Hola!
Sun Nov 12th 2023 - We finally set sail for the season, a little late due to unforeseen circumstances (Rob’s root canal, Mom’s health - both are fine now!). Started getting cold in Virginia and with shortened days due to setting back the clocks we are so glad we are getting out of there. Southward bound can only get warmer!
Mon Nov 13th 2023 - Heading around Hatteras; rough night, both cold and bumpy. Initially we chased our buddy boat Viadorra - another Lagoon 42 - down the island, we had 2 reefs in the main, a reef in the jib and we were still doing 10 knots boat speed. It’s too fast for Rob who slowed Muti down further trying to coax a more comfortable ride. The conditions are always amplified in the dark. Viadorra disappeared ahead, way too fast for us. Today the sun is out, much less bumpiness (it’s a word now) and it’s nice on the boat. In the afternoon a school of dolphins entertained us with their jumps as they were racing across our bow. This sight never gets old. Rob says they are just like zebra - happy to see the first herd but gets boring fast. We are expecting bad weather in a few days so tomorrow we will check into a marina on Bald Head Island in North Carolina for a couple of nights to let the weather pass.
Tue Nov 14th 2023 - Last night was not as uncomfortable as the night before, it was not as cold and the windy/bumpy conditions were much improved. And Rob actually got some sleep. 😴 But in the early hours of the morning the wind and big waves returned even more forceful than yesterday. There isn’t an item on the countertop that hasn’t moved or fallen down, which is unusual for a catamaran. Mal viento! Thank goodness for the patch behind Gerda’s ear! We couldn’t walk around without holding on to something so we couldn’t steady ourselves enough to shoot a video. But at least it is sunny and much warmer! The long hurricane season has caused us to lose some of our boating skills: we put out a couple of fenders on the side to get some diesel at the fuel dock before leaving in VA and then forgot to untie them and pack them away when we left! Needless to say they were donated to Neptune, an expensive mistake. We headed to the Bald Head Island Marina near Southport in North Carolina to hang out a few days before the next weather window allowed us to continue south. First order of business was to visit the restaurant for a nice grouper sandwich and FRIES, followed by much needed rest. The most recurring feature of all the marines we visit is the ‘tiredness’ of the showers and restrooms but the ones at Bald Head marina are a pleasant surprise, clean and well kept.
Wed Nov 15th 2023 - In the morning we went for a walk, this island is very quaint but quiet now since it’s off-season. It’s a beautiful island, happy to have stopped here. Not sure why there was an old UK phone booth. 🤷♀️ Later Rob had to spray the outside of the boat to get rid of all the salt from our most recent passage, it was everywhere! Weather is still a little cold for us, so patiently waited it out until we can head south again.
Thu Nov 16th 2023 - Quiet day doing admin and boat chores. A bit breezy and cloudy but not cold so we went for a long walk again and stopped at a local deli/store for a bite and some provisions. Rob bought a bar of chocolate that was so healthy (gluten-free/no dairy) that it was tasteless. We’re trying to be healthy but what’s the point, right? 🤦♀️
Fri Nov 17th 2023 - Rained through the night but the weather is pleasant today. When doing laundry at the marina Gerda discovered the dryer wasn’t working (I know, first world problem). The dock master at the marina offered to drive her to a commercial laundromat on the island, about ten minutes away in a golf cart which is the mode of transport on the island. I guess it’s true what they say about southern hospitality!
Sat Nov 18th 2023 - Beautiful day! Left after breakfast for Fernandina Beach FL, we will be on the water for about 48 hours. Ocean pretty flat so no bumping around (and no bruises 👏). Rob caught a few little tunas, not sure if they are the edible kind (that would be a first for us!), they were released back into the water. 🤷♀️ Rob now has a lucky lure, a natural cedar plug. Water was still flat when the sun went down.
Sun Nov 19th 2023 - The bumpiness returned in the early hours of the morning. If we were Vikings we would be wondering why the sea gods were so angry. 🫣 At least the dolphins seemed to be having a great time surfing the waves, so fun to see! (Zebra?) For a while we were sailing; the wind veered until we were making little head way, tacking through the wind which was right up our butt, the dreaded DDW (direct down wind) 160 degrees. We commenced with motor sailing. The waves seemed to get smaller early evening. Tomorrow morning our feet will hit dry land. Can’t wait!
Mon Nov 20th 2023 - Winds, accompanied by swell, remained throughout the night and this morning. We were rocking back and forth non-stop, so could not get to our destination fast enough! Checked into Fernandina Beach marina and walked into the town for a bite to eat. Very quaint little town on the border of GA and FL, reminiscent of St Augustine but less touristy. Our boat’s home for a few weeks so we can head back to Austin for a few days to take care of some non-boat things.
Tue Nov 21st 2023 - Light rain in the early morning, turning into a lovely day. We went for a long walk to find a Walmart (for reasons foreign to Gerda) and bought some potato chips and a coke for the walk back! 🤷♀️ Back in the historic district of the town we stopped for a light lunch at a small Mom & Pop store before heading back to the marina. Tourists were out in full force, assuming it’s because it’s Thanksgiving week. Later in the afternoon it got very windy, seems to be the weather we have been warned about in the past few days so glad to be safely tucked into this marina.
Wed Nov 22nd 2023 - Nice weather early, then some drizzle but not cold at all. Later the wind started and it brought a chill with it. The water on the outside of the marina is quite choppy and the boats there are being bashed up against the dock, fortunately we are on the inside. Boy, do we boaters talk about the weather a lot! While Rob was doing boat chores, Gerda went for a long walk across the island to the ocean and took a selfie to prove to Rob that she went that far! 🤣
Thu Nov 23rd 2023 - Happy Thanksgiving Day! Cold today. Though we are spending it alone on our boat we are grateful for many things: this life we are able to live, everyone we care about is healthy and exciting future endeavors. Very thankful Gerda embraces this sailing stuff even though it’s not always in her wheelhouse. 🙄
Fri Nov 24th 2023 - Driving back to Austin for a few days to take care of some things (specifically: Rob’s root canal). Also caught up with neighbors and friends.
Wed Nov 29th 2023 - Returned to Muti at about noon. Cold front is still around, much colder than what is usual for Florida in winter. Met up with Mike and Doralyn, nice to see our boat friends again!
Thu Nov 30th 2023 - Coldest night yet! At least it is supposed to warm up later today. Will be here for a few more days before continuing south.
Peace out
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