As the trade winds settle into the rhythm of the season, so we do, as well. After sailing Blue Pearl to Antigua mid December, and a quick visit back to the States for the some skiing and Christmas, we are back aboard with almost two lovely weeks of cruising already under our keel.

We spent the last ten days exploring Antigua by boat and car with a short, uncomfortable sail to Montserrat to see the live volcano, which, right on cue, burped a big ash cloud just as we approached, thankfully taken by the wind before it could rain ashes on us. Montserrat lost it's good harbor to the volcano years ago and the only harbor left is windy, rolly and buggy, so one sleepless night later, we decided to just skip the volcano tour and head back to Green Island on the east side of Antigua. The trip was hardly worth the stamp in my passport!

Juli and her friend, Annie, flew back to chilly Boston on Sunday and we are once again headed to the Windward Islands, our favorite part of the Caribbean.

St. Lucia, 200 miles, no worries. Les Saintes today, Dominica tomorrow, then an overnight sail to St. Lucia to meet friends in Marigot Bay. Sailing is as dynamic as ever here with a steady breeze of 12-20 knots with 25+ between islands. I am almost afraid to fish as landing one is quite the effort under these sailing conditions. Almost, I said, as the lure (no pun intended) of fresh fish for dinner sure is worth it! And I am Domenic's daughter. But we are READY this year, ALL hatches closed (no exceptions) and plastic curtains in place.

What else can I say to all our friends and family enjoying enduring winter in the Northeast? Get on down here and sail and swim and snorkel and explore with us. I can guarantee perfect weather, incredible scenery and outstanding trade wind sailing. And from what I see on the weather channel, there is very little of that to be had in the Northeast during the winter.