On Aug 6th we pulled the anchor and left at 4 am towards Freeport, actually Port Lucaya, the last stop on Bahamas where we needed to check out before crossing to Florida.
Again, nice smooth ride. The weather is really on our side all the way back. We arrived in Port Lucaya at 2 pm. Originally, we planned to try and find a spot on the very small anchorage that is in the Bell Channel and stay one night. At the last moment before approaching the port, we decided that we will only check out and continue to Florida.
Once we approached the Grand Bahama Yacht Club and called them on the radio to let us tie to their fuel dock for checking out, they already had someone at the dock and asked us to dock at one of the docks in the yacht club.
When they took our lines and secured us, all of a sudden, we both felt tired and in need of good rest. We said, what a hell, it is a last night in the Bahamas, let's splurge and pay for the night in the yacht club and go to Florida tomorrow. That's what we did. The harbor master took us by small boat to the village and we had nice drinks and food and enjoyed ourselves with just a small cloud over our heads, knowing that this is the last time we are here on Griffin. Sad.
This is relatively new yacht club and it was very deserted at this time of the year. Just a few boats left. Boaters are either in US or Grenada, away from the hurricane zones.





Well deserved rest



At night, I watched this weird thing on the sky. I have no idea what it was.

We left Nassau on Aug 4, at 5am and arrived to Berry Island at 3pm. A piece of cake.
We are rushing now as we approaching the worst season for the hurricanes and don't want to be caught. Just 2 nights on anchor in Berry Island mostly to make full tank of water and laundry as this is the last stop where we can make water.
On our anchorage there was plenty of activity from tourist from the cruise ship anchored nearby.

Just couple of days after Jake left, our pump in Northern Lights generator failed. We just put a new one in April this year. Wow, the manufacturers really know how to make money. We did have a spare one, refurbished also in April this year. The refurbished did not worked either, You really have to laugh, otherwise you would cry. We decided on the spot that we need to move from Georgetown to Nassau, as in Georgetown there were slim chances to get a new pump.
We pulled the anchor and 21 hours later we were entering the very familiar waters around Nassau. We anchored right in the port area in order to quickly get on shore and buy a new pump. We also took the refurbished one to Albert - a mechanic that did the repair in April.
Albert told us that it is the impeller in those pumps that is made of rubber and if sitting too long on the shelf, gets hard and it makes the pump fail. So there is no guarantee on those and even if you buying a new pump, you don't know how long it was sitting on the shelf and how long it will last. Brrrrrrrrrr.........
Anyway, after ordering a new pump, we moved to the anchorage at Rose Island, Bogdan's favourite spot for snorkeling.
The next visit to Albert and we learned from him that in the last 3 weeks there were 4 accidents of shark attacks, 2 fatal. Bogdan's favourite spot was one of the places where a women was attacked and did not survived. We could not believe it. So many years on water and never heard of sharks attacks (except maybe occasionaly in Australia).
I swore to not go into the water anymore. So scary and too bad. Apparently, the government in Bahamas implemented a rule that sharks can not be fished and killed anymore and their population grew quite a bit.
While staying on anchor in the port, we often watched little kids learning how to sail. It was fun except one time when we had to move Griffin and had to maneuver between all those many little boats (they have right of way)





Nassau is growing. New homes along the shore are build and they are not just regular homes, but more like really wealthy people's mansions

