As far as boat bedrooms go, it’s pretty hard to beat the Grand Banks for two kids. They both love their room, and being able to sneak out through the back.
At anchor in North Palm Beach. While we were here it became clear from watching the weather forecasts that we were going to be stuck in Florida for a couple weeks while nasty weather blew across the U.S., and north winds made the Gulf Stream too rough for us to pass.
We decided to just keep heading south, stopping in Boca Raton for a night. By the time we woke up the next morning the forecast had changed and a 12-hour window of SE winds was predicted for the next day. Excited, we packed up and continued south to Fort Lauderdale. When I went to fire up the engines that morning one of them wouldn’t start. My mind immediately jumped to an electrical gremlin or a starter. Ali’s went a different direction. Did you do something when you checked the oil? [eyes roll] No. Are all the switches on? [eyes roll] Yes. Is the engine in neutral? [Eyes open wide] uhhh…
She’s available for hire.
Las Olas Marina mooring ball. We started and ended our circumnavigation from this very spot. Pretty awesome for us to be here all these years later, and have our kids with us on the boat this time. We took them to the same restaurant where we’d sealed the deal on the catamaran, and had our first burger back Stateside. We reminisced all sorts of stories, to which they obediently listened, but honestly didn’t care about. Kids.
New Year’s Eve.
Leaving Ft. Lauderdale and the States behind. Not sure where we’re going, or how long we’ll be gone this time—we just know the first stop is Bimini.
19 Comments on “Leaving”
Have a safe, fun, adventure-filled journey. How fun to be at the same mooring.
“Las Olas Marina mooring ball. We started and ended our circumnavigation from this very spot.” Here’s to the beginning of another great adventure. So happy for you guys. 🙂
Sooo exciting. What a break, getting to leave after thinking you’d be stuck for so long. And the boat looks like such a wonderful home. Wishing all of you the very best of luck, and safe travels. Can’t wait to hear all about it.
The kids will love the stingrays in hurricane harbor.
Awesome to see you out cruising again! Looking forward to all the wonderful pictures you are sure to take in the Bahamas.
What became of the engine?
It had been bumped into gear. I put it in neutral, fired it up, and drove away. I would have probably spent two hours troubleshooting wiring if Ali hadn’t said that.
Gotcha. Read your narrative very carefully this time. Very funny.
Who rules??
Who drools??
Looking forward to the excitement! Bon voyage!
Once again you have captured the most wonderful shots making me feel as though I was right there next to you!
The kids probably think you out did yourself this time! Their room is Great,
The boat is fantastic, and you sure can’t beat the scenery.
Safe Voyages! ?????
Love a Grand Banks
Safe passage… Glad to be following you again…Love the Grand Banks!
Congratulations on been back on the move on the water. Look forward to reading your further adventures.
Pat/Ali,
Over the many years I have been following you all, yes the photos are amazing and awesome to enjoy, but what’s even more enjoyable than the great pics is your wonderful ability to relay online your ease at life. Taking it one day and one moment at time. So too quickly and guilty are we all just ready to go go go, that we don’t savor moments in time that we’ll never see or feel again. Happy New Year’s to you all and safe travels once again on your journey. Missed you guys your last past thru San Diego, but I know life will have us crossing trails on sea or land someday…..
Tyler
San Diego
Go Get’m tiger(s)(esses).
Blessings to each of you.
scott h.
Bon voyage!
Your boat is gorgeous! We are so excited for you on your new adventure. Hope to run into you in the Bahamas sometime. We’re going to the Exumas in June. Thanks for sharing your wonderful adventures.
Thanks, Franci! I was going to ask you when you would be over here. Maybe see you in June!
I remember watching you leave on the cat years ago. Does that make me a charter member of the Bums?