There are shifting shoals, shifting goals and always the boat shifting on its mooring. Just when you think you've got it figured out, something changes...and changes again. For some of us, blogging has the feel of time shifting. Past, present continuous and future perfect all get rolled together when we're trying to make a coherent report of our activities. It seems that wherever we are, we start taking root. There's always a bit of us left behind with new land friends, old friends visiting to make new memories, and new cruising friends who loop in and out. There's also quite a bit left behind in the literal sense, as we drop things off at each landing. We continue to weed out our storage, supplies and equipment, hoping to make things run a little smoother. The Marine ... read more

With the arrival of new pictures we would like to say more about the special folks in this time and place. Sorry for the high sugar content in this entry, but these people turned a bad experience into an unforgettable holiday. First we say hi to the good doctors, Eddie Rosado and Michael Murphy and the staff at the Shoreview Urgent Care. Thanks to you, Frank is doing great. We send hugs and kisses to Joanne Morgan for standing by us, tooting us around, and supplying these lovely shots with her 35m yardsale camera! Our times with Ted and Diana were sparkling memories. The appearance of Lea and Byron from home was an extra special gift. Sorry we have no pictures of Jesse, Allen, Alan and Beverley Smith and Rachel but we really appreciate all your ... read more

It's not all about pretty, pleasure boats when you're out cruisin'. Here's a sample of boats in different poses and circumstances. Many are working, while a few have been sadly tossed aside. Hope you enjoy the collage. ... read more

31 02.800 N 81 25.354 W ICW 685 Yes...we made it past the Ben Sawyer Bridge in time. We stopped last night at Jekyl Island, Jekyl Harbour Marina, to visit travel mates Bob and Nancy on the RACHEL J. Feeling lazy today after a dinner party last night, we're slow casting off. A couple who keep their boat in the Mediterranean dropped by and there's lots to learn and notes to compare. When we're done chatting we'll be heading out toward Florida. Melodeon has been logging 50 to 60 miles per day as we pursue our quest for warmer weather. There is talk that the Canadians brought their freezing weather with them. The 20's F with wind chill down to the 10's makes us really glad we have a wood stove and a diesel stove on ... read more

This seems the right time to say more about the the fun we had at Moorhead City, NC at ICW mile 205. We arrived Friday, Dec. 4th, 2009 and docked at the impressive dock at the Sanitary Fish Market and Restaurant. There we met friendly fellow boaters, with whom we shared dinner and stories. With the marine supply store and the other essentials a block away, we decided to stay Saturday and let the latest nasty wind blow over. The neighbouring harbour was lined with fancy, fishing charter boats, powerful sightseeing boats and lively seafood restaurants. At dark on Saturday night, Dec. 5th, we were startled as a crowd suddenly gathered on our semi-private dock. "Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday!!!" they shouted boisterously as a mini-flotilla of boats, beautifully decorated with lights and costumes, motored past, honking ... read more