Nassau - Disneyland of the Bahamas!

The voyage to Nassau was easy and short. The seas were quite calm and very deep most of the way. At one point we were actually sailing over 10,000 foot deep water of the Atlantic Ocean!  I made a nice breakfast while underway, and did some computer work and some navigating.

We spotted the Atlantis megalith from 17 miles offshore! As we approached the harbor we could see two cruise ships just leaving port and one still there. Cap hailed the harbormaster to announce our intentions and they asked for detailed information about the boat and where we planned to stay. We anchored on the east end of the harbor- past Atlantis and the 2 bridges and in a spot that looked like the “Casey Key “of the Bahamas – Very posh! There were a lot of sailboats anchored there – no trawlers. One sailboat was from France – a steel hulled larger vessel (60 ft?) and we watched as two dinghies arrived with what looked like a mom and a dad and FIVE children! – All boys and one little girl. Richard and I sat on our aft deck “lounge” and watched as the boys all played on the dinghy davits and dived in the harbor. They had such a free spirit swimming and playing – it was fun to watch.  We watched the harbor and all the sights while having a “blue” drink and a delicious dinner. I put my iPhone on our speaker system and hit “Pandora” for some good tunes – but got a message: “Pandora does not broadcast in this country”! And so it goes with connection. Even though we have a Wi-Fi booster – Internet is also unavailable – unless you pay $10/day for it through a local provider or go to a restaurant or café that offers it.

Next morning – after still being unable to get a Wi-Fi connection, we planned to do necessary boat tasks. The water is so clear – we could see our anchor! – So we made water and I did laundry and some cleaning. It took most of the day to do these things, so we just relaxed on our fly bridge later that night and watched the world go by (with binoculars!)

Today we are lowering the dinghy and going into town. We hope to explore and find some things at the marina store and at the market - and do some swimming at the beach. We’ve heard so much about “The Green Parrot” restaurant (from other cruisers) that we want to find it and use the Wi-Fi and free dinghy dock. So we got all our supplies together (remembered money this time!) and toke off in or dinghy to explore our area.

Our new dinghy motor – Tohatsu 20 HP 4 stroke engine – is excellent and the extra 5 HP more than our old one make an amazing difference! We motored all around the harbor –west to east. We went to the beach – the water was a perfect 81 degrees. We went up to the east end – past the 2 large bridges and the downtown harbor front – with the big Mail Boat and all the working ships. We checked out all the restaurants and shore side businesses. We stopped at two fuel stations to enquire on diesel prices (we didn’t need any – just curious). “Browns” was $5.15/gal and Texaco $5.45! We talked to everyone we passed and asked the “Booze Cruise” staff where we could get lobster. They pointed us back to the bridge area and the fishing docks that we’d passed earlier. We continued on….we passed the first anchorage area we stayed in and all the beautiful houses, and ended at the east point –at Fort Montague – complete with cannons!

When we motored back, we stopped at the fishing docks to ask if there were any lobsters. They had plenty of conchs to sell – but Richard – being internationally diplomatic – said: “Not today… Today we are looking for lobster”. So the first boat called to the second boat – then the second boat called out to a third guy - and they had lobster! So we motored over to them. There were 4 people on the boat and they used nets to haul in fish – tons of little snapper and hog snapper that were really big. I wanted the snapper – but our fridge is the size of a TV set – so we had to be single minded – plus we could always go back tomorrow! So they pulled out a lobster and we both gasped! It was the hugest thing I’d ever seen! It was at least two feet long and must have weighed 15 or more pounds!  He wanted $40 – we bargained for $30 and took it right back to Partners to photograph and store! We cut off the tail and cut it in 4 sections and took out all the meat from the body.  I vacuum sealed it and stashed it in the freezer. We saved 1 huge section of tail and 2 feelers and grilled them for dinner that night. Neither of us knew what we were doing with that lobster! The fishermen said we could eat it all – so we will. But there was no internet connection to look up info like I usually do – so we just winged it. I decided we should have Bahamian “Peas and Rice” as a side. It’s kind of famous here – only trouble is – that’s all I know! Again – no clue of a recipe – or how it’s made – so I invented my own  - sautéed onions, tomato sauce and cinnamon and cayenne pepper – cooked  and stirred and stirred then added the rice and peas and mixed it up. Well it was delicious! I can’t wait to find internet connection and find out the REAL recipe!

