Heading to the U.S.

Ed, Emma and I have all been to Customs and Immigration, received our umpteen stamped pieces of paper and stamped passports and we are cleared for checking out of Trinidad, W.I. tomorrow morning.

"Martin" the cabdriver will pick us up at 3:45 a.m. in order to have time to load our six pieces of luggage plus three boxes and get us to the airport which is 45 minutes away.

Today we took a little island tour and went up the mountain to the rain forest. We asked about snakes and he said, "not to worry". We asked about monkeys and he said, "only orange ones". I asked, "how big to the orange ones get?" "Oh, he said, about as big as you!" We didn't see one, but Emma had her camera ready just in case.

The town of Trinidad has some beautiful buildings, very very old buildings, a few castles and of course some nice new modern ones. Kentucky Fried Chicken is big here...who would have thunk it?

We asked Martin to take us to a nice place for lunch and he said, "what do you want?" There's a place with some nice shark and bread sandwiches." "No, how about something American or Italian?" He said, "I will take you to a place." We ended up at a TGI Fridays! It was one of the best meals I've had in a long time!

This afternoon is just organization time, as well as time for rest until dinner. It's so bloody hot here, none of us want to go to the pool.

We talked at lunch about our high points and low points of the trip and we all agreed that one of the best times was dinner with friends Craig and Kim and Herman while in St. Thomas. We enjoyed our trips to the various beaches of course while in
at Honeymoon Bay, St Thomas, St. John, St. Martin and Virgin Gorda. We also agreed that we needed more time to enjoy the places we went but on this trip there just wasn't time. Another year.

All in all, we are all very anxious to get home and see family and friends and be back in the United States of America.

Thank you for following our journey.

Gods blessing and peace,

Lisa

A Moment of Personal Privelage...

This morning, after a good breakfast, we all three got in the dingy and headed to what we thought we the Peake Yacht office. However, we just did not see it. There were ships and boats of all kinds and as we looked at the old dilapidated buildings along the shore, we saw nothing that said "Peake Yaghts". We pulled up along side a fairly large 180' or so work boat with dark skinned men aboard and I yelled up...."do you know where Peake Yachts is?" To which they replied, "don't know" in some foreign language. So we moved on; while looking at the VERY black sky coming over the mountain top and hence decided we would postpone our journey to later after the rain was finished. GOOD MOVE!
The rains came hard and fast;;;;all the while we were comfy inside Great Mates II having margaritas.

After eating up the left overs in the frig, we said, "lets head out". Hence, we got back in the dingy and motored around until we found the Peake Yachts office. Upon checking in and getting all the paperwork with which to store our vessel, we walked and walked and walked to search out the land of boats. Big ships, little sailing vessels from ALL OVER, and "regular" boats. Some stored on the hard already and others being prepared to be stored.

Do you know that an up charge for storage on the hard is GREASE on the chalks of which the boat is stored in order that creepy crawlies cannot get up to the boat. Yep, I'm all about that grease!

Also, please note, I have learned that the best pest control (as well as many other uses) is BORAX. Plain old Borax, laundry detergent, pest control, cleaner, etc.

Now, on to my story for the day.

We watched a movie while enjoying the rainy day and then decided it was time to venture out once again.

Here's my moment....I watch Ed and Emma prepare the dingy to launch and move. They each know what to do in order to make a smooth boarding for me. How lucky am I? They both have scraps, cuts on their hands from the cables and ropes; but me? None of the above. I just get in and ride.

So at the end of the day....it's been a good day. Check out the pictures to get an idea of the variety of this place.

Gods peace and understanding,
Lisa

It's a happy day in Trinidad!!!!!

Frankly, it's hard to believe. For the last 18 months or so, Ed and I have been talking about cruising to Trinidad and by the grace of God....we have made it!

It has been a long journey and there were times I just wanted to say, "I quit, get me off of this damned boat". But I am not a quitter and, Ed is an awesome Captain and Emma as a "deck hand" has been just terrific. And, Capt. Curt Chapman who made that terrible journey with us from Sarasota to St. Thomas, AND all the workman who assisted us along the way, AND, friends and fellow cruisers who gave ideas, lists and support....we made it! Thanks one and all!

Now what? Well, tomorrow we will check with Mr. Junior Thomas at Peake Yachts to review our check in for being stored "on the hard" for the hurricane season. Then we will begin preparing Great Mates II for storage until our return; likely not until January 2012.

Preparing for being stored is similar to winterizing our camper but a bit more. We are not worried about freezing, obviously, but about too much heat and humidity. So, we will have a window air conditioner installed (that we will rent) and a few fans and we will have a temporary cover made as well. We have to take a complete inventory as well.

June 8th, we depart from Trinidad, fly to Miami and onto Indy! I can't wait to be home.

We have much to celebrate....primarily that Audra and Billy are expecting a little baby boy in late November. Emma has graduated from college and is moving on to work in the yachting world out of Ft. Lauderdale and Lucas and Stacey have good jobs. And, Ed and I....we are just GREAT MATES!

Cheers to all our followers and may Gods peace be with you.

Lisa

June 1, 2011

The pay toilets in St. Martin
Sunrise at Montserrat
Captain Ed ~ calling home via our satellite phone.

These are just a few of MANY photo's of our journey.

Oh, and Ed double checked our mileage traveled since departing Sarasota. 1900 nm in 46 days and we're not done yet!

So here we are an anchor in Grenada, "The Spice Island". We are rolling side to side constantly which doesn't make for a pleasant anchorage but it is what it is. Raising and lowering the dinghy is difficult and a bit dangerous so we hope for calmer waters later today.

A few facts about Grenada....

This is a relatively small island. Grenada is 21 mi long and 12 mi wide. The interior is a lush rain forest and the island is a major producer of nutmeg, cinnamon, mace, cocoa and other spices and flavorings. Jimmy Buffet writes about spending time here as did his grandfather who captained a large freighter for exporting.
There's a spice plantation and a nutmeg-processing plant that we might visit today. St. George is the capital of Grenada. I think this is the last of the Eastern Caribbean islands that uses EC's (Eastern Caribbean dollars) for it's money. Currently the exchange rate is fixed at EC $2.67 to US $1.00.
Our Latitude is N11.59.977 x Longitude W061.45.825.
Grenada has white-sand beaches as well as black-sand beaches. It is common to see down 100' of clear turquoise/emerald green water so snorkeling is awesome. One historical fact...there's a place called Carib's Leap on the islands northernmost tip. Carib's Leap is the 100-foot vertical cliff from which the last of the indigenous Carib Indians flung themselves into the sea in 1651. After losing several bloody battles with European colonists, they chose to kill themselves rather than surrender to the French.

