TwentyEightFeet
News/Blog
Novemeber 19th, 2014
Much needed time with Family and Friends!
Home to Germany for three weeks...
In Germany bicycles are an important mode of transportation...
Hello friends,
Again, a long time has passed since you have last heard from us. Life has just been so busy for Lizzy Belles Crew. While she continues to rest in Rio Dulce, Guatemala, we have made our way to the other side of the globe... It was time for Captain Dave to get to know his "skippas" family in Germany!
We were welcomed at the airport by my incredibly excited parents who couldn't wait to see me, it had been more than a year sine I had gone sailing and started exploring the world. They took me in their arms again and over the next few weeks began to get to know Lizzy Belles Captain, Dave. There were many smiles and even more tears of happiness!
We spent some quiet days in my home, telling stories, eating yummy German pretzels, sausages and reflecting together on all the good times we had over the past year. It was also great to get some "real" beer after the watery and light beer they have in Canada and the Caribbean. My home is in a nice little town in the south of Germany called Crailsheim. This is where I grew up with my two younger brothers Lukas and Jonas. The brothers have grown up along side me and are both studying. We were grateful they took some time to come home to see us.
After we had some catching up time with my family Dave and I went on a tour of Southern Germany to visit my friends. Our first stop was the beautiful City of Freiburg, where we met one of my best friends Lukas. We has some great days and nights of talking, seeing the city, drinking beers and discussing the worlds present state and future. Lukas cooked some great meals for us and his roommates and was just the same great, funny and philosophical person he has always been.
Only one person missing from this family photo
My mom, Lucas and I in a small town called: Langenburg
Sarah's (my) happy parents Matthias and Angelika
"Oma Edith" was very happy seeing me and meeting Captain Dave
Too fast we had to say goodbye again and Dave and I hit the roads hitchiking from Freiburg to a city on Lake Konstanz. The town of Konstanz sits on Germanys biggest lake which borders Austria and Switzerland. I spent 4 years of living and studying in Konstanz and most of my very good friends still live there.
It was a crazy welcome night with my roommates and best friends in Konstanz and everybody was at the highest of spirits and excitement! My best friend Lisa and I couldn't believe it when finally after such a long long time apart we fell into each others arms again...with tears of joy! Shortly after arriving we were on our way again after organizing a short trip to a little cabin in the Austrian Alps - just 3 hours away from Konstanz. Lisa, my friends Kate, Jaegi, Stephan and Stephans little daughter Charlotte all had made the time from their busy lives just to spend some good days with us!
The mountains welcomed us with their most beautiful side, we had three days of snow, sun and starclear nights. The cabin in the mountains was the perfect place for us to catch up with each other and we spent some time playing in the snow and hiking through the mountain trails. Little Charlotte, two years old, kept us on our toes and filled the cabin with laughter and smiles. In addition to that, we had the pleasure to meet a great example of Austrian Mountain Hospitality. Daniel, from the little restaurant next door invited all seven of us to beers, hot Jagatea, mountain cheese and Enzianschnaps in his warm and cosy cabin by the fire. We most definitely enjoyed the time we spent in the higher altitudes of those mountains.
Lukas and I on a tour of Freiburg
The Austrian Alps showing their best face.
Jaegi and Kate, always been very close to me.
Me and my "sister" Lisa reunited
Jaegi, Lisa and I along with our friend Hannah ( who unfortunately coulnd't join us on this adventure ) lived together for three years. Fun times!!!
My friend Stephan who is a student, a politician, a great father and an amazing friend all at the same time.
This is how Lizzy Belles Crew looks like in the mountains!
Our little cabin, the "Schurahuesli" with the slowly melting snowman, built by Stephan, Charlotte and Dave.
Lago Peten Itza
And as always when you have a good time, the days passed very quickly and the time came and once again we found ourselves saying goodbye. Everyone who has travelled knows, that this is one of the hardest parts of the journey: saying goodbye to the ones you love. On the other hand it is such a great gift to always know that there is people out there who always have your back, who know you in and out and who would do anything for you. The connection I share with those great people at home doesn't know distance. No matter where I am in the world, those beautiful hearts of Lisa, of my parents and brothers and of all my other great friends are part of me and always travel with me wherever I go. I am more than lucky and thankful to have such awesome and unique people in my life. Thank you and love always!
The Family that took care of us in El Remate
In Transit crossing Rio Dulce to Lizzy Belle
Finally home... :)
Yay World! You are a wonderful place
Davie and I on top of the world
Our entire Alps crew.
Enjoying the architexture
Our journey back across the Atlantic Ocean was as eventful as the previous weeks spent in Germany. After missing our original flight to Costa Rica as a result of Visa issues we ended up sleeping in the airport and arriving in Cancun two days later. From their we took a few overnight busses and headed straight for Guatemala for some rest in a town called El Remate on the Lago Peten Itza. We spent two night and then proceeded to Rio Dulce to find Lizzy Belle peacefully floating exactly where we left her. What a lady she is... and are happy to be home.