So we’ve been having fun these past few days in Nassau. It’s nice to stay in one spot for a while. It’s raining today – Thursday the last day of February. We are hoping it will clear to give us a last day to shop and explore. I want to go to the outdoor market and get some fresh fruits and vegetables. Cap is going to get a Cuban cigar at a special store and I’m hoping to visit the Nassau Art Museum. We’ll have one last go at the internet at “The Green Parrot”. It’s a busy day planned, so I hope we can do it all.

We are watching the weather on our SSB and planning to pick up anchor soon and head to the Exuma Islands next. Navigating looks a bit tricky – there are many shallow areas and the Bahamas – getting grounded or bottom scraped is a regular occurrence for many. The water is so clear, it’s hard to tell how deep it is. They have a saying in the cruisers guides: “Water that’s blue is deep and true; as it shades to green, the water gets lean; White or yellow will ground a fellow (sand); If the water is brown, you’ll run hard aground (rocky bar); if the water is black, you’d better turn back! (coral head)”

When I get more internet time, I will post more pictures…for now it’s time to get back in the dinghy and head back to our lady – “Partners” and ready for the next anchorage tomorrow…

Crossing the Gulf Stream - The Start of Our Fantastic Voyage

Leaving Miami was a bit hard when we both realized this would be the last time we could easily phone our family. So the evening passed with a multitude of calls to all our children and family and some friends – and a few tears from both of us. Sorry we couldn’t call all of you – but time did not permit – and we were very emotional after talking to our children and sisters, etc. I guess that’s part of the adventure- not knowing what the future holds – good – bad or what….. But just letting it all unfold.

When we reach Nassau we will probably buy a sim card to enable us to call from the Bahamas – then…When we get to Puerto Rico and the USVI we can again use my $2/day GO Phone plan from AT&T. There will be times when there will be no communication from us – and I didn’t realize how hard that would be. It’s just automatic to pick up the phone and call those we love, when the mood hits.

We got off at the planned 4am start, when Miami was sill dark and awash with the neon lights glowing from all the skyscrapers. We motored to Government Cut – past the cruise ship dock and followed the channel and all the beacons out to sea! It was thrilling and scary in the dark of night and I was so aware of every moment. The sea in the channel was lumpy and bumpy with swells up to 5 feet and I imagined– because we had a pretty good “weather window” - that as soon as we got to the Gulf Stream it would all smooth out – HA!

No – the winds were a little stronger than predicted and coming from SE – which is pretty good – but the whole trip was pretty lumpy – it never really “settled down” like I imagined it would. At first I was scared. We had to hold on constantly – but as daylight arrived, it was less frightening being able to see the waves and swells. Of course, Captain MacGyver was fine – he’s used to all this – but it’s still a hazing period for me! I’ll tell you one thing – If I don’t lose weight it will be amazing – because I’m no longer a 3-meal-a-day person! I can do galley in calm and mid- rough – but these swells – no way! Crackers anyone?!

We motored all morning and around 12 noon we caught sight of Bimini! The water was deep sapphire blue and so clear and then soon changed to a neon turquoise! We decided to pass Bimini and proceed to Chub Cay (still pronounced “key”) for immigration and customs. Per procedure we raised our yellow Q (quarantine) flag indicating that we were law abiding foreigners. Then we proceeded to the Bahamas Banks where we hung the hook in the middle of nowhere! When Cap Richard said we would anchor on the banks – I definitely did not ask enough questions! I imagined 8ft of water and some sandy beaches cropping up. There were no sandy beaches- 20 ft of water- and the wind was at 20-25 knots causing huge rolling waves to crash on our hull, making our little trawler rock and roll all night long. There was slamming noises coming from the fly bridge every 5^th wave or so- and I thought our dinghy was loose! But it turned out to be the gas tank in the dinghy making all that noise. Every time a huge wave hit us I’d hear clinking of my glasses and dishes – but nothing broke. It was impossible for me to sleep and even Cap was over it. Many people before us have anchored on the Bahamas Banks without a problem – we just go the crappy night! So around 1:30 AM we hauled anchor and proceeded to Chub Key. It didn’t matter that we were traveling at night – because we were soon in 6000 feet deep water!

