Paradise at last!

We made it to the Bahamas (Cat Cay in the Bimini's and currently in Chubb Key in the Berry Islands) safe and sound after a beautiful night sail under the most amazing full moon you could imagine. The water here is indescribably blue. We will be heading to Nassau before dawn to meet up with Vicky, Alec and Lauren and are looking forward to our first (hopefully of many) visitors. We caught a barracuda (Brad suffered a wound in the battle) and enjoyed eating a large grouper for lunch yesterday. There's something pretty cool about eating your own fresh catch while anchored off a small, secluded beautiful island. We're trying very hard to post some pictutures, but the internet down here is slow at best. Stay tuned!

Bahamas Bound!

We are finally underway and headed for the Bahamas. So far it's been a beautiful sail. 15-20 knot winds with moderate seas. Both sails are reefed and we're cruising comfortably at about 6.5-7 knots. We expect to arrive in the Bimini's around 7:00 tomorrow morning.

So close, yet so far away from "paradise"!

We have been unexpectedly delayed from continuing on to the Bahamas by engine complications. Upon routinely checking the oil, we have discovered seawater in it. Not a good thing. Brad replaced the muffler, but the problem wasn't resolved. He has had to drain and flush the oil countless times to prevent salt damage. The source of contamination is a complete mystery and we can't get a diesel mechanic to come until Monday. You can imagine the frustration involved with this dilemma. In the meantime, we are working very hard at "keeping our chins up" and making the best of the situation. The wind is howling again today, but is expected to die off tomorrow.

We're dangerously close to leaving this popsicle stand!

We are still in Marathon after 3 weeks waiting for parts to finish all of our last minute projects (wind vane installation, CNG to propane stove conversion, leaky bowsprit, new Skymate weather forecasting thingamabobby, etc.), and for a weather window to cross the Gulf Stream into the Bahamas. We have all developed allergies in the last few days. The wind has been blowing like stink for weeks now. Some mornings it feels like the movie "Ground Hog Day". We have been to almost every restaurant on the island and found that the Lobster Reuben at Keys Fisheries is our favorite. LIFE IS GOOD!

First Ocean Dive

Well we survived our first dive without any complications. It was wonderful being under the surface and seeing all the new and beautiful things the underworld has to offer. We saw hundreds of new and interesting creatures and fish for the first time face to face. What an experience, Suzanne and Ian will be completing their second dive tomorrow morning and will then be certified divers.

Scuba Dive Training

Well we are still here in Marathon (Florida Keys) as you can see Suzanne and Ian have been taking their scuba diving course. The two of them will be taking their first of 2 dives in the open ocean tomorrow morning. Hopefully all goes well for them. They have completed all their bookwork and pool training in the last couple days. We ran into a couple problems with the engine yesterday morning but nothing that cannot be solved. If you are wondering, the engine still runs fine, but if you would like to know more just ask. We are more than willing to explain. We are still enjoying the warm weather down here and are looking forward to moving on towards Puerto Rico and seeing the Bahamas.

OK all you voyeurs out there, we want photos of those of you who were polite enough to sign in, but for the rest of you who are following us and complaining about the lack of info, we are checking in on you as often as you are checking in on us, so put a face to the name and log-in and for God's sake leave us some comments. Our diving classes start tomorrow and Brad just cannot wait for his first 100 ft. dive (lol). The instructor told him his mustache may make his mask leak so he's not very happy. We will add more photos of our dive training tomorrow night.