Miami To George Town

1 - Stuart, 2 - Miami, 3 - Cat Cay, 4 - Chub Cay, 5 - Nassau, 6 - Warderick Wells Cay,
7 - Little Farmer's Cay, 8 - George Town

Miami to Cat Cay

November 18, 2013

A beautiful full moon shines down on us before
we leave Florida.

Jon gets stopped by the police in downtown Miami.

What a beautiful day for crossing!  Our anchors were up at 7 AM.  The sun was shining as we made our way past downtown Miami and under the last few bridges.  We're headed for open water!  The first few hours, two foot waves slapped us around.  Gotta Smile felt right at home, but I headed for the bow bench seat and took a nap in the sun.  When I awoke, I was feeling great.  I think this was my first open water experience without a bucket in my lap!  About half way across the Gulf Stream, the water flattened.  I knew we were going the right direction when the water was finally blue -- a rich deep sapphire blue.  I have missed that color in our travels along the U.S. coasts.  Those beautiful blue waters are a primary reason for returning to this part of the world.

Cat Cay Yacht Club

We arrived at the Cat Cay Yacht Club around 4 -- just in time to clear Bahama Customs.  Only the captain of the boat is allowed to get off until we are OK'ed by the custom's agent.  When Brian and Jon were done, we all scrambled onto the dock and did the happy dance.  

The quarantine flag is up while we wait to
clear customs.

We're legal!

The yellow quarantine flag was taken down and the Bahama flag was raised.  

When a boat enters another country's water and hasn't checked in with the customs agent a yellow flag is flown.  After checking in, the flag of the country must be prominently displayed.  Time to celebrate with dinner at the club's restaurant.  All of the people we met were charming and friendly.  We did see first hand what the guide books had warned us about.  Eating in restaurants down here is

expensive.  An occasional splurge will be fun.  Our plan is to anchor out and eat most of our meals on board.  

Cat Cay to Chub Cay

November 19, 2013

Gail & John on the upper deck as we travel south.

We are now in that beautiful light blue water that is so clear we can see the bottom most of the time.  Coral, sea grass, sand and starfish are easily seen.  It is hard to decide which is a prettier shade of blue:  the sky or the water.  We have been blessed with a day of flat water -- not even a ripple.  How can we be in water this flat with no land in sight?  We keep reminding ourselves, not every day will be as beautiful as these two.

The first of four barracudas….

The guys decided that the fishing lines would get wet today.  They both snagged barracudas.  Two got away and two were released.  It was exciting just to hear the lines clicking their warning that something had gone for the bait.

Gail and I tried a new recipe for Mexican chicken soup.  It smelled delicious as it simmered all afternoon.  We ate by the light of a full moon in the cockpit with a beautiful breeze.  It was so perfect! 

Ready for dinner in the cockpit.

No land in sight.  No sounds other than our voices.  And, no bugs!  Wow, this is what we were hoping to find……

Sun setting -- 

Dinner is served!

Chub Cay to Nassau

November 20, 2013

Bonnie and Jon rafted on us last night.  It was fun to wake up this morning and have them snugged against our hull.  Once again the water is flat, the sky is blue and there is very little wind.  How lucky can we be?  And, how long will our luck hold out?  

Our path today took us through several deep water channels on our way to Nassau.  For a short time, we saw a depth of 10,025 feet.  

Cruise ship alley

To get a closer view of the cruise ships, big boats and life on land we took the inner channel around Nassau.  Of course, Nassau is noted for it's high energy, big city atmosphere.  It has been that way since the 17th century, when pirates came here for women and wine.  In the 1940's the disgraced Duke and Duchess of Windsor escaped from Britain for this 

Where the rich and famous play, Atlantis.

retreat.  The six of us prefer to boogie through here and visit some of the smaller towns we come across later in the trip.

  

I guess I should have explained our agenda before this.  We are traveling as fast as we can to Puerto  Rico.  Friends advised us to speed through the Caribbean before the Trade Winds start blowing.  We'll spend the winter in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.  A leisurely trip north will begin the

And the big yachts that bring them to town. 

middle of March taking time to explore the Caribbean islands in depth. 

