Back in the US

We did cross Sunday as planned BUT not with the weather we were expecting.
This was not our worst crossing but also not our best.
We had aquarium water all along the bank but went too far -- too close to Memory Rock. The wind kicked up and so did the waves which made for a very uncomfortable night of TRYING to sleep. I had to come upstairs to try to sleep. This is the closest I have come to actually being sick on the boat, I even got out a brown bag in case I needed it.
It was not fun trying to get the anchor up in the winds --20-30, plus waves about 2 feet. We had 2 footers about 3/4 across then glass. We had planned to got to Fort Pierce but the water was so nice and we were averaging speeds close to 10 mph so we looked at other options. I checked the tides for Sebastian Inlet and found we would enter on an incoming tide. On to Sebastian.
Coming in the Inlet we reached a speed of 14.2mph a new top speed for us. Good thing we had checked the tide charts -- would not have been pleasant on an outgoing tide.
We did not go far to anchor. Paul called to "check us in" with customs and immigration. Sure was easy with the Local Boaters option cards we got last year.
We spent some time making phone calls and then "adjusting" to a different life. Lot so cars, motorcycles, lots of noise, lots of lights, trains -- and just a different life.
We watched the NASCAR race. We both slept well in our beautiful CALM quiet anchorage.
We were going to stop in Coco Beach but I talked with our friend Susan and she had a change in her party plans. We are planning to get the boat to Brunswick then head for West Palm for her party so we need to step things up a little.
We went to one of our frequent anchorages in Mosquito Lagoon. There is no protection from wind in any direction but no problem the wind is predicted to be 5k and less.
We anchored in about 7 feet of water. Paul put out about 70 feet of chain.
We had a nice dinner and enjoyed setting on the bow for a pleasant evening.
We had one dolphin playing around the boat.
Paul checked Weather Works and saw a small storm west of us that we would probably get a tip of and a BIG one north that really looked nasty so we hoped it would pass us.
We did get just a small portion of the small storm but just as we were headed to bed the BIG one hit. We had many gust over 50 mph topping at 55mph. The boat rocked,bounced and swung. The storm lasted more than 30 minutes. We did have some lightning but mostly wind and lots of rain. We were both "uncomfortable" sitting in the pilot house watching the wind gauge.
Our trusty Super Max anchor held and the boat got all the salt washed off. We still made it to bed by 11:30 and had a good nights sleep with winds less than 5 mph.
We have just passed through Daytona -- lots of memories here

Heading back to the US

Just a short post to say we are headed back to the US.
We are planning to leave here, Man O War around 2 this afternoon. We are hoping to cross the Gulf stream on Sunday.
Our plans were greatly escalated due to the weather. The Gulf stream has been 2 ft or less for several weeks. Sunday night it is predicted to go to 2-3 then build more from there -- nothing too substantial AT THIS POINT but we are not taking any chances -- so there goes my shelling out the window -- next year.
Yesterday we had lunch and dinner from my favorite Hibiscus Cafe as a last hurray.
The weather has turned more hot and humid. If we were to stay much longer we would have to start running the air conditioner which we will have to do in Brunswick But Paul and I neither one like air conditioning.
Friends Don and Ellie on Star arrived this week. We had hoped to spend some time with them.
I did get a lot of sewing done so I am happy with that.
I will post when I get Internet in the states. My Verizon is suppose to be turned on tomorrow along with my air card so I should have it when we arrive.
Happy Father's Day to all the Dads.

Sunday June 14

Not much new to report this week. Last weekend we towed the dinghy to Spoonbill with our dingy back to Marsh Harbour. It was a good trip -smooth water all the way.
We have been snorkeling in the afternoons off Pappy's Land. One day we saw an eel inside a coral head. Paul said it would not come out. We swam around to a few more coral heads then all of a sudden I looked down and there was the eel slithering along the bottom. Paul said it would not come to the top but I was done for the day. The next day we were swimming along and a small ray swam right under us and just kept going. It happened so fast I just kept on going. It is fun and a great way to cool off in the afternoons. Lots and lots of different kinds of fish.
I have been sewing up a storm. I am up to 4 tablecloths,16 napkins, 8 salon curtains, 8 bedroom curtains and 1 pillow covered. In MY OPINION, I am getting better all the time.
We did finally have 2 days with no rain. We saw rain over toward Treasurer Cay but did not get any here. Now we are back to rain. It rained yesterday and today -- not long or hard but still rain enough to water the flowers.
Yesterday, just about the time the rain hit, we went to a benefit for the sailing club -- great food.
I have not been running everyday because it is getting a lot warmer earlier and I am NOT an early riser. When I do get up early I do go run.
Paul is talking leaving here next week -- I am trying to drag my feet as much as I can. It is beautiful here now and the water is so perfect for swimming.
All for now