We stayed just for few days in San Juan, to get a good rest before the next leg. Of course resting does not mean lying down or even sitting down. Bogdan was hard at work on his big project - the dividers for the water tank. Jacob was put on the upper deck, chained to the railing (just kidding) and worked diligently on the prep for painting the upper deck. Boy, this man can take the heat really well. Bogdan was cooking in its own juices being somewhat protected from the sun whereas Jake was in full sun all day long and did not complained once. When he arrived, he was as fair as they come but by the end, he was so tanned that I doubt his own wife recognized him.
On July 5 around 7am we pulled the anchor and started what will be the longest trip non stop ever taken by us. We planned to go straight to Mayaguana - Bahamas. We made it as expected in 76 hours.
Again, this was amazing. Pretty much the whole trip we had very weak winds and the voyage was pleasant. Sometimes the current made us a bit uncomfortable but overall, no one can complain. Even Jake was joking that God must like him and gave him good weather for this trip. I was able to warm up a soup for suppers which is normally unheard of when underway.
At night, Jake was still not very comfortable at keeping the watch when you can not see much or anything really around you except you rely on the radar.
So usually the first watch Bogdan took, then me and then at 4am we left Jake by himself so he had only 2 hours of total darkness instead of 4. Very fast he was getting to be more comfortable of being under way and no sea sickness at all.
In Mayaguana we went to check in but they did not have the proper forms and told us to do that in George Town.
We stayed there just one night and the next morning went again on the way to Georgetown, another 10 hours and we were at hub of crusing Bahamas - Exumas. Wow, what a difference between January and now. In the season this anchorage can hold several hundred boats. Now it was just a few.
Bahamas holds a special place in our hearts. We spent here quite a bit of time and our favourite was always Exumas.
It is also special because in the winter, there is plenty of Canadian boats (snowbirds as they call us). Now, I think we were the only Canadian flag out there.
At this point we have decided that instead of going further, we stay here for a while and have some work done.
Both projects- the water tank and the upper deck were waiting. Because there was no one close to us, we could sand the deck without fear of dusting someone else's boat.
It was also a good spot as there is a decent grocery store with ample supplies of fresh vegies and fruits.
So both men were doing their respective chores (some updates in the engine room as well.)
I was busy in the galley making sure, Bogdan and Jake had plenty of food and as healty as possible.
We did a bit of swimming each day after work. The water was so warm that it felt as if you going into a hot tub, not ocean.





All meals we had outside, although the deck was full of tools and we shared the table with those, but we did not mind. We always enjoyed that time of the day, good meal, nice sunset and after dark we would often watch movie on our 55" screen.







After few days, the decision was made that we will stay here till Jake's departure. We knew that we can manage to go further just the two of us but Jake's valuable help with the upper deck was very important to us. He managed to finish everything and Bogdan and him painted it white a day before his departure. It was tricky because there was a bit of rain every day, but we were lucky and made it. It looks like a million bucks now.
Jake left July 25 back home to his wife and 2 dogs and to his work. Thank you Jake for all your help. It was a pleasure to have you aboard Griffin. Hopefully you will remember this trip for a long time.

On July 1 we were ready to start our journey back.
We left the dock and moved to the anchorage the night before, so we can start the next morning early instead of waiting for bridge opening from the lagoon to the open ocean.
The wind was not that strong but the anchorage is exposed to the swell and Griffin was rolling a bit. I could see a little panic in Jake's eyes. He did not like this at all. O boy, if the trip will be like we had coming this way, then he won't survive long, I thought.
Next morning we pulled the anchor and starting our voyage at 8am. Once we started moving the rolling stopped and it was a smooth ride. Our guest felt much better and was getting used it by the minute. The whole day we were teaching him the basic knowledge of keeping at watch at night, so he can help us with that.
After 28 hours at sea we were approaching San Juan in Puerto Rico.

Before we left Canada in beginning of June, we looked for someone to help us move Griffin from St. Martin to Florida as with Bogdan's injury, some things he is unable to do and it would be a strain for us specially that the timing is crucial.
It was not an easy taks, as it was summer and hurricane season. We had 3 interested parties and we have chosen Jacob from Ottawa. We have never met, only talked on the phone and by email.
We were looking for someone with some experience on the water but also someone who is willing to help with some of the things that we needed to do (some prep work for paint etc).
Jake admitted very limited experience as a seamen but he told us that he is handy and would be able to help. He sounded very polite and respectful and with good sense of humor. We agreed that he will join us on June 23 in St. Martin.
As the date was approaching, we were anxious as to who will arrive. We took a big risk inviting someone unknown, but hey life is risky. I am sure Jake had the same worries coming to people who he does not know and not really knowing what to expect.
I even had once a dream that he was a huge man, hardly able to move.... LOL.
As it turned out, we could not be more lucky. Jake was in very good shape and exactly as he sounded in emails, respectful and eager to help.
Right when our young quest were leaving, we have hired a local crew to do some paint job on our railings, boom and mast (as it was worn out). We also contracted them to refinish the floors inside.
We were hoping they will be done by the time Jake arrives, so we can start our trip, but as always, things get delayed (mostly due to the weather) and it took longer for the painters to finish what we agreed on.



