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  January 16 – Day 23 Underway We woke up Wednesday to a weather shift in Lucaya that made it clear we weren’t going anywhere. Since leaving was off the table, I figured it was the perfect day to go shopping! I especially wanted to be sure I had tennis sneakers on hand—just in case this opportunity presented itself again. I headed out while Steve stayed behind working on… you guessed it… more boat projects. Thursday was very cold here in Florida—though nothing like what’s happening up north. The wind generator was absolutely going crazy! Today we ventured out again to pick up a few more supplies, as we’re now thinking tomorrow may be our departure day for Lucaya. A good weather window appears to be opening, and as luck would have it, we’ve secured a new reservation at the Grand Bahama Yacht Club. Nine out of the twenty-three boats left Wednesday for the Berries, and everyone arrived safely. Thursday’s weather turned out just as rough as predicted, which made us very glad we stayed...
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  January 13 – Day 20 Underway We had quite the storm roll in last evening just as we were anchored. At 1:30 a.m., curiosity got the best of me, so I took a look at what was happening. On Monday, I completed my final work task: dropping off the company laptop. ✔️! Another laundry day—much quicker without all the heavy winter gear. It really makes you appreciate your washer and dryer when you’re carrying laundry in a backpack, walking to a less-than-desirable part of town, and doing laundry to the soothing soundtrack of low-battery smoke detector beeps. Then it’s back to the boat we go. Today was filled with meetings focused on educating everyone about where to go—and where not to go—in the Bahamas. After listening to the briefings, a decision had to be made about when the group feels it’s best to cross the Gulf Stream. There is a heavy weather front expected in the Bahamas on Thursday, so leaving Wed and crossing the Gold Stream isn't necessarily the issue.  The bigger questi...
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  January 12 – Day 19 Underway We finally made it to West Palm Beach — the jump-off point for the Salty Dawgs January Jump to the Berry Islands. Once again, the waterfront homes were absolutely incredible. Bridges, bridges and more bridges! We encountered fixed bridges, drawbridges, and even a swing bridge. Some open on the hour, some on the half hour, and some on demand. We looked up all the schedules and adjusted our speed so we wouldn’t spend half the day circling waiting for openings. Friday afternoon (Jan 9) we dropped the dinghy and decided to check out the waterfront. First stop: the Super Yachts. As we putted by them, Steve suddenly smelled something burning — never a comforting boat smell — and realized the motor wasn’t getting any cooling water. Of course, neither of us had our phones because it was “just going to be a quick little dinghy ride.” Well… not so much. After a quick assessment we had no choice but to row back to Restless . So there we were, rowing our way home...
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   January 8 - Day 15 Under way Our time in Vero Beach was productive -though not exactly thrilling. I'll admit, I rolled my eyes when I was told it would take all day to do laundry and grocery shop…  Turns out..it did. Super busy in that laundry room! While I was buried in laundry cycles, Steve tackled an important project: getting the mater maker fully hooked up and running. Huge accomplishment! Whew - what a relief! All sailors know that water quality equals quality of life, and I am grateful for his knowledge and patience with this stuff. I did get a workout in which consisted of running to the top of the bridge and back to the marina to check on the laundry...then back up to the top of the bridge...and back down again to check the laundry one more time.  Twice was enough! As a brand-new cruiser, I have also discovered a new "toy" I now consider essential headphones. No more WHAT? ICAN'T HEAR YOU! shouted across the boat...game changer! We met another couple head...
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Bahama Bound - Christmas Day

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All! Christmas Underway: One Week Aboard SV Restless Christmas looked a little different for us this year-and that was exactly the point. Steve and I are one week into our winter journey south, leaving our home waters of North Carolina behind as we make our way toward the Bahamas aboard SV Restless .  Steve is a seasoned sailor; I am still fairly new to life under sail. Each day brings something unfamiliar, something beautiful, and something that reminds me just how small - and lucky- we are out here. A Carolina Beach Send off Before we even left, the trip began with family.  My sister and niece were visiting and generously gave us a ride to Carolina Beach where Restless was waiting.  It was so nice to have them there to see us off. We spend Christmas Eve aboard, picked up a mooring ball, and set sail first thing Christmas Day.  There was something quietly special about that- casting off lines while much of the world was openin...
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