Happy Labour Day

That is not a typo today is Labour Day in the Bahamas. Many stores are closed. That makes 2 holidays this week. We celebrated Whit Monday this past Monday. Many places were closed also.
Last week we took Odyssey to Marsh Harbour to pick up the scooter. We went on Wednesday so I could go to Ladies Lunch. There were only 4 of us at Ladies Lunch but I had a good time. We also decided to go to the art show at Winding Bay on Friday. Martha Applebee is a member so we decided to go for lunch. So on Friday (one week ago) Paul took me back to Marsh Harbour in the dinghy. Several more ladies joined us for the trip to Winding Bay. We had a great lunch. The art show was small but I particularly enjoyed seeing the work Of Ray Adams. He is a member of the Yacht Club and also goes to the Kirk Of the Pines Church where I go in Marsh Harbour. He is a fantastic artist and I really like his work. He and Dick Cuneen (from the Boat Raggedy Ann that was docked next to us all winter) flew over from Florida for the show. We had a nice visit. The ladies dropped me off at the Conch Inn Marina where Paul was waiting for me to come back home.
It is still raining everyday so I am getting a lot of sewing done. I made 2 tablecloths with napkins to match. I think they are very pretty.
Paul was able to work on the scooter and, thank goodness, it was just a broken wire so we have a scooter again -- we will not use it until we get back to the states now but it now does not have to be at the top of the replacement list- Paul's computer, the one we use for navigation has that distinction. He is using my old computer for Weather Works, our satellite weather program, but does not want to load the charts in it because we can only reload them once. We will travel back to Fl using way points.
Jeff Key, our favorite taxi driver from Marsh Harbour lives here on Man O War so we invited him for dinner last night. It is such fun talking to someone who has lived here all his life. I enjoy the "stories" of the real Bahamas.
Time to go get some more sewing done-- I am just a regular " Susie Homemaker".

My "pet" barracuda. I can take them this size. He is here every day.


A real "ham" posing for pictures. The fur on top is disappearing. I did not take nearly as many pictures this time--maybe only 50.


He (or she) let me get real close


Chasing a bug on the dock

Glad we live on a boat

I am certainly glad we live on a boat. I was beginning to think we were going to have to start loading the animals on the boat. We had rain every day for over a week. I am really not complaining because it was much needed here. The cisterns on the island were getting low. Also the flowers are so beautiful after all the rain. Looks like we were not alone with the rain. Florida got hit much harder than we did. Funny I was watching the NASCAR race and after cancelling yesterday because of rain it was shortened today because of rain -- Guess it is the rainy season.
I have taken advantage of the rain and being here at Pappy's Land to sew. I finished my curtains for the salon. If I do say so my self they look pretty good - excellent if you apply the 10 foot viewing rule.
We have had several dinners and a happy hour with our Friends Barb & Barry on Beach Cruiser and Donna & Jimmy on Christian. BUT they have decided it is time for them to head back to Florida so they are leaving tomorrow.
We have enjoyed 2 baby birds. The first we saw them about 2 weeks ago they were still very furry. We did not see them yesterday or today and I am afraid they have finally gotten big enough to move on. I have taken over 100 pictures of them.

I have included a picture of an Albury Ferry aground -- we don't see that very often.

Happy Birthday to me

Yes today is my birthday -- another 29.
Barbara from Beach Cruiser has been helping me all week on my new curtains for the salon. We have them all cut out and today I finished up curtain #1. Now Paul has decided maybe they are too wide -- 4 days I have worked on ONE curtain.
I have been running everyday.
Tuesday we invited Pastor Randy and his wife Paula from the New Life Bible Church for dinner. We had a very pleasant evening. They are wonderful people.
Wednesday Paul & I went to Marsh Harbour for the day. I went to Ladies Lunch at the Jib room. It is fun to see my friends.
That's about it for this week.

Happy Mother's Day

I went to Church here in Man O War -nice people nice church great Pastor. He and his wife are coming for dinner here on the boat Tuesday.
Janet called soon after I got home. It is so nice to talk to her.
Later in the day Paul called his Mom and I called my Mom.
I also talked to my sister Becky. SKYPE is wonderful.
Update
Last week Paul & I went snorkeling --actually I just swam, off Pappy's Land. Lots of fish and the water was perfect.
Thursday we went to Tahiti Beach.I had a great day. Packed a picnic lunch and the shelling was good.
Friday I went for a short run then we took the dinghy to Marsh Harbour. Paul wanted to check the dinghy motor on Semper Fi. We did some grocery shopping then had lunch with Susan ( Susan's Cove).
Got home in time to cook dinner for our company. Barb & Barry (Beach Cruiser) and Donna & Jim (Christian). I fixed a roast, mashed potatoes,gravy, salad, asparagus, my Italian bread and then a cheese cake for dessert. I thought everything turned out good. They seemed to enjoy it and we had a good time.
Saturday I just sort of frittered away the day. The NASCAR race was another bust for my Carl. I hope he is not as depressed about it as I am.