Much Love to All our friends, family and followers,
Sarah Schelbert
Written by: Sarah Schelbert
September 3rd, 2014
The last four months, Life on land
Catching up...
Sarah enjoying the morning sun in the window of our friend's barn, Pennsylvania
Hey everyone,
We have to apologize as it has been a long time with no updates from Lizzy Belle and her crew. While Lizzy Belle has been chilling in her winter home in Rio Dulce, Guatemala, and resting up for new adventures. Sarah and I have had a couple of eventful months on land.
After captain Dave and skipper Sarah had to say goodbye to each other in April, I returned to my home port ( Mahone Bay ) in Nova Scotia to do some photograohy work. Sarah travelled in Guatemala and Belize solo, met a lot of friendly people and finally found a beautiful little village with the name La Lucha - she lived and volunteered in the local school for over a month. Sarah and I reunited in New York City in June and naturally it was a very happy and intense moment (so happy that we got kicked out of the train station because people were complaining about the grade of affection we were showing...).
June, July and most of August were then spent at Tyler Hill Camp in Pensilvania working with children! That meant busy busy days full of planning schedules, playing games, reinforcing friendships, organizing trips, painting faces, solving problems and telling goodnight stories. The kids kept us on our toes during the entire summer; there was a lot of laughter and both of us learned a lot about team dynamics, working with children and the politics involved in building intstitutions. One of the things we learned from Lizzy Belle is that a special calming and beautiful space is worth a lot in hectic times and as she was so far away, we created another special place. On our friend's property, there was an old barn and with permission we converted a small part of it into a cosy and unique studio: we had a shower, a sink, a seating area, a hammock, a coffee machine and the most comfortable bed in whole Pensilvania. It was the perfect space to recharge our personal batteries after long days at camp!
The youngest soccer team of La Lucha!
We all got dressed up in traditional clothes for Mothers Day.
Beautiful flowers
Local flowers from the field made the barn even more beautiful
A carpet of hay, this felt cozy on our feet
Nothing but smiles!
Our happy staff
Davie does more floating around than surfing...
Fresh fruit, coffee, orange juice and cereal...
A very special barn...
These breakfasts remind us of Lizzy Belle...
A bed, shower, hammock and sink... What else do you need?
:)
Tyler Hill Camp is a place, that I believe, gives everyone involved opportunity to grow... and grow together as a team. Now imagine... take 300 staff members ages 17 - 60 from all over the world including Australia, England, Canada, United States, Poland, etc ( we call them coaches ), put them all together on a 220 acres campus in Northeast Pennsylvania, prepare them to work with children the best you can and then one week later add 500, six to sixteen year old boys and girls. What a challenge! And that is exactly what it is, an experience of a lifetime!
Below are some of the moments with campers and counselors that I was able to catch on camera this past summer... these are only some of the exceptional people working at Tyler Hill Camp.
Dave Geis, what a fella!
Campers running through the Dutton hay fields...
Look! It's Danny Adams!
Smiles!
Our campers enjoying the spotlight of the camera!
Old Beltzie, Anna and Maria!
May 12th, 2014
Our good friend ROD SMITH! "Nothin for Nothin"!
Beautiful mornings over the lake!
A few of THC's Camp Counsellors, joining us from all over the world!
Each week Sarah and I enjoyed one peaceful day off together. Tyler Hill rests in the heart of the Pocono Mountains which I believe are some of the most beautiful rolling hills I have ever seen. With the addition of the Delaware River running right through the middle Sarah and I found ourselves hiking, swimming, camping, having picnics, stargazing and we had the opportunity to go horseback riding with one of our friends Archie Dutton. Thanks again Archie, this morning was phenomenal!
Sarita and Davie
Horseback riding with Archie Dutton
My friend Swayze's Cowboy hat
After camp my "old man" picked Sarah and I up at camp and we caught the ferry home to Nova Scotia. Our days here seemed packed full of boating, surfing and meeting up with old friends. It seems like time flies so fast these days and it is hard to imagine we are already making plans to rejoin Lizzy Belle in Guatemala in November. It will be exciting to see her once again and we are sure she is ready from her next adventure... some people might say she is just a boat, I truly believe she is a space which brings people together.
Good luck everyone, enjoy your time wherever your adventures are taking you!
Dave and Sarah
Back in Nova Scotia enjoying the Atlantic Ocean
Sarah trying to catch waves
I find I float around more that I actually surf.. :)
May 12th, 2014
Twenty Eight Feet: Life on a Wooden Boat
Director: Kevin Fraser
It's hard believe where Lizzy Belle has taken us over the past 5 years. I'll always remember in 2010 a small group of friends rallied around a small, beaten down, have rotten, little wooden boat on a Wharf in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia to paint her hull. From there, she has given us opportunities and experiences far beyond one could ever imagine. One thing seems to be constant though... non stop support and love from friends and family.
Kevin Fraser is one of those friends who joined Lizzy Belle in Bridgewater to paint her hull. He was the first to stand up and volunteer to make a passage from Nova Scotia to Bermuda in October 2011 ( although we had to turn back ). He took his time to join us last February in the Windward Islands to make this film and experience it for himself. Enjoy my friends, Kevin - and his production team - have found a way to creatively capture everything I believe the spirit of Lizzy Belle represents.
