Bahamas here we come!

Nov 17-18 - Saint-Augustine FL

Our raw water pump had developed a leak so Brian had previously ordered in a spare (we have spare parts but a spare pump was a good idea).  Since the pump came in Brian installed it.  On the way to pick up the package, we went to a place called The Donut Experiment.  Brian had a donut with maple and bacon, and I had a Pad Thai donut with peanut butter frosting, chopped peanuts, and sriracha sauce.

The local falcons love perching on mast tops to look for fish.  We've chased it off several times.

Nov 19 - Saint-Augustine FL

We went out and had our propane cylinders recertified.  Apparently not an issue in the islands but needed in Canada and the USA.  While at the propane shop, I  made a new friend with a puppy.

We had another frustrating day with our water maker and after several calls, the manufacturer determined it is a bad pump.  So we needed to wait a few more days in Saint-Augustine for a new pump.  Not a bad place to be, we toured the shops at night, had half-price wings and $1.50 beers.  The town is preparing for the lighting of the lights so we may hang around for that as well.

Nov 20-23 - Saint-Augustine FL 

More fun in Saint-Augustine...

Nov 24-25 - Fort Pierce FL

After 166 nautical miles offshore from Saint-Augustine, FL we arrived in Fort Pierce, FL.  We were greeted by dolphins in the anchorage and glorious sunrise and sunset.  While in Saint-Augustine, we met David from S/V Eleanor and became a buddy boat.  We decided to go continue offshore with him.

Nov 26 - Fort Pierce FL

Fort Pierce is a great place.  We laughed at the "peacock crossing' signs and even more when we saw peacocks.  We have deer/moose and they have peacocks.

We toured the town and found a microbrewery,  and a fantastic pizza shop called Lorenzo's.

The best part of Fort Pierce is the manatees.

Nov 27 - Fort Pierce FL

Today was a good prep day for the Bahamas.  We bought 4 more 5 gal diesel jerry can, filled them and the boat tank.  Very happy that we used only 10 gallons with our passage and making water.  We did our provisioning run and now need to find storage space.  By the way, we still need to pick up veggies and meat.  We took the labels off the cans and wrote the contents on top.  In warmer countries, bugs seem to like the glue from the labels.  We also removed as much cardboard and recyclables as we could.  Our final preparations will be in Lake Worth as we wait for a weather window for the Bahamas.

Nov 28 - Lake Worth FL

We left Fort Pierce, FL and headed offshore for Lake Worth, FL with David (S/V Eleanor).  It took us 48 nautical miles and had a great sail.

Nov 29 - Dec 2 - Lake Worth FL

We have been slowly prepping and have been relaxing on Timmies-run while waiting for the correct weather window opportunity for the Bahamas.  As of now, it looks like it might be on the 4th.

Stay tuned and the next blog update will be from the Bahamas!

Go to Florida they say...it will be warm they say!

Nov 4 - Beaufort, NC to Cape Fear, NC

We started off the morning with a great breakfast underway.  This was a long 52 nm trip, with miles and miles of miles and miles.  The intercoastal on this leg is fairly boring, but are some very nice houses and interesting boats.

Nov 5 - Cape Fear, NC

We stayed put and recharged our batteries as it was a gloomy rainy day.  I got mt daily dose of dolphins and we had a pelican come to visit.  They always seem to look down their nose at us.

Nov 6 - Cypress River Plantation, SC

We are finally in a stare with the South in its name.  After a 61 nm day, we spent the night in a quiet anchorage with one other boat.  Very much like the hidden anchorages of the North Channel.  We are seeing more spectacular houses.  We also passed through 3 swing bridges.  Brian and I had a relaxing night and morning.

Nov 7 - Georgetown, SC

After a 21 nm hop to  Georgetown SC, we anchored outside the Georgetown Dinghy dock.  We walked the town, had ice-cream, and lost our dinghy lock when the tide went up.  Once again there are wrecks and abandoned sailboats.

Nov 8/9/10 - Georgetown, SC

In this anchorage, there are several abandoned boats on moorings.  The one next to us is a real pain.  It has a full keel and when the current changes instead of swinging it would drive forward on the mooring ball.  We fended it off but ended up shortening our chain to keep away.  We also had an old wreck next to us that makes strange spooky sounds with the changing tides.  We walked to the Piggley Wiggly and picked up some provisions.  We were invited on board of S/V Equinox (Rich and Ruthie) our buddy boat for pre-drinks before heading to Big Tuna.  When the tide went down we retrieved our boat lock from the town docks.

Nov 11/12 - Georgetown, SC to Cumberland Island, GA

Left Georgetown, SC  with our buddy boat Equinox and headed offshore to Cumberland Island, GA.  We arrived after 32 hours of being offshore.  We sailed for about 2 hours and then the winds turned to light.  It was a clear night with a large moon, so visibility was great.  We had dolphins visit us several times during the day and once during the night.  We also hit something in about 67 feet of water that jarred the boat and suspected it to have been a whale or manatee.  We visited the island with our cruising buddies Rich and Ruthie.  We also saw wild horses and deer in the distance.

Nov 13 - Cumberland Island, GA

No shorts and t-shirts today.  We are getting wicked winds from the north.  Winds were from 18 to 30 knots throughout the day and night.

Nov 14 - Cumberland Island, GA to Fernandina Beach, FL

Late afternoon, the winds calmed down enough for us to sail to Fernandina Beach Florida (only 45 minutes away).  This anchorage was better protected from the winds.

Nov 15 - Fernandina Beach, FL to Saint-Augustine, FL

We made it to Saint-Augustine after weathering the high winds and waves at our Cumberland Island/Fernandina Beach anchorages.  We've also noticed that the water at high tide seems to flood some of the properties next to the ICW.  Mr. Trump, I think global warming is affecting your new home state.

Nov 16 - Saint Augustine, FL

Since we are at anchorage, we needed to pay for dinghy dockage.  For $12 a day, we get access to showers, laundry facilities, and Wifi.   I did laundry while Brian brought in our Jerry cans for diesel/gas.

We also visited a used boat parts store, bought a heavy offshore rod and reel at a pawnshop, and visited a liquor store.  We ended up the night a the White Lion bar with cruising friends enjoying $1.50 draft beers.  This is the upside of cruising life.