Bahama Bound - Christmas Day

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 opening presents.

 

Bridges, Beauty and the ICW

The weather has been beautiful for most of our trip, which is a gift we all know to never take lightly.  Traveling the Intercoastal Waterway has been full of surprises.  The swing bridges quickly became one of my favorite sights.


We cruised past sunning waterfront homes and then, just like that, the scenery would change completely.  One day it was nothing but swamps stretching out in every direction. Quiet. Wild. Surprisingly beautiful in its own way. Living off the grid, even briefly, gives you a new appreciation for simplicity. 


Friends along the way

One of the unexpected joys of this journey has been reconnecting with people. In Beaufort, SC, I was able to see my dear friend Shelly.  She even came aboard Restless to get a glimpse of what sailing life is really like. 

The Georgia Crossing: Cold and Memorable

The most challenging stretch so far was rounding Georgia.  We has a good weather window, so we had to take it but boy was it cold.  Around 35 degrees which instantly transported me back to my UpState New York days in snow country.  It was an overnighter in the ocean from Beaufort, SC to St Mary’s River Florida.

I managed to give Steve a three- hour break, and I’ll admit-two hours of Netflix didn’t hurt.  Unfortunately, he only managed a 20 minute nap. Still we pushed through and were incredibly grateful to return to the ICW.  There is comfort in calmer waters.  ( I think I’m an ICW kind of girl!). 

St Augustine Surprises

We were hoping to treat ourselves to a full day of exploring St Augustine, Florida, soaking in the history and charm - until we discovered a leaking galley foot pump.  What should have been a one-hour fix turned into four.  Boat projects have a way of humbling you like that.  I’d post a pic/video but it's just too BORING!


However, we did manage to enjoy dinner ashore that evening, even though the city was packed with tourists on the day after New Years, totally worth it. 


Dolphins, Workouts, and Gratitude

Some of our favorite memories don’t involve land at all.  We have been lucky enough to have dolphins swim alongside us, sometimes so close they make you jump. 

I have also managed to keep up with my workouts most days, which makes me happy and keeps me grounded. 


And looming ahead in another milestone: One more day of work before I am officially retired after working for the same company for 36 years.  I don’t think that has really sunk in yet!.  So much of my life has been structured around schedules, responsibilities and routines- and now, here we are, living by tides, weather windows, and daylight.
I couldn’t imagine a better way to step into this new chapter than aboard Restless! 

Looking Ahead

Today is Sunday, January 4th (Day 10 Underway). 

We are headed to the Cocoa Beach area.  It’s another beautiful day- sunny, with highs in the upper 60’s. Tomorrow, we should arrive in Vero Beach where we plan to stay a couple days and catch our breath.


Today was also another first- I used the radio!  Turns out, I liked it and have instructed Steve to let me know when we need to talk on the radio!!!!


We are still early on this journey, but already it feels full-of challenges, beauty, connection and growth.  I’ll be adding a few photos along the way and maybe a video if I can get it to cooperate!


Here’s to learning as we go, trusting Restless, and Steve ….giggle… and seeing where the water takes us next. 











































Comments

  1. Jamie KarasJanuary 12, 2026 at 9:37 AM

    This sounds amazing! Congrats on your retirement, what a lovely way to spend this new chapter of your life. Very happy for you guys!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Life on RestlessJanuary 15, 2026 at 9:29 AM

    Thank you Jamie !

    ReplyDelete

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