Based on our "Clearpoint" weather update, tomorrow will be our best travel day so about 2:00 a.m. we will pull up anchor and head down island 85 m to our final destination, Trinidad!

God's peace,

Lisa, Ed and Emma
(aka: Ginger, Fillippi, Kuzi Suzi)

Grenada!!!

Well, I am beginning to feel a sense of great accomplishment.....since departing our beloved Sarasota on April 16th, we have traveled many miles; probably 2500 but Ed will double check via the chart plotter which keeps a trail for us.

We spent Memorial Day at anchor in Carriacou; and after reading our daily devotion on the back deck after breakfast, we each had a moment of thought about how grateful we are for those whom have fought for our country.

Each area we stop has its own history of initial discovery/ wars over who owns that island/ and dates of events. It appears to me each island has had its occupancy/ownership battles mostly between the French and Great Brittan. Of course there is a history of slavery and abolishment on each island.

Fellow boaters understand that at times cruising out in the big water can get pretty boring so, one will make up entertainment. Today as we pulled anchor from Carriacou, we passed three HUGE rocks which did not appear to be inhabited. So while sitting in the pilot house, we determined we would lay claim to those rock/islands.

One has been proclaimed, "Ginger" ~ Queen of Callie, then the next, "Phllippe", King of Rhonde, and the last, "Kuzi Suzi", Queen of Kick em Jenny.

Now, the island names are on our charts....the rest we just made up. Then of course, we added in our conversation that dear friend, Captain Craig would be allowed to open his bar on one of our islands....his bar being one that he only wears his lime green mankini and the waitresses wear lime green bikinis and everyone has a kuzi for their cold drinks with a picture of the face of Kuzi Suzi!

Silly....but fun and self-entertaining.

We will stay here until Thursday at which time we will depart around 2:00 a.m. and begin our last leg of our journey to Trinidad.

Personal note.....I am grateful to God for a safe passage. He answers prayers!

Personal note #2....I am also grateful to my husband who indeed, without question is the Captain of Great Mates II. This man can fix damned near anything that breaks, he transfers fuel as needed, empties the bilges as needed as well as the grey water tanks, he activates the water maker so we have plenty of fresh water with which to shower, do laundry and wash dishes. He also anchors the boat while I position with forward/backward/port/starboard wheel. He also takes over the wheel when I "loose it". Captain Ed! Salute`!

Personal note #3....Emma Kay has done a grand job of learning/helping do whatever/keeping the ropes (lines) coiled neatly on the deck, putting out bumpers needed on approach/dockage and navigating. Good job kiddo! You'll make a grand captain some day if you wish!

Done for now ~ will post pix when I can; and there are some great photos.

Peace!

Lisa

N14.04.523' x W060.56.991" ~ Saint Lucia

We have arrived at Rodney Bay, St. Lucia.

Relatively, smooth seas from Martinique, Fort of France.

This, Rodney Bay Marina, is the nicest Marina we have enjoyed since departing Sarasota FL! The docks are well constructed, and the Marina is VERY CLEAN. There are restaurants at the Marina ~ there's a pool ~ they have a nice laundry drop off ~ they have a grand ships store (Chandlery) and the people are very helpful and nice and they all SPEAK ENGLISH! I could be content to stay here a bit BUT, I don't think it is a safe hurricane hole. So, we will journey on to Trinidad later after stopping at a few other places.

Here's an update....

This morning, a fellow came to work on the salon AC which entailed replacing a capacitor. No worries, everything working now.

After he did that, we began to prepare to depart Martinique. I went to Customs, Ed and Emma walked to the Marina office (a good hike in the heat) and after I finished at customs, I went back to the boat to finish getting ready to cruise. As soon as I opened the door, I said to myself and outloud...."OH NO!" I smelled the smoke of an electrical fire! I ran down to the engine room and opened the door and smoke was rolling out! HOLLY SHIT!! Ed was still gone, the starboard generator was running and I had no idea how to shut it off. I ran out to the gas dock to ask the workers to call the Marina office to get my husband back to the boat! They did but he had already left. NOW WHAT?!?!?

I ran down the dock stopping at our dockmates and pounded on their door to ask for help. They didn't answer. I ran further and spotted another dockmate walking towards me. I said, "Please, help me....I have smoke coming from the engine room, it's electrical, my husband is gone and I have no idea how to shut down the generator!" He ran back to the boat with me. Down to the engine room, he found a switch and turned it off. We then examined the wiring and it was melted, from the generator starter motor to the battery bank. We pulled down the smoke detectors in order to silence them and all was ok.

I WAS SO SCARED!!!!

He (Clive) said, you're ok...the boats ok".

After that, Ed and Emma were walking down the dock. I said, "Ed we have a problem, but this man is our boats savior". I began to explain. Off Ed and Clive went to the engine room. Ed explained that we have another generator (port side) and it's seperate than the starboard generator. So, Ed started that generator and we were all good. After which, he started the main engine and we had the dockhands release our lines and we were off. Ed says I missed the sailing vessel to our starboard by inches...Oh well, I missed it, so that's a good thing and off we went.

Just this morning after breakfast, Ed, Emma and I read from "Daily Guideposts" as usual. The scripture quoted from James 2:18 was, "Show me your faith without doing anything, and I will show you my faith by what I do".

This man, Clive....he had a background with the British Royal Navy in heavy electonics. God has shown me His blessing, once again.

So now on to Saint Lucia....

We pulled into Rodney Bay Marina and the sight was lovely. That being said, I got a bit close to the docks previous to preparing to back in and SHIT, the dock hit low on my port side and crunch! A bit of damage.

We tied off, I went to customs as usual to check in and then on to the Marina office to check in and while there asked for someone who could rebuild our starter (for that Port Generator) AND, while we were tieing off, a fellow approached and said he did all kinds of boat maintenance. I asked him..."to encompass what?" To which he replied, "gel coat, waxing, fiberglass repair, etc." Ed said, "can you fix that crunch?" He said, "yes, I will do a temporary fix tomorrow" as he understood we were going into the yards in Trinidad.

God provides! All kinds, all needs, all the time.

NOTE: Emma has learned well how to throw out lines,

We will stay here a few nights and rest, eat and enjoy some snorkeling and the beach.

May God be with those who have suffered storm damages.

