Category: Places We’ve Been

Multiple Projects While Waiting On Our Engine Install

Just like the other times we had to stay for extended periods of time in marinas, we’re using this time to improve, modernize and update our beloved sailboat, Tulum-5. Here’s some of our concurrent projects, happening right now.

Shelter Bay Marina And The History Of Fort Sherman By The HelmsMistress

Part of the reason we travel is to explore different landscapes from home and to experience history up close.  For us, this place has it all within a short walking distance of the marina!  If your travels find you at Shelter Bay Marina, take the time to learn a bit about the historic grounds you walk upon. 

The Panama Canal – What NOT To Expect, By The HelmsMistress

From the time I envisioned taking our floating home through the Panama Canal, I began to hear warnings and horror stories of dramatic transits from other boats that were damaged enroute, experienced significant delays in transit or had to deal with something else entirely unexpected.  What I found was that there was a lot of […]

Extended Maintenance and Major Repairs: The Continuing Price For An Experienced Sailboat

I’m of the opinion that delaying or ignoring major repairs could lead to cascade failure that we may not be able to handle, especially with my limited mechanical knowledge.  So, we try very hard to do major repairs before they go from urgent to emergent and often welcome professional + experienced opinions to add to our own experience….but we always put it on ourselves to make final repair decisions.

Strip It To Get The Best Protection For Your Wood

Stripping is hard work! For those of you who know what I’m talking about, you know that stripping is hard and not all fun and games. NOW I know why people pay a great stripper, cause it’s long hours in the heat and I would pay a professional if I could afford it. Come read my post to learn all about how to strip the right way!

Welcome To Panama, From The HelmsMistress

From gorgeous sandy beaches shaded by palm trees, to tidepools within the lava rock teaming with life, to waterfalls in some of the most unexpected places, to rolling hills covered with greenery – northern Panama is incredible!