Enjoy the film!
TWENTY EIGHT FEET: life on a little wooden boat
VIMEO LINK: https://vimeo.com/94842405
TWITTER HANDLE: @TwentyEightFeet
Director & Cinematographer: Kevin A Fraser www.kevinAfraser.com
Featuring: David Welsford www.TwentyEightFeet.com
Producers: Melani Wood & Kevin A Fraser www.kevinANDmelani.ca
Editor: Shawn Beckwith www.postbeckwith.com
Music: Bahamas, Acres & Acres, Ben Howard
FILM FESTIVAL OFFICIAL SELECTIONS:
Atlantic Film Festival, Halifax, Nova Scotia
American Documentary Festival, Palm Springs, California
DOCNYC, NYC, New York
San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival, San Francisco, California
BendFilm, Bend, Oregon
London City International Film Festival, London, England
Parsboro Film Festival, Parsboro Nova Scotia
Starz Denver, Denver, Colorado
SilverWave Film Festival, Fredericton, New Brunswick
First Glance Film Festival, Los Angeles, California
Lets All Be Free Film Festival, London, England
Rincon Film Festival, Rincon, Puerto Rico
Adventure Travel Film Festival, Sherborne, England
Ocean Film Festival Australia, Various, Australia
Hong Kong International Ocean Film Festival, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
DIY Film Fest, Warsaw, Poland
Viewfinders Film Festival, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax Independent Film Festival, Halifax Nova Scotia
Lagniappe Film and Music Festival, Lagniappe, Texas
World Oceans Day Hawai'i, Honolulu, Hawaii
New Filmmakers LA, Los Angeles, California
Maui Film Festival, Maui, Hawaii
OTHER SCREENINGS:
Lunenburg Film Series, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
Reel Screen - Canadian Film Day, Vancouver & Halifax
Halifax International Boat Show, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Windward Islands, Grenada 2014
April 23rd, 2014
Being at sea is hard on the body, hard on the mind... Sarah Schelbert
Hello Friends,
As we all know, Dave loves Lizzy Belle. He puts so much energy and heart in taking care of her. He knows her inside and out, as he fixed her up from almost zero. Taking on this project made and makes him happy and he has gone so far with Lizzy Belle in the last couple of years, they are a perfect team. But how would life on a small wooden boat be for a person who hasn´t gone through that whole process? For someone who has hardly ever been on a sailboat? For someone who didn´t grow up sailing boats and the ocean right beside the doorstep? What did life on Lizzy Belle actually mean for me... Sarah? It means living in a very small space. Which is actually a positive thing as the less you have, the less you have to worry about and Lizzy Belle for me was always the perfect size! It means showering in salt water for weeks. My first “real” fresh water shower this year was around the middle of February. Life on Lizzy Belle means constant movement, constant shaking and rocking. Everything is rocking, all of the time. It means that all your metal pieces on objects, wherever they are, rust. From the zippers to the buttons of your pants to the inside of the harmonica. It means washing the dishes and brushing your teeth with only salt water. There is a tiny mirror on Lizzy Belle which I discovered only after a couple of weeks. It means sometimes having to sleep in sheets that are quite moisturize filled... and possibly moldy. It means living without a fridge… and it means that you can´t go anywhere around the boat without a lot of effort. And that is only when you are on anchorage.
Pulling up our 45 pound anchor with 30 feet of chain by hand.
Doucing the Jib off of Jamaica
English class in Haiti
Lizzy Belle and Captain Davie - Portrait from Sarah
Out at sea it is a whole different story. It is a story that I learned to respect a lot. There is not so much happening on a crossing. You sit and you look at the sea and wait and stare at the compass… and hold the tiller… and look at the sea… and wait. Sometimes you look at the sky.. and wait… and then again you sit and you do the whole thing over and over again. Sometimes there are exciting things happening, like breakfast or lunch or a boat coming by at the horizon or you have to use the bathroom (which actually is the back of the boat). But even though there is not much happening, a crossing is very tiring. Your whole body is in constant movement, trying to even out the rocking. You get wet almost all the time as either the waves come over deck or there is a rain-squall. The sun burns on your head and body for long hours every day. You are tired as you never get more than 2 hours of sleep in a row. And that is your basic way of being. Then, on top of that, there are more challenges. For example, a wave crushing on the deck while you just fell asleep, pushing you down in the cockpit and making you soaking wet. The swells getting bigger or the winds getting heavier so you actually have to work quite hard to keep your compass heading. Or you run out of Propane right before you want to leave for a 3day crossing, so there is no hot food or drinks while you are out on sea. Being out on sea is hard on the body, hard on the mind and sometimes it is not easy to keep morale high.
