Bahamas

     Wow! We are in the Bahamas!

     After much worrying about the passage from Key Biscayne to West End, Grand Bahama Island we had an easy passage. The worry was whether we should go because the weather window was so small. The wind shifted to the NE much earlier than forecast but it was so light it did not kick up seas in the Gulf Stream. Of course small seas is nice. No wind isn't. But, we are used to motoring. I do not like going on deck to raise the mainsail at night in open ocean. Chicken or prudent? Not sure.
Going around Cape Florida from No Name Harbor, Key Biscayne, FL at midnight was an adventure but after that it was easy going.

     The wind, when it came up, was from the NE and it brought some showers but it wasn't too bad. We couldn't sail into the wind because.... sailboats don't do that. Even if we were good sailors.

     The Old Bahama Bay Marina where we cleared Customs is a fancy resort. Expensive but a nice place to relax one night before moving on. The blue of the water is just stunning. We have been in the Virgin Islands as well as the Florida Keys and the Galapagos Islands so we know the comparisons.

     Next stop: Great Sale Key and then the rest of the Abacos.

Departing Marathon

     It's been five weeks of great weather in Marathon but we're ready to leave, at last. We had two days of 60 degree weather and two HOURS of daytime rain. Otherwise mostly perfect. 70s and several 80 degree days.

     The only bummer has been the repeated failure of our generator. $1800. in October that lasted 2 1/2 months. $1000. in January that lasted two DAYS. Grrrr. We received a new generator from the company for free but installation and wiring and monitoring upgrades cost us an additional $1300. Ouch! We're hoping we will not have further failures.

     Since Carol was done with her working/travelling interval we've been doing maintenance, restocking and touring. We've been out to Pigeon Key by way of the Old Seven Mile Bridge a couple of times. Lots of sealife in the water below the old bridge and during an openhouse on Pigeon Key I saw the underneath structure of the original railroad supports and a number of exhibits with wildlife including sea turtles, a gator, a croc, several snakes and a lionfish.

     We are headed up to Miami tomorrow to wait there for a weather window to cross the Gulf Stream and explore the Abacos, part of the Bahamas. Excited, nervous but, we think, prepared. It's about a 60nm trip and we've been about that far offshore before but crossing the Stream can be an adventure. We don't like adventures.

   We'll be somewhat out of touch because phone and email is expensive so only contact us if it's urgent. We'll have use of our phone but it will be off when not in use.