We Get To Do It AGAIN!

   

The leaves are beginning to change color

 Five years ago we said, “Maybe….” It was after we returned from our first cruise south for the winter.  We had such a wonderful time, when people asked if we would do it again, our heads answered “maybe,” but our hearts answered “definitely!” Well, the stars have lined up again.  The winds are beginning to blow from the north, the temperatures are falling, the leaves are beginning to change, the geese are heading south and so are the non-feathered snow birds, who make their way south in boats! Three other boats from the Chesapeake Catalina Yacht Club join our “flock,” to “fly” south with us.

The last of the roses

     Thankfully, most of the prep work we did prior to our initial trip has placed us in great shape for this trip. A tune up, bottom paint, some wax, a mechanic stamp of approval, a few odds and ends, and a refit of the enclosure I made for the last trip were all that was needed.  We were able to have the new canvas made with the necessary zippers, so I modified the enclosure into panels with the zipper to attach to the doger and binimi.  Best of all, it works!  The annual pilgrimage to the Annapolis Sailboat Show was done rather quickly, as our 2 ½ -year old granddaughter joined us for the day.  It is amazing how good such a little person can be especially when her nap is delayed a few hours!

The car in front is Pete. We are taking down our
4th and 5th fully loaded car t!o the boat!

     The only item not covered on the above list was the provisioning.  A BJ’s run and a number of items at the grocery store were added to what I had in the pantry and freezer.  Seems pretty simple, Right??  Well, since much of the cruising stuff and food were at the house, we loaded the cars five times to get it all down to the boat.  Thankfully, just about everything found a home. . . except those items that take up the back bed!

     Well it is 9 p.m.  We’ve done all we can for today, including 2 round trips from home (an hour and ten minutes each way!!!) Bailey, our 5 year old yellow lab, is excited to be on the boat, but is very confused by all the chaos. She has found her bed for the night and now we must also, so we can be up at 6:30 tomorrow morning.