That being said, when Jake arrived, we were not ready to leave. We spend just about a week, wondering around the island, showing Jake some sights, eating out as we had very limited access to the boat due to work on the floors inside.

When we were still in Canada, we visited our dear friends Margaret's and Robert's daughter Kasia with her husband. We were fortunate to attend Kasia's and Mateusz's wedding in August last year. Kasia is my Goddaughter. She and her husband are lovely young couple. When we told them that most likely this will be our last trip on Griffin, they asked if they could come and visit, as this is the last chance.
They arrived on June 10 shortly after our arrival and joined us on Griffin for few days. I love having visitors. It forces us to take a break with the constantly demanding chores and spend time visiting places and relaxing.
We had a lovely time together.
We visited Fort Louis built in 1789. It is located on a hill overlooking Marigot Bay. We had to climb to the top (not too easy for me with my knee) but the view was to die for.













One day Kasia and Mateusz rented a car and all four of us took a trip around the island with few stops.
Worth mentioning is a resort that is spectacular. We met there a couple and they told us that most units are time share. Just a slice of a real paradise.







I think the main attraction for Mateusz was Maho Beach. It is a beach right at the end of the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. Lots of people are gathering there to watch the planes as they fly just above your head. Mateusz is airplane's enthusiast so it was a treat for him.





The young couple spent the whole next day on this beach.



We also spend some time on our dingy (as Kasia and Matusz called baby Griffin) to explore the lagoon. They were amazed how much evidence of damage was still everywhere and we were marveling of the strength of the winds in Irma (2017). Overall the French side is in worst condition then the Dutch one. The life goes on though and the business is blooming with even dough late in the season or out of the season, lots of tourist enjoying the life in paradise.













We also visited the highest point on the island called pic paradise. Again a steep climb but view was nice







Time flies when you having fun. Four days is a very short time and Kasia and Mateusz are leaving us. I meantime we had a crew of painters starting to work on Griffin. We need to refresh her. Specially the railings, mast and boom needed attention as the paint has been worn out and she does not look as sharp as she used to.

This is just in front of Griffin where our guest were leaving and our local crew started painting. We are anxious now to get things done and leave towards Florida, to avoid hurricanes.

We are back in St.Maarten with Griffin after couple of months in Canada.
One can plan and dream but sometimes life makes the decision for you and you are forced to change your plans.
After numerous visits with doctors, things are not so good as we hoped, they will be. Bogdan’s pain the the arm is due to the fact that he completely torn the main tendon, two other tendons are partially thorn and only the forth one is in tact. He was told that this was most likely building up over time and then something triggered the complete snap of the main tendon. Only a surgery might fix that if that even possible. We will know more after visit with the surgeon, but we have to wait for that. If it comes to the surgery, then after that – long therapy and recuperation before he can start using his arm.
My knee is not as serious. No one mentioned surgery but they told me that very long (6-8 months) of therapy should help. I did therapy for the 2 months we were there, but no help so far.
We discussed the issues back and forth but at the end, it was only one decision to be made. We can not continue on Griffin. An option to put Griffin somewhere on dry for probably 2 years to address the health issues we are having is not a viable option. We have done this once and we had too much work after to start using her again.
Not to mention that we are not getting any younger.
So, instead of going further south to Grenada, the plan now is to turn around and bring her back to Florida and put her on the market.
It was the hardest decision we had to make, specially for Bogdan but it was the wise decision.
Before leaving Canada we started looking for one more person to help us bring her back. With Bogdan’s arm it would be difficult if not impossible to do some things. We need to do few things before putting Griffin for sale.
We found an enthusiast from Ottawa, who is willing to go. He told us by email and over the phone, that he does not have much or any experience in actual cruising but he is handy. That was good enough for us. We knew that we can teach him to keep a shift at night when we are on the way. But more importantly he can help Bogdan with some manual things that normally Bogdan could do it by himself but with the injury, it would be difficult.
It will be our last voyage. Long and in a hurry as we are already in the hurricane season and in a hurricane zone. From St. Martin to Grenada would be a piece of cake to escape but to go back to Florida is a long way.
Till the next time

On March 29 we pulled the anchor before dark and headed to St.Martin. My eye doctor appointment was overdue and Bogdan's right arm was hurting as was my left knee.
We are getting older - pains here and there more often- LOL
On the way we spotted few dolphins that came to the bow to play in the wake. We wished our granddaughters were still with us to see this. Ewa specially loves the dolphins.



