Damn It’s Nice to Be Back!

November 15, 2021, St. Augustine, Florida

Our shakedown cruise ended in May and the good news is, we don’t hate this lifestyle or living on the boat. We have internet (so far) and only have a few loose ends to tie up before taking off.

First off, we rented an apartment for the next 6 months til hurricane season is over in November. During that time we had attended three graduations, moved or helped move 4 more times, put everything we own either in storage, packed to bring to the boat, or sold it and in our spare time we hosted Thanksgiving, tried to solidify our end of work plan (quitting our jobs), and enjoyed the pool.

At that point, we could take off for round two — cruising the Bahamas for the winter. Once we splashed the boat, sold the car, visited family, and navigated the intercoastal again, we could jump. As of today, we are not only back on the boat but splashed the boat and took our first trip down the intercoastal. Make no mistake, I toughed it out two hard nights (45 degrees) and let me tell you heat is not overrated! My only saving grace was we had hot water and hot coffee. Whew!

Ron was a champ, and not only did we take off in strong cross current from the launching pit by ourselves, but he docked at the new marina without hittting anything or creating new curse words. We are here for the next two weeks finishing up the remaining boat projects and provisoning. It’s funny. My docking duties are when he pulls up to the dock ensure he doesn’t hit the dock or another expensive boat. This means I’m kinda like Flo. I just run up and down the side of the boat with a bumper in my hand mumbling something about insurance. Definitely a treat. Anyway, we plan to stay here, then head straight south and wait for our perfect time to cross to the Bahamas. The farther south the better after the two chilly nights I just had. At least we’re at the marina now, I get heat! Please let it warm up!! Regardless, damn it’s SO nice to be back!!