Anchored tonight beside Athol Island.  Don't say that too fast….. you might be embarrassed.  

Pulling into the Exuma Cays Park

Nassau to Warderick Wells Cay (Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park)  

November 21, 2013

The sky is still blue, the wind is minimal, but we have a little chop on the water.  Still thankful.  We have been so spoiled with the unbelievable water of the past couple days.  We passed lots of small islands and saw more pleasure craft -- mostly really big yachts.  Civilization must be close.

We have already traveled 279 miles in our first four days.  

How many shades of blue can you count?  Oh, it looks a little green in the photo. Still, a pretty spot.

Tonight we are on a mooring ball in the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park which is part of Warderick Wells Cay.  It is one of 25 National Parks that are protected by the Bahamas Trust.  The guide books rank this area as one of the most pristine and beautiful in the Exumas.  It is sheltered on three sides with great views everywhere we look.  As the mooring ball was being connected two manta rays swam past the side of the boat.  The dingy was dropped in and we did a quick tour of the bay before the sun dropped behind the islands.  

Chumming the water with lettuce.  Who would
think it would be such a hit?

While we prepared dinner, Gail threw some lettuce leaves into the water which caused a feeding frenzy by greater amber jacks (probably eight two foot fish).  After dinner, Brian and John were preparing to lift the dingy.  A seven foot shark started circling the dingy with Brian still in it.  He was extremely cautious as he stepped  to the boat.  

Every night we eat dinner in the cockpit enjoying the tropical breezes and the quiet of the area.  The moon is just beyond full.  It still throws enough light to eat by.  And, you can imagine how bright the stars are with no lights for a hundred miles or more.   

Warderick Wells Cay to Little Farmer's Cay 

November 22, 2013

This looks like a fashion citation.

Still beautiful weather today, but oh, what happened to our water.  Five foot swells and two to three foot chop greeted us as we left our protected bay.  It was enough to make all of us wear our man overboard wrist devices and for me to take two naps on the bow settee.  The good news is -- we had a short day that brought us to another beautiful anchorage around 3:00.  This visit doesn't allow time to visit Little Farmer's Cay, but we will return.  It is supposed to be the perfect Bahamian village.  Bon Voyage is once again rafted to us for the night and Bonnie is making dinner.  We'll eat in our cockpit and toast another successful day of travel.    

Jon manning the grill and enjoying some liquid refreshment.

Our water maker has been working like a charm.  It made enough for me to do two loads of laundry yesterday and for us to give Bonnie and Jon 100 gallons tonight, although the last 20 accidentally went back into the ocean.

Little Farmer's Cay to Little Farmer's Cay 

November 23, 2013 

What appears to be a volcano exploding, is
something I prefer to sleep through -- sunrise!

Everyone was up at 6:00 this morning so we could get an early start.  After two hours of discussion about weather and wave height among the captains, we pulled the anchor and took off.  

The treacherous inlet.

To get out of this peaceful bay we have to go through a narrow inlet that is bubbling like a boiling pot of water.  The currents, tidal movement, wind, surf and narrow space to maneuver all combine to make it a nail biter.  That turned out to be a piece of cake, compared to what was waiting outside!  Seven to nine foot seas greeted us as they broke over our bow pulpit.  I hadn't secured everything as well as I should have, so there was a

The sea that was waiting for us

constant clanking as dishes and food shifted in the cupboards.  Nothing broke, except a small ramekin that I dropped as I tried to pad the cupboards with pillows.  The route was tested for about two miles, when those in charge, voted to turn around and go back to the anchorage.  No arguments here.  Of course, that meant going through the inlet again.  Once we were safely anchored, we looked out at the sea.  It looked almost calm.  Perspective is everything.  Seeing how well the boat  takes the waves was reassuring.  I'm handling the waves better, too, thanks to a new potion.  Motion eaze is an oil that is applied behind the ears.  So far, no face in the bucket time.

