Happy Thanksgiving

Well, it is that time of year again, time to swallow the anchor of secure shore life and head out for adventure. After having worked for the past 6 months I have successfully completed a long list of items on my "personal to-do list". These include: re-stocking the cruising kitty with freedom dollars, completing my 50,000 mile health checkups, selling my house in Leesburg, updating all my shoreside paperwork and finding a crew (and first mate!).

Gail will be joining me for the first part of the voyage down to the Virgin Islands. The current float plan is to cruise the Bahamas in January, arrive in the Dominican Republic by late February, Puerto Rico by late March and then spend April in the Virgin Islands. After Gail heads back to the real world, I need to continue on to reach Grenada before hurricane season starts July 1.

I will be heading back to Florida and Starshine this weekend and I have a long list of boat chores. First on the list is painting the bottom, checking all through hulls and getting back into the water. Then I will install my new electronics (SSB and wind generator) and tackle a long list of repairs and upgrades. Gail will join me in Florida right after Christmas and we will head for New Year's in Key West.

I hope everyone has a great Holiday Season and an awesome 2010! Come visit us in Key West for New Year's or in the Virgin Islands in April!

New Adventure

Well, Dave finally found a crew member (at least for a few months). We plan on setting sail no later than the first of January and there is so much to do! He is leaving for Florida next weekend where I will join him in a few weeks. He has a long "list" of chores to get the boat ready which I am sure he will post soon! As for me, Dave has warned me that I am primarily in charge of the cooking so I am assuming he will catch a lot of fish for me to cook! I am spending the majority of my time reading basic "Sailing 101" books as there is so much to learn. Thankfully, I know that I am in the hands of a very experienced sailor and no worries (except if the engine dies)! On the contrary, I am very much looking forward to this trip and know it will be the adventure of a lifetime. More to come.....