Dec. 22/23

We have spent the last several days getting ready to leave on Tuesday and spending time with friends.

We walked across 2 bridges to go and look at Atlantis, amazing. This is where we saw the mega boats. One bridge takes you to the island (Paradise) and the other bridge takes you back to the mainland. You have to pay to drive onto the island.

We sat on the boats and watched the boat parade of lights but nothing like Annapolis has.

Our friends had part of the family get here, the son that is an opera singer in Boston (after mom said numerous times)never checked his passport...oh well he is still there but his sister, husband and baby got here. Other neighbors had family coming from Hobby in Houston and was in line for 4 hours and so they missed the flight. They were able to catch on to Fort Lauderdale and caught a plane and got here last night.

There are 5 boats leaving anytime from 5:30 am to 7:30 am. It is suppose to be a great day and maybe even a great several days.

Going to the grocery store and buy something to put in the pressure cooker for Xmas. Highlight tonight we are all going to the Dairy Queen across the street and buy one Blizzard get one at 1/2 price. Our huge splurge.

Another mega yacht to look at is Northern Lights, this one is behind us and is 80,000 -100,000 a week.

For the next 4-5 days we will have no access to internet but remember you can reach us with the tracker.

Another beautiful day in paradise.

Bo and I wish all our family and kids and grandkids a very blessed holiday, we miss you all so much. Hugs to Donald and Lavonne, our prayers and thoughts are with you!!

Bo and Joyce

Dec. 20

Bo and I walked to a beach not far from the marina.

It had a beautiful park there and one of my favorite signs on the road. Hope you liked the mobile barber picture.

We say bump in the road but they say HUMP !!!

I keep forgetting  to say that the Bahamas' are English colony SO they drive on the left side of the car and the wrong side of the street.

The shoes I really need, a family on the cruise ship was at the beach and we took their picture and I had to get her shoes, they were from Panama City, FL.

Last night we bought fish(Wahee) from our neighor fishing boat and Bo fixed it want to buy more before we leave on Monday or Tuesday.

Dec.21

2 boats by us tried to leave and the winds were so strong they are coming back, there is a boat parade of lights tonight right by us so will be fun.

Our friends family arrives tomorrow from VA and MA so will fun to gather.

Everyone be safe over the holidays. Hold your family close and dear.

How could I forget one of my favorite pictures.

December 18

Today Bo and I took advantage of the great weather and walk to town. Bo did some video and I had my camera.

We first walked to Potter Cay, this is under the bridge that goes across to Atlantis. Here the fisherman are busy taking the insides out of Conch shells, pounding them ready for cooking.

We continued our walk and the are busy getting ready for Junkanoo and Boxer Day, they had bleachers set up along the street, the hours are from midnight-10 am.

This is a hot spot for cruise ships so shopping is very up scale. One of the jewelry stores was beyond belief so had our pictures take, the lights reminded me of my child hood. When my sister(who is 6 years older),mother and I would go every year into Sioux City,Iowa before Xmas go to Younker Martins and Younker Davidson's, have lunch on the balcony and look at all the decorations in the stores and windows.

The have police all over, directing traffic and helping people. The have street decorations like we use to have years ago,carriage rides and the traffic is horrid, if you have ever ridden in a taxi in New York you fit right in.

We walked down to Arawak Cay. 32 places to eat and they are all like little colorful huts, so cool. As you walk along the beach there are little places like boxes open for food.

In the picture that shows the light house that is the channel that we came into. The water is unbelievable, so blue.

We walked to the Government House where the statue of Columbus is, talk about grounds, unbelievable.

After walking from 9am-2:30 we decided to ride a taxi $1.25 a person so we had a chance to ride the bus lines...hold on.

Dec.19th 3 of us took a taxi to a laundry to and back $35..little step but suck it up.

Doing some maintenance this afternoon and then at 5 getting together with 5 boats for appetizers .

Does not look like the weather will let us move until Monday.

Really windy so hoping for less wind and clear skies.

Welcome to the Bahamas

Welcome to the Bahamas !!!

December 15-16

Today, Sunday we left the Stadium in Key Biscayne at 5:45 to head out by the stilt houses in Key Biscayne. We Bo had a place here 13 years ago this was a big thing. All the hurricanes have destroyed some homes and others they have redone and people are in them. If you use to watch CSI Miami they started the show with a quick pan shot of the stilt house in Key Biscayne.(pictures stilt houses)Beautiful sun rise.