Blessings,

Lisa

Martinique. May 24

Well, Ed, Emma and I decided we would bypass Guadaloupe after departing Montserrat and cruise all night since we had smooth seas and get a jump on our schedule. This morning, we arrived at Martinique. Boy, I wish I had taken that Rosetta Stone French course, cause everyone speaks French here.
The seas were perfect! What a delight.
That being said, I backed Great Mates II into the skiniest slip ever. No pylons, only bouy's and lines. Well, we didn't hit anything so I consider one more successful dockage. Ed proved an excellent coach and Emma; a great line thrower.
I walked to Customs to check in only to find I needed my ORIGINAL boat registration papers...so I walked back to retrieve those. Then walked back again to give them to the customs agent.
Note....if I were to help make an improvement in global economy, I would standardize the Customs and Immigration forms. So far, the French have it down the best.
Our Salon AC unit is not working so we have requested a worker. He was to arrive today at 2:00. It is now 3:30 and he's not here yet.
This marina is FULL. And, it is HOT! But, Due to the structures, and language, I really get the feeling of being in a different country. We hung our laundry out to dry over the bow. Maybe I will check out the French beaches....
We will stay here for a few days before venturing on to St Lucie. Ed and Emma wish to zip line and do a canapé walk. Maybe I will too. Or, maybe I will find a nice little French spa and some shopping.
Gods peace and understanding....
Lisa

St. Martin....N.A.

It is May 19th, one day after my 56th birthday. I've learned and realized several things as I've shared before and here are some new thoughts.

The INFRASTRUCTURE of the Virgin Islands and the Islands south are lacking considerably. I have made commentary about roads but that's just one,,,, "creature comfort" that, the lack thereof, I have found distasteful.

The dirt in normal (?) places....the trash along the streets....heck it's no wonder that island people feel comfortable in Brooklyn NY...not that ALL places in Booklyn are crappy. Ed and I have visited some places in Brooklyn that are wonderful. But here... trash, crappy apartments, little stores with just enough....suffice it to say, "I am a spoiled American" and I'm unafraid to admit it....because we worked (we worked our asses off) for what we have.

But now on....

Yesterday, Emma and I walked to the nearest beach. It was there that I had a glorious birthday celebration. These two Jamaican women came up to Emma and I and asked if we wanted an..."aloe vera massage". I asked, "how much"? They said, $20.00U.S. dollars for your legs and feet and another "$10.00 for your back". So to make a long story short, Emma and I both had both.....are you kidding? I'm saying to myself, I am on the beach in St. Martin, N. A. with one of my children and these two wonderful ladies want to expand our pleasure by giving us a massage with natural aloe vera that they have plucked from their own gardens. YEAH! This is good. Oh, and the massages....over an hour. I can deal with that.

Today....

I had taken clothing from our closets and drawers to box up and send back to Miss Amanda Wenz, our "house manager". I put the clothing in trash bags in order to take them to the nearby FED EX shop so they may be put into boxes and shipped home.

1.5 hours later after filling out form after form after form we were told our total price for sending these clothes back home. Nearly $500.00 for two boxes. I was shocked! While in St. Thomas we also has sent home two boxes of clothes for less that $60.00.

Well, I figured; "we are in a different country and they are dealing with customs and all the red tape. It's not their fault." And, I wished to get the clothes home. So I agreed to the price and gave the FED EX agent my card. Then they said, "I'm sorry, we don't take credit cards". To which I blew my top!!!! "Are you kidding me? We have stood here for 1.5 hours, filled out all the requested forms, agreed to you rediculous price and now you tell me you only take cash?" How many people carry around $500.00 in cash?

So, I said, "forget it, give us our boxes back and we will find other methods. I know it's not your fault but obviously FED EX needs some work." So off, Ed, Emma and I walked back to the Marina with the loaned cart and put the boxes back on board.

This all being said, my opinion thus far of the Carribean Islands is that I am not impressed. I prefer the west coast of FL....specifically, Sarasota. This is a place I think I will end up. Research continues.....

Tomorrow or Saturday destination is St. Kits. Then; onto Antiguilla.

Thank you for reading my rant. Thank you for following our journey.

God's blessigs and peace,

Lisa

Simpson Bay Yacht Club, St. Marten, Neatherlands, Antilles

This morning, Chief Engineer "Philippi", 1st Mate "Kuzi Suzi" and me, Captain "Ginger", all arrived safe and feeling pukey at the Simpson Bay Marina and Yacht Club about 9:45. We anchored out....somewhere, about 6:00 a.m. so we could get some rest from the night of horrible weather, big waves from every direction, lightening, and scattered belongings as a result of our little ship being tossed around. Great Mates II did just fine with exception to the main engine room big blower quitting, BUT, the boat can take alot more than can we. We're alive and safe, that's all that matters.

We will be here until perhaps Friday after which we will continue our cruise south....maybe next stop will be in St. Vincent, Grenada. I much prefer short day cruises, 4-6 hours, perfect! More than that, it just gets tough, especiallly when one is being tossed about by that mighty ocean.

I once heard Goldie Hawn recall advice from her father. "Goldie, if you ever get feeling too big for your britches, look out there at that might ocean". Enough said!

It is my sense of things that we will have smooth waters from here on to our final destination, Peake Yacht Boatyards/Marina in Trinidad. I do preach to expect positive outcomes, so I'm doing just that!

As to the nicknames....those are given to each of us by our dear friend and chief imaginary, Captain Craig Rutkai. These "Terms of Endearment" were given over much laughter and story telling so we'll just leave it at that.

It is hot here, damn hot. But there is a constant breeze so unless you are standing in the sun for more than 20 minutes, it's pleasant.

We are on the Dutch side of St. Marten and the people seem very friendly and helpful. We will find out if there are any difference's when we journey by cab or dinghy to the French side, Saint Martin.

For those who are following that are not boaters, I will explain "checking in" when you go to a different country.

Upon arrival, I, as Captain of the vessel, have to take my packet of; all passsports of those aboard, boat registration and any previous check-in documentation papers. The rest of the people have to stay onboard until I return. During this time, our yellow (Quarantine) flag must be flown. This time, the yacht club worker took me in their dinghy to the Customs and Immigration Office. I walked in, ask to check-in, they give me papers to fill out, I did so, then showed my boat registration papers, all passports and they checked everything, ask a few questions (like most customers officers) and then gave everything back and send me to another window which, is where I gave them all the papers from the previous window, the passports, the boatpapers and pay the money. To check in here, it was $61.00 US. That's $40.00 for the people and $21.00 for the bridge fee.

To get here, there's one bridge that we had to await opening on the Bridge Masters schedule. The boats that are INSIDE the bay, get to come OUT first, then it's the turn for the boats that want to come IN to the bay. Funny!

Well, that's all for now. I could write so much more but fear it may become boring.

God's blessing and peace,

Lisa

Friday afternoon in St. John, USVI

10:38 a.m. Departed Crown Bay Marina, Slip C-18.

10:45 a.m. Took on 800 gal of fuel from Crown Bay Fuel Docks at 4.42 per gallon.

