Well, finally. We're back on the water with our faithful ship. Preparing for our voyage down the east coast, making huge Wal-mart and Sams club shopping runs every day, running around in circles, yes, it seems like the start of another great year aboard the Rio Dulce. As we're pulling stuff out from under the beds that we don't remember buying, we find empty duffel bags that we were looking for 2 years ago. Jeez. I really didn't know we had this much junk on this boat. I didn't even know this much junk could fit onto this boat. Oh well, there goes that rain jacket from the first voyage. just another brick in the wall, or, just another coat in the trash. At least we've got a great marina to stay for the time being. The only down side is that here in the palmetto state there are plenty of palmetto bugs. Brian can't stand it. AnnMaries hair is getting longer by the minute, and Brady is catching geckos all over the place. Can't wait to get back to the good ol' Atlantic again. once again, we have no plans for visitors. so if you want to get away for a little, just call the Rio Crew.

It's time to get ready to pack. You'd think after six years we'd have this down to a science. At least we don't have to try to check 15 Rubbermaid containers at the Airtran counter. With any luck we'll be in South Carolina by Nov 11th and the boat will still be floating. I've gone through the to do list from last year and their are still a few items to check off. Biggest on the list is replacing the Mercury outboard. My thriftiness tells me to just rebuild the carburetor and milk it for another year. Logic tells me I will be left stranded three miles offshore after trying that stupid fix. I can see a new Yamaha in our future.
Our travel plans have us going down the east coast with stops in St Augustine and Ft Pierce. Hopefully, we'll be able to get over to visit the crew of Kal Ikal in Orlando. Then its off to da Bahmamas mon. We plan to meet another cruising family, Gotta Life, in Georgetown for Xmas. This will be the first time we've spent a Christmas in that sailing mecca. After the new year, we plan to head up the Exumas and over to Spanish Wells to hook up with the Sutherlands. Mike and Becky and their five have a house on Spanish Wells that serves as a gathering spot for sailors all over the world. After that it's anyones guess where the winds will blow us.
Our calendar is wide open. As you should know we love visitors. So if your travel plans call for leaving the cold of winter, think Rio Dulce.