It's been a rather busy past five days, with the need to sail south to Black Sound, haul the boat out of the water, clean all of the exterior and interior, and prepare everything onboard for our long absence.

The danger of hurricanes results in the need to really strip the boat of everything one can, so Louise and I spent four days removing things and emptying food and all other perishables from the boat.

We then took a water taxi across to Grand Abacos Island and from there a plane to FT. Lauderdale where we've rented a car to travel north to Stuart where we have left our Mini Cooper (which has refused to start).

Imagine a car which does not let you open the electric trunk lid when the battery is dead. The battery is located in the trunk.

A lovely meal in the harbour, things to sort out tomorrow, and then the slow drive north.

It's quite a culture shock arriving in busy Florida after such a long time on the quiet beaches of the Abacos!

glen