeing old friends after so long.
On Sunday we have a golf game scheduled with a couple of Dave's Naval Academy friends.
Next week Dave has Jury Duty in Clearwater, but he's going to drop me off in Satellite Beach before he returns to Clearwater to do his civic duty. We are hoping his commitment is short!
Friday, September 25, 2009
A Visit to the Beaches of Normandy
(Catching up from our Europe trip)
Some people take a week or more to visit the museums and coastal towns of Normandy. We did it in a day trip from Paris, with a 3 hour drive each way to get there. But we were able to see most of what we wanted to see. For anyone interested in a short synopsis of the logistic issues that the Allies overcame when planning the invasion, see this website: http://www.usmm.org/felknordday.html
We started at the Memorial de Caen, which was originally a WWII museum, but has since morphed into also covering the Cold War, 9/11, etc. We then went to Juno Beach, where the Canadian forces came ashore for the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944.
We drove for about 30 miles down the coast through the little French beach towns, and ended up at Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. We stopped at several small museums along the way, and had a 'stand up' lunch of fresh quiche at a patisserie.
It was a very moving day--full of history and sadness for all the soldiers who died, all the French townspeople whose homes and lives were destroyed. But all this set in the beautiful French countryside, full of flowers and quaint little seaside towns.
A Small Sample of the Monuments
When they kicked us out of the Cemetary at 5pm, we drove down onto the beach.
Dave and Sam Examining a Shipwreck on Omaha Beach
On the return drive, we were running late and starved, so we actually went to McDonalds. McDonalds is kind of a sacriledge here in France, but it does have its place when you're hungry and don't have 3 hours to enjoy a 3 course meal.
We hit heavy traffic going through Paris, and then found that the freeway back to our hotel was closed! We spent another hour driving around in circles (thankfully following the GPS) before we managed to get back on the freeway north of the blockage. It looked like they were just working on the road, but didn't have any 'detour' signs out. If we'd not had the GPS to help us figure out where we were, we'd still be out driving around!
Some people take a week or more to visit the museums and coastal towns of Normandy. We did it in a day trip from Paris, with a 3 hour drive each way to get there. But we were able to see most of what we wanted to see. For anyone interested in a short synopsis of the logistic issues that the Allies overcame when planning the invasion, see this website: http://www.usmm.org/felknordday.html
We started at the Memorial de Caen, which was originally a WWII museum, but has since morphed into also covering the Cold War, 9/11, etc. We then went to Juno Beach, where the Canadian forces came ashore for the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944.
We drove for about 30 miles down the coast through the little French beach towns, and ended up at Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. We stopped at several small museums along the way, and had a 'stand up' lunch of fresh quiche at a patisserie.
It was a very moving day--full of history and sadness for all the soldiers who died, all the French townspeople whose homes and lives were destroyed. But all this set in the beautiful French countryside, full of flowers and quaint little seaside towns.
When they kicked us out of the Cemetary at 5pm, we drove down onto the beach.
On the return drive, we were running late and starved, so we actually went to McDonalds. McDonalds is kind of a sacriledge here in France, but it does have its place when you're hungry and don't have 3 hours to enjoy a 3 course meal.
We hit heavy traffic going through Paris, and then found that the freeway back to our hotel was closed! We spent another hour driving around in circles (thankfully following the GPS) before we managed to get back on the freeway north of the blockage. It looked like they were just working on the road, but didn't have any 'detour' signs out. If we'd not had the GPS to help us figure out where we were, we'd still be out driving around!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
We are in Gay Paree!
We are in Gay Paree!! We had a fun 2 days in Germany (hopefully I'll have time to post a few pictures on this). But now it's time for France.
The four of us (John and Sandy Delappa and Dave and I) took the fast train from Kaiserslautern to Paris yesterday afternoon. Sam and Nancy were supposed to pick up a rental car and come meet us at the railway station. We eventually made contact, just a little late. They ran into horrid Saturday afternoon traffic on their way from the car pickup to the Gare de Est railway station... apparently some big music event/parade in Paris totally snarled traffic.
After they had collected us, it took us another hour of heavy traffic city driving to get back out to the Marriot, which is near Disneyland Paris, about 20 miles east of Paris.
Fortunately, Sam and Nancy have a family friend who lives in Paris, and who helped them find the car rental place, the railway station, and helped guide us around the traffic as we left the station.
More later, we're off to explore Paris!
The four of us (John and Sandy Delappa and Dave and I) took the fast train from Kaiserslautern to Paris yesterday afternoon. Sam and Nancy were supposed to pick up a rental car and come meet us at the railway station. We eventually made contact, just a little late. They ran into horrid Saturday afternoon traffic on their way from the car pickup to the Gare de Est railway station... apparently some big music event/parade in Paris totally snarled traffic.
After they had collected us, it took us another hour of heavy traffic city driving to get back out to the Marriot, which is near Disneyland Paris, about 20 miles east of Paris.
Fortunately, Sam and Nancy have a family friend who lives in Paris, and who helped them find the car rental place, the railway station, and helped guide us around the traffic as we left the station.
More later, we're off to explore Paris!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
We Made it to Germany!