Chub Cay had an open, easy anchorage – but because of the winds – it was a bit rough. One other sailboat was anchored there, and they were rocking and rolling. Since we’d had a bad night’s sleep – we decided to stay in the Chub Cay Club Marina and get some much needed rest. Cha-Ching$$!.....

At Chub Cay Marina, a cute very young boy – named Kellly -with that neat Island lilt and dreadlocks piled on top of his head and wrapped in a big white scarf – met us at the dock to help with the lines.

 After we had the boat secured, Cap (“Master” of the ship) went to the Immigration and customs office to check in. Customs regulations state ONLY the “Master” of the ship is permitted to disembark for this ritual, so I washed the windows and cleaned the salt off our stainless, waiting for him to return.  He came back with loads of papers and news that the entire island was bankrupt! So sad for them…i t was a really pretty place, too. The marina was very new and quite beautiful and loaded with really large expensive (Millions of dollars) fishing yachts. We docked next to a 130 foot Broward with a crew of 3 and the owner was out fishing on ONE of his dinghies – a 38foot Invincible fishing boat – with 2 crew on that and a fortune in fishing rods!

After we cleared customs, we lowered the yellow “Q” flag – and raised the Bahamas flag! Then it became real - WE’RE REALLY DOING IT! We were both so excited with the accomplishment of crossing the deep and often treacherous Gulf Stream and actually arriving to a land we had dreamed of going to for years– under our own power!

We did some boat chores and then walked around the island. It was small – but really pretty, and it was sad that the whole island was in receivership. We had our dock space until 12 the next day – but all through the day and night the electric and internet kept going off. The crew on the Mega-Yacht said it was normal - that’s what happens. But in the morning we woke to find our batteries were near dead, as our inverter must have had to work overtime. Cap was worried they may not take a charge – they’re old – like much on this boat – and thinking if we needed replacing them – we’d be better off in Nassau. So we cast off the dock lines and headed towards the 10,000 feet deep “The Tongue of the Ocean” and for Nassau!

Miami and Family - One Last Visit!

The trip up to Miami was uneventful – probably because we traveled through John Pennekanp State Park – so there were no crab pots! The water was gorgeous and clear and it was a nice calm cruise. It started to cloud up and rain as we approached Miami. We passed Lighthouse Point and then entered the channel area that is known as “Stiltsville”.  This area has several stilt house right in the middle of the water – no land at all!  Even with the rain, it was still a sight.  Soon we started seeing the Miami skyline – with all the high rises and passed through several bridges. Since we needed a 16ft ladder to fix the anchor light – we decided to go to a marina for a night to get that done. We looked on Active Captain Website and found a marina close to the anchorage we wanted to stay – Sunset Harbour – but when we called, they said (because of the Miami Boat Show) they were charging $8.00 a foot! To you non- boaters that’s exorbitant! So we passed on that one and looked again on AC – for something we could afford. We found one! Palm Bay Club – in a little different area – but still a pretty good location – just an iffy “border” neighborhood… but it was gated and had great reviews – and the price was half the other – so we took it! And they were excellent there! They certainly lived up to the reviews- Bill met us at the dock to help with the lines – in the pouring rain! Everyone was so kind and helpful. Kelly in the office even drove me to Publix in her truck!

First order of business was to check out the anchor light- bulb – or electrical problem?  Bill brought us an 8 ft step ladder and Richard climbed up to the top – where they say “DON’T STEP HERE” – and could not get anywhere near the light…………..need an extension ladder. Oh! Wait – did I tell you it was Friday afternoon?  Can’t get the BIG ladder till Monday…. So we call Georgina and asked her if they had one – or could get one….no… But David (Georgina’s beau) suggests just buy one. Okay… so they get to Home Depot and then realize they can’t fit it in their mid-size SUV. “Do we want them to rent a truck?” Yikes! Cha-Ching, Cha-Ching $$$.....No- just come by and visit us. 

