(Bahama Bound, all things considered, continued from Mar. 24 blog post) 
Please ignore highlighted words in the text.  

Two more considerations for the trip…

Body…

Health:  Usual recommended first aid items plus, antibiotics, clot aid, super glue for deep cuts, white vinegar for jellyfish stings, blood pressure cuff, heating pad, sea sickness wristbands/pills, Ginger Aid tea, ginger ale, ginger cookies, getting a theme here?  Yes, ginger is good for sea sickness, and although we never “heave ho,” you just never know. 

Fitness:  resistance bands, Pilate DVDs 

Gear:  wet suits, rain suits, snorkeling equipment, water shoes, marriage savers.

Nutrition:  Some food items are difficult to purchase in the Bahamas, and if they have them they’re expensive, so the provisioning list is long, but stocking 40 plus dinners with meats/meals in Seal a Meal packages in our freezer, canned pasta sauce, new bread machine, powdered milk, potatoes, rice, pastas, canned veggies and fruits because produce is scarce there.  Removing cardboard from packages to eliminate trash and storing crush able items in tubs are two space savers.  In trying to eat much like we do at home, we just have to prepare a little differently.  The grill on board is quick and healthy solution for the meats.  Canning ahead is great for soups, red and white chilies.  Our oven will come in handy for baking items that are plentiful in the states, but that we won’t find in the Abacos, a three burner stove top, plus a microwave should cover anything and everything we want to prepare. 

Boating Equipment/Necessities…

Marriage savers, looky bucket, dinghy swim ladder (Dennis made), barbecue grill, Sailrite Ultrafeed Sewing Machine with extra snaps, straps, and sail patches, many extra boat parts, heaters, pumps, switches, too numerous to mention.

Preparations update: 

Dennis has been up the mast 5 times in the last week, three of them today, but finally got the antennae replaced all by himself (and a little help from his Admiral)…saving some $.  Scariest part was with the wind blowing 5-8 knots he had to use a blow torch at the top to solder, and then to loosen a fitting that he couldn’t manage with wrenches.   At the bottom I’m thinking, “What do I do if he catches himself on fire up there?!!!”  But he is super cautious, and thankfully completed the job with just one small drop of solder stuck on his jeans. Just off one of the the main streets in our subdivision we were quite entertaining with people honking, yelling and even one friend stopping for pictures.    

It was worth it though after completing a radio check and hearing radio calls from miles away…just amazing, and also realized it's no telling what we missed all those miles up the east coast last year!

Today saw the return of our autopilot computer from Raymarine…installed and ready for calibration tomorrow, fingers crossed it also works correctly, we are cautiously optimistic.  Best part, it was under warranty!   

If you are new to the Cesari blog, welcome, and if you are a returning friend, welcome back. However you found your way here, it is good to have you on board, and hoping you enjoy the journey.  A:)U(:RORA                                                         

It has been 7 long/short months, depending on your perspective, since signing off in August from our east coast adventure.  After the last post, plans formalized to attempt, all things considered, a trip to the Abacos, Bahamas in April 2013.  So what, you ask is considered in preparing body, mind, and boat, plus the house, for a two-month cruise, and how is this trip different from staying stateside?    

Two Things Considered….

Mind…gathering information: “Bahama Bound” par excellence course by Steve and Nancy Johnson who navigated us through much food for thought on topics including, but not limited to, communications (including radios, phone, Internet, weather info) customs, web resources, best Apps, charts, routes, insurance, pets, firearms, anchorages, marinas, island highlights and how to avoid hazards in between.

Boat...making sure Aurora's systems are seaworthy:  overheating engine in December-January, after multiple attempts at repairs, replaced cracked engine head; upgraded chart plotter (computer maps of the water), radar, and thereby all computer systems attached; multiple trips up the mast to replace the radio antennae and radar dome; sent off malfunctioning autopilot (cruise control) computer in on Mar. 22, and praying that it is returned functional by April 5; installed new AM/FM radio with XM radio; replaced dodger windows; new dinghy chaps; multiple calls and dollars to Dave W. our “go to” guy for making sure all systems are a “go.”  Plus many, many other misc repairs/upgrades by captain too boring to mention, and time consuming to explain.

10 days to Departure  Thanks for following; we will try to post a few times before we leave PGI.