John and Denise left with us and it was perfect, winds so sailed the entire day and night, then about about 1 am the wind switched and we took the sails in and motored.

I wish each one of you could have been with me on my midnight-5 shift. Stars, full moon , light winds. As I looked over the big ocean I thought how blessed we are to have so much.

As we left Key Biscayne it was traffic in New York City with all the sailboats headed out. People call each other to chat and see where they are going on their VHF Radio to be in contact with people and the coast guard.

We thought we would stop in Bimini as our first port of call but the weather was to perfect so kept going, a thunderstorm passed behind us and the lightening was awesome.

As is grew dark all the lights came on from the sailboats, you had to laugh at the traffic lights and it was like a race.

In the afternoon I got to take the helm and my favorite thing to do is race and see who I can beat and we did!! In the picture with me at the helm look at the blue water, in sailing hair styles are a goner.

As we approached Nassau the sun was just coming up, you had to hail the harbor master to ask permission to come into the harbor, you had to give the boat documentation number and tell them where you came from and where you were going to stay while in Nassau.

As we approached the harbor Atlantis was on our port side, all I have to say is WOW !! We would like to go over there and look around as they are suppose to have a fabulous aquarium. 

After we checked into the marina and did a wash job to get layer 1-2-3 of salt off the boat we (the 4 of us) walked to the phone store to get Bahamian phone. John and Denise had one from last year so just put minutes on their phone. We have to buy a phone for service.

We had to fly a yellow flag (quarantine )from one of our halyards meaning we had not had customs and immigration come to our boat and check all our papers and they could board us. We had to pay X amount to enter the Bahamas, we had already had Butterscotch papers from the vet and board of agriculture that Butter could enter and paid for him to come. After immigration checked us out and we filled out the papers and they asked how long we wanted to stay (6 months) we had those papers, then later customs came and we had to fill out more papers and pay again to come into the country. Bo got a fishing permit so he can do lobster and other fish that goes until April.

We then walked and looked for a marine store as we broke a block putting up our dinghy Saturday night in preparation for leaving, if it is not one thing it is something else. So need to get parts again but think we will order some and have them sent to Jaymi’s ,Bo’s sister who is coming down in for a week in January. 

We are now trying to set up sort of a schedule of what we want to do for the 3 days we are here then move on. John and Denise are staying as the daughter and family and son are coming for the week before Christmas.

Thank you to all the people that have sent us messages on

share.delorne.com/HerbertChesney  password  Peacock. 

Yes Lee we were in the middle of the ocean, not really but the depth was 5000 ft. holly smoke could not touch bottom and the sea temp. was 90 degrees. (Gulf Stream)

Lee and Mary Pat your friends from Glory Days called us on VHF and they are at a dock over from us so will see them, they were getting in at the same time we were>

Clear skies and fair winds.

Picture 1 was sunrise as we left Biscayne Bay about 5:45

              2 Stilt house in Biscayne Bay, there are 7 of them and 4 of them are lived in at this time.

3 I love to race boats and see how many I can beat!!!did it. Blue water.

4.Atlantis, right across from our marina.

We had to fly a yellow flag (quarantine )from one of our halyards meaning we had not had customs and immigration come to our boat and check all our papers and they could board us. We had to pay X amount to enter the Bahamas, we had already had Butterscotch papers from the vet and board of agriculture that Butter could enter and paid for him to come. After immigration checked us out and we filled out the papers and they asked how long we wanted to stay (6 months) we had those papers, then later customs came and we had to fill out more papers and pay again to come into the country. Bo got a fishing permit so he can do lobster and other fish that goes until April.

We then walked and looked for a marine store as we broke a block putting up our dinghy Saturday night in preparation for leaving, if it is not one thing it is something else. So need to get parts again but think we will order some and have them sent to Jaymi’s ,Bo’s sister who is coming down in for a week in January. 

We are now trying to set up sort of a schedule of what we want to do for the 3 days we are here then move on. John and Denise are staying as the daughter and family and son are coming for the week before Christmas.

Thank you to all the people that have sent us messages on

share.delorne.com/HerbertChesney  password  Peacock. 