After the kids got to the boat and we had some conversation and a drink and then we all took off for West Marine to get the anchor light bulb and various spares that we wanted. At West Marine I noticed they did “swaging” – which is a way to cut steel and wrap the ends. We wanted to fix the harness for our dinghy. We were using our old harness from a previous larger dinghy we owned and it made it really hard to lift.  West Marine suggested a guy for the job – George (“George can do anything!” They said) – so we called George. Apparently, George is so good he’s very busy – and couldn’t get to us until Tuesday!

So that’s the story of how we stayed at Palm Bay Club Marina for 4 days! Cha-Ching$$!

We spent a lot of time with Georgina and David and saw them every day. They were terrific and so helpful. I made them a chicken curry boat dinner the first night and we had fun talking and being together. Next day they ran us on errands and had a terrific pizza and wine dinner at a neat spot called “Andiamo” – which was one of the best – freshest pizzas I’ve ever had!

 Sunday we went to the Miami Boat Show together and ogled at all the new and larger trawlers…. Some day --or not…I love Partners and its home to us. It is fun to dream – but we have made our little boat pretty and comfortable and she’s getting us to all the places we’ve dreamed of- what more could we ask for?

The time came when we had to say good-bye to Georgina and David, and we got a little teary-eyed.  It’s hard to leave the ones you love – even though all our family have “given us permission” to go on this voyage with their blessing.

We motored to an anchorage Richard and friend John had stayed in, near South Beach, and hung the hook –again setting the anchor alarm. It was a fairly crowded anchorage and it felt safe knowing others were there too. We got our dinghy down and did some exploring into town, with a planned stop at Publix at the end for more food. We brought the money this time! But we didn’t bring the chain to lock our dinghy – because we didn’t get it cut and it was 50 ft long and too heavy to lift without getting a hernia!  Getting the dinghy down was much easier after the harness was adjusted and the day was going well. We went down the canal that runs down to South Beach and checked out where Publix was – cool – they have their own dinghy dock for cruisers! Then we went back a few blocks to Lincoln Road area and looked for a place to tie up. Although there were many other dinghies tied up at spots along the way – many had anti-theft chains (rather than rope) and we started to get nervous to leave the dinghy (our baby) for fear of someone cutting the line and taking her. In the end we chose a less crowded street and tied her up next to a slightly bigger dinghy. Richard removed the gas line and the little red kill switch key as further deterrent to theft – and off we went.

First stop – the bank – for money for the Bahamas. I put in my ATM card and got refused any transaction! Great! We go inside and Richard is very assertive with the manager (we’ve already informed the bank TWICE that we were travelling). We got excellent service from Cheryl at Bank of America and FINALLY everything got straightened out. Next stop – Liquor store I noticed – needed more Baileys! Then I noticed an Auto Parts Store – so we went inside to see if they had a wire cable to lock our dinghy – no – but the guy suggested Ace Hardware down the street – and off we went. Wow! That was one gourmet Ace! They had everything there and I could have shopped all day. But Captain kept me on track and we went to the cable isle. NO – none we could use – so we asked a clerk and he said –“you got a dinghy?” Yes – so they made us a cable and swaged the ends right there – all vinyl covered and thick and strong. “You better get this on your boat fast!” the guy said- laughing. YIKES! - Do they steal dinghies much here? “No- mostly Jet Skis and bicycles- but you never know.” So we raced back the 3 miles to our baby and…. YES! She was still there! So we used our new cable and made her safe.

Then back the three miles to a great Lincoln Rd restaurant called “Book & Books” and we sat in the pedestrian street under the umbrellas and had a salmon tapas lunch with all the “Housewives of Miami” – or that’s what it looked like - nails – makeup- skimpy low cut dresses or tops – 4 inch heels and gobs of plastic surgery! But it was so fun and we ended it with an espresso and then headed for Publix and back to the boat. We threw away as much packaging at Publix before we got on the dinghy – Garbage is an issue.