Bob and Linda on Veda L (a 48' Krogen that was docked next to us at the Bayport Marina, MN for many years) heard us call on the radio.  They are at Compass Cay.  We passed that location about 30 miles back.  They invited us to spend time with them as we wait for calm seas.  It would be fun to see them, but 60 miles round trip is about a day's travel. Think we'll have to meet up somewhere down the path.

JR carving an owl out of wild tamarind wood.

Yesterday I commented that we would come back to see the town on Little Farmer's Cay.  I sure didn't think that it would be this soon.  It is a very tidy village with friendly people.  JR met us as we walked the hilly streets looking for a grocery store.  JR was a great find, the groceries weren't.  Once again we have learned what the guide books mean when they say supplies are limited in the stores. 

It is hard to believe that anything would grow in
this rocky soil.  JR hand plants and waters his
crops.  It was pretty amazing.

No refrigeration, small stacks of canned goods, no fresh produce.  JR is the government representative for the community, unofficial mayor, wood carver and very nice man.  He gave us a short tour of the town, his wood carving studio, garden and  answered all of our questions as we walked.          

Bonnie and Jon are dealing with a major problem.  Their refrigerator is not holding it's temperature.  I would be frantic, but Bonnie seems to be handling it pretty well.  She made a great chicken dish with brandied apples in the sauce and brought it over for a potluck tonight.  We're making ice to help with the cooling and have offered freezer space.  This is not what we anticipated.  

Still In Farmer's Cay

November 24, 2013

Stuck in paradise!  We are here for at least a couple more days.  A weather front is coming through with nine foot waves expected.  After our experience in seven foot waves, we aren't even discussing the option of leaving until it calms down.  No one is too disappointed -- it is beautiful and today we found WiFi. 

Drinks, snacks and WiFI at Ty's!

When we landed at the dingy dock we met some of the locals.  They told us to walk to the airport and we would find a nice restaurant/bar.  Sitting down with a drink and snack sounded like a good idea.  So, off we went.  Then the manager told me they had free WiFi.  I grabbed him and gave him a full body hug.  I did apologize saying I should have asked first.  All of the people we have met have been very friendly and this group was no exception.  Only 60 people live on the island.  We figure we are on a first name basis with at least seven.  By the end of our visit we may know a good percentage.

Walking back to the dingy.

Little Farmer's Cay was settled by a freed slave named Christina.  She moved here with her two sons and daughter.  Most of the current residents are direct descendants.  The island is only 3/4 of a mile long.  It does have a 2500 foot airstrip.   

Bonnie and Jon continue to have trouble with their refrigerator.  A discussion of options is ongoing between them:  to continue and get a repair in Georgetown (only 40 miles from here) or to turn around and head north.  We will be so sad if they decide to go back.  No matter what -- we are committed to continue.  

For the third night, Bonnie made the main course and brought it to the dining deck.  (She's trying to empty some of the more perishable items from the refrigerator.)  Gail and I are busy coming up with side dishes.  Good times and good food with good friends! 

It's been another two days in Farmer's Cay.  The bay is too rough and the wind too strong to put the dingy in the water.  The real bummer is that we can't connect to the WiFi at Ty's restaurant.  We were so hopeful that we would be able to connect to it from the boat.  Books, sudoku games and assorted tasks have kept us from going stir crazy.  Brian continues to work on projects.  I think he has almost exhausted his list.  Bonnie and Jon have decided to go back to the Abacos.  The trip certainly won't be the same without our boat buddies.

Little Farmer's Cay to George Town

November 27,2013 

Bonnie and Jon head north while we go south.

The weather and wave reports sounded iffy for today, but when we got up we could see that the water had calmed down considerably.  The boat had been prepared for departure the night before -- just in case:  pillows stuffed in the cabinets, cabinet doors locked, fragile items put where they won't fall.  We were ready for semi-rough water.  Brian and I were up at 6.  In checking the engine room he discovered a leak in one of the water lines.  45 minutes later, it was repaired and after a brief farewell to Bonnie and Jon we were off.  Four - five foot swells tapered off to one foot by the end of the day.  I learned another valuable lesson -- no reading in rough water…….  I thought I was doing so well that I could finish my book.  No, no, no!  Once that feeling of seasickness begins, it is here to stay.  