So Dave and I were wondering one thing, why do we take these risks even though it is so exhausting and hard? I think the biggest part of the answer for us was, because it makes us appreciate the small things in life. It makes you appreciate the simplest things like dry clothes, a nice hot meal… or sitting in the shade of a tree on land. After the long crossings, when we got our sheets washed and slept in a dry, freshly washed bedding, we actually felt like it was a 5 star hotel. We felt like kings! Being in such hard conditions for a while opens your eye and see the importance of the small things in life.
Of course, there are also all those very beautiful moments on Lizzy Belle. At sea there is no light, so the stars are intensely bright, like nothing I have seen on land. The sunsets and sunrises are stunning. Calling “land hoe” and slowly getting closer to a new island, which offered us a whole new world to explore. and an entire new set of questons. Sitting below decks in the evenings and cooking with only the light of the two small oil lamps make you feel protected and at home. Lizzy Belle brought us to so many special places where we met so many different people, had so many interesting and open minded conversations. We saw things many other people may never see, or experience, in their entire lives… we agree, we are very fortunate.
Also, I learned so much in the last 3 months on Lizzy Belle. She and her captain taught me how to sail, as I had no clue about sailing before. I learned about the wind, how to put the sails, how to drop and pull up the anchor, how to drive Lizzy Belle in shallow, unknown depths. I learned, that sometimes it is better to take the risky and unknown paths in life instead of taking the safe and familiar way. I learned to improvise in the kitchen, to make pancakes without eggs or milk, and to cook tasty meals with only so much ingredients and on only one flame of gas. I learned to pee standing up like a guy! I learned how to change the oil of an engine and that it is a pretty dirty business! These are only some examples.So I think in the end, life on Lizzy Belle for me could be defined as living a “pure life”. Without all the comforts and extras of some societies. Instead we had so many little happy moments, so many realizations about the world, life and without doubt - so much fun! Having this little space that you can live in and this soul of a boat that takes you wherever you want, if you want it, was such a big present for me! Sailing Lizzy Belle was tough at times and a struggle… yet with so many rewards! She makes it happen if you work together with her, as a team. The last months on Lizzy Belle were like a dream for me. I felt like that when I was living it and I feel it now, thinking back. And that seems like proof enough for me, that it is actually possible to make your dreams come true.
Sarah Schelbert
Our Cuban friends back on Swan Island, Honduras
Long nights sleeping in Lizzy Belle's cockpit between shifts.
Our first passage from Grenada to Bonaire. 72 hours at sea...
March 24th, 2014
Sailing up the Rio Dulce and into Sweet Water...
A pod of dolphins off of the coast of Honduras said farewell to Lizzy Belle and her crew before we left ocean waters and headed into the River Dulce.
After an adventure like ours it can only be imagined how hard it is to slowly watch it come to an end. Without even speaking about it we knew as we made our last passage that our time on Lizzy Belle this season was coming to an end. I'm still processing what happened before the sun went down on our last day in ocean waters. Sarah and I were fishing off of Lizzy Belle's stern ( which may sound exciting except it is really all about dragging a line behind the boat and in our case, always getting skunked ) when Sarah spotted something very large in the water behind us. Soon we saw a large fish, a dolphin, crossing behind LB's stern. It wasn't too long before more were pulling up beside us. Sarah and I gathered on the bow in amazment. We all began to play. Our new friends - probably over 12 dolphins in the beginning - were twisting and turning, laughing in their own manner, surfing the waves off of both the port and starboard bow. We also felt they were wishing us well and offering us a fond farewell. There were many different types of dolphins in the pod. Some were babies sticking closely to their mothers, other seemed like full grown adults who knew excatly what they were doing. A few curious dolphins spent their time turning on their sides and looking directly up at us, as curious and excited as we were to look down on them. Others twisted and turned while backing off to the right or left and quickly moving back in towards the bow of the boat. There was one thing that felt certain... they were communicating with us. Thank you and good luck on your ocean adventures new friends!
Lizzy Belle's anchor directly above our friends.
I think Sarah and I had been waiting for a moment like this our entire trip.
Enjoy the video my friends. Unbelievable!
Another point of view.
A nice shot of both Lizzy Belle and Sarah.
A beautiful morning and one final sunrise on the ocean. That is me sleeping in the cockpit as Sarah ran LB.
At some point in my life, through dissapointed faces or advice from role models, I have learned not to make promises. Three and a half months ago I went against logic and acted purely on my gut feeling. When Sarah made the decision to help Lizzy Belle and I cross the Caribbean Sea from Aruba to Haiti it was not an easy decision to make. In return for her gesture and act of courage (and many other deeper reasons I am sure ) I made a promise to myself and Sarah that I would not leave the Caribbean until she was safely on her way to Central America. I'm not sure either one of us knew what we were getting into but for me personally, I couldn't have asked for a better outcome. We made it ...but the best part was we made it together, through challenges and hardships; thrills and excitement; sickness and health and many awe inspiring moments of beauty and peace LB and the Caribbean had to offer.
Spotting the mainland with Honduras, Guatemala and Belize surrounding us before we entered the mouth of the Rio Dulce.
It was easy to tell we were not in salt water anymore by looking at the water color.
It's a tradition to thank the ocean gods!
Hitchhikers!
