Bellatrix

Bahamas Bound

16 September 2014

We have begun our journey. 

As all of our friends have heard a thousand times we have a plan but no itinerary. We plan to take our time traveling down the ICW eventually leaving from around Miami for West End, Bahamas. We hope to sail the Abacos until it gets cool there then to the Exumas for the cooler months. 

After a glorious weekend with friends in Baltimore enjoying Sailabration 200, the Blue Angels, Tall ships, warships, good food and drink at our favorite places we sailed (actually motored) out of Baltimore harbor at 1230 on Monday afternoon. Since the wind didn’t cooperate we motored to Whitehall Bay, north of Annapolis, got in at 1700, anchored out, and had a steak dinner. Bed early. Up at 0700 and sailing by 0730. We had a great sail to Solomon’s Island on the Patuxent River, about 45 nautical miles. Bella was happy to see land as she, so far, won’t do her business on the boat. We are anchored near Spring Cove Marina. Chicken in cream sauce (Nancy, Thank you for the trivet) over rice, creamed spinach and artichokes for dinner. Tomorrow probably the Potomac or Wicomico River. We watched our own little air show with Navy warplanes flying in and out of Pax River Naval Air Station.

We’ve been so excited about the trip it wasn’t until last night I realized how much we are going to miss all of the great friends and wonderful people we know. Gifts, a pillow that says “Sell Your Stuff, Keep the Dog, Live on a Sailboat”, a pantry of prepared foods, a homemade Bon Voyage “Great Cookie”, wine, Champagne, our favorite vodka, a luncheon, a dinner, a farewell cookout, vitamins, cards, a Bon Voyage cake from our friends at Regi’s and expressions of love and well wishes from all. We are fortunate to have many happy memories created by so many people.