We arrived in George Town at 3:00.  Plenty of time to check out the facilities.  A real grocery store was across the street with fresh produce and almost everything we needed.  The refrigerator is full again.  Tomorrow morning we are off to find a produce stand and bakery.  No doubt in my mind that Brian will sniff out the bakery!    

The ambiance was lacking (folding chairs and table),
but the food was exceptional.

Big treat tonight, dinner in town.  Eddie's Edgewater restaurant was recommended.  As we walked up the front steps we were skeptical, but we went in and ordered grouper dinners.  It was delicious!  And, what nice people in this town.  Everywhere we go, the people are so friendly and polite.

Tonight we have real WiFi!  I can finally post this blog.                       

           

Gotta smile -- we're loving the ride!

Plan On!

November 15 - 17, 2013

1 -- Stuart,    2 -- Miami,    3 - Cat Cays     

I am always writing what our plans are and the next post tells how our plans changed.  Well, for once our plan seems to be our actual experience. 

Guy and Gary gave us fishing rods.  Then, Guy
helped us pick out reels and tackle.  We better
catch lots of fish to offset our expenses and to
supplement our pantry. 

We were at Loggerhead Marina in Stuart for 16 days.  Bonnie and Jon arrived on the 6th.  All four of us were busy little beavers as we continued to provision, repair and plan for "The Trip".  Considering that our past travels have never taken us more than 24 hours from a grocery store or marina, this is a big step.  When we leave Florida, we will be gone for six months.  We have vacationed in the Caribbean and Virgin Islands, but always on a charter or at a resort.  We never gave any thought to where we would buy food, find parts or make repairs.  That was someone else's problem!  This time it is our challenge.  The adventure is in the challenge and I have no doubt we will be challenged many times.  In the meantime, we have spent a huge amount of time and, of course, money trying to be prepared with the essentials.  Now, we'll see if we know what is essential!   

This house is sitting on a barge in the middle of the
intracoastal.  Not all of the homes are spectacular.

We left Stuart on Friday the 15th and headed south to Miami.  It was a leisurely trip on the intracoastal  with two short travel days.  Since Gail and John weren't flying into Miami until the 17th from Minnesota, we didn't have to rush.  It just felt good to get moving and quit preparing.  We have traveled this leg several times and never get tired of it.  This is the land of the rich and famous.  Emphasis on RICH!  Mile after mile of spectacular yachts and mansions.

We couldn't see the house -- this is the boat house! 

This is someone's private yacht.  It comes complete
with a 30 foot runabout, an inflatable, a 30+ foot
sailboat, helicopter, several jet skis.  Some people
just don't like to rough it.

Not the biggest of homes, but a pretty one on
a spectacular point of land.

On Sunday night, the 17th, we positioned our boats at an anchorage.  It is a short trip across the Gulf Stream -- only about 50 miles -- but it is recommended that boaters allow two to three days of good weather and calm seas to cross.  Right now, four good days are predicted!  By anchoring we can get an early start.  Positioning beyond the many bridges that would have to be opened for our passage will save us an hour or two.  It is not uncommon for boats to wait days or weeks for a weather window.  The fact that we had no wait is such a huge blessing!  Lets hope that it is the first of many.  

This guy was moving his dock to a new location
while it was attached to the boat……clever!

            



      

Gotta smile -- we're loving the ride!

Good-bye Jacksonville -- We Are On Our Way

October 24 - 29, 2013

Yes, we finally left Jacksonville and are on our way south to Stuart.  Once in Stuart we will make final preparations for our winter trip and wait for Bonnie and Jon to arrive. 
 

Downtown Jacksonville on a beautiful morning.

On Monday, the 21st, we got back to Jacksonville from a two week trip to visit all of our immediate family.  Besides seeing our kids in St Louis and Afton we went to Detroit for Brian's 50th high school reunion, where we stayed with my brother and sister-in-law and visited with their two children and grand kiddies.  The pace was fast, but we had a great time with everyone including a few friends that we met for lunch along the way.

