Currently we are anchored in Lake Worth waiting for favorable weather to cross to the Bahamas. Conditions were nearly favorable but we wanted to hold out for perfect winds as it will be the kids' first offshore voyage. As we waited, a Northeast wind popped up which isn't good for the Gulf Stream so now we have a few more days of sitting. Likely we will haul anchor and continue south on the ICW to Miami or Port Everglades. Atleast that way we'll be moving and we'll have a better angle of approach to Gun Cay in Bimini.

On Monday we have to get a new valve cover gasket for the auxiliary engine as it has been giving us problems. This will be the third time I've had to replace it. Hopefully it doesn't involve getting a new valve cover. Asside from that the engine has been completely rebuilt and runs great.

Tonight we are treating ourselves to a hotel. With all the holiday boat traffic the anchorage was rolling pretty good. One of my friends from back home lives nearby and his wife got us a deep discount on a plush suite at the Hampton where she works. It's nice to have unlimited water. The shower is huge with 4 faucets so the kids had a ball getting cleaned up. Normally we wash with salt water and rinse with fresh since our boat only holds 100 gallons. That amount lasts us about a week. We got our new Ecoloblue watermaker but I have yet to hook it up. Once running it will provide us with 8 gallons a day of pure fresh drinking water. No more hauling gerry cans or stopping to fill up. And we will be off grid sufficient.

We'll write more later.

GL