11:10 a.m. Departed St. Thomas and headed for St. John.

1:45 p.m. Arrived at Francis Bay Trunk Beach, hooked on to a mooring ball. Emma and I changed into our swimsuits and Ed and Emma lowered the dinghy.

2:15 p.m. We dinghied over to the mooring pay station (floating) and Emma hopped off the dinghy and got the paperwork out of the slot, filled it out and put in $20.00for our fees for the night.

2:20 p.m. Ed dropped Emma and I off at the beach, we hopped off the dinghy into the beautiful torquise, clear, sandy ocean bottom and walked ashore. We dropped off our bag, put our towels on the beach and hit the water. So cool, nice waves, fish, soft ocean sand beneith our feet. We just looked at the water, the waves and Great Mates II in the distance as Ed journeyed back to take care of our little ship and we said, "AHHHHH"!

3:30 p.m. Thunder started rolling in the distance the clouds darkened and Emma called the dinghy Captain to come to retrieve us. He did.

4:00 p.m. Glass of wine, swiss cheese and crackers.

I am looking out my window next to the desk where my computer sits. I see clear blue/green water, gentle waves, nice skys, big green hills here and yon, waves crashing against the base of the green hills and their rock boarders.... and a few other boats in the mooring field. Thats it! Just our little Carribean corner of the world. I feel miniscule!

Oh, on the way here we passed S/Y "Maltiese Falcon". FABULOUS!!!!

5:00 p.m. Emma has put on her snorkle gear and is snorkling around the boat with Pop watching closely. That kid has always loved the water.

Tomorrow morning...destination, "Bitter End Yacht Club" in Virgin Gorda. According to my chart, (given to us by dear friend Steve Kluz), we cruise via the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Nav Officer, Ed says it's about 25 miles. An easy day. This trip, we are opting to not pull into "Sopers Hole" or Roard Town in Tortola. Next winter.

More later as we have internet connectivity.....

Peace, blessings and love,

Lisa

Mothers Day morning St. Thomas USVI

In my previous blog post, I talked of boats of all types being loaded and moved on a transport ship. This morning ONE of those ships was pulling out loaded so I took some photos to share.

Last evening we went to dinner with an English gentleman, Frank and he explained that when his sailboat is loaded to head home to Isle of Man, he will go with it. He will have a stateroom in which to stay, meals etc. I asked him if he REALLY wanted to go across the Atlantic on such a "working" vessel (no frills) to which he explained...."I used to be a Merchant Marine, so this is a world I'm very comfortable in."

A brief explanation....the tug boat has to first push the starboard bow side, then, the tug moves back toward midships to push, then towards the stern. It has to help the ship get out in the channel. Oh, the first photo....a typical scene on the docks....flip flops OFF before going aboard.









Blessings and Peace!

Lisa

Special note.....

To Lucas Tye, Audra Lynn and Emma Katheryn....it is a JOY, beyond measure to be your mother.

Early May photos from St. Thomas USVI

The first two photos are us at work! Capt Ed ~ installed new steel cable rigging on the port side paravane (actually both sides)....climbed up the foot holds, hung on with one arm, while using the other hand to thread through, snip, tightened, etc., etc. Tough job! But nobody ever said boating is easy.

And then, there's me....cleaning the bilges. YUCK! (fyi, I'm wearing a head lamp, that's not some new jewelry craze).

The next few photo's include one of the few fishing boats here....pretty evening shot, hugh?
Then there's that amazing very sleek sailboat I spoke of in an earlier blog.

The several photo's are of good friends Kim and Craig at Honeymoon Beach,
Capt. Michael Tetelbaum with 1st Mate Michael ~ departing for NY from St. Thomas.
and then there's the Coast Guard Boat that pulled us over to inspect our credentials. Nice guys! Four of them in that tiny cab though...with long pants and long sleeve shirts and boots on. Whew!

Enjoy!

God's blessings and peace and a very happy Mothers Day to all those who are Mothers or who have Mothers.

Lisa

Boats come and boats go here so quickly....

Indeed this is a different dock than ever we've been on before.

We are the ONLY trawler at Crown Bay Marina ~ there's a few fishing boats (as you will see in the photos later) a few big yachts and the rest is just sail boats. Both dual hull and single hull. Sail boats from everywhere!

I spoke about our friends, Ruth and Koni from Switzerland. Their boat is now loaded on a big transport ship and is headed for France. Then there was Michael, the Russian Captain next to us who is now off with his 1st Mate to New York. Then yesterday we met Frank who's boat will be loaded on a transport and it's being taken back to Isle of Man off the coast of England. Then the sailboat two slips away is from Estonia. I've been introduced to country flags I've never known before. Then there's the HUGE sailboat (see pix later) that's headed back via transport to Spain. The Captain (a young blond fellow from I think Sweden said, "no more Caribbian, hello Meditranian".

He and his young strong crew have worked non-stop since they arrived preparing the boat to be transported. They have to take down everything from the top, store it, secure everything down below and then they will fly to Spain and meet the boat, unload it and put everything back together. Not an easy task by ANY means. Especially when one is dealing with a multi-million vessel!

There's alot of racing sailboats that have been competing down islands and now they are loading their boats to compete elsewhere ~ mostly Europe.

Ed and I took a dinghy ride yesterday. We headed into downtown St. Thomas, got stopped by the US Coast Guard (see pix later), they checked our credentials and off we went to tie up at the seawall, walked into town and went to a little restaurant called Gladys. Our friends Craig and Kim Rutkai (see pix later) introduced us to this little place which is highly rated.

Speaking of Craig and Kim, they came to pick us up in their tender (dinghy), we had packed a cooler of drinks and food and off we went to Honeymoon Beach for the day. Beautiful water, neat beach with a little drink stand called "Gloria's". There were only a few other people there so it was like our own private strip of sand in the world.

Well, Ed and I have to head to the store so I better sign off.

Happy Derby Day! Gods peace and blessings,

Lisa

Photo explanation...........May 4, 2001

For the followers of our blog....I herewith submit explanations of the photos posted.

The big ship of which I took a picture off our bow is (as identified by our AIS system) the Robert J Bouchard. She is 173 meter long, 27 meters wide, has a 23 ft. draft and is traveling to NY. We took her photo off the coast of Cuba. (I think; or it may have been Haiti).

The sunrise pix I took as we are off the coast of Puerto Rico.....Sunrise; beautiful! This was ONE MORNING that I could acutally stand my watch. Out of 8 days cruising, I could only stand my watch (4-8 both a.m. and p.m.) 3 days. I just was so sick and could hardlu get up to pee, let alone stand watch and care for Great Mates II and the other vessels in this mighty ocean.

