We finally topped off the fuel tanks after our 2 day 15 hour and 36 minute powering stint to end our passage from Antigua. Our total fillup was 57.5 gallons so for the passage that works out to a .71 gallons per hour usage. Our average speed for the 1282 nautical mile passage was 5.45 knots. This slow speed is largely due to the light winds and our having to power for almost three days of the 9 day 18 hour 46 minute passage from Antigua to North Palm Beach, FL.

So, what have we been doing since arriving here??? Generally we have been catching up with friends, working on the boat and getting re-acclimated to the live aboard lifestyle. We have gone out sailing something that we didn't do last summer in Grenada. We have enjoyed cable TV and date nights going out for dinner and a movie. The plan for now is to establish a base line for our cost of living here in the marina. As of right now our monthly costs are up about $300 over what we were spending in the Caribbean. Before we went to the Caribbean we thought thought living on the hook there would be less expensive that living in our marina in Florida. As it turned out our costs were higher than we expected and we weren't enjoying life there as much as we have enjoyed life since thus far after returning to the States. Later on this year we hope to do a little land traveling to visit friends, that is if the budget continues to look promising. All in all we think that we made the right decision, but who knows what the future will bring.

One thing that hasn't changed from cruising is our watching the tropics for those spinning storms in the summer. Thus far we have had only one close call from tropical storm Isaac which passed well to the west of us. Our hearts go out to those on the Gulf coast that endured Isaac's wrath.

Wrapping up another issue, we replaced our windlass motor back in July. After the charge for the motor and getting it shipped here we are very happy that we didn't have it shipped to Antigua. We estimate that is would have cost us almost double. After taking three days to remove the motor, with air conditioning inside the boat, I was also thankful that I didn't have to do it in the heat and humidity of the Caribbean.

Right now I plan to continue updating this blog as we continue our retirement adventures by land and by sea. Stay tuned if you are interested.