April 15, 2019      Aurora has been made ready, with plans for us to cast off on Easter Sunday, destination, hopefully the Exumas, Bahamas.  It will be a new experience for us, although our second attempt.  
For those of you who followed us, we tried in 2013, but were struck by lightning outside of Miami, forcing us to make repairs and turn for Punta Gorda, while six other boats safely made the crossing. 

April 21- Day 1- Home to St. James City anchorage.  Avoided lots of crazy fast "Easter holiday" boaters on the ICW. Sadly, there was a fatality somewhere near Pine Island. 

April 22- Day 2- After a comfortable night's rest, weighed anchor at 7:00 just before sunrise and motored back onto the now quiet ICW, south, and under the Sanibel Bridge around 7:30.  Winds out of the east meant a perfect day for sailing in the Gulf without our engine. We were thankful for a peaceful 4 hour sail into Naples Sailing and Yacht Club.  Friends Steve and Sherry Lane joined us for dinner and great music at Shea's Pub on 5th Ave.  

April 23- Day 3 - Change of plans.  Rather than stay 2 nights in Naples we opted to go the short distance to Marco instead and be a couple of hours closer to Marathon.  Arrived at 10:45 in Marco and spent the day walking, exploring, finding a Coldstone ice cream shop...and you know what!  Day 4 would be long haul to Marathon so retired early. 

April 24 - Day 4 - With light winds predicted for today, and more for tomorrow from the wrong direction, we got up at 5:00, cast off at 6:00, skipped anchoring at Little Shark, and make the 12 hour trip to Marathon in one day, rather than two. 
Question of the day, what would your preference be?  "One 12 hour day, or two 6 hour days?"