02/08/2010

OK Tim, we were bored with Marathon too! Today we dropped the painter of our mooring ball and headed down the Keys a bit to Bahia Honda. This is a neat place, a State Park (remember what a fan I am of State Parks) with an anchorage between two bridges. Off our bow is a beach complete with Tiki huts and picnic tables and it is a short dinghy ride to the park itself. There is a butterfly garden which is home to the endangered Miami Blue Butterfly but we did not spot any today - shame! The bridge to our starboard side is now disused and has an opening in it for sailboats to get through. It is part of the original Flagler railroad which ran from N Florida to Key West.

One reason we decided to head out was to shake down all our systems and make sure everything was still in working order after 2 months on a mooring. We are pleased to report that all worked as it should today - that is a relief. We will probably head back to Marathon tomorrow as a strong front is coming through tomorrow night and we will appreciate the more protected harbor in Marathon. We are paid up for another week in Marathon and still have our mooring there which is necessary as there is currently a waiting list for moorings.

We are still watching the weather and see no openings for a crossing for the next week. But it was a beautiful sunset this evening so this is not a bad place to be.

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02/05/2010

I have been back aboard for almost a week and it is great to be back. The first few days were spent rushing around doing all the last minute chores to prepare to cross to the Bahamas. We now declare that we are truly "ready" but of course the weather has other ideas. We have been checking the forecasts at least twice a day and it really is an exercise in frustration. We look ahead 4-5 days and see a possible window only to have it dissolve away 24 hours later. Keeping ourselves in a constant state of readiness is wearing to say the least. But we do not want to relax our vigil as undoubtedly that is when the window will materialise.

Despite this, I am really enjoying being back in the warmth and although we have had some cloudy days it sure beats the frigid North East. Today was fun when we ran into Walt and Mary from Orion. They were one of our original Buddy boats when we crossed over to the Abacos 2 years ago. They are back in Marathon but without Orion. If we are still here, we plan on meeting for lunch on Monday. Tom and I have also been out with Tom from Windlass a few evenings. Tom and Tom have become good friends, having first met in Elbow Cay in May 2008 and now meeting up again here. Both times I was off working and it seems that the boys have had a good time visiting the local watering holes whilst I was gone. The guys were greeted like long lost locals by the bar staff when we visited this week - Hmmmm!

Once we get underway we will be doing an overnight trip, crossing the Gulf Stream, to arrive at the Bahamas Banks at first light the following morning. Then we will spend a second day crossing the shallow banks, aiming to get as far as we can before nightfall. Once it gets dark we will have to anchor on the banks but hopefully will be able to reach Nassau the next day (the third day) and clear in with Customs and Immigration. Once the formalities are completed we will be making swift tracks to the Exumas where Legacy is patiently waiting for us. Once we are reunited with our buddies we will be able to relax, fall into island time and slowly cruise down the Exuma chain. We cannot wait - here's hoping that elusive window get itself organized.

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02/01/2010, Marathon, FL

After a very chilly 5 weeks in Maine I am now back aboard with Tom and Osprey in Marathon. All is well here and we are pretty much ready to set sail for the Exumas. Unfortunately the weather is not co-operating and it poured with rain all day today. However, it is warm so I cannot complain. At this point we are not sure when we will leave but hopefully within the week. Legacy is waiting for us so we are anxious to catch up with them soon. Plus we have some spare parts for their watermaker that we are happy to carry over for them.

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12/31/2009, Maine!!!!!

Much has happened since my last post and I have been remiss in not keeping up - no excuses really other than we have been busy!

The pre-Christmas frenzy sort of took over our lives somewhat. Plus we were cycling to Publix every day as they had some great deals on beer (of all things) so we were stocking up for the Bahamas. Then on 18th Dec we left Marathon, drove to Miami and flew to England to spend Christmas with my family. Thankfully Blessed Spirit were not leaving Boot Key so they very kindly kept a close eye on our precious Osprey whilst we were gone.

England for Christmas was wonderful. The whole family got together and a great time was had by all. The whole scene was enhanced by the fact that we had some SNOW! Almost unheard of for the UK. This was my first British white Christmas ever! The picture is of my sister's wonderful country home where we all congregated for Christmas. Sadly, time whizzed by too quick and before we knew it we were climbing aboard another plane bound for Miami, only slightly delayed by all the extra security.

After a night in Miami, I was back at the airport and heading to Maine of all places. Yes, folks I am back at work in Skowhegan, Maine for a month. Mainly because I don't like to take too long of a break from work, also because I love the folks I work with and looked forward to seeing them all again and also, of course, to top off the kitty and fund our cruising habit. The only downside is that it is bloody FREEZING and now 2-3 ft. of snow is forecast for the weekend. What am I doing here???

Tom is back aboard Osprey and found that all was well there (thanks Corn & Tita!). He is keeping busy with the preps for the Bahamas and all being well we will be able to make the crossing as soon as I get back - weather permitting.

So, I probably won't be updating much over the next few weeks. But rest assured that once we are back on the move we will keep you posted.

In the meantime - "Happy New Year" to all our family and friends.

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