Bahamas or Bust!

After 3 1/2 weeks dockside, we left our marina in Stuart FL yesterday morning (Jan. 26). It was with mixed feelings that we left--as I mentioned in the previous posting, this marina was like a close-knit neighborhood in which we made many new friends who offered everything from a garage in which to store our car (thanks Rene!) to help pushing off the dock to hugs and farewells!

Corey--future dive instructor in the Bahamas!

Our Dual Defenders--Darryll the Monkey and our grandson's guy from Despicable Me (who is that guy??)

Darryl was given to us by the guy who sold us our (stolen) dinghy. He has taken care of us so far...we figured a little extra help doesn't hurt!

Bill and Pam O'Bryan

We met Bill and Pam at the Tuesday nite potluck and really hit it off! They're staying for a month in Stuart on their 44' Searay--gorgeous boat. (I wondered if they would take a stowaway) Even though we only knew each other for 4 days, we all felt like we had known each other forever. We definitely hope to see them again!

We headed south to Palm Beach--an easy ride on the intercoastal waterway

How the other 1% live

 taking about 5 hours. Then we were poised to make the jump to the Bahamas--the seas are calm and the winds are not northerly--FINALLY!
 We enjoyed one evening in Palm Beach and have decided to do a 24hr run to Bullock Harbor, in the Barry Islands in the Bahamas. Hope to arrive sometime Tuesday afternoon. White sandy beaches, conch sandwiches, and clear blue water here we come!