We left Harborwalk Marina on Friday morning, Feb 25th, with a destination of Venice, La. Our crew consisted of Peter Blott (long time friend and sailing companion), David Howell ( friend and business associate), Bill Olson (delivery captain) and myself. We were blessed to have a crew that worked together as a team while sharing such a fun experience. Major challenge was approx. 36 hours of fog. Spent Sunday night in Venice, good hot dinner, showers and a solid nights sleep. Left Venice on Monday morning with a three hour foggy trip down the Mississippi River and then straight to Key West. Excellent winds that kept us close hauled with some motor sailing. Arrived in Key West on Thursday afteroon and was joined by Cathy and Sassy who drove from Galveston. We were able to share an anniversary dinner with our crew and Sassy. Left Key West the next morning headed to Marathon in 20 plus knot winds on the bow. About an hour out of Key West we wrapped some fising net in our prop. Dropped anchor in about 30 feet of water and with diving gear aboard we were able to cut the net free and continue on our way. Arrived Friday afternoon 7 1/2 days from our start. We traveled 987 NM and achieved top speeds of just over 10 knots while motor sailing. A great start to our cruising adventures. Our crew has left for home after an enjoyalbe celebration dinner and we have settled in getting Moonlight Shadow cleaned and ready for our cruising lifestyle

Today we made a short cruise of about 300 yards from our temporary slip to our permanent slip. We have some excellent dock mates. The local restrauant at the Marina has a fantastic happy hour with Margaritas and munchies that make for a culinary delight. We are headed back there tonight for another round while we watch the sunset over the Seven Mile Bridge as you leave Vaca Key. Have been enjoyably busy. More to come.........