Well, we're now actively planning for our departure, having decided on dates and a rough idea of our initial route.

Here's the schedule:

Michelle will finis work November 16th, I have my last school Nov 18th, then we'll put Audrey on the hard for final bottom prep/painting, then spend thanksgiving in NJ with family (hopefully all the kids/grandkids will be there!).

After that we'll make a trip to Europe to visit Michelle's parents and my sister.

Then we plan to leave Beaufort 1st or 2nd week in December, weather window dependent, aiming to go direct to the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, about an 11 day trip outside the Gulf Stream. Initial destination will be British or US Virgin Islands or maybe Antigua, depending on winds/weather.

Then we'll slowly make our way towards the Panama Canal via the Windward Islands, with a loose plan to transit the Canal in March or April.

Only 5 months to go and still so much to do - we sat down last night and prioritized and updated our lists of boat projects and other preparations (making copies of documents, updating charts, ordering cruising guides, arranging for vehicles and skiff to be sold/looked after, etc).

Of the boat projects, we've made really good progress on the list, with the main projects left to do before we leave:
- Complete installation of water maker
- Repack liferaft
- install retractable stern ladder
- Inspect all standing rigging, replace running backstays and topping lift with Amsteel
- Order remaining spares for pumps and wind vane

All other projects left on the list can be done when we're underway.

Very excited now - we're definite;y ready!!

Well, we're now installed onboard s/v Audrey in Taylor's Creek.
Had a VERY stormy night and some chilly weather during the first week or so, but both we and the boat held up well.
Also had some electrical issues with bad batteries and a faulty solar controller, both of which have been fixed/replaced - typical boat maintenance issues, always something to maintain or fix.

Because of the weird geography of the NC coast where we are, the Creek we're inn is parallel to the outer banks coastline, but runs east/west, not north/south as you'd expect, so we've have some stunning sunrises/sunsets on the creek (sunrise towards the Cape Lookout end of the creek, sunset towards Beaufort Town end of the Creek).
Michelle has been doing great getting to and from the boat using the skiff, even in the dark, while I've been away. We're both enjoying being on the boat, peaceful, sleep well - just looking for the warmer weather, which is on the way - supposed to be in the mid to hi 70s over the next week, with the lows in the mid to hi 60s - perfect live aboard weather!

We also saw some remarkable dolphin activity in the creek the other day - you can find that at YouTube using this link:

http://youtu.be/A-W5PqJFO7Y

Enjoy

Photo is of the sunset here yesterday evening, Feb 29, 2012.

Well, its now a month 'till we move aboard and we're slowly getting things organized.
Have a storage unti and have moved most of our non-essential stuff there, and have moved all the boat stuff back onboard after the haul out.
Only a few projects left to do before we move onboard:
- Stow everything (about 90% done)
- Install the water tank accumulator (stops the water pressure cycling)
- Install the final two LED reading lights - this will mean that ALL lights on board are LEDs with the exception of the anchor light at the top of the mast - will do that once we're on board.

See the photo gallery "View from Home to see what our view will look like.

We'll be going sailing this weekend - just to make sure everything is OL before Ian and Jessica get here for the wedding, then we can take them out.

All for now.

Coiuntdown to our cruise has began - now less than a year away from shoving off on the voyage of a lifetime!

Stay tuned

Well, its been a while. Since our last post, a lot has happened:
- We moved to Beaufort to a cute little 2 bedroom cottage
- Hauled the boat during hurricane season and did a lot of work, finally getting to some cosmetic work
- Put down a permanent anchor in Taylor's creek to keep the boat safe
- Bought a 17ft skiff to explore the shallow waters around the islands of Beaufort Inlet and also to get to/from Audrey
- Michelle started and is almost finished with her bachelors (straight As at the moment)
- I've been busy all year with the boat and superbike school

We've posted a new gallery which shows the boat on its new mooring. We're now all set to go sailing - will post some more once the weather gets back into the 50s and we go somewhere.

Good news is - boat is now - finally - in really good shape, has independent electric power courtesy of an Air-X marine wind generator, and a number of other upgrades and fixes. Still have a long list - but now the list is mostly small things (is there a boat owner out there without a long work list?)
All for now

Well, we survived the worst of the weather this winter, did a lot of work on the boat, and even managed to go sailing!
Our new Webasto warm air diesel heater has MORE than paid for itself - its awesome, and we've remained toasty warm all winter - just going outside has been - well, challenging!

See the Feb, 2010 Gallery for a contrast in weather:
- a video of us sailing in the Atlantic last week, cruising along at about 6.5 knots with about 12 knots of wind and dead calm seas. Temperature only in the 50s, but a beautiful day.
- Then see the photo, also from last week - waking up to 4-6 inches of snow

Still - better weather coming, so more sailing next week.