 

 

Final Post of the East Coast Cruise (please disregard highlighted words)

Guess we need to wrap up our cruising adventure with a few reflections and final thoughts.  You have been faithful to the blog, we thank you.  You have graciously listened to my attempts to describe what so many of you already know about boating and for your patience I am grateful.  You have given me the chance to find my writing voice, you have been my audience. Cruising has given flight to my thoughts and words that land never could, and your faithfulness motivated me in my feeble attempts to share our adventure.

As you can tell this has been a dramatic journey for me.  In the beginning it was Dennis’ dream to cruise up the east coast and I simply wanted it for him, but it evolved into so much more.  The growth through challenges, the ever-amazing beauty of nature, the triumphs, the fears, the terror to tranquility, the history all wrapped up in an unbelievable journey of heart, soul and mind.  I must say I tried not to bore you with details, but there were times we would disagreed, even yelled (it takes more than marriage savers to save the day) and know we’re not perfect by any means.  Dennis has a wonderful saying though that we both use at the end of the day no matter who’d been right or wrong, it’s simply “I love you……anyway.”  Such words diffused our attitudes when the decision-making was difficult, the space seemed too small, there was nowhere else to go and no one else to talk to.  No doubt about it, cruising tests your marriage, but working together day after day side by side to keep each other going forward, happy and safe creates a bond of trust, tests the strength of the relationship, and stretches it to a new and deeper dimension.  So for those of you who keep politely asking, “Are we still married?”  Yes we are, thank you and stronger for it.  And for those who are thinking of lengthy cruises, get ready for challenges of the heart.

Reflections on the trip: 

Would we do it again?  Probably not for four months, and definitely not living aboard.  We love being active people here in Florida, and missed our walking, running, biking, golfing, swimming and especially spending time with our Mariner friends, an amazing group both on land and water.    

The best thing about the trip?  Being one with nature; the vibrant colors of the water, the amazing sea life, sunsets and sunrises, magnificent trees, the power and majesty of the water.

The scariest part?  Surviving the storm on July 1, in Atlantic City, and for me being assaulted by the wind storm in Lake Sylvia in Ft. Lauderdale July 22.

Biggest disappointment?  Having to use the motor and not being able to sail as much as we hoped.  

Our expenses?  We figured $50 per travel day for fuel, then marinas a couple of times a week ($.85 to $2 per ft,) plus food and sightseeing/entertainment.  We also tried to cook on the boat for most meals, eating out only a couple of times a week.  Groceries were a little more expensive than being at home, but we improvised or did without rather than run to the store for what we needed, so we probably spent less than at home. Laundry was about $8 every two weeks.

Statistics for the trip:  Days out-108.  Miles traveled 3,446.  Diesel fuel used, 535 gal. ($3.95 avg. price per gallon)    

What did we learn? 

1.  Wind is the biggest determining factor in planning where, how and when you go in a sailboat. I know that kind of sounds like “no duh,” but there are other factors involved, like current, waves, and tides which we had not really experienced before this trip.  Then of course, there’s always the weather.  Even considering all the others, wind is still the single most important consideration for a sailboat. 

2.  Always back down on the anchor to make sure it is set. 

3.  Even if the wind is favorable never turn your engine off coming in or going out of an inlet. 

4.  Although Fritz is great company, and a great boat dog, it’s best for everyone if he stays home. Dennis definitely won the hairiest contest, but Fritz won the prize for gaining the most weight, three pounds, on top of the two pounds heavier than the vet liked.  Needless to say, his food rations have been cut by half a cup, and to his delight, he is getting extra-long morning and evening walks.  He’s already lost 1.5 lbs.

5.  No two days are ever the same on the water.

6.  Any time is the time for the unexpected.    

To any of you who are thinking of cruising we say, “Go for it, no matter what anyone says to discourage you because tomorrow is uncertain, all you have for sure is today, and later never comes.”

Thanks to our children who although were at times scared, worried and weren’t even sure we would make it back, still supported and were excited for us.  We love you guys.

To our family, friends and friends of friends who followed with your 5,009 views of the blog we say thanks for your words of support and encouragement.  Our next trip is April and May, 2013 to the Bahamas, so expect another blog.

Till then, take care friends, and may God bless with fair winds wherever your heart takes you.

