As it often occurs, the best made plans need to be adjusted, especially when you are cruising.
Our November 1 departure from Brunswick was delayed by a week when a series of north easterly storms pummeled the east coast making it impractical to begin our journey south. A few days didn’t make a huge difference however we were excited about spending another Thanksgiving with our friends in Green Turtle Cay, Abaco. Carolyn had planned to work with our friends from the Royal Potcake Rescue and another spay and neuter clinic while I intended to have Sea Island Girl pulled from the water to have her bottom painted.
The southerly trip along the Intracoastal went well. The weather was nice and it gave us plenty of time to work with Coco and to help get her adjusted to boat life. Right away she found her a safety zone in the guest cabin and would pop her head out occasionally pop to insure that we were still in control of the boat. Already we can sense that she will become an old sea dog and loving traveling companion.
After a few stops along the way we arrived in Palm Beach November 16 and were greeted by our long-time cruising partners – Terry and Peggy aboard More Attitude. The plan was to head out the next morning however a series of circumstances arose and we decided it was best to reschedule and take the next weather window. Several boats left on the 17th, only to discover that the conditions were not the best and knowing that, we were pleased with our decision to hold back.
Christmas is now two weeks away and the weather has been awful. The winds remain uncharacteristically high and from the wrong direction, which creates heightened seas and what would be an unbearable ride across the Gulfstream. So here we sit, in hopes that we will reach the Abacos for the holidays. Carolyn has read most of the books we have aboard and restocked the lauder a number of times. We have had numerous maintenance projects completed since we have been here and have even cleaned and polished the fenders and power cord. A group of RMHYC friends pulled in recently hoping to make the crossing. One or two stuck their noses out the following day, but turned around after a mile or two; and it looks like it will be at least another week before conditions improve. We had a dock party one night and have planned a pizza party for later this week, so if you are in the area, stop by, who knows, we may still be here.