It was hot and almost impossible to sleep below decks. Sarah set up the hammock early the first morning,
Hiking through the jungles of Rio Dulce.
Open fields and beautiful landscapes.
After a four hour hike Sarah and I were rewarded with steady trade winds from the ocean which cooled us down as we rested on top of a hill overlooking the valley. We didn't speak much as I was deep in thought as I reflected on the last 4 months. What an amazing journey!
March 18th, 2014
The Family meets Lizzy Belle in Roatan,Honduras
Momsie and I watching the sunset on the West End of the Island.
I must say, after spending a few months on the ocean cruising from island to island with long passages in between; it sure is nice to hang out with your family on the final leg of the adventure. Last Monday, Sarah and I sailed Lizzy Belle downwind from Guanaja to the Island of Roatan and were happily met by both my parents at Fantasy Island Marina. We spent the week with them snorkeling, eating buffet styled meals, hanging out on the beach and of course... having a few beers. We were on Vacation! It seemed as though time went by too quickly and we only ended up cruising on Lizzy Belle together for one afternoon. The winds were too high to sail comfortably so under power, we motored around the inner lagoons and bays of French Harbour. We drank, ate, sang and laughed in the sun.
Like I said, the time we spent together here went too quickly and my parents flew back to Nova Scotia yesterday. Thanks again guys for joining us, supporting us and taking care of us for the week. We love you and will see again soon!
Sarah, Lizzy Belle and I are off to the Island of Utila tomorrow and then on to cruise up the River Dulce, Guatemala and eventually prepare Lizzy Belle for summer storage.
Zinck on our noses ;) A family tradition.
Look! We got a picture of the Old Man smiling!
Having a few beers in Lizzy Belle's cockpit. A great day on the water!
Sarah singing Pirate Songs to my Old Man. Good on ya Sarah!
Captain of Life on the Tiller.
Should we jump? YES! And we did it, all four of us!!
We pulled Lizzy Belle into this Eco-Friendly Resort. A pretty cool spot!
Lindsay, you were missed! We love you!
It was too hot in the V-Berth so Sarah and I set up her mosquito net and slept on the wharf beside Lizzy Belle. And then it rained :(
March 15th, 2014
40 Hours without wind, Swan Island, The Cuban Family, Lightning Squalls and Finally...Honduras
Possibly the most exhaustling yet stimulating adventure Lizyy Belle has been on yet...
We left Jamaica one day late because of rough seas and wind coming all the way down from a storm system hovering over the United States. What we didn't know was after the wind plowed through there would be nothing left. On the second day of our passage the breeze haulted to next to nothing and our sails were lifeless. We bobbed around the Carribbean Sea waiting patiently for wind that would not join us for another 40 hours. Although we did find ways to make the best of it by playing chess, swimming in the middle of the ocean with 6000 feet of water below our hull and getting quality rest durring the night. Without any wind it was twice as hot as usual and Sarah and I found ourselves pinning up sheets and blankets throughout LB to make shelters. In the end we decided to motor through the dead calm... until we began to run out of fuel. We decided to save the remaining for our approach to Swan Island. Eventually, we pulled Gracie ( Lizzy Belle's Autopilot ) out of the cockpit and let her take control of our heading until we approached Swan.
Early on the third morning of our passage Sarah called out "Land Ho" and Swan Island was 20 miles off of Lizzy Belles starboard side. We made our approach looking for some solid rest... we couldn't even have imagined what we would come across next...
s
With no wind... I may have turned to Rum to keep myself busy...the Pirate Life!
Covering my face in ZINCK to keep the sun from killing my skin.
Tracking our progress on paper and electronically.
Being able to swim may have saved our lives! Whew.
As the sun slowly passed over the top of Lizzy Belle's masts Sarah and I chased the shade around wherever it fell on the deck.
Happily on our approach to Swan Island.
28 Cuban's on a 20 Foot Boat
Swan Island is located 329 miles West of Jamaica and 167 miles from the Honduras mainland. There is an airstrip on the island, a few small buildings and seven Honduras Military Officers. We knew all of this pulling into the "anchorage" on the west side of the Island and we were certainly surprised as we pulled into the wharf to check in - with the military officials - to be greeted by 28 Smiling Cubans. They happily took our ropes and began asking questions... and of course we had many as well. The story is as follows: The Cuban Family - I'll call them a family from now on as they treated each other as one large 28 person family - boarded a plywood 20 foot boat with huge side walls two weeks earlier with everything they owned, besides their children, one compass and a cellphone GPS. The boat had a small diesel engine and they headed to the Grand Cayman Islands. They made it to Swan 5 days later after loosing everything besides each other and the tarpes that covered their heads. They were given fuel in the Grand Cayans and then headed for Swan Island where they would make their way to Honduras and eventually try and cross all boarders, including Mexico/United States and start a new life in America. Obviously we were blown away and wanted to know more before we were interupted by 3 armed military officers who wanted to see our paperwork.
