We reached Pez Vela Marina safely, tucked into the town of Quepos, Costa Rica. It’s an absolutely beautiful marina and an equally charming city. This is where we said goodbye to Steve Lewis. Having him aboard was such a gift, and watching him leave was harder than expected. With any luck, Hazel will get to welcome him back someday. Hazel also received her international Zarpa, clearing her to depart Costa Rica with Hawaii as her next destination. I’m often asked what it costs

We’re settled into the calm, green embrace of Golfito Bay at Fishhook Marina, and this stop has come with a special treat. Our longtime friend Steve Lewis has joined us for a visit. Peter and I worked with Steve during our days at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing, and later at Red Wing Shoe Company. These days he calls San Jose, Costa Rica home, and he made the trip down to Golfito to spend time with us on Hazel. Tomorrow he’ll cast off with us as we head north to meet the trades. Th

Life aboard Hazel is not always about open horizons. Sometimes it is about repairing her in whatever remote corner of the world we find ourselves. We had departed Panama with Hawaii in our sights, only to turn back when our Genoa and headstay failed. After several attempts to fix them in rough seas, we accepted that the conditions were too dangerous. We needed shelter. The chart shows the winding path we sailed for two days as we fought the wind and avoided entering an unfami