Cap decided we would be better to leave our anchorage and get through the opening bridge at 5pm – then we could anchor the other side and stage ourselves for a 4am crossing to the Bahamas. So we did and had another wonderful evening watching the sunset from our “Aft Deck Café” and seeing the city of Miami light up with a beautiful array of multicolored buildings glowing in the dark. Ahhh……Life is Good!

 

 

 

 

 

Marathon and Beyond....

What happened with the crab trap you ask? 

….Well- Captain Richard ran to the stern; got out the fishing gaff; pulled up the line (WHILE THE BOAT WAS RUNNING!!)  And cut off the trap with his favorite kitchen knife! Then he tied up the line that was caught on our stabilizer fin - to a cleat and we made way for the protected anchorage at Boot Key – just next to Marathon.  There was a bit of a current in that pass – but the water was clear and blue and about 79*.  We anchored in 8ft of water- with no drag –and set the anchor alarm as usual.

Then Richard got on his bathing suit and a mask and made himself a harness out of rope – tied it around his waist and jumped in! I held onto the line and moved him to the stabilizer point where he dove underwater and numerous times, until he cut the damn thing off! The current was strong and I had to hold onto the line with all my might to keep him close to the boat and safe! It took a while - but he did it! When he got back aboard I renamed him “Captain MacGyver”! This man can do anything!

We had a celebratory evening after that – Sunset cocktails and a wonderful dinner of grass-fed hamburgers on the grill and the rest of the homemade banana cake. Life is good!

Early the next morning, we raised the anchor and headed on our way to Rodriguez Key – our last stop before reaching Miami.  We found another great protected anchorage and noted two boats also anchored nearby. We dropped the hook and set the anchor alarm and settled in for some of that relaxation time.

We had a drink on the aft deck – we have a great teak table and chairs and I also bought some more comfy folding chairs to add to the collection. We watched the nearby sailboat couple get in their dinghy and go ashore just before sunset.  We stayed on board and had another great meal from our vast provisions (we have a slight starboard list from all the food stored!). Around 10pm the sailboat couple returned to their boat – without any navigation lights! It was pitch black and they were going at a fast pace and I thought that was wrong and a bit reckless- but I have seen others do this too.  After they got aboard their boat we could hear them screaming and yelling at each other.  One thing I’ve learned – sound travels well over water! You can hear all sorts of things. Their fight lasted a good half hour or so – then I imagined they passed out! All was quiet. My imagination is working overtime with this cruising! I thought – he could kill her, or one of them could push the other overboard in a fit of anger! Maybe I’d see a body floating by in the morning?!  Phew! Time for me to go to bed! 

So we hit the hay – happy and content with this cruising life and as I drifted off – I dreamt of being in a town with Richard and looking out the glass doors of our 10^th floor seaside condo and seeing a huge invasion of space ships!  There were about 200 UFO’s  in this dream and they started to drop down mirrors from their ship (or was it large flat screen TV’s?) and when the residents of the town all came out to look at them -their image got on the screen  and they were immediately sucked up into the spaceship by the invaders! I ran to tell Richard and to warn him not to look. We fled the condo and got into the inner courtyard of the seaside town to hide from the UFO’s and those extracting mirrors. We were in a battle to survive and avoid the UFO’s….BEEP!-BEEP!-BEEP!….what’s that noise? BEEP!-BEEP!-BEEP!  I awake – still groggy - to a real life alarm – OUR ANCHOR ALARM!! …Richard!! – I push on him and wake him up. We go to the Pilothouse to check and we are not dragging – but we are having such a strong wind that we are “swinging “further than our alarm sector. The Kadey Krogen burgee on our foredeck is making mad flapping noises back and forth and our canvas bimini top is singing and flapping with force. The boat is safe – just a bad storm and we hunker down to a night watch to make sure all remains well and we don’t drag. Such is the life of a sailor – a juxtaposition of calm and beauty with peril and risk….

