Grandfather II - 12. Chapter 12

Over the next three days, I visited wineries in the Malpo Valley, which is located south of Santiago, a 35 to 40 minute ride. I visited three wineries, I bought 150 cases of an Almaviva Red 2017, at 150 dollars per bottle. This was an excellent red, I knew dad would enjoy it. At this winery they also had a Bordeaux Red, 2016. I bought their remaining stock at 135 dollars per bottle. They only had 60 cases of that year left. I made arrangements to have that shipped to my Cellar. I did take a case of each back to my ship with me.

Since the Malpo Valley is close to Santiago, I visited additional wineries. The valley is home to a number of wineries but not all of them had an exclusive wine that I knew I could sell at top dollar. I stumbled upon one winery that offered a 2016 premium Bordeaux at 160 per bottle, it was an excellent wine I bought 50 cases and had it delivered to my ship.

When I first became aware of wines, many years ago, I would buy the cheapest wine I could find. Similar to Boone’s Farm wine from upstate New York. I was living and working in Puerto Rico at that time, when I bought a bottle of wine for 1 dollar. It was a cabernet labeled by Concha y Tora. I thought the wine was excellent and only a dollar. I told my friends, now that wine sells for 25 dollars per bottle.

I had to visit that winery, I ended up buying 250 cases of 2016 Cabernet for 21 dollars per bottle. I’ll probably be able to sell it for 30 to 35 dollars per bottle. I made arrangements for them to ship it to my Cellar, they said they ship wine to the States all the time, so this wasn’t a problem for them. I did take a case back to my ship with me.

We stayed an additional two days in Chile, and I did take the boys to see snow. I knew once we get home, come winter they will see snow again. With the help of Moe and the boys, we stocked the larder, I knew we'd need to stop a few times to shop for groceries.

We moved the ship, to fill the fuel and water tanks. I took the opportunity to empty the wastewater tanks, as well. In the early morning, we slipped free of the dock and headed north. We would go through the Panama Canal and then head north to home. The boys were still asleep.

At 6, I started to make breakfast. I wasn't aware when Moe came into the galley, “I smelt the coffee.” He fixed two cups, one for him and Captain. I was so into making breakfast, he startled me. We laughed at how I jumped.

It wasn’t long before the boys started to peek their head in the galley. “Go and take a shower, by time you are done, breakfast will be ready.” Sausages and eggs where on the menu this morning. I sent a pot of coffee up to the salon. As the boys came in, “Do you want to eat here or in the salon?” They choose the salon, I gave each of them a plate, their orange juice I sent up in the lift. Sitting around the table, chatting for me, was like I was home. I realized that Grandfather II was home for me and I hoped the boys would feel the same way.

Going through the Canal was nothing new for me, but it was an experience for the boys. Listening to them, you also became excited, sharing their excitement. Akela looked at me, there was a tear in his eyes. He knew we were leaving the Pacific, which even though we weren’t at the Island, was still a tie to home. I just gave him a hug, hopefully assurances that we would be back. “Don’t forget the wedding.” He smiled.

Once though the Canal, we headed north to my home in Nassau Counyt, New York. I was in no hurry. We had lunch as we pass through the Canal. I took a map from my office and showed them where we are on the map. “As we travel north, on the left side we will pass three countries, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Mexico.” What do you think the next comment will be?

Akela had a smile, “Are we going to stop in Mexico?”

“I wasn’t planning on stopping. Why do you want to stop in Mexico.” One word answer, ‘Tacos’. I laughed. “On the right side, we will pass the Islands of Puerto Rico, Haiti and Cuba.” I traced our path on the map, as I pointed out the Islands. “When we reach Florida, we are going to stop at the Marina. Then I have a surprise for you all.”

I booked us in a marina at Daytona Beach, Florida. It would be my first time there but when I checked them on the web, they had a great reputation, the Halifax Harbor Marina. It was a private marina which meant you paid a little more for mooring your boat there. It was relatively close to Orlando and that is where I wanted to take the boys.

I wasn’t in a hurry, the boys fished, watched dvd’s, it was a nice and slow cruise. Through our talks I got to know the boys at a deeper level. Some of their tales were funny, but where there is laughter, there is also sadness as they talked about their family. I saw a few tears, I could feel their loss. I knew that what I was planning to do in Orlando would provide smiles. I’d never want them to forget their families, I just want to add some happy thoughts for balance.

The boys wanted to learn how to steer Grandfather II. I think that came from my discussions with Kevin and Glen. So Captain took each boy, one by one, explaining the bridge to them. Moe and I had a discussion about him wanting to retire. I had no problem with him retiring but I did make it a condition that he would sail with us when we returned to the Island for Chaz’s wedding.

Arriving at the Marina, I went ashore and made all of the arrangements, I needed fuel, water and to empty the wastewater tank. I paid the docking fee for two weeks, I knew we would be here about that long. Then I called Disney and booked us rooms at the Disney Polynesian Village Resort for 7 days. Beside Disney, I wanted to take the boys to Sea World and Universal Studios. I’d book a hotel at Universal for seven days. I rented a car, which I would pick up in the morning.

Moe took the boys and they walked around the Marina and beach. Yes, he did find a restaurant that the boys liked. I checked my freezers and food storage areas, to make sure I had enough food for Moe and Captain while we were gone. I wasn’t concerned about the trip home as it would only take us a few days, at the speed we were traveling. Later that night I called Dad, to let him know where I was and when I would be home. I didn’t mention my new family.

The next morning, I had the boys help to pack our suitcases, I picked up the car. I told Moe and Captain about the food, they knew they could go to a restaurant if they didn’t want to cook. Everything in the car, we were ready to go.