Now...the DINGHY pix you see is of little "Matey" that due to extremely rough weather was litterly HANGING BY ONE CABLE! Thankfully, (read my prevouis blog entry), Ed and Curt resuced the dinghy and resecured her so she is not lost. Whew....I was SCARED!

The other picture is Ed and Curt up on the flybridge as Ed was lowering the paravanes down (see one hand has the controls and the other the rope to control lowering). When we get out in the "big water", we lower these paravanes ("flopper stoppers") in order to reduce our rolling side to side.

So now that is all the practicals of living aboard Great Mates II and making a SIGNIFICANT passage. On to more fun stuff next entry.

Gods peace and understanding.

Lisa

Photos........May 2, 2011 ~

Humbling....

Now, 6 days in St. Thomas I have been humbled several times.

The latest experience occurred today as I looked about at all the vessels at dock. I think to myself....where do these people get this kind of money to own vessels like these?

Then, this afternoon a sailing yacht pulled in and docked at the end of C-dock (the dock at which we are slipped) and I had to go out and take a look at what appeared to be "Darth Vader". All dark navy, 130' long, a single huge dark navy mast, digital readouts attached to the mast illustrating lat and lon positions, winds, etc. Then, curved, stainless "gates" that pointed to the entrance down below. I've never seen anything so sleek! You can check it out at: http://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/details/276. Her name is Angels Share. She has been in the Caribbean and is here to be loaded onto a transport vessel to take her to Spain. I talked briefly to the Captain as he was spraying her down....he is from Norway.

I walked back to board Great Mates II....how humbling!

Then on to a bit of a different humbling experience. We have befriended this taxi driver, "Yogi". He's a very nice man who has been here in the VI for four years. He is Palestinian, born in Jerusalem. As he has taken us from place to place, we have chatted and come to know a bit about one another. Yesterday, he took us on a brief tour of the island, showing us various high (literally, high on a mountain), points where we stopped to take photos. Then, he took us on to Megans Bay Beach where we just hung out for a few hours, amazed by the clear turquoise waters. As he was dropping us off, I asked him...."when will you be able to come back to get us?" To which he replied, "anytime you wish, except between 1 and 2:00. This is Friday and I will be in prayer at the Mosc."

Yes....he is a devout Muslim. And while, since 9-11 we have all formed our opinions about Muslims, I'm here to say I was humbled by a man so devout that he couldn't work for an hour on Friday because he had to go and pray.

Once more humbling experience. Last evening while having dinner at a great little spot owned and operated by fellow Hoosiers, from Danville IN, (www.islandviewguesthouse.com), our waitress, Rebecca told us her story. A beautiful mature blond with a Marilyn Monroe look, she and her husband live with their 5 children (the oldest is away at school) on a 42' sailboat. He is a boat delivery Captain and she a waitress. They home school (boat school) their children. Also, they have a bit of a community out there in the mooring field. Different parents take turns taking the children to points of interest or on activities. They are from Washington state and are preparing to go home on Tuesday. This will be the first time they've been home in five years!

I cannot imagine living on a 42 sailboat with a family of 6....and educating them...and having to dinghy in to work or play or shower or do laundry and grocery shop. And to not be home to see family for five years???? WOW! Am I spoiled!

To close here's a funny line shared with us last evening about the boating life....."its the only time you will pay 5X for 3rd class travel!" Fellow boaters; you know what this means!

God's peace and understanding,

Lisa

April 28th, 2011 ~ St. Thomas VI

Well we are starting to get settled in. Ed has made many repairs which were necessary due to very rough weather we endured for about 4 days during our crossing. He still has a list of projects which he is determined to get completed if at all possible before Emma arrives on May 10th.

I have been cleaning, cleaning, cleaning now that we are in a slip and have adequate water and little movement.

We've met some very nice people here - Ruth and Koni aboard SV "Bora Bora". They hail from Switzerland and have made three cross Atlantic sails. They are retired, middle 60's and have 2 children and 5 grandchildren. On the other side of us is a Captain, Michael Tetelbaum who takes care of SV "Papa Goose". The owner is not here.

The gal who works in the marina office, Brianne used to work at the Tiki Hut at Marina Jacks and knows Sam and all the crew there. She and her husband live on a sailboat here and have for about 7 years.

There's a very nice market here at the Marina but it's very expensive. A NY Times newspaper cost $15.00! I wouldn't buy it anyway but geewhiz!

We had an interesting conversations with Ruth and Koni about life on boats as well as the joys of grandparenting as well as politics. They asked us if we liked our President - to which we quickly replied, NEGATIVE! They don't like him either. They said they don't trust him.

Then our taxi driver, Yogi is from Jerusalum. He says he would like to go home but he cannot. He sadly talks of the unrest in the Middle East and how "one man can sit on his fat ass and take so much from the hard working people and make life miserable". He says he's very happy to be in America and thinks we have a great country but has hopes that Obama doesn't screw it up like what has happened in the Middle East.

The people who work on boats here seem very responsible, unlike what I've heard of the "island time workers". A tall dutchman, Herman van der Heide has worked on our electronics and is very bright and decisive. Then, Byron came to estimate making some hanging screens to shield the bright sun/heat from coming in the salon windows but he says he just is too busy and can't get to us in our timeframe; as we depart around May 12.

We met a gal, Summer who works on a large sailing charter vessel with her boyfriend, Ash. They are both from Austrailia. She's a delight and is grateful for our DVD library from which she can borrow movies to watch until such time they leave to take the boat to New York where the owner and his family lives.

We are the "odd duck" here as we are the only Trawler. The rest of the boats are either single hull or dual hull sail boats.

This morning during breakfast we watched a big transport vessel pull out. It was loaded with a large ferry boat, "Tatoo" and a few 100' + yachts and severl sail boats. I don't know where they were being taken. Our friends, Ruth and Koni are having their sailboat transported to the south of France where they have a summer home. They said it will cost them about 17 euros which is about $30,000 US.

I have many great pictures that I've taken during our crossing and while here but I need to figure out how to get them posted so our followers can view them. Maybe Herman can tell me next time he comes by.

Oh, just today, the largest sailing vessel in the world just pulled in. She is nearly 300 feet. So beautiful. The mast is right around 200 feet. I hope my pictures do it justice.

All for now. God's blessings and peace,

Lisa

Easter Sunday 2011

Sorry about that..........this IS 2011 NOT 2001.

AND, by the way, we have traveled 1200 NM without stopping.....Whewhoo!

Peace, Lisa

Easter Sunday 2001

We have arrived at St. Thomas, Crown Bay Marina.

For those believers, like me, Happy Easter in the truest sense!

