We're Back! After a very nice motor sail down from Sarasota yesterday, we anchored in Pelican Bay at Cayo Costa Island at the entrance to Charlotte Harbor. The day's sail was Ok but the winds were light to gusty. So one moment you would be sweating with little breeze doing 2 knots and then 4 minutes later you were heeling at 25 degrees with the water rushing by at 6.3 knots. Then back again. Karen was miffed that I would just let it happen but my only option was taking down the sails. As it was I kept the engine running all day just so we would make progress each time the wind died.

We opened a great bottle of Juan Gill wine for dinner and enjoyed the last night of the trip. We had the screens down and Karen opted to sleep in the cockpit. Maybe she was more than miffed or she just wanted to spend her last night enjoying the atmosphere.

Then up on the 1st of June to motor up the harbor, into the wind as usua,l to Burnt Store Marina to pump tanks and refuel. Out into the harbor again and up to our Alligator Creek and canal system to home.

Back at 13:00 on June 1st after 49 days, 1458 miles, 103 gallons of diesel fuel, 261 hours under power, three small propane tanks for the grill, wine and beer uncounted. Casualties: 1 wind vane, 2 boat hook clips, a shackle and clip. and a 10 year old laptop computer.

I made of list of 29 things to do or fix or improve on the boat. When we walked in the house there was a minor leak in a bathroom and the washer decided it was plugged with softener. The yard needs work and I'll have more than enough to do for the next few weeks.

Or I could make a quick run to the Keys. . .