The Departure

It certainly has been a very, very busy week trying to tie up loose ends, finish packing and stowing. We have been constantly monitoring the weather and it looks good for today, 9/30/11. We had a farewell dinner last night with Patrick. Donna and her husband, Rick, arrived around 10 P.M.

And after a quick review of the weather and a decision to check in the morning we tired folk went to bed. Today arrived with glorious blue skies, minimal (about time) humidity and calm winds. Bill made a fabulous breakfast and stopped for a few last minute supplies. We used 'JoSea' (our Rhodes Marina 19') to help load the last loads and then our goodbyes were said. Unexpectedly there was flooding and the dock was under water causing wet feet but not wet clothes. When all was aboard 'Interim' dropped her docking lines and pulled away from the dock at 11:11 am. First stop was going to be Port Washington for fuel.

You've heard of the 3 tenors but here are the 3 Captains. Unfortunately only Bill and Donna will be onboard for the journey while Rick and I follow their adventures south.

A very happy Simon joins the crew for his 3rd trip to the Bahamas.

LAST WEEK HOME

Things at Chez Dichter are in full swing. The Whaler is now on deck with many, many points of contact with the
mother ship so she won't fall off. The ships stores are full with lots of goodies for the next 6 months - unless the crew gets to them first and the weather looks promising for an end of week departure. We still have Carol's clothes to arrive and a haircut for Simon.

Donna Nestler, our good friend and now co-captain on 'Interim', has been so very helpful these past few days - helping secure the Whaler and maintaining a watch as Bill went in the water to clean up the prop. She is the captain of her own boat "She Shanty" and will bring music and laughter along with her expertise in boat handling all along the Intercoastal Waterway and beyond.. I will be joining 'Interim' either in the states or after they arrive in the Bahamas. But I will be in contact with them throughout the trip with news along the way.

Summer Trials

Both Bill and I are quite happy that summer is over and we were looking forward to a lovely fall. Unfortunately we expect torrential rains, once again, and rain predicted for the next 5 days. Our summer on the boat was not meant to be. Bill needed to work on many of the systems, install new equipment and repair ever aging yacht.systems. In addition, as you all know the weather did not cooperate but we were very lucky and were spared any damaging effects. Our one overnight occurred last week when we traveled to Northport, L.I. on Saturday and we found ourselves huddled together near the heater and under blankets to keep warm. Sunday, was quite lovely and surprised us by having the Northport Fair with a huge crowd.

Before heading south we took Simon for a checkup - the vet found a cyst on his knee - removed it and he is as good as a 12 year old Westie could be.
Heading home on Monday an easy, beautiful, comfortable trip.