It's been a very long journey and there were moments (hours, actually) that both Ed and I thought.....we're not cut out for this OCEAN CRUISING. So be it! We have discovered together that we do not wish to cross oceans; rather, coastel cruise and be "dock-sqatters".

Once, not long ago, Ed and I drove with family through Kansas on our way to Moab Utah. At the moment we were both dreading just more ocean cruising, Ed said, "if anyone asks me what is it like, I will reply.....it's like going across Kansas, except Kansas is HOURS....this is days." Rarely would we see another ship, or an island or anything besides flying fish and an occasional group of dolphins. All being said, we had excellent weather and with exception to days 3,4,and 5, we had pretty smooth seas. So we are grateful.

One day, Curt, (our 1st Mate par excellance) alerted us that the dingy cables had broken - the dingy was barely hanging on. So Curt and Ed climbed out on the ladders and resecured the dingy while bobbing around in the waves off the coast of Cuba. Nerve-racking for me to watch. But "Matey" is ok.

So now that we have accomplished this leg of our journey we will enjoy this place until time to go again.....this time with daughter Emma who will join us mid May to crew with us to the BVI's and on to Trinidad.

I will publish photos soon.

Happy Easter and Gods blessings to all....

Lisa

One night crossing down....six to go.

Short entry....

We departed my beloved Sarasota/Marina Jacks yesterday right around 11:30 a.m.

We set our course for Key West and about 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 17th (my sister Jans birthday), we passed by, toasting to all the good times we've had in KW. The most important of which was the marriage of our son, Lucas to Stacey in November of '09.

Ed and I nor Curt (our Mate) can hardly believe these calm clear waters. Just amazing and something that Ed and I have never experienced before. What a joy? And, what a difference cruising makes.

Now we are headed across the Atlantic from Key West to the Old Bahama Channel. We should arrive about 3:20 a.m. as it is about 85 miles to travel.

The old Cummins is doing it's job at continuous duty and since we had that new shaft put on with new packing, etc. during the summer of 2010, the ride is much smoother.

So hear we are; amazed by the beauty of Gods creation. My "watch" is from 4-8 (both a.m. and p.m.) this trip. So this morning, I got to see the full moon and its glow on the ocean and then watch the sun come up on our port side. How blessed am I!!!!

So, to Captain Larry who taught us much about "Chartwell", now "Great Mates II" and to all the other who have schooled us about living aboard and now, to Capt. Chapman who is traveling with us this time....thank you.

Most of all, thanks to Ed Prosser who taught me how to dream and dream and live that dream.

Hugs and Gods peace, Lisa

Counting down...

Yesterday, April 13th we got back on board Great Mates II in Sarasota after visiting family and friends back home in Indiana for a few weeks.

Fellow grandparents will understand the heart-wrenching "Good-bye" that we barely survived when hugging the sweetest, smartest, most handsome 4 year-old little boy in the universe, Dominic Gerald Scott. We can't wait until he's old enough to come and stay with "GG and Papaw" on "the big boat".

Okay, just one Dominic story....

While we were home in Mooresville, during a beautiful spring evening, Dominic and I took an evening walk. We were talking about the flowers blooming and I was telling him their names and we were smelling them and I was telling him which ones were my favorites. He then said, "GG, my favorite flower is a dandelion". I said, "Why is that"? He replied, "Well, because they're cool, GG! They are a beautiful yellow color and THEN, when they're done being yellow, they turn to a puff ball on a stick and I get to blow them to make them fly away!" Only in the eyes of a child.....

Back to boating.....we've (I've) made list after list after list trying to make sure everything is taken care of before departing. The Mate we've hired to go with us from Sarasota to St. Thomas is Curt Chapman. He's been excellent to provide resources to help us prepare.

Following is one of those resources from NOAA which displays our weather forecast from Saturday to Monday.

SATURDAY
SOUTH WINDS 13 TO 18 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET.
INTRACOASTAL WATERS A LIGHT CHOP. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

SATURDAY NIGHT
NEAR SHORE...SOUTH SOUTHWEST WINDS 13 TO 16 KNOTS
BECOMING WEST SOUTHWEST 7 TO 10 KNOTS. WELL OFFSHORE...SOUTH WINDS
16 TO 19 KNOTS BECOMING SOUTHWEST 12 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET.
INTRACOASTAL WATERS A LIGHT CHOP. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

SUNDAY
WEST SOUTHWEST WINDS 6 TO 9 KNOTS BECOMING SOUTH SOUTHEAST
5 TO 8 KNOTS IN THE AFTERNOON. SEAS 2 FEET. INTRACOASTAL WATERS A
LIGHT CHOP. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

SUNDAY NIGHT
EAST SOUTHEAST WINDS 8 TO 11 KNOTS. SEAS 2 FEET.
INTRACOASTAL WATERS A LIGHT CHOP.

MONDAY
EAST SOUTHEAST WINDS 9 TO 12 KNOTS. SEAS 2 FEET.
INTRACOASTAL WATERS A LIGHT CHOP. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

This is an excellent forecast and will give us a nice smooth ride which is something we've not been blessed with in the past.

Bill Bishop our electronic dude has been good to help get us ready as well.

Then our good neighbor, Captain Blair Cook (from Bradenton) has been great to watch our boat along with dockmates, Paddy and Steph Savage (from Ontario), and Steve and Lynn Kluz (from St. Paul).

Blair called us Tuesday morning with some bad news....our port side salon BIG window behind the sofa was shattered. Still in place due to the safety glass component but none the less, shattered. (kinda pretty). So, he spent two hours calling around to find someone to come to take measurements and manufacturer a new piece of glass which will be installed on Friday.

Someone once told me, "the best people in the world are those who live on boats". The story of Blair proves that is correct.

Marty the bottom cleaner has made sure the barnacles are cleaned off and the zincs are in good shape.

Ron and his team will come to wash down the boat good, clean the decks, etc. so we'll be all pretty as we're heading down towards Key West.

Capt Curt tells us our anticipated route will be:

I think it will be as follows:

From Key West we will cruise south east down the "Old Bahama Channel" to Great Igagua. From there we have a choice depending on the wind an seas. We will either continue to the Mona Passage and South of Puerto Rico go on to the Virgins or we will take the East past the Caicos Islands out to 64 degrees before turning south to the Virgins.

He says if we average 7-8 knots we will get there in 7 days or so.

He will leave us in St. Thomas to go back home and Emma will arrive in St. Thomas on May 10th to meet us and make sure those decks are swabbed.

More later as the count down continues.

Gods blessings and peace, Lisa

Getting ready........

Well, we are getting closer and closer to being ready to take our first big cruise south.

