We have had the pleasure of enjoying two seasons of cruising over the past two winters. The places we have visited are far away from the cold and snowy Virginia that we call home. But, weather is not the only detachment from regular American life. There are cultural customs, slower ways, new and different people at every turn. My title for this entry is "The First 24" because in my experience the first 24 hours after returning to the US is always filled with SO much stimulation.

For me it actually hits about 10 miles offshore when I can smell the land. In the Bahamas there is no real smell. (Other than food!) And when you leave the US you don't think to yourself, "get one last whiff 'cause we're leaving!" But it smells here! In a good way! Another plus to this is that its usually Spring when we return and everything is in full bloom! I love the first 24!

The cell phones. Necessary evil. It was #1 on the list...even before clearing customs...because we needed it to CALL customs!! Madness!

The restaurants and grocery stores! Actually, I start thinking about these two big ones long before we arrive. I love to eat & cook so naturally I am overloaded with anticipation that is wise to quench early on with a trip to both right away!

The Coast Guard. On the radio, in the water and their aids to navigation everywhere! Nice!

Now just because we are state-side it does not mean that the cruising stops. There are still many miles of water for us to travel through before arriving home. So after the adjustment period we will make way up the coast cruising home in the USA.