Sunday, February 03, 2008 – From the Helm

Stopped at Wellington’s house on the Parana da Eva at dusk yesterday.  Picked up some buffalo cheese, squash and collard greens – mainly, just stopped to have a cup of coffee and some conversation though.  He is family to us all.

It’s 3:30 AM.  The rain is gentle and steady.  The tarps are down upstairs.  The chef has served up my coffee.  We’ve just gotten underway after spending an hour fueling a passenger boat that called us in distress.  It’s tough to be in the middle of the Madeira River with a load of passengers and cargo and no fuel.  Glad to help.

I slept soundly.  Feel fit.  The Beatriz is running beautifully.  The glow of Nova Olinda is getting brighter to the south.  The day is unfolding.

I’m glad to be on the River.  Carnival starts today and runs through Wednesday here in Brasil.  The entire Country will shut down for the duration – no schools, banking, government, etc.  Quite a phenomenon.

Been thinking about all those who are thinking of us back home as we travel.  Old George, Norman and friends; the families and friends in Alabama; Robbie, Mike and the Walker’s – my prayers are with them all. 

The dawn is approaching – we are well…

10:50 AM – Abraham tied up alongside at 7:30 this morning and we got underway to parts unknown.  It was good to see him and his family again – great reunion, as always.  We were able to bypass Kwata (the Capital city of the Nation) so that we could cruise directly to our furthermost destination.  The ETA is set for 4:00 PM.  However, we will arrive when we arrive.  For now, the day is overcast and comfortable.  We are at 9 knots with the pastor’s boat in toe.  The day is good.

<a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=-3.600000,-60.100000&spn=0.186314,0.236893&t=h&z=12&om=1">we are here</a>