St Lucie Inlet

 There are so many positive and wonderful things happening.  First - Paul started the engine - no problems, no smoke!  Hallelujah!

Last night's storm came and went quick, drenched us and gave us quite the light show.  The lightning through the clouds - way less threatening then when striking the ground!


This morning we woke to quiet - only lapping water at the sides of the boat could be heard.  Neighboring boats were coming and going but all were respectful of the tranquility of the cove.  Coffee on our "backyard" swing was a great beginning.


We sent in our application for visiting the Bahamas (Yes, we were accepted!).  

Then we spent the afternoon sailing - with both sails and even for a period with no motors running.  This is how we fell in love with the idea of living on a boat.  The feeling of flying through the water with only the sound of the wind and water - priceless.  St Lucie Inlet proved to be very narrow but manageable.  And then we were in the ocean where we had room to "play".  Trying different tacks, trimming sails testing effectiveness on our speed and even using the autopilot simultaneously.  Lots of great learning!

                                                            St Lucie Inlet

I "drove" the first half of the trip while Paul ran the sails and then we reversed for the return trip.  Sunset came fast and our day had a very happy ending.  Sticky from sweat (high of 85 today), sore muscles and fatigue from so much input - we should definitely sleep well tonight.




The plan - continue to practice as the weather allows.  Tentatively head to the Bahamas Sunday or Monday.


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