Reflecting and Regrouping

Hi everyone,
Just a quick update from Costa Rica. We got here nearly a week ago, already, and have been enjoying spacious, windy, reflective days at the house by Lake Arenal. This place truly inspires reflection. It has been six and a half years since we were last here, when we were running BlueAcademy, and around 15 years since Ryan first found Lake Arenal. It has felt special to have this time to reflect on the time that has passed since then. Ryan has particularly enjoyed reconnecting with friends he made down here in those early years, windsurfing, and going on long runs. I have particularly enjoyed yoga with a view, every day, on the deck at the house; painting; practicing the violin; and visiting with those same friends. (We´ll post some photos of people next time.) There is something magical here, in this valley between volcanos, something charged riding on the wind. It is somewhat surreal, really.
Like I said, this is just a quick update. I will write again in the next week with some more illustrative photos.
Until then, be well!
Jess and Ryan

Marina time (retrospective entry)

Our final days in Mexico were spent at the La Cruz marina, addressing boat repairs, cleaning up, and packing. During this time, while Ryan was getting creative with boat maintenance, I tried to get creative with the camera.

These are the building-blocks of the marina's breakwaters, with Banderas Bay in the background.

Self-portrait with palm shadows.

On the morning we left La Cruz, we had the boat hauled out of the water for some repairs to the keel. It was a very new, very strange experience, especially because we were on the boat when the slings pulled it out. Brainstorm is currently in the boatyard getting gussied up for her next journey.

The swell never quit! This is the view, from the airplane, of our recent-favorite surf spot, Punta de Mita (in the top, right of the photo, the peninsula extending out), with swell still curling around the point. We seriously considered extending our time in Mexico, just to surf for a few more days, but finally decided to make our way to our next destination.

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: we are so grateful for our time in Mexico, for the incredible conditions mother nature gave us, for the seaworthy Brainstorm, for the time with friends and family, and for a thousand other gifts that we have experienced.

Counting our blessings,

Jessica & Ryan