We got a new toilet in the master head (yippee), we've run new wiring for surveillance cameras (two on the stern, seeing the back deck and the dinghy) (one infra red in the engine room), we've added a new Garmin 3-D Chartplotter that is touchscreen and oh so slick to operate which incorporates the view of the cameras, a new dome radar, and a new VHF/AIS radio. We are having the watermaker services, we've had the liferaft serviced and recertified, Ed has changed all the oil and put new filters on the 3 generators and the main Cummins engine and we're putting up new punched tin ceilings in all three heads and in the galley which will really brighten things up.

We've started provisioning and we will hopefully start around the 3rd week of April. We will depart Sarasota, head south to Key West, spend the night there (because we love Key West), then cruise on to the Bahamas, hit Nassau, on down to the Great Exumas, Rum Cay, Great Inaguas, and Turks and Caicos. It is there we hope to pick up Emma so she can cruise with us from there. (she graduates in May) From there we will cruise to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. (St. Thomas, St John, St. Croix, etc.) From there we will go on to St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Lucia, Georgetown and The Grendadines and on to Grenada. It is from there we will head on to Trinidad and Tobago. We've talked with a shipyard in Trinidad already about reserving a spot to have Great Mates hauled out, new bottom paint and have that thruster we bought last year installed. I won't know how to act with a thruster. I'm certain Eds blood pressure will be lowered while I dock with a bow thruster.

"Loco", my cat, is with us. It will be interesting to see how he does cruising. He has his own life jacket but he doesn't think much of it. He walks backwards when it's on trying to get it off I guess.

We plan to be home sometime in June for the summer while Great Mates II is stored on the hard in Trinidad.

There's much to learn but we are anxious to do so.

Blessing and Peace to all!

Learning via new friends

Wow, I just read the my last blog entry and apologize for all the misspelled words. I did that on my iPad and don't know how to spellcheck on that and I was writing while sitting in the sun on the bow so I could see all that well. I'll do better.

Since being in Sarasota, we've met so many new boat friends. Jean and Bill from Cincinatti OH, Steph and Paddy from Ontario near the 1000 Lakes area, Robert and Cathy from Toronto and off course Steve and Lynn from St. Paul MN.

It's been said before that when you live on a boat, you develop friendships fast. Indeed. We all have a love of water, the boating lifestyle and the sense of freedom that living aboard offers. Of course, part of that freedom is being retired BUT, when you live on a boat there are just a few things that dictate;
What time you ea, what time you go to bed, what time you get up, when you do chores, etc. That the dictates is the weather and your own sense of whats important.

Is it more important for me to do the dishes or sit on the bow with my husband and watch the sun go down? Is it more important for me to get those emails caught up or release the lines and get underway?

We met some really cool people yesterday. Robert and Cathy. They are sailboaters and they shared a story about, I believe when they were in New England and they had watched the weather reports and he told his wife....we've gotta leave by 9:30 a.m. to beat this system thats coming in. She said, no, I've gotta email the kids, etc. first. So they pulled up anchor and left at 12:00. They got a good ways out and saw this huge wall of water pouring down from the sky and they were headed right for it. The winds were laying them down on their side and obviously they turned back and got back to port safely. Soaking wet, standing safe and exhausted, she said, "next time, we leave when you say". Robert and Cathy, if you're reading this, I apologize for the lack of exact facts. Your story taught me a good lesson thought; I thank you for sharing.

Steve was telling us about some of his ventures while in St. Thomas as he was going over some of his charts that he gave us. These stories may save us from a mishap. Thank you Steve for sharing.

Steph and Paddy were sharing about their adventures as a Canadian flagged vessel and the fact that when they got into the New York harbor they were boarded by the Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security. Steph spent a few hours showing records and documentation to the DHS to their satisfaction but still for the next several days until they reached Canada, she had to call in to a 1-800 number to "report in", to which everyone she spoke to gave her a different story as to what she had to do. Typical government, hugh?

Then one evening, Paddy and Steph gave us a historyy lesson about Canada. WOW, I never knew all that. Steph and Paddy, thanks for sharing bits about your life with us.

One of my favorite sayings that I learned from my old friend Willis Adams, Sr. is:

"We are a part of all whom we have met".

Blessings and peace, Lisa
From aboard Great Mates II in Sarasota FL, H dock

Lots of numbers and reacquaintancws

Well, today is March 16, 2011 and it's been nearly two years since we purchased Chartwell, now Great Mates II.
We are upgrading our electronics as We are uncomfortable with the dated electronics aboard. Now, if we were experienced like Captain Larry, we would be fine. But, we're not. So with new electronics to include a new radar dome, a new chart plotter (that is touchscreen), new infra red cameras (that my old right hand, Sid, helped me select), and lots of other wire, etc, we are getting all set up via local electronics expert, Bill Bishop.
Ed has worked like a son-of-a-gun doing the prep work....and I have helped to! We've been drilling holed, cutting holes, crawling under cabinets and climbing up the cry stack to mount new stuff. Master Bill will come aboard to program and make everything work together. (yes, that WILL happen).
Meanwhile, life goes on living aboard in Sarasota. I love this life!!!
Oh, also, we got a new really cool toilet in the master head. It's so neat!
Then yesterday evening we were walking the dock to go to dinner and we saw a new boat on our dock that had just pulled in. Low and behold, it was Jim and Robyn who we were across the dock from last winter in Marathon Key .
Then, we saw a boat anchor out just a bit behind us and it's "Lifes to Short" who we talked to via radio while on the Tom Bigbee Waterway last year. We were trailing "Just Rosie" from Texas and chatted on the radio with "l
Lifes to Short". I ask them, where are you from, to which they responded, "well, home is where the boat is". They have their boat for sale
after putting 22,000.miles under their belts. Going back to work.
Now about numbers.
I registered today for yet another nu ber. A MMIS number. Here's a list of number we have:
A hull number
A US Coast Guard number
A KY state registration number for our dinghy
A Beacon number which relates to our EPIRUB
An FCC number
And, last but I'm sure not least is our Boat US number
Whew....God help us if my PRE crashes!
All this being said, our plan current is to finish up the new electronics and also carpentry work....that's another project, and then drive home for a family visit. Then we will fly back to our home away from home (I think) and begin our spring 2011 cruise.
We plan to go along the back side of the Bahamas, head further to the Virgin Islands. We have talked to a boat yard in Trinidad about a reservation to have her hauled out and have her bottom sanded and painted and have that bow thruster we purchased last summer installed. Yippee, I will not know how to act with a thruster but I'm ready and willing to try.
Gods peace to all of our followers,
Lisa