Yes Lee we were in the middle of the ocean, not really but the depth was 5000 ft. holly smoke could not touch bottom and the sea temp. was 90 degrees. (Gulf Stream)

Lee and Mary Pat your friends from Glory Days called us on VHF and they are at a dock over from us so will see them, they were getting in at the same time we were>

Clear skies and fair winds.

December 14

Yesterday we dinghy into a bar so we can tie up the boat and take the bus to Brickell Station to catch the free mover to Bay Side one of our favorite places to go in Miami.

The first picture is of John and Denise McLinn at our last drink before we go to Bay Side then take off on Sunday to cross the Gulf Stream and continue into Bimini.

The picture does not do the trees justice, these are the Robinson Crusoe  trees. They have huge tangled roots and then hanging vines down to the ground, they are beautiful. Pictures of Bay Side, a tourists stop with lots of resturants .

As we are anchored back at the stadium and there is a school right on the water and they are big into water activities. Today they are having races and fun to watch.

Taking the dinghy over to the marina and fill the last jerry can filled with gas for the dinghy as gas is so expensive in the Bahamas, we know we will need to buy it but put it off as long as possible.

Watched the Iowa/Iowa State game last night way to go ISU!!! Today Bo is watching his Arizona Wildcats/Michigan at noon, his folks are recording the rest of the games so when we get back he can watch them when we go spend time this summer with them.

Hugs and prayers are with everyone at the holiday season. Count your blessing!!

Until I sign on again.

Bo and Joyce

Dec. 10

The last 2 days have been crazy. We moved over to Dinner Key in Coconut Grove, FL. We went to a dock as we needed rented a car to go and gets the parts for the boat.

On our trip over we pulled our dinghy behind the boat as it was close, we never do this as we don't think it very safe and smart. We always call our dinghy our HumVee Limo.

Bo was able to get all the parts he needed and the final thing was a tester for the water maker that tests the water we make and it is better than the city water.

We moved today over to an anchorage by Key Biscayne called the Hurricane Hole so will be here for a few days until we are able to cross over to the Bahamas.

In the last picture you can see the clouds over the Gulf Stream.

Clear skies and calm seas.

Sunday Dec.8

Today we went for a dinghy ride, this is our car to us.

We are anchored in what is called the Stadium, it use to hold boat races until boats got to big and to fast, now it is a great, safe anchorage.

They have a blown up house that is part of an art festival in Miami, you see it and expect Santa to come out. Stopped and talked to the police that are present in the anchorage until after dark. When Bo was on an assignment here (Royal Caribbean ) he had an apartment and I would fly down for weekends from MA. The apartment was 1/2 block off the beach. We rented jet skiies from a marina in the anchorage, here is the stadium.

When we look out the cockpit of the boat this is our view, Miami. Supper with friends tonight. Our friends sailboat, Beneteau 43, they have 2 border collies. More tomorrow. Forgot to tell you, CSI Miami,when they started the show they played music and they went through stilt houses, that is in Key Biscayne, people lived there when we were here 13 years ago.

Dec.

As we were going through Governors Cut there was a ferry taking cars from Fisher Island to the main land.

There are signs  flying in the air, maybe 10 at a time so there is a lot of small planes. Flying over the inlet.

We filled up with fuel and came to what is called the stadium where we are anchored by our friends that we are crossing over to the Bahamas with.

Hugs to all, please keep Christ in Christmas.

Dec.6

Our trip from West Palm Beach to Miami was great.

While we were in West Palm we anchored out in the area where most people anchor when going off shore, sorry no pictures.

We left West Palm about 5 am and got into Key Biscayne FL about 3 pm.

We got the priviledge to enjoy one of God's special sunrises.

I will send pictures in several notes as there are so many.

We pasted by the shipping channel in Ft Lauderdale, Fl and these are the ships that were there. I took a picture of a boat beside one of the ships so you can see the size of these cargo ships.

When Bo had a place in Key Biscayne and I looked from the beach or our patio the neon lights in Miami were awesome. We both love it here but not to live.

As we came into Governors Cut into Miami some of the first things you see are high-rises , shipping and lots of traffic.

On one side of Governors Cut is all shipping on the back side is where all the cruise lines are. Here are some boats being loaded and getting ready to be towed out to see, again the size of the ships and the tow boats that take them out the channel.

