Still floating!

Well, we are all loaded up-and we are still floating!  It has been a busy last couple of days.  We are new shareholders of Publix after buying three months of supplies for the Bahamas.  The chest freezer is full-to the top!  In order to fit all our clothes and supplies, I had to mail some non-essential items home!  I returned our bright red Impala rental to the Sarasota airport, and we are set to go, almost.  I tested the engines, and noticed water in the bilge-not a promising sign.  The starboard raw water pump was leaking.  After much cursing, I finally got it off the engine-and two of the screws holding the impeller cover were broken.  Fortunately, I had saved parts from the old pump, and with help from the marina mechanic, we got the pump sealed and back on the engine.  For good measure, the marina staff ordered a new pump for a spare, and it arrives tomorrow.  Upon its arrival, we set sail.  We head toward Ft. Myers, FL to catch the Okeechobee waterway across Florida, to the east coast.  Hopefully we will be in the Okeechobee waterway by Tuesday, and spend New Year’s somewhere along the way.  Once on the east coast, we wait for a weather window to cross the Gulfstream to Bimini.  It has not been all hard work.  We dined out three nights.  Two nights at the marina restaurant, Portofino’s.  They make great pizzas at the bar, and have live music.  Another night at a local favorite, Euphemia Haye.  Alexis drank too much, and I ate too much…

The weather is predicted to be nice the next few days, so off we go!  It still has not set in that this is it, maybe once we are underway it will. 

Dickie told me about the tragedy the Gouaux family and others have gone through at home.  I know Phillip, and my heart goes out to his family and him.  Life is indeed uncertain.