March 2nd, we made it safely to Isla Mujeres, a small island off Cancun from Puerto Morales. The check in procedure was very painful and the total cost including doggy fees was almost 2,000.00 pesos. The smart way of doing this is getting a slip at Marina Paraiso for the day and the harbormaster, Chepo will do all the leg work for you. It will come out cheaper in the end, I promise.

I had to fly back to the USA because I decided to go back to work. Not realizing how involved it would be, I was so grateful for my flying partner who did most of the leg work for me. Because I have been away for 5 years, it was like being a new hire (ie, fingerprinting, drug tests, etc.). The initial training was 11 days in freezing cold Chicago and my first 3 days on the job; I was "juniored" into the supervisor position.

I got back to Isla Mujeres last Thursday and it looks like the weather should be good for Florida crossing on Monday. This means we will be checking out of the country on Monday morning and off we go. It will take about 2 days and 16 hours to Marathon, Florida.

We're keeping our fingers crossed because I have to be in Miami or have an airport nearby before May 7.

Looking forward to good ole' US of A,
Steve, Marie and Angel