Seperation Anxiety

It would be untruthful for me to write that this choice of lifestyle is all rosy. From an expense standpoint...it's up there. More importantly, from an emotional point, it can be tough.
Some of you who live in a traditional home may be thinking, "well yes Lisa, what were you thinking living on a vessel, on the ocean, that is 55 long x 17 wide".
It's not the space f which I speak today. It's separation from several important things:
Family
Parenta
Friends
And even pets
I have found that it's not my home or the town in which I was raised that I miss. And certainly, I don't miss being a business owner. (although, I do miss many customers and all the employees).
This weekend, we flew into Indy to spend time with family as well as with our precious grandson who will celebrate his 4th birthday on Super Bowl Sunday. We both had hopes and expectations that we would pick him up from school and take him home (which is a place he knows very very well). We hoped that we would read stories and he would then sleep in the bedroom which has been converted many times since we built this house in 1986 and is now "our grandsons bedroom". But alas....
Dinner was over, bath time was over, story time was over, yogurt time was over. But then came the unexpected. "I want mommy and daddy".
What? He didn't want to stay with his GG and Papaw? Nope!
I have to realize, while we e only been gone a bit I our measurement of time....it's a lot in a Childs mind. So the expectations clearly differ.
The next item is pet separation. I have had one cat since he was 5 weeks old and he is now 11. I left him in a "Pet Resort " for the first time ever. One might not think this is a big deal but it's kinda weird when I stir at night and rea
Ize that he's not sleeping on my legs.
My point of this blog is hopefully clear. If you choose a u Kaye and different lifestyle from that which you've k own for 30 years or so...please know, and prepare, there will be some separation anxiety.
But, it's still all good.
Peace, Lisa

New friends/Old neighbors

Today we left Sarasota by CAR to head to Ft Lauderdale. We are on our way to "Rough Life" to visit with Larry and Ulla while also attending the Ft Lauderdale Trawler Fest. We want to see whats new in the boating world and I am certain there will be lots of vendors to tell (sell) us. This week has been loads of fun for several reasons.
1. We spent the week with our neighbors, Jim and Sue Swails from home. We've determined that they make great boat mates. They pitch in and help cook, clean and even scoop the cat box while also invoking rich conversations about things that people typically don not talk about.
Note: in our more typical lifes where they would be in their house and we in ours, there doesn't seem to be those opportunities.
2. We toured The Ringling Museum once again where THIS time, I spent nearly a half hour walking about Mable Ringlings Rose Garden. We had a big rain the night before so their were droplets still in the pedels. I will import a few photos later,,,,but I don't know how to import the sweet smells, you will just have to imagine.
3. We went through the Selby Gardens where we saw the most unusual plants and amazingly beautiful orchids. I wish my dear Uncle Rene could have been there with me; he would have such great appreciation.
4. We went to the Mote Marine Aquariam where we saw a great display of jelly fish, sea horses, sharks, weird fish I have never heard of, manatees, etc. Really neat!
5. One chilly but sunny afternoon we all four hopped in "Matey" (our dinghy) and took a ride to The Salty Dog for lunch. While there we laughed at a big snowy egret who was perched on a section of bar/table, we think waiting on his cold beer.
And of course, we ate and drank and told more stories. How fun!

We also met new friends, Steph and Paddy from Canada who liven a houseboat across the docks from us. We went to their boat one afternoon for a tour and drinks on their top deck/bar. Paddy owned an English Pub and Steph a bed and breakfast in a Victorian house that was built in the 1700s. They have a dog, "Jenny".

Next, we met new friends, Jorg (pronounces Yorg) and Mika Helssen. They live in Vancouver, BC and also have a home in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. She is a retired fashion designer and he a retired architect. They purchased the Nauticat sailboat from our friends, Steve and Lynn Kluz who return to the south from St Paul MN next week. We are anxious for their return. They have purchased an older Seahorse trawler which is in their old slip, a few down from Great Mates.

Jorg and Mika both have a great sense of humor. If Ed and I get to cruise West, we hope to stop to visit them in Cabos or if we get North of their, at their home in Vancouver.

A new year....new possabilities

It is January 21' 2011.

Welcome back to our blog. Today is misty, foggy, rainy, sunny and back to the previous hereto mentioned. Sarasota is like that but mostly absolutely awesome. I love this town. I have told Ed, "this is like Bloomington IN but by the sea".

To drop back from my last post in March of 2010....

After we docked in Sarasota, we learned from previous dock mates in Marathon Key, (Kim and Craig) that there was a great high quality boat yard near by names, Snead Island Boat Works. So we followed their able guidance and made an appointment to be hauled out in order that the bottom 14 inch crack might be repaired.

Well, well, well, that was done among many other items as our list grew and at 30k we said, "we have to stop now". Fellow boat owners will understand how this happens. But, it is what it is.

Side note, I recall shopping in Key West with good friends, Melodie and Chris in an emerald jewelry shop. While I was so very tempted to purchase one exquisite item, I told the salesman, "I have to get a thuster installed, so I will have to pass". ....a boaters life.

Well, after Great Mates was "on the hard" at Snead Island, she was all fixed and Ed and I began to cruise her back to her slip in Sarasota at Marina Jacks. Oh, after we got out into the Manatee River, we noted the engine temp gage increasing. Further quick check told us that we had lost our generator, so we had no electricity and then the main engine overheated. Two totally unrelated incidents at the same time. So, We put the main engine in neutral, Ed went to the engine room and started the alternate generator, the whole time we we drifting in the river towards "massage destruction".

Ed added cooling water to the main engine, we proceeded along the way to run aground but finally made it back to Sarasota. Ed says, we should have had Snead Island add wheels to the damned thing if we are going to keep cruising these ICW waters.

Well, fast forward to summer in Mooresville IN. Everything we have done to our home since it was designed and built in 1986 was for resale value. So, the spring of 2010 was dedicated towards curb appeal, via landscaping. We also enjoyed our camp mates and other friends while home in Indiana for summer 2010.

In August Ed organized a guys trip to Great Mates for a long weekend. He, friend Rex, nephew Joe, son, Lucas and son-in-law Billy rented a mini van and headed south. While there are likely things that occured from which I have been spared, all had a good time.

On to October, Ed and I popped a flight for a month in order that we might do a maintenance trip. It was during that time that we spent lots of very fun times with friends and dock mates, Steve and Lynn Kluz from St Paul MN. I can not elaborate.

We were home for the holidays and then Jan 3rd, we departed for our beloved Great Mates. That brings us to today.

What I find fascinating about boating life includes:
there is always a project.
I never get tired of the scenery.
We are about as laid back as I have ever known us to be.
If you think, "I need to get this done today", think again. It can wait til tomorrow or the next day or the day after that.

Ultimately, I am grateful to God that we are living aboard. I pray daily that God uses me according to His purpose. We pray that we are following Gods plan for our lives together....now 32 years and counting.