We sat in Lizzy Belle's cockpit and went over our registration and passports. Immigration officials definitely were not too concerned and at the end of the conversation were far more interested in the 67 proof bottle of rum we brought them from Jamiaca. Although these military men had high powered riffles they were gentle people and reminded us that if we had any trouble they were here to serve us... and because they did not know the Cubans very well they gave Lizzy Belle a 24 hour armed guard. We thanked them for their kindness.
Okay, so as the evening went on the story began to come together. Sarah and I figured the easiest way to get to America would be from Cuba straight to Florida ( 100 Miles ) or at least Mexico. The Cuban Family dissagreed and reminded us Honduras was the easiest country to start and they would have to make their way up from there. We asked them if they had food and water and they explained that the Honduras Military men were sharing their rations with them for now and they have been fishing everyday for food. They asked if we had any extra clothing as they lost theirs in the crossing. We gave them everything extra we had and they were very appreciative. We also offered some medication ( painkillers mostly ).
As the evening went on they gave us a huge Barracuda caught that day and cooked it over an open fire. They would not let us do a thing to help as they wanted to serve us. We brought out a little rum and quickly the entire family gathered to share stories and talk about their adventure. Even our "armed guard" let loose a little and joined the party. Sarah and I had the best hot meal we could ask for after a long crossing and couldn't thank them enough.
That night we all slept side by side. Lizzy Belle and crew alongside the wharf, the Cuban Family wrapped themselves in tarps on the hard cement beside her and of course... one armed guard lay in a innertube tire in between us. No doubt the Cuban Family has a rough road ahead of them and we can't even imagine what they will go through... we wish them all the best as they were warm, gentle people.
The last conversation we had was about Castro, they mentioned how much they disliked him ( not in those words ) and that they simply could not live in Cuba anymore...
Part of the Family. These guys loved having their photographs taken and wanted us to put them on facebook for their families back in Cuba.
Lizzy Belle well looked after. 1 armed guard and 1 member of the Cuban Family keeping an eye on things.
Happy to offer us fish for dinner and even happier to get their picture taken!
Once again Lizzy Belle got all the attention. The Family looked her up and down and never once asked us for a ride to the mainland.
Barracuda:these guys always stare at us while we are snorkeling.
Our chef preparing our meal. We asked him if he had enough time, he says " I have all the time in the world until I get to America". ;)
A wide shot of the wharf.
One German Rasta Girl, One Honduras Military Officer and two Cuban Ladies on a Wharf in the middle of the ocean... How did this happen?
One German Rasta Girl, One Honduras Military Officer and two Cuban Ladies on a Wharf in the middle of the ocean... How did this happen?
Here is the scene from the beach. A rough looking wharf for sure. Swells were coming in from Lizzy Belle's stern all night.
Making coffee and drinking rum around an open fire. They said Cubans always use wood for fuel to cook.
Lizzy Belel to the right being well looked after by the Honduras Military.
The Cuban Family sleeping under the stars.
The moon was out so I scrambeled around the wharf and shot these 30 second exposures while everyone slept.
Most prized posession... his shoes!
The wharf had all kinds of random industrial stuff on it. The Family just slept around it.
Using innertubes as pillows.
Looking South.
Back on Lizzy Belle for what I thought would be a warm good night's sleep.
Swan to Guanaja ( Waa-na-ha ) 168 Miles
Our time getting to know the Cuban Family was certainly not enough and unfortunately cut short. Around 4am heavy swells came into the bay where Lizzy Belle was tied up to the wharf. I got up and fended off as much as possible although I could only do so much. Lizzy Belle took a bit of damage and as soon as their was first light I woke Sarah and told her we had to leave one night early. We gave the Cuban Family all the food we could afford and a 5 litre fresh jug of water. We wished them luck and unfortunately had to say goodbye...
Although we were not properly rested Sarah and I headed back to sea for a 24 hour passage to an Island off of Honduras called Guanaja. The passage was fairly simple except for a series of Lightning Storms and some extremely hard rain above Lizzy Belle's masts. Sarah threw the radar on and we did our best to zig zag around them. We also tied a chain to LB's standing rigging and dragged it in the water as a ground in case we got struck by lightning. We recorded our compass heading, put our backup GPS in the oven for protection and looked up at the sky and hoped for the best. In the end we believe it was more of a beautiful light show than a threat and we were happy to have the experience of passing through these small storms.
We arrived at Guanaja midday and passed through a series of reefs. We anchored, found customs and immigration, had a solid meal and caught up on sleep. No doubt an adventure that will stay with us forever.
The sunrise after the Lightning Storms.
Still trying to get out of the sun. ;)
A hotel built on a giant rock and a local house in Guanaja. This Island is entirely built based on water transportation. Their are no roads on the Island.
The "School Bus".
Their was an entire city built on a smaller Island nearby the anchorage.
I would happily live in this house on the water. Everything you need for sure!
Welcome to Jamaica - Ya Mon!
Photos on the wall of the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, Jamaica. This was the Marley Family's original home.
