We did move aboard May 1, 2006. Immediately hauled out in St. Thomas, then high-tailed it down the Leewards and Windwards before hurricane season started. Spent June in Grenada, July through mid-September in Trinidad (not recommended for those considering this option).

Visited beautiful Los Testigos and Isla Margarita before checking into Bahia Redonda Marina in Puerto La Cruz very early October. PLC is nothing like we had feared; it is quite enjoyable and the people are great. We had heard nothing all summer except how bad and dangerous it is here, but that was all bull! This city is no more dangerous and crime-ridden than any city of comparable size; and a lot less than our old home town of Houston, Texas. We have felt safe everywhere we have gone so far and this marina is far, far nicer than the ones in Trinidad.

Food and beer also is much less expensive. Haven't visited a chandlery yet so can't compare prices for that.

Only problems we have encountered is obtaining delivery of a few needed boat parts which must be shipped here. That is proving quite troublesome, but we feel that these two shipments will eventually be received.

We hope to leave PLC no later that 24 October to begin our travels westward. Plan to visit Tortuga, Los Roques, the Aves and Curacao. We want to leave Curacao for the 700 NM passage direct to Porvenir no later than 20 November. Porvenir is in the San Blas Islands off Panama.

Plan is to go through the canal in late February and on to the Galapogas in March. But plans are always subject to change.

We have set up another blog which is far more detailed and updated very frequently. You can access it at www.svsecurity.com
We will also continue to update this blog briefly as internet connections allow.