Log of Del Viento

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Log of Del Viento by Michael Robertson

March 5, 2013

The Warm Cometh

by Michael Robertson

Michael Robertson

This is the Parliament Building from our boat--it never gets really dark at night, and forget about stars.

We’re in port and I’ve waited nearly six months (and counting) for nice weather. I don’t like waiting. I’m tired of waiting.

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February 26, 2013

Sailing with Kids: Easier Than Ever

by Michael Robertson

Michael Robertson

Frances in her element, in Mexico last year, a few months shy of six years old. Tomorrow she turns seven in Canada.

Despite the inherent obstacles wannabe cruising families face, I think the real barriers are diminishing and that the number who do cast off the dock lines will continue to grow.

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February 20, 2013

Boating Writers International Awards Make for a Good Friday

by Michael Robertson

Michael Robertson

In The Tale of the Unknown Island, Jose Saramago writes about boats: "Liking is probably the best form of ownership, and ownership the worst form of liking." I sure like Del Viento.

Cruising World and Sailing World magazines dominated the 2012 Boating Writers International Awards last week with top honors in categories from profiles to destination features and technical writing. The magazines, part of the Bonnier Marine Group, claimed 19 wins in all. CW on-line contributor Michael Robertson is among the group of authors recognized for their work.

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February 12, 2013

Over A Barrel

by Michael Robertson

Michael Robertson

Seven little hoses from Japan.

My $431 Victoria parts bill shrinks to $157 in Washington state.

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February 4, 2013

At Long Last

by Michael Robertson

Michael Robertson

The bread is always a 50-50 mix of whole wheat and unbleached white flour. But to each loaf I add things such as seeds and rosemary. This loaf has oats and ground flax meal in it.

I took over bread-making duty about six months ago and sometime this past month, I realized...I had arrived.

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January 28, 2013

The Grim Teacher

by Michael Robertson

Windy Robertson

The girls with their fear monger papa in the background. They donned their goggles and are showing their displeasure with the onions I'm chopping in the galley--
drama, drama, drama.

Liveaboard families often discover that there's a fine line between teaching kids safety near the water—and just freaking them out.

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January 22, 2013

It's a Small Boat World

by Michael Robertson

Michael Robertson

Del Viento- Canada (thumb)

Sometime it's shocking how small the cruising community feels.

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January 15, 2013

16 Months Out: The Cost Of Cruising

by Michael Robertson

Michael Robertson

Windy underway: cruising is much cheaper when you stay on the move. Settling into a marina means slip fees and all kinds of opportunities to spend. We're all itching to get moving north at the end of this winter.

Before we left, I projected our rich new lifestyle would be had for less than the U.S. government’s poverty level for a family of four ($23,050 in 2012). I was wrong (so far).