Hey Friends,
We have been touring Jamaica for more than two weeks now and it has been another unique and interesting experience! We have anchored off of many different Ports along the North Coast which all offered excellent fruit and vegetable markets, friendly fishermen, little jungly islands and good beer. Although we first found the way very straight forward and business-orientated, we quickly learned that this turned into warm, open-minded and welcoming conversations. We are not going to lie, some of the sterotypes about Jamaica definitely are true - there are Rastamen combing the beaches offering reggae tunes and ganja. We were greeted daily on the streets and in the shops with a fist-pound followed by the words, "Respect mon". We have found ourselves quite intrigued by the Rastafari Culture and the consitent discontent most of the Jamaicans share about the shape of their potholed roads.
Enjoy the pictures below and wish us luck on our passage to Honduras:
Sarah's Photograph: Birds hanging out on the wires outside of Port Antonio.
Fishing boats in Port Maria.
The colors are dramatic.
Traditional homes.
Good lessons illustrated on the walls of the town.
Seems as though Colgate has taken over Jamaica...
Building a fire to cook on.
Stoking up the fire!
Dried coconuts and bamboo make great fuel.
The perfect restaraunt for Valentines Day...although it was not open ;)
We slept on deck in Port Maria as the holding for the anchor wasn't solid. No rain!
Women's rights groups and Red Stripe Beer Ad's would not get along. Sarah looking unhappy about our surroundings.
If you thought everyone in Jamaica smokes pot... You're right!
The two ladies of the journey.
Goats everywhere in the streets.
The Beer of Jamaica.
Nice light in a really cool bar!
We watched this little fella search for his dinner.
Portrait of Sarah.
Looking into the games room.
Not a bad spot to buy tires... oldies but goodies!
Port Maria Church.
Which one is a cardboard cutout?
Afternoon beers on a second floor bar.
We used two anchors to hold Lizzy Belle as the wind was coming in all directions and the holding was not good. She was safe both nights we spent anchored in the bay.
"The old man" even showed up for a couple of days.
Continue Reading...
November 16th, 2013
KEVIN & MEL ATTEND DOC NYC SCREENING OF TWENTY EIGHT FEET: Life on a little wooden boat
Kevin and Mel - Director and Producer of Twenty Eight Feet - spent the last weekend attending DOC NYC in the Big Apple. This documentary film festival is held in Lower Manhattan each year and has become the country's largest documentary festival - hosting over 130 films. Their mission statement includes: Curate: To guide audiences to inspiring work. Kevin mentioned, as he gave me the play by play of how the festival was going down via email, that this festival was, "a serious documentary film festival" and that it is exciting for us to be a part of it. Twenty Eight Feet: Life on a little wooden boat opened for a feature film; TINY: A story about living small which documents a couples journey building a home smaller than a parking space. Well suited for Lizzy Belle's adventure.
From my understanding through correspondence with Kevin is that the film was a success and the audience enjoyed the story. Kevin mentioned he had many compliments after the showing and that he valued his time attending the festival. I am happy that together, they had the chance to see their vision on a larger screen, in a humungous city. Good on ya guys!
November 16th, 2013
VIMEO REPORTS SAY OUR TWENTY EIGHT FEET TEASER HAS BEEN VIEWED IN 52 COUNTRIES
In two weeks time I am headed back to Lizzy Belle who has been patiently waiting for my return for over 7 months. Although she is currently dry docked her spirit continues to gain fame. Our Twenty Eight Feet trailer has gone global. Kevin mentioned just yesterday that Vimeo's Analytics ( online video hosting site ) have tracked views in 52 countries. I will say, we have not done it alone! Friends and family posted links on facebook, twiiter and other social media sites and we thank them for their efforts. Fran and Ron Himmelman ( and friends ) from The Mug and Anchor Pub hosted an an event to raise money to help submit the film to more festivals. Michele Stevens Sailloft has been sending out emails to clients and friends. Just recently, WOODEN BOAT MAGAZINE gave the film and Lizzy Belle's website a shout out on facebook and we have been receiving email feedback and congratulations from many latitudes and longitudes!
Enjoy the fim my friends and thank you again for your support!
September 13th, 2013
Directed by Kevin Fraser
People always ask, "So what do you do again, sail around the Carribbean?" and what I hear most often is, "Well, why would you want to do that?" From there I believe many dream up the ideals that surround a five month vacation - sipping maragitas in a hawaian shirt while dangling my feet in the water. As much as I explain the concepts and challenges that drive the project I understand how difficult it must be to envision such an endeavor.
If you asked me 6 months ago while filming in the Caribbean what Kevin's final project or vision would look like? I couldnt even have guessed myself. I think more importantly if you asked me what the messages behind the film would be, I also couldn't have answered. That is the beauty of documentary filmmaking and creating works with such deep thought towards purpose. Kevin started with an idea, worked through it and now we get to truly understand the real beauty and messages behind the mystique Lizzy Belle.
I beleieve, Kevin Fraser, a long time friend and cinematographer recognized the potential Lizzy Belle and the impact the story could have on an audience - possibly long before even I had. For me, Lizzy Belle is an accumulation of challenges, sweat, blood and tears all amounting to meaningful, impactful experiences. Until now, it must have been really hard to comprehend... even for myself.