Friday-Sunday July 27-29—Home in PGI

Aurora’s saltwater coating has been removed and all covers are in place for the first time in four months.  Dennis literally fell down, kissed the ground and we both thanked the Lord for our safe passage home through the darkness on Thursday night. 

Thirty-six hours without much sleep took its toll and we wandered the house on Friday in a stupor, saying, “Look at those dead bugs,” and a little while later, “Oh there’s some more dead bugs,” and, “Did you see those dead ants in the bathroom?”  But never once did one of us approach with the vacuum to try and eliminate them.  Otherwise the house looked good with no leaks or major problems.  We are blessed with neighbors who kept watch for us while we were away and thankfully did not need to call us once during the 3 ½ months.

We had reconnected our phone, internet and cable, so were able to watch the Opening Ceremonies of the XXX Olympics in the evening.  It was a good excuse to let the boat stuff go, sit on the comfy couch and catch several naps.  Saturday we spent time unpacking and trying to get over the wobbling sensation that follows you from the boat onto land.  

During the tropical storm Debbie the water was up over the dock causing our wooden steps to float in the canal but our neighbors rescued and drug them up onto the bank by our dock.  Water soaked they eventually disintegrated so we were only able to carry off essentials from the boat on Friday.  Dennis quickly made a new set of sturdy steps the next morning and we did more unpacking. 

I can finally say today, Sunday, our third day home, that the boat is totally unpacked, but not cleaned.  It can wait a few days till we get some of our energy back.  Dennis has made a long boat list, including changing the oil, fan for the generator, dinghy davit for the dock, having some of the electronics checked out, and finding the leak in the freezer, just to mention a few.  Our next trip is planned for the spring of 2013 to the Bahamas so we have time to work out all bugs before then.

We do have a few more posts with reflections on our favorite things, what we’ve learned and what we’ll do differently next time over the next week or so. 

Before I sign off tonight I want to thank one of our followers for the nice email saying that we had inspired him to finish the work on his boat.  To know sharing our stories has motivated someone else to follow their dream is the ultimate compliment paid to our adventure.    

July 26-27—Boot Key, Marathon to Home

A nice breeze on Wednesday night helped us sleep comfortably, and ready to “take on”  the pesky lobster pots two different people had warned us were in our path to Marco Island on Thursday.  Slipping slowly away from our mooring in the darkness, being watchful of the shallow channel out of Boot Key Harbor, then under the Seven Mile Bridge by 7:00, and finally into the Florida Bay, all four eyes scanning the water for the infamous aggravating pots.  But where are they we kept asking each other?  There were hundreds of small fishing boats with dive flags, but not one pot among them.  For seventy miles to Cape Ramano we watched, ready to dodge, but still no pots.

The sun was pretty oppressive, keeping Fritz and I below except to relieve the Captain for an hour or two here and there.  Our hundred fifty gallon water tanks were three quarters full and provided relief with several cool showers.  Without enough wind to keep the sails up coupled together with the heat, this is really what we had expected once we crossed into Florida, but luckily had avoided until now.  The idea of skipping Marco, a place we dread getting in and out of, and doing an overnight all the way home was becoming very appealing.  The pros were obvious, avoid a second day of merciless heat, skip Marco, be home by 7:00 am Friday morning at high tide, instead of 8:00 pm Friday, low tide, which can make it too shallow for our 5 ½ ft draft, the night, according to NOAAH was to be storm-free, and there would be some moonlight.  The cons, traveling off-shore in unfamiliar waters, the possibility of hard-to-spot abandoned crab pots fouling the prop (very unlikely, as we had only seen a few even in the daylight,) navigating Boca Grande Pass in the dark, which we had never attempted even in the daylight, and being on watch twenty-four hours, in the end were greatly outweighed by the pros.

Our decision made, we waved to Marco Island from afar, and entered our next waypoint, Sanibel Island.  Arriving there ahead of schedule at 11:30pm, Captain entered our last off shore waypoint and navigational challenge, Boca Grande, ETA, 2:00am.  Around 1:00am the moon dipped below the horizon leaving us to make the rest of the passage engulfed in cooling blackness.  Entering the three mile pass very slowly and using the spotlight to identify the unlit channel markers, it took about thirty minutes to motor through and arrive in the familiar waters of Charlotte Harbor.  Even though still three and a half hours from our dock, it felt like we were home.  Now our only challenge was slowing down to give the sun it’s time to rise and light the canals to home.  As with any trip, it’s always good to be home, but sad to think that it’s finally at an end.

