We left Stuart, FL on Wed. April 3rd around 7:00 am. Had to leave our car in Stuart, as the transport service we contacted never showed up.

We went out the St Lucie Inlet--- kindly bumpy, and numerous big fishing boats creating big wakes. We were in the ocean with our sails up within an hour.  We had a beautiful sail---- averaged 7 knots of speed; seas about 3-5 feet-- nice "rollers".  Early evening, a thunderstorm was just north of us, so we started the engines to push on through it.loving our new cockpit enclosure---- we stay warm and dry!!!!!  Best money we've spent!!!!

We arrived at Cape Canaveral around midnite, only to learn that the drawbridge and the locks close at 10:00 pm on weekdays.  We tied SeaQuell up at a fuel dock for the night.

Up early on Thursday to make the 6:00 am bridge opening. Through the locks with no issues. Now for our trudge up the ICW for the next couple of days. Off shore forecast doesn't look so hot. There's a front moving in---- high winds and big seas--- think it's wise to stay "inside" for now. As we were approaching New Smyrna, the VHF radio announces a tornado watch. We decide to duck into the marina for the night. We had a great evening. Pizza and wings from a local restaurant. Nice stroll through town . no storms ever developed, and we had a good night of sleep. Bummer news--- Robert checked the sail drives and the port one has water intrusion-- again!!!!  Contacted Hinckley Marine Service--- they recommend haul-out in Savannah to re-evaluate.

Friday morning is cloudy--- dark "stormy looking" clouds. The weather guessers say this will end late morning, so we hang out at the marina till just after noon.  Motored up the ICW to Daytona Beach area. Around 3:00 pm, the winds picked up to a steady 20 knots, with gusts to 30. Torrential downpour that lasted about an hour. Looks like those weather guessers are at it again!!!!  The winds persisted to late evening at 15-18 knots---- dead on the nose!!  We found an "anchorage"---  I use this term very loosely---- near Flagler beach. We touched bottom twice trying to get in, but Robert finally found a "sliver" of water and we made it in. We anchored in about 6 feet of water. Little sleep, as the depth and anchor alarms sounded frequently.

We hauled anchor around 7:00 am, and once again "bumped through" this crazy "anchorage". Motor sailed up the ICW to Jacksonville, FL. Long, slow uneventful day. We anchored in Pablo Creek----- a beautiful, calm , deep water anchorage---- much different from last night!!!!!!!  Lovely sunset, cocktails in the cockpit, and later a little TV. Slept great!!!!!!!

The weather forecast looks much better , so we leave Jacksonville around 6:30 am. Went out the St. John's Inlet---- beautiful area.  Lots of waterfowl, pretty coastline. We saw a naval ship with hundreds of  seamen--- all decked out in their dress whites. They lined both sides, the bow, and the stern of this huge ship. They were all standing at attention----- very impressive and emotionally stirring sight.  We were in the ocean by 9:30 am. The winds were predicted to be 10-15 knots, but that never happened. We motor sailed all day, due to light winds.  As we were coming in the St. Simons Inlet, we caught the current and flew in. SeaQuell was making 9 knots!!!!  Cool!!!  Also cool--- Maggie used her potty patch!!!!

We arrived at Morningstar Marina around 5:00 pm. Filled the fuel tank, hosed the salt off, and went for a nice walk. Dinner is burgers from Coastal Kitchen----- YUM!!!!!
Good night of sleep. Robert has meetings all day tomorrow (typical Monday), so we plan to hang out at the marina till late afternoon.

Monday morning is lovely---- complimentary newspaper and muffins---- kudos to this marina!!!  Robert settles in for a long workday. Becky has laundry, grocery shopping and cooking/cleaning duty. Maggie has "rest/sleep" duty.  

We left the marina around 4:30 pm--- went out against the tide, but we're in the ocean by 6:15. the seas are calm--- the winds are 10-12 knots.  Broad reach--- making about 7 knots. We saw 2 large sea turtles. Around 10:00 pm, the winds slowed to 6-8 knots, so we started the starboard engine. Motorsailed all night. We each took our "watch"-- uneventful, peaceful night.

Tuesday----Arrived at Hinckley Marine around 10:00 am. We are staying here today and tonight. Their facility doesn't have a lift to haul our fat bottomed girl, so arrangements have been made at Thunderbolt Marine. Scheduled for a 9:30 am haul-out tomorrow.

Wednesday am--- motored to Thunderbolt. The lift is waiting for our gal----- out if the water, and blocked by 10:00am.  Repairman from WW Williams arrived soon after to begin diagnostics.  The boots that were installed on both drives a month ago have come loose. Minor issue. No obvious cracks/ leaks noted on initial inspection. He drained the oil and pressure tested the drive ( this took most of the afternoon).  No significant findings at day's end. Robert, Maggie and I took a nice long walk after dinner.

Thursday---- repairman back in am. Entire drive removed and disassembled for further inspection. Appears there is a leak between the sail drive leg and the upper gear box. Parts ordered. Now we wait.

Received a phone call from our younger daughter's husband. Rebecca is sick again. She has been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis earlier this year.Repeat colonoscopy scheduled for Monday. we decide that I will head back to NC this weekend by rental car . Robert will probably single hand SeaQuell the rest of the way home once repairs are complete.