On the "Road" Again

This morning's sunrise

I did go to bed early - 8:15 to be exact - so it wasn't difficult to be ready to roll before the sun broke the horizon.  We were off the mooring before 7am and back on the intercoastal well before 8.  Without any looming troubles, we were able to raise the main on the way out and quickly had the genoa in place once we were in the channel.  The engine was cut and then we were SAILING!  It's hard to believe we're three weeks into this adventure and had not managed to sail once without the engine banging along with us.  So when we cut the engine, the feeling was even better than was remembered or expected.  The winds were favorable, Biscayne Bay was wide open and we were off!  What a gorgeous day with sun and a 10 - 15 knot breeze in our corner.


It didn't take Rob long to pick his project for the day and he busied himself with polishing all of the stainless around the boat.  I donned my bathing suit, grabbed my book, studied the charts, kept us on course and otherwise occupied myself without any particular intent.  GLORIOUS!  For the record, if you like a well written enjoyable read about sailing, try An Embarrassment of Mangoes - a total delight.

The day passed without any catastrophes, surprises or even anything much to write about, but just being able to sail most of the day is worth firing up the computer for.  We even went 5 miles further than we had planned and are safely anchored behind the John Pennecamp Park on Key Largo just off the ICW and ready to hop back on board in the morning. 

Anchoring was uneventful as well and we had a glass of wine and wound down after a day of winding down!  Rob got a kick out of a passing boat asking what the propeller on the back of the boat was for . . . yup, that would be the wind generator.  Had to laugh.  The moon rose a tiny sliver in the sky with some bright planet as an accompaniment and the sun set in its usual glory.


With a simple dinner of sweet potatoes and an omelet for Rob (sad, isn't it?), we're sitting recalling the day and preparing for a lively round of cribbage where I plan on holding my record of winning every game we play!  Here's to a successful day of cruising . . . I'm ready for more of this!