Dec 4-5th

Wednesday found us leaving St. Augustine. We did not have a good read on the current and man are they strong. Oops we got pinned at 2 pilings and waited there for 1 hour then was able to leave.

Weather was great, so strange our best friend was not their to do night watch with each of us. He always was outside from the time we left until we anchored.

Here is a tug with no load, now is I had sent the front, middle and back you could have clipped them together.

We got into West Palm beach about 5 pm and anchored just at dusk. Ate, showered and ready for bed.

Sails out. Calm seas and clear skies.

Thanks for all the notes about Butterscotch, he is now with Gods other special friends.

Dec.3

Yesterday Bo and I had very heavy hearts as we had to put our 14 yr. old cat, Butterscotch to sleep. He just could not fight the diabetes and then he was having kidney problems. We have tried to keep busy but certainly do miss our best friend.

Tomorrow we are getting up and fueling and leaving for West Palm Beach, will be so strange that Butter will not be with us as he has been our boat cat for 13 years.

We will meet up with friends and go to Key Biscayne and then cross over to the Bahamas.

It has been beautiful here in St. Augustine today, shorts and short sleeve shirts, had lunch out and walked with a friend across Lions Bridge to a fruit and veggie stand and ready for tomorrow.

Dec. 1st.

I will do a little catch up.

Thanksgiving was great with Mag and Wendy on their boat food was unbelievable. They gave been here a week trying to get across to the Bahamas to their home. Gulf Stream is called hazardous.

 Friday we rented a car for a few days as Bo had to do a lot of driving to get the parts he had ordered for our repairs. In the afternoon we had a vet appointment to check on Butters blood. It was very high so they changed insulin. They went from people insulin to animal insulin.We go back on Monday and have to make some huge decissions. If his count is down we stay for another 4 days and have it checked again, is not we will say good bye and have him put down as they have told us that with his count as high as it is he would not last 3 months. The switch from human insulin to animal insulin, is suppose to make a difference so keep the prayers coming our way. We have had him 14 years.

Wind holly smoke you would think we were in Iowa. Not cold  just damp.

Friday morning our friends with the catamaran called and were coming under Lions Bridge about 7 am. They had been overnight and said it was almost like when we went around Hatteras. Their Chart Plotter went out this trip. So excited to see them, we have been apart since our trip around Hatteras knowing they are safe is a blessed sight. They are 78 ft and 38 beam catamaran and have only certain places they can go with the boat and do the repairs they need. We are all (4 boats) still fixing our boats  from the Hatteras trip they have been outside Charleston, SC. trying ti get the repairs done.

Mag, Wendy, Donald, Lavonne, Bo and I all celebrated to a reconnection by going for supper.

Now let me tell you about parking!!! Never rent a car here!!! Parking is horrid so, there is a city covered garage we can go BUT....every time you go into it it cost $10..yes you read that right. BUT after 5 on Friday all day Saturday and Sunday you can find places to park for free all day all night. Come tonight he will park in the $10 spot until we go to the vet on Monday.

Yesterday I did laundry and Bo started to work on the main sheet traveler. He quit about 5 went with friends to walk around the old town. We love it here and all the lights, really feels like holidays.

Today is back to boat repairs and the women are going back to Old Town.

Will let you all know about our Monday Dr. appointment.

Hugs and fair winds and clear skies.

November 27

We had to leave Amelia Island Marina at high tide in order for our 6 ft keel to make it. We left about 4 pm and went back up to Fernandina mooring balls for the night. This way we were able to leave about 7 am and get under all the bridges at low tide. I believe I have told you our mast is about 65 ft tall and all bridges are 65 ft at mean high tide.

November 28

Happy Thanksgiving to all...

As we were leaving the mooring ball at Fern. Beach there was fog about 7 am. A picture of the mooring field.We left when the bridges were experiencing low tide.  Let me tell you the weather gods were with us all day.

It was cool but beautiful on the ICW.

Early afternoon my son called and we talked and the grandkids voices always melt the heart. Life is good. Love them all so much.

Wendy called to check on us as they were already at the marina in St. Augustine and she was having Thanksgiving dinner and let me tell you it was wonderful. Turkey and all the trimmings.

As you enter St. Augustine Harbor there is a huge cross, a welcome sign, and the Lions Bridge that we had to go under to get to our marina.