Miracles do happen. Sometimes they’re big, crazy, and mind-blowing… and sometimes they’re small, unexpected, and powered mostly by good timing and very kind humans.

Our miracle came in the form of a highly motivated and wonderfully helpful lady in charge of UPS parcels in Curaçao. All by herself, she managed to make what felt impossible happen. She processed the Customs within minutes after she started work on Monday so it could be released by the officials on the same day. While our parcel was still traveling from the airport to her office, Mark texted her asking if there was any chance we could pick it up before 5:00 pm. She asked where we were, told us not to move — and ten minutes later, Mark was holding it. Just like that.

Proof that the world still runs on kindness (and excellent WhatsApp skills).

The rest of the day was spent shopping — yes, more flour, more pasta, because holy moly are these boys hungry! — plus a mandatory visit to a few kids’ toy stores, because those are apparently essential sailing supplies. With the precious parcel secured, we returned to Akuna and got her ready to set sail today.

After clearing out this morning at Spanish Waters and squeezing in a morning swim for the boys, we set sail toward San Blas. We expect to arrive in about four days and might even reunite with some familiar faces from the ARC+, as several boats have joined the World ARC, which left St. Lucia on January 10th and is heading the same way.

Our float plan has been submitted to the US Navy, Colombia will be skipped this time, and we’re aiming straight for Kuna Yala / San Blas.

But first — four nights at sea. Time to ease back into sailing life… which, as always, is a little bit painful on day one!