I never thought I would leave Florida, famous for its hurricanes, only to be facing one 2000 miles away in Maine, but here we are eyeing Irene coming our way. Today I feel a special empathy for families in the Outer Banks and other points that may get her full brunt, as we too, here on our boat, are perhaps more vulnerable then we have ever been in 22 years living in our Florida waterfront homes. Being on a boat in the path of a big storm certainly gives "waterfront living" a new meaning.

The current predictions are (only) for tropical force winds here so David has decided to stay with the boat. Katie, Eric and I are leaving Andiamo tomorrow morning in Boothbay (where Katie has had her car parked all week while we sailed to Acadia). We will get Eric to the airport in Boston for his departure a day ahead of schedule and I will bunk with Katie for a few days at her apartment.

Captain Dave has weighed a variety of possibilities and is opting for seeking protection in The Basin, a "hurricane hole" between Boothbay and Portland. He has had offers of assistance but says he feels comfortable that, with his two anchors in this almost land-locked harbor, he can handle Irene on his own. I hate leaving David alone, but he and I both suspect that I would most likely be paralyzed by my own fear and become more a liability than an asset. I am not sure which is worse - leaving and not knowing what he is doing or staying here and knowing firsthand. Neither lesser, both evil, I guess I am choosing the former.

Of course we will continue to eye Irene and will make last minute adjustments as needed and warranted to insure that we are all safe and sound. Thank you all for your concern. I will keep you posted as long as I have internet and cell phone service.