Well, I need to pinch myself to be sure I’m awake and not dreaming this! We are enjoying white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and great weather! THIS is what we signed on for!!!!
Last Night, we ate the last of our bounty from Frazer/Hog Cay. We had cracked conch that was delicious! We are now in Exuma Land And Sea Park and cannot take any critters here. We stopped at Shroud Cay for the first time. It is laced with creeks and mangroves. We hope for the right tide this morning to g exploring but many of the creeks are closed to motorized vessels so we can’t take the dinghy in them.
We got to Skype with the kids when we were in Nassau. They could see us but we couldn’t see them (question a bad connection). Oh well, Lyric was in bed anyway, LOL!! We bought a cheap cell phone here to be able to make calls on while we are here. I wanted to get one for tethering to the computer for internet but too expensive. So I just have to make do with periodic web “fixes” like this one. I admit it, I’m a web junkie!
We rode bicycles all over Nassau to find the shopping mall where we could buy the cell phone. The bicycles are going to make a big difference in how much more of the land based sights we can visit. They are hanging on the back of the boat upside down off the arch when we are traveling. The other night we had a big mail boat following us through Northwest Channel and he kept shining his light on us. We finally figured out that he was trying to see what was looking back at him – from a distance the white walls on Darrell’s bicycle look like eye glasses!! LOL
We started Yoga classes in Key Largo before we left. I figured it was a form of exercise I can do on the boat. I have continued practicing every chance I get and the rocking boat makes some of the poses even more challenging! Best of all is that I’m getting back in shape!!!
I thought my iPhone had died the other day. I tried to take a picture and it froze in camera mode. Wouldn’t do ANYTHING!!! The battery finally went dead and it works again after charging. Man, was I worried – I have a lot of stuff stored on this thing. Yes, I even type the blog on it.
I guess there is not a darn thing to complain about. Life is wonderful. We are all doing great. Roxy loved the dolphins surfing in front of the boat yesterday and enjoys her two (at least) trips a day to frolic in the crystal clear waters.
We will leave Warderick Wells this morning for points east and/or south. Hope all who are reading this are healthy and happy. Love you bunches!

DnA and Roxy

We left Key Largo on Friday afternoon (Feb. 10,2012) for our FIRST night crossing of the Gulf Stream. WOO WEE!!! We need to listen more carefully to the weather reports! First half of the trip was nice and we escaped the rain that had plagued Key Largo for days. Second Half of the trip was a real humdinger with winds and squalls. The boat handled the big seas very well and we made it to Nixon's Harbor anchorage (South of Bimini) around 9:30 AM. Worn out, we laid down for a nap. Roxy was very glad to see calmer water too.

After a couple of days of rest, we were ready to cross the Great Bahama Banks. With little wind and a bad direction, we finally made it to Chub Cay. We hoped the next stop would be Nassau but the winds didn't cooperate. Instead, we tucked in at Frazer Hog Cay for three nights. Not a bad place at all. We were welcomed by Harry and Howard at the Berry Islands Club. Harry was in the process of bringing the place back into good order. It seems that there were issues with the former manager. Harry had interesting tales of his former career as US Air Marshall. Roxy had run of the house and of course loved that! They gave us tips on where to go get lobster and conch - also when and how to catch fish from the boat. We ate like kings/queens and still have some conch!

Today finds us making another crossing but a shorter and fairer one. We are crossing New Providence Channel to Nassau (30.7 nautical miles). We have some legwork to do to make Roxy's paperwork right and I want to look into a cellphone with internet connection. That way we can keep y'all prated more often than once a week.

There is another cold front coming this weekend and we are not sure where we might head when we leave Nassau. For sure though, we don't want to stay here any longer than we have to. Roxy loves beaches and there aren't any where we stay in Nassau.

Lyric Scott Stout and Family

On The Road Again

On The Road Again

We left the boat at the dock of some wonderful, gracious friends. She is safe while we are gone and they are former cruisers so they can take her for a spin (er sail) if they want! We are making a list of things we hope to do to her before we leave on the next trip.

We made extremely good time driving - especially compared to our speed in the sailboat!! Made it to Dallas before the weekend and are glad to have a little time to visit here. Perhaps we brought some rain with us - some last night!

Yes, we are close enough that if that grandbaby comes a few days early, we are THERE! Amarillo is a mere six hours away. Can you almost hear the drumroll crescendoing!!

Drove north to the panhandle of TX and had several days to visit friends and family. It is always great to get to visit with everyone. At least it is not as hot here as it was last summer. The wind has been BLOWING, however.


Baby Lyric Scott Stout was born on his expected date at 3:15 pm. He weighed in at 9.03 pounds and measures 21.25 inches tall. Jessica had an easy time with labor and delivery and both mother and baby are healthy. He is the prettiest baby I have ever seen. Yes, I might be somewhat prejudiced. lol I think I am going to LOVE being a grandma!!!!

We plan on staying here thru the 18th of October to help my dad celebrate his 84th birthday. Then we plan to begin making our way back toward Florida. We are considering staying around the Keys for a few weeks after our return before heading east to the Bahamas and beyond. The Dry Tortugas are on our list to see and perhaps this would be a good time to visit there. Hope the rains have stopped soaking the Keys by the time we get there!

Family photo

     From St. Augustine, we beat a path south to Cocoa Beach and had a great couple of days with Dan and Stephanie!  We bought a television for the boat!  Over two years without one and now we've done it!  It will also serve as a large screen for the computer. 
  We stopped in Melbourne and enjoyed time with Gary and Mary (Packet Inn).  Found out she (the boat) is for sale :( !!  Sorry guys, hope it doesn't sell. 
  At Ft. Pierce, we finally got the weather window we needed to go "outside" and make some miles. We sailed for 28 hours straight for 155 miles and anchored in our old spot (Blackwater Sound). Good to be home!!
     Total miles traveled this trip was 2060. In reflecting on the trip:
1.  We all three enjoyed it immensely!
2.  We motored a lot more than we expected.
3.  We can skip some of the "destinations" next time but some are must stops. 
4.  There WILL be a next time if it is in our power to do it. 
5.  Most memorable and often told story was going thru a Hurricane (Irene) when we were actually leaving Florida to escape them!!
6.  A huge thank you to all our friends along the route for entertaining, putting up with us and Roxy, and lending assistance when needed. 

     

     Thank goodness Jose, Katia, and Nate have been no threat to us. Maria is still forming out in the Atlantic. Gonna continue south and hope the predictions are correct that she will follow the path of Katia. 
     We have been traveling about 50 miles a day in the ICW. Now near Jacksonville and getting some needed items at a West Marine near here. Then we will be "on the road again"!
     Stopped in St. Augustine and enjoyed a meal and music at Mi Casa last night. Enjoyed breakfast and a visit with Dick and Nelda (former owners of Alibi). Like Darrell said, Dick lovingly touched everything on the boat. I don't know if they enjoyed the visit more or we did. I wish we could have cruised WITH them!
     As I read many things in the news and on Facebook, I'm reminded of the many liberties that we enjoy because some gave their lives. I am humbled and proud to be a US citizen on this and every day. I will never forget!  Heart 9/11