Tomorrow – Miami and seeing our youngest Maggs daughter! (Pictures to follow)

We're Off and Cruising! (Part Deux)

After arriving in Key West, we were both elated! We have actually started our dream! We survived the 30 hour trip down here and we are ready to enjoy our anchorage! We sat out on our aft deck and had a “sundowner” and some cheese and crackers while observing the anchorage and all the excitement of Key West. I made an easy dinner of spaghetti with mushrooms and a salad and – of course – the glass of wine. Then after playing on the internet for a while – we hit the hay – exhausted!  

Arriving in Key West!

Monday arrived and we were both up early to see the sunrise and have one of Richard’s delicious English breakfasts on our aft deck.  Then on to the jobs!

First job was to install the part that delayed our leaving on Thursday – the Whale foot pump – a manual pump for water at our galley sink (-Which had been leaking). T his does not need a motor and is an excellent alternative to the tap for water and electric conservation, as well as a back up to our main water pump and so we needed to replace it. It was one of those perfect jobs – like you see filmed on DIY on TV – went in smoothly and worked instantly –with about 20 minutes of labor for the 2 of us.

Great! – Now on to project #2 – get the water maker going and make some water!...............Uhh…..not so easy..  I have no idea about that job – and Richard had a handy step-by-step checklist he wrote when he started it up with John, on the trip down from Oriental NC, where we bought Partners. But Richard went through all the steps –again… and again - and no water. Until he decided to look elsewhere for the problem, and – aha! - Hose clamps are broken and need to be replaced.  No biggie – we have lots of those spare. And Voila! – Water! And it tested pure and perfect! Yeah!

So I did some laundry while the tank was filling and made us some lunch. We both were elated that the jobs were successful and we mostly spent the rest of the day relaxing under the sun and watching the day go by in a very leisurely way – my kind of day! I made lamb chops and scalloped potatoes, peas and Brussels sprouts and we enjoyed the evening with a glass of wine and listening to Jimmy Buffett music until dark – heave

 

Day 3 –Time to be a tourist! Today we get the dinghy down and go into Key West for some fun!  It took some wrangling to get that dinghy down – it’s all new equipment on the boom – but we did - and I brought my bag with water, towel, hairbrush and sun block. I reminded Rich to get the VHF Radio and boat registration – brought our cell phone and life jackets and off we went.  We found the dinghy dock and bought a $6 day parking pass. Then we hit the Turtle Museum and the Museum of Nautical History about the Dry Tortugas. Of course I had to see some clothing and jewelry stores too!  We walked over to Duval Street and ended up at Sloppy Joes for lunch and a beer. It was packed – no tables – so we asked a couple if they would mind sharing their table and they were happy to!  They were quite nice and came from NY – but stayed 3 months in Key West in a small trailer they had. Eventually they left and Richard got presented with our bill and asked me for the money. -----What money? – didn’t you bring your wallet?!! - No! -So another couple asked if we were leaving – could they have the table – and we said yes – but only if I could remain “hostage” for the waitress, until Richard walked back to the dinghy dock – motored back to the boat – got his wallet – returned and paid the bill! I was having a cool afternoon listening to the hot young talent singing on stage… blonde long curly hair and a great body – umm! And the couple were so nice – Chuck and Judy from Pennsylvania and Indiana – drove to Florida in their RV. She was 72 and an RN – still working 3 days a week in a Cardiac floor of her local hospital! He was 82 and they were both widowed for a while when their kids fixed them up. They were really nice and made the time go fast. Before I knew it Richard had returned panting and dripping with perspiration…I really felt bad…..so did the waitress. She brought him a cold ice water without us even asking!

