Carrousel on Merrimac

A man, a plan, a canal, Panama!

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 21:42:40 +0100

Panama. In the Netherlands it’s really only known for the canal, bananas, the palindrome above and its role as a tax haven. So what should you actually picture?

Arnold already got a first impression in Dec 2020, when he suddenly found himself spending 3 days in a “5-star” hotel in Panama City, with a very busy but not particularly orderly world outside. The city is full of huge skyscrapers, quite a few of which look very impressive. But at street level it’s a typical second-world jumble.

Have you heard the one about the couple who tried to leave Panama?

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 17:04:37 +0100

Well, they did set off, but they had to turn back. Hotel Panama: you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.

As I type this we’re on a shared local minibus to Panama City to check back in again and pick up a car. Deafening music, a stop every 2 km, a genuine local experience!

Off to the Galapagos

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 15:41:37 +0100

The final preparations are under way. Navigation set up, tanks full, 16 wheelbarrows of food loaded aboard. Boat scrubbed, meals cooked, awning stowed, liferaft ready for use.

As usual on this passage, the wind looks to be right on the nose, but at least it isn’t blowing too hard, so we’re hoping to make it in a little over a week.

Iridium on Carrousel now up and running

Sun, 06 Nov 2022 15:16:51 +0100

Right, you can now follow us online! When we leave, hopefully Monday afternoon or Tuesday, you can track us at: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Carrousel/

Fingers crossed it actually happens, because yesterday Rudolf discovered a small coolant leak on the engine, so the Australian mechanic is coming over this afternoon to take a look.

Off on a voyage with Carrousel

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:02:25 +0100

Marion and I have been in touch with Damaris and Rudolf for years. They live in Harlingen too, and crossed the Atlantic a year ahead of us. Very handy, then, to learn from them how things work in countries across the ocean.