Travels Other Than By Motor Home

Besides 'Land' travel, I continue to be connected to my life on the water.  The cruising on my sailboat has ended, but not my connection to the people we met along the way.  In this case............

I continue to be asked to explain the Ulu Sail Project so here goes...

 The sails of the Kuna Indians of Panama were mostly made of scraps they accumulate from old cruising sails given to them by cruisers, or even bed sheets, political posters, or any such old fabric.  Anything that can catch the wind.

From the beginning, I always took items to give away along my path, to those I found with needs. Usually, it was toys or something simple for children.  Clothing or simple fishing gear was also in stock for 'give away's'.  Generosity is not uncommon in the cruising community.  Some cruisers devote much of their time while cruising and while at home, to do good as they move across earths surface.  I have found cruisers delivering medical supplies, books and educational material or the gift of their personal time and skills.  The close contact cruising affords offers unique opportunities.
My 'cruising' has ended, but the connection to some of those we met, has not.

                                              The Indians use what they have..

For part of our continuing story, the "Ulu Sail Project", click on this web address.

http://memoryroads.blogspot.com/search/label/Ulu%20Sail%20Project

The Ulu Sail Project has now made over 300 sails for the dug out canoes of the Kuna Indians, 2/3's of which have so far been delivered.
They are traded for a couple of molas, a hand sewn ornamental part of a garment worn by the women in their daily clothing.  It's an item they commonly used to sell, but this offers them a chance for barter.  Barter, allows them to keep their hard earned cash and still get what they need.

For a short YouTube video link on the Ulu Sail Project, visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LugEpCYxaNU

The "next" delivery of sails to their Guna Yala region of Panama will be in March or April 2015.