We arrived on the French side -Marigot on March 31 and same day we went to check in. Very convenient. There is a computer in the marine store and you basically fill out the application yourself, then the store clerk checks your passport against the application and you pay 2 dollars. Really 2 dollars. Love the French.
From our beautiful anchorage we explored by dingy the whole lagune. There is still lots of sunken boats in the lagune after the 2017 hurricane and some devastated homes but overall it is beautiful.







We thought originally that if you check in on either side, it will be good for the whole island, both French and Dutch Side. Not the case.
There were some worth the pictures mega yachts. I never get tired of looking at those.







We found the marina on the Dutch side that we originally contacted for storing Griffin while we go home.
We negotiated the price at Island Water World marina and set the date to come in on April 7.
On April 6 we moved Griffin from the French side to the Dutch side and had to check in again paying 40 dollars a week for being in the lagune. That is ofcourse on top of the marina fees.
This is our dock where Griffin is at the end.



We docked in the marina and started preparation for leaving to go back to Canada for a month or so.
Cover everything, check the batteries last time before leaving, empty and clean the fridge. The freezer was still pretty full so we left it hoping that they won’t have long power disruptions.
On April 11 we boarded West Jet and flew back home. Till next time, not too long from now

On March 5 it was time to go as our guest were arriving shortly to Virigin Islands.
This bird stayed with us for about half an hour just flying from one side of Griffin to the other.



We left in the morning and about 6 hours later we were in St. Thomas, Beautiful Virgin Islands. We have been here years ago on the cruise ship and then on our friends boat Diesel Duck. It has changed since then quite a bit. We have noticed that the amount of houses on the hills just about doubled.



We entered the West Gregorie Channel and made 2 turns around but it was crowded with lots of boats on numerous mooring buoys and cruise ships.



We went back to Druif bay and anchored there. Still close enough for a dingy ride to Crown Bay Marina but more exposed to the swell and not as smooth waters as I would like.
From our last visit with Marlene and Benno, I remembered that there is a wonderful delicatessen right in the marina. To my disappointment, it was gone now due to damages after last hurricane in 2017. Same with Costco. No longer existed and I was counting on re-provisioning before we left for our trip to Grenada.
There were other stores with plenty of food, so no big deal.
On March 11, our daughter Ania with her husband Andrew and our 2 little granddaughters Ewa and Emi arrived.
It was so good to seem them all. The most difficult part of cruising is that we miss our family specially the little ones.





We spent couple of days right where we were. There was a nice beach just a very short dingy ride so Ewa and Emi were in heaven. Adults did not complain either as there was a bar and good Caribbean music. Once the weather has improved a bit we went with Griffin to Meagan's Bay. It is considered as one of the best 10 beaches in the world.
Again, when we went there last time it was totally undeveloped and pristine. Now it is a crowded space with few bars and hundreds of people on the beach that come by buses and cars.
Interesting enough, during our stay there, there was about 6-8 mega yachts on anchor- power not sail and not even one sail boat. Indeed very unusual.







After 4 days there, we came back to the first spot in order to get into town to re-provision and see the touristic part where all the cruise ships are coming and letting out their customers to buy all the diamonds they dream about. It is very pretty area, very quaint and classy and the shops are trendy and expensive and just waiting to serve you.











We went for a nice lunch and then came back to Griffin.
Day after day were passing very quickly and it was as usual - breakfast, beach time for the girls, lunch on Griffin and again beach time. They never got tired of it. Both Ewa and Emi are taking swimming lessons back in Canada and they enjoyed swimming in the ocean.
Their time came to an end and we said goodbye to them. We were ready for the next step.



We really wished we had more time to enjoy more of Virgin Islands, US and British but we knew that pretty soon we had to fly to Canada for some doctor’s appointment and we have to leave Griffin somewhere for a month.
After talking to other cruisers, we decided to take Griffin to St. Martin and leave her there. It was a bit less expensive option then Virgin Islands.
Again we promised ourselves to spend much more time on Virgin Island when coming back from Grenada in a year or so.