After that we walked around Key West seeing all the sights and I was amazed Richard didn’t pass out from exhaustion! We came back to the boat for the evening so tired! Richard opened the lazarette to put away the dinghy anchor and life vests and noticed our steering assembly was loose! DANGER WILL ROBINSON!!!  Richard was saying we may need a haul out if our rudder was damaged. Apparently it was missing some nuts and washers to hold the huge bolts in place. He went to his ginormus tool box and got out all these wrenches and started tightening the bolts. He flagged down the Florida Wildlife and Marine Patrol (cops) to ask for a ride to town to get nuts and they pulled up to our boat to see if they could help – but they couldn’t give Richard a ride and it was too late and difficult to get our dinghy down – so in the end we “wickied” it to get us to Miami – where we will get what we need then. It was fine the whole trip – although we kept checking it to be sure.  The Marine Patrol boat came back to re-check on us – they were really great! We assured them we were okay and as they pulled away they said: “Don’t forget to turn your anchor light on.” ----(It is on – thought Richard)- but it had quit – for one reason or another. Since the anchor light is atop a 14 ft mast -Richard got out our dinghy light and tied it to our halyard and hoisted it like we would a flag – and it worked! Since it was an LED light it went well all night…..another job to do ….        

At 7 am the next morning we raised the anchor and cast off towards Miami up Hawk Channel with plans to stop for the night at Marathon. The weather was glorious and all was great – except for the CRAB POTS!! Gosh – there were hundreds of them – it was like a mine field and we had to dodge them left and right so they didn’t get hung up on our prop or stabilizers. We worked together to watch closely – but – wouldn’t you know – we hooked one on our port stabilizer fin! I looked out our stern to check and could see a line and a red thingy and in the distance I saw the trap bobbing up and down! RICHARD!!!  WE GOT ONE CAUGHT!!!

Did I tell you I’m a “newbie” to all this? We had a 50ft Grand Banks – but we were working and just did weekends. We lived aboard this boat for over a year at the dock – but were also working – so did not take many trips – mostly locally. So now here I am – IMERSED in all the excitement of this adventure. The dictionary definition of adventure is: “An exciting and very unusual experience. A bold and usually risky undertaking; hazardous action of uncertain outcome” WOW! – Maybe I should have read that definition BEFORE I started this voyage! So – suffice it to say – I’m “on board” with the whole plan – but it is not always easy and very often SCAR Y for me! Thank God for Richard! He calms me down when I panic – which I have done- and comforts me when I’m crying with fear – which ( I’m embarrassed to say) I have done too….. I’ve read in books and other blogs – that the first year is the hardest…. (Kind of like a marriage)- Just getting to know the boat and what to expect. We’ve had rough seas and that is very tiring; we’ve had things break and they have to be fixed before anything else is done. There are priorities when cruising – just like any other job or situation in life- and they go before the drinking and the sightseeing and the reading and relaxing…. I’m learning!

We're Off and Cruising! (Part One)

Did you think the day would ever arrive when we finally cast off the bow lines? We were both wondering that in the past 2 months, as events beyond our control evolved.

Richard wanted a new auto-pilot, as the old one was...well...old! We wanted safety and so we installed a new Simrad Auto-Pilot in our 28 year old Kadey Krogen Trawler - and just like an old home renovation - there were issues and complications. But it all finally got ironed out on Wednesday, February 6th with a successful sea trial of all the installed equipment! It was exciting to realize that the final hindrance to starting our voyage was gone! Captain announced we were leaving Thursday (..........tomorrow?!, I'm panicking..) after the mail brings a part we were expecting..

So I did what any normal person would do - I went out shopping!...again. I bought the last minute foods (fresh) and milk etc.; some fuses; more Duct Tape (can't have too much) and of course I wanted to buy more clothes - so I hit TJ Maxx one last time and found some great things I loaded my cart with - including 2 outdoor folding chairs to put on our back deck for cocktail hour and anchorage viewing! Then I drove around to our mechanic - S&S Mercedes Service & Repair (terrific and knowledgeable guys - Sam and Sal) who were taking my 21 year old Toyota Corolla wagon off my hands - and Sal's wife - a terrific lady - drove me back to the marina.

Well- long story short - the part didn't come in and the weather turned bad -giving us a windy thunderstorm - so we stayed the night at Longboat Key Club Marina (our home for the past 1+ yr) and rode our bikes over to the mail Friday to FINALLY pick up the part! So we said our last good-byes to our wonderful dock- mates - Jeff and Pam & Ron and missed Terry & Rudy and FINALLY AND OFFICIALLY - cast off on our journey!

(Part 2 - coming next entry -Getting to Key West)