Over the next few days we will be posting some additional information, thoughts and feelings on the trip if you want to continue to follow along a little while longer.  If not we appreciate the almost 4,700 views of our blog.  Some of you we know, some of you we don’t, but either way, thanks for coming along on our journey and hope we have given you a just little taste of our adventure.      

July 25--Rodriguez Key to Boot Key Harbor, Marathon

About five years ago Dennis and I got certified to scuba dive.  Although we’ve only made a few dives, we hope to sometime in the future to get our own equipment and make some diving trips.  Right now we pay someone to come in once a month to dive under Aurora and scrap off the barnacles, but hopefully is something eventually we can do ourselves.  Leaving Rodriguez Key this morning we saw many fishing boats heading for off shore water and then later saw various kinds of boats all along the reef with their red dive flags out.  At one point the Coast Guard came calling, “Pan pan, pan pan, pan pan. This is the United States Coast Guard with a report of a diver down, unaccounted for.”   Then they proceeded to give latitude and longitude for the location, asking boaters to keep a sharp look out.  We were not close to their vicinity, so nothing to do, but say a prayer for him to be found.  Thankfully, thirty minutes later they were able to cancel the emergency, saying he had been safely recovered.  Like sailing, diving’s another water activity where safety is paramount.  Glad to have an awesome sailing and diving buddy.        

Not having been on coastal waters much to witness their incredible level of responsibility to the boating community, it has been both enlightening and reassuring to learn, like local police, the Coast Guard is just a quick radio call away to assist in an emergency.  Each and every day from early to late we’ve heard them giving assistance to boaters in trouble and warnings of potential problems on the water.  It is an incredible branch of the military, doing an incredible job of keeping our waters safe and we’ve been grateful for their reassuring presence during our trip.

Tonight we are on a mooring in Boot Key Harbor, Marathon in the Middle Keys, and then head north again in the morning, only this time on the Gulf Coast towards PGI.  We are attempting to make it home from here, weather permitting, in just two days.  Tomorrow night we will be in Marco Island, and Friday home.  They will probably be two long, hot days, plus twice already we’ve been warned of the lobster pots.  Even though the season doesn’t officially open until next week, fishermen are apparently getting them out so all they have to do is bait them when it begins.  Dodging lobster pots should make the last two days of the trip interesting, maybe learn some new sailing techniques?  I can see some of you now grimacing at the thought of the pots because you’ve been there, done that.  Anyway, send good thoughts our way for safe travel, and no lobster pot disaster stories. 

Check out the hairiest contest contestants.  Who has your vote?   

July 24—Ft. Lauderdale to Rodriguez Key

Finally a weather window opened today, and we said good-bye to our safe harbor, Ft. Lauderdale.  Seeking shelter there both coming and going for a total of 6 days, the most of any other, except Jersey City.  Winds were forecast to be only 7 to 8 mph, but when we reached the channel going out to the Atlantic, they were more like 12 to 15 on the bow, creating rough seas.  Finally as we slipped by Miami they calmed and eventually changed to a more easterly direction allowing us to put up the genny, picking up a half knot of speed.  Interestingly, the skies all day were overcast, according to Ft. Lauderdale weather reports because of Sahara dust, keeping the temperature comfortably in the mid 80s.   

You can see the aquamarine water of the Keys from a distance, and it is just amazing that even at shallow depths of fifteen to twenty feet, life on the bottom is crystal clear. It felt very comforting to be back on the water with boats coming and going in every direction with lots of chatter on the radio.     

Once the winds calmed the seventy-five mile passage to Rodriguez Key was quite nice. Our ETA was 6:00, but with the extra half knot we were anchored by 5:00.  We double checked the anchor to make sure it was secure before going ashore at Mandalay Oceanfront Grill and Tiki for dinner.  Great restaurant well worth the mile dinghy ride with excellent food, live music and even a water bowl for Fritz.  Ahhhhh the Keys, not home, but sooo comfortably close.

Tomorrow’s destination is Boot Key, Marathon, only about 40 miles, then if conditions hold, Marco on Thursday, and PGI on Friday. 

Glory be!  Holding our breath…  Can we really be home in time for the start of the Olympics?