Photo Caption Day: Boating with Hula Girl

Saturday October 19, 2013

As soon as we got back to Guatemala after traveling through South America, one of the first things we did was to contact our friends Nacho and Annica, who have a weekend house on the Rio, to let them know we were back and looking forward to their next visit.  It happened to come a few weeks after our arrival back, with an invitation to go out for a day on their powerboat, Hula Girl, a Marlin 30.  Along with Luki and Elmari, we were picked up and shuttled to their home where we were able to meet two members of their family we’d never seen before, their eldest daughter Marina, and their dog Nala.  Along with their younger daughter Camila, we all hopped aboard with plans to exit the Rio and and enjoy some time on the open waters on the bay just outside of Livingston.

The day was such a pleasure with more fun that we’d had in a long time.  There’s no way I wouldn’t be able to turn this day into a novel if I tried to write about it, so instead I decided to turn it into a photo caption day.  Enjoy!

Upon approaching, we met their adorable dog, Nala.  So cute, I want, I want, I want!!

Maria catches some sun as we speed through the Golfete.

We’re not used to this kind of power, we were flying along!

Luki and Nacho man the controls while the girls catch some sun up front.

A quick stop in Livingston kept us stocked up on fuel and cold water.

Anchored out in a bay, we got our first taste of salt water, and currents, in four months!

The group, swimming and playing keep-away from Nala with their noodles, which she was trying to devour.

I preferred relaxing in my noodle with a cold beer in hand.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch spread with a tuna salad and potato quiche.

And then the wine came out, which they know very well that I can’t turn down.

Towering clouds built in the distance, but luckily never came closer to us.

Some girl chat between Elmari and Maria ensued after lunch.

Before being served a sweet dessert of caramel spread between wafers.

Matt, Luki, and Elmari enjoy the ride back up the river.

Winding back up the entrance of the Rio.  These sights never get old.

Nope, still not old yet.

Every time we pass this lone tree sticking out of the green I fall in love with it, so I’ve decided to claim it as mine.

Didn’t this boat get the memo that it’s time to head out of the Rio and not into it?

Maria with Nala, who’s hamming it up for the camera.

Matt tempts her with games back at the house.

And Maria tries to tempt her with a paddle board ride.

 Time to head up to the house for some coffee.

Before unwinding with some wine.  A perfect end to the perfect day.  Thanks again Nacho and Annica!!