Twenty Eight Feet: Sample Clip
I'm always asked "why"... now even I have a clearer understanding. Twenty Eight Feet - Official Documentary.
Support the Cause:
As of today Kevin has submitted the film to multiple film festivals around the continent. The film has gained multiple sponsors from all over the country and of course any support you can offer will be much appreciated. The film has an Indiegogo account where products are being auctioned off and donations can be made:
Final Thoughts:
One of my favorite pastimes while cruising from island to island whether in the middle of the night, while watching the sunrise in the east or set in the west is reflecting back upon how far Lizzy Belle has come and how she has impacted others. After coming across her sitting on the hard cement in Bridgewater, NS almost four years aga until now the one thing that stands out in my mind the most is - how much support and love everyone has offered Lizzy Belle and I. Whether that support has came from sanding and painting her haul, to donations of dockage fees, or having friends and family sit down and go over charts and share their personal sailing experiences with me, the support is what is keeping us going. And now, Kevin has found a way to share what Lizzy Belle means in an entirely new univerasl way. Although Lizzy Belle maybe a sailboat in most peoples eyes, she is far more than that. She shapes relationships, builds bridges and most importantly - brings people together. Thank you Kevin for all you have done for us!
One thing about owning a sail boat...
Those who know me well might say that I’m always working on being more patient. One of the best ways to practice patience, is has been owning a sailboat. Lizzy Belle has by far been one of the most rewarding investments of my lifetime so far. And every time I fix one thing, there are four more chores to add to the list. After installing a brand new engine and getting ready to head out on my next journey I was quick to realize that reverse on the transmission was actually forward and of course the opposite. It was a task to remove the old propellor and try and figure out the measurements to order a new one. One thing was certain, It needed to be a right handed prop vs a left.
We ordered the brand new propellor from our home community. The boys at the Lunenburg Foundry reshaped her for me and my parents eagerly arrived the day after Christmas prop in hand. It took only 45 minutes to install the new propellor and is working seamlessly with our new engine. Lizzy Belle has become a rocket ship.
Now Heading 90 miles East to St Maarten.
December 27th 2012
You never know who you are going to meet at the beach...
I was walking the beach and a woman and her daughter approached me asking why I was climbing to the top of my mast earlier that day. After meeting the rest of the family, Mike, Traci, Danielle and Mikaela all became very close friends quite quickly. We enjoyed talking over the film “Captain Ron” which we all agreed was a family classic. They even got into the spirit the day we went sailing to Buck Island exchanging my large collection of bandanas and rubbing white Zinc on our noses. At the end of the day I became their very own Captain Ron and sailing as a team will never be forgotten. Shout out to my friends in Orange County, California. Thanks for being my friend!
December 25th 2012
Tyler Hill Camps Siegel Famly join us
from the Oasis of the Seas
10:45am, New York Time, Lindbergh Bay: We headed South out of Lindbergh Bay towards the open ocean with Skipper Maddie on the tiller, Joey acting as First Engineer and Dylan running the ropes and organizing the deckhands. Andy grabbed the Jib Halyard, raised the sails and instantly harnessed the wind. As we picked up speed Joey killed the engine and we plotted our course towards Whistling Cay taking charge of the winds sweeping off the mountains behind us.
12:30pm, Whistling Cay: Maddie, Joey and Dylan all spit in the lens of their goggles and wiped them clean with their bare fingers. Like professionals on TV they held their masks in one hand and plunged into the depths of the Caribbean Sea off the stern of Lizzy Belle. Snorkelling around in 20 feet of water over a magnificient coral reef we dove, we explored and we discovered the creatures in the depths below. The colours were unbelievable. Andy, it being his birthday and realizing he had become one year older on the day decided to challenge fate and stare one of the largest Baracuda Lizzy Belle has ever come across straight in the eyes. Obviously, that fish backed down and we were happily sailing within the hour.
1:30pm, Preserverance Cove - We dropped the hook 500 yards from
our completely deserted beach. Maddie and Dylan took turns driving the dingy to and from the beach delivering our cooler, drinks and the BBQ. Andy jumped on the
BBQ and grilled up some skewers of all types. The girls swam, laughed and ran the beach as we moved slowly into late afternoon.
4:30pm - Beachcomber Hotel: We made it safely back to the Beachcomber Hotel with plenty of time to get everyone back to the Oasisi of the Seas and happily on their way to St Marteen. It was Andy's birthday, a great day of sailing and a moment that will most definitely be remembered. Thanks again Siegel family for joining Lizzy Belle and I on our adventure and continuing to have a positive impact on our lives.
December 18th 2012
"It's amazing to think that we have known each other for ten years".
Andy Siegel
See you soon,
Dave Welsford
Captain/Division Leader
Tyler Hill Camp
Siegel Family Portrait, Lindbergh Bay
"It's amazing to think that we have known each other for ten years".
Andy Siegel
Joey, Maddie and Dylan snorkelling for the first time. March, 2012 - Oasis of the Seas vs Lizzy Belle