They finally got a C5 flight off to Ramstein AFB last night, and it had 75 seats on it (and no Top Secret cargo). We made it aboard with room to spare--there was even a couple of empty seats on the flight.
We had real seats almost like an passenger airplane. The C5 has a huge cargo hold like a warehouse, and a separate passenger cabin. It was pretty comfortable, considering. The seats reclined like normal airline seats. We got a 'box lunch' (which we paid for). Other than an 'inflight fueling exercise', which introduced some turbulence, it was almost like a normal airline flight.
We landed at Ramstein about 3:30 pm local time, and processed quicly through German immigration and customs.
Now that we're here, the next problem is lodging. We didn't make reservations ahead, because we weren't sure where we'd end up. At the time we were confirmed on the flight, we got on the list, but not with confirmed reservations. Getting here, we got one room, but John and Sandy were next in line and there were no more rooms. They are on standby for a room here, and have a room at Vogelwehn, another Air Force lodging facility, but it's a $30 taxi ride away. We now have a car rented, and plan on 2 nights in Germany, and we have train tickets (79 Euros/$118) to Paris on Saturday.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Leaving for Europe Today
We've been too busy with friends, doctors, and shopping to make updates on Facebook or our blog. But we're setting out today on the first leg of our journey to the canals of France.
We drive from Satellite Beach to Charleston today. Hopefully we will get on the military flight leaving Charleston AFB this afternoon for Ramstein AFB in Germany. Then we have a couple of days to get to Paris, where we have a timeshare for a week (thanks to friends Sam and Nancy). We hope to see a little of Paris and some WWII sites as well.
Then on Sep 26, we pick up our 'canal boat' from Le Boat, for a week on the Gray to Branges segment of the canals in Burgundy (Gray is SW of Dijon about 50 miles). We are sharing a 6-person boat with 2 other couples, so the expense is reasonable. We have rented 4 bikes for the week, and only have about 10-15 miles to go per day. So there's plenty of time for sightseeing and wineries.
I'll do my best to keep up with the posts on my blog (which also post on Facebook).
We'll be back in the U.S. around Oct 8.
We drive from Satellite Beach to Charleston today. Hopefully we will get on the military flight leaving Charleston AFB this afternoon for Ramstein AFB in Germany. Then we have a couple of days to get to Paris, where we have a timeshare for a week (thanks to friends Sam and Nancy). We hope to see a little of Paris and some WWII sites as well.
Then on Sep 26, we pick up our 'canal boat' from Le Boat, for a week on the Gray to Branges segment of the canals in Burgundy (Gray is SW of Dijon about 50 miles). We are sharing a 6-person boat with 2 other couples, so the expense is reasonable. We have rented 4 bikes for the week, and only have about 10-15 miles to go per day. So there's plenty of time for sightseeing and wineries.
I'll do my best to keep up with the posts on my blog (which also post on Facebook).
We'll be back in the U.S. around Oct 8.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Another Cool New Gadget
This has nothing to do with boating, but with living in a small space.
We never used the LCD TV that we had onboard, so we sold it at a cruiser's flea market earlier this year. But while we've been 'on the road', several times we've wished we had television capabilities. So I researched what might be available to get TV on my laptop.
Before we left the boat, I ordered a Hauppauge USB WinTV-HVR-950Q
. It only costs $70 from Amazon.com. The package includes the tuner, which is a USB device a little fatter than a memory stick, a small antenna, a remote control the size of a PCMCIA card, and a USB extension cord (in case you are trying to squeeze it in with something else in 2 side-by-side USB slots). Plus a connector to feed an external video source into your laptop.I finally got it set up and got time to play with it today, and I'm impressed! Sitting at my dining room table on the ground floor in Satellite Beach, with the supplied mini antenna, I'm getting about 10 digital channels out of thin air (most from Orlando and Daytona). You can also hook a cable feed to it, but that's not what I'm after. It will also pick up old-style analog signals, and I THINK it will do the European PAL format too (will let you know after we go to Europe).
Not only does it tune TV channels on your laptop, but it can also function as a DVR (digital recorder), so you can record shows for later playback.
In about 10 minutes, the supplied software had scanned for all available Analog and Digital channels, and from then, to change channels, you just up or down arrow on your keyboard. (There's a remote, but I haven't played with that yet).
It seems to run fine on my Eee 1000 laptop, as long as the signal is strong enough. It can run full screen or in a smaller window. I've got 3 Internet Explorer sessions, Outlook, and the Windows Performance Monitor and I'm using up less than 50% of the CPU.
The software that comes with it is a little klunky, but there's a new version coming out soon. It does the job, it's just a little less intuitive to use.
I'm currently using a 21-day free trial of a $99 software product called BeyondTV. With an internet interface, it effortlessly provides the on-screen programming content that we've all become used to with Cable TV Smart Boxes.
This is a great option for 'road warriors' who want to get local news and weather on their laptop.
And for a boat or house 'installation', before you go out and spend big bucks on a hyped 'digital TV antenna and amplifier' (in the $100-$200 range), check out this video on how to build your own TV antenna out of coathangers. I haven't made one (yet), but it looks like fun and supposedly does a great job.
Have fun!
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