I have been back aboard for almost a week and it is great to be back. The first few days were spent rushing around doing all the last minute chores to prepare to cross to the Bahamas. We now declare that we are truly "ready" but of course the weather has other ideas. We have been checking the forecasts at least twice a day and it really is an exercise in frustration. We look ahead 4-5 days and see a possible window only to have it dissolve away 24 hours later. Keeping ourselves in a constant state of readiness is wearing to say the least. But we do not want to relax our vigil as undoubtedly that is when the window will materialise.

Despite this, I am really enjoying being back in the warmth and although we have had some cloudy days it sure beats the frigid North East. Today was fun when we ran into Walt and Mary from Orion. They were one of our original Buddy boats when we crossed over to the Abacos 2 years ago. They are back in Marathon but without Orion. If we are still here, we plan on meeting for lunch on Monday. Tom and I have also been out with Tom from Windlass a few evenings. Tom and Tom have become good friends, having first met in Elbow Cay in May 2008 and now meeting up again here. Both times I was off working and it seems that the boys have had a good time visiting the local watering holes whilst I was gone. The guys were greeted like long lost locals by the bar staff when we visited this week - Hmmmm!

Once we get underway we will be doing an overnight trip, crossing the Gulf Stream, to arrive at the Bahamas Banks at first light the following morning. Then we will spend a second day crossing the shallow banks, aiming to get as far as we can before nightfall. Once it gets dark we will have to anchor on the banks but hopefully will be able to reach Nassau the next day (the third day) and clear in with Customs and Immigration. Once the formalities are completed we will be making swift tracks to the Exumas where Legacy is patiently waiting for us. Once we are reunited with our buddies we will be able to relax, fall into island time and slowly cruise down the Exuma chain. We cannot wait - here's hoping that elusive window get itself organized.