This Navy ship hit the bridge deck in the distance.
The bridge is closed for at least a month for repairs.
Hey, even the pros sometimes miscalculate!

We've seen a lot of cargo ships, but never like this.
Four cranes lifting containers off.  It took just
minutes to unload each one.

I started a diet on July 16th, and in spite of the vacation, I managed to loose the last  3.5 pounds while we were gone.  In just over three months I lost 36.5 pounds!  Now, the hard part -- keeping it off!  Portion control has never been my strong suit.       

There were almost as many adults in costume as
children.  

The anchor is up -- Ready for another beautiful day.

Traveling south we spent our first two nights anchored in quiet bays.  The third night we stopped in Cocoa, a small town that we had visited briefly on our way north last spring.  It has lots of shops, restaurants and a huge old fashioned  hardware that  has something for everyone.  We arrived in time for a Halloween party that took over the entire town.    

It started off with three dolphins swimming towards
us.  Others joined in until we had eight on our bow.
These four were thumping into the boat.  Four more
were just as active on the other side.    

On Sunday morning it seemed that all of God's marine creatures were showing off for us.

We seldom see manatees, but today we saw about
thirty.  I even got a picture of this one.  My shadow
was in the foreground as I took the picture.  That
wasn't planned -- just a lucky shot.  

  

A new variety of jellyfish.
We were surrounded by them.
From the top they looked like hamburger buns.  

      












The next two days we slowed our speed and shortened our days to relax and enjoy more anchorage time.  One night near Melbourne and the other near Ft Pierce.  Tomorrow we arrive in Stuart.   We will stay in Loggerhead Marina for about two weeks.  It is a couple hundred dollars less than Sunset Bay (where we usually stay) for the month and gives us the option of staying in their sister marinas south of Stuart to complete our month's rental fee.  Since we will need to position near Lake Worth, to wait for a weather window -- this should work out well.  You know how it is with plans…. stay tuned for how it really plays out!

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!

The Beginning Of Change

September 19th - October 7th, 2013

After being in Jacksonville for 4 1/2 months, things are going to finally start happening.  Tomorrow morning we will move the boat to Huckins Yachts to have Gotta Smile pulled out of the water.  Someone (not me -- for once) hit a submerged rock last year and broke one of the stabilizer fins.  The bottom will get a good cleaning and additional work will be determined.  There always seems to be a list of things.  I'm preparing myself for the report.  

Wednesday morning we fly to St Louis to begin a circle tour to visit our family and go to Brian's 50 year class reunion.  When we return to Jacksonville, it will be time to head for Stuart and make final preparations for the islands!  In my mind, I can almost see us sailing off.  We've been planning this trip for so long, I can't believe that we are now beginning the final countdown!  I'm sure we have over prepared, but this is our first time in new territory -- it is better to have more than needed.  Hopefully, we will be in the Caribbean again for many winters and the process will get easier each time.

Monday night our good friends, Ann and Jim, from
Long Boat Key were in Jacksonville.  Dinner and lots
of conversation -- a fun reunion!    

October 8th, 2013

The day started very early.  Up and in the shower at 6:00.  Finish packing, get the suitcases to the car, check out of the marina and prepare to move the boat.  We are expected at Huckins by 9 AM.  It was a very short trip -- no more than a mile.  Two dock hands were waiting for us when we arrived.  The river has a lot of current in this area because their property is adjacent to two bridges.  Thus causing the boat to have it's own agenda.  Once we were close enough to the dock, I threw the lines and we were walked into the travel hoist.  I've never been around for this process.  It was interesting to see how they lift 60,000 pounds so effortlessly.  

Positioning for the lift.

 The straps are lowered that will slip
under our hull.

Gotta Smile is floated into place over
 the straps.

The slack is taken out of the straps and
slowly our home is lifted out of the water.

The lift driver now moves the lift carrying
our boat to dry land.

Work begins immediately.
First step is to power wash her bottom.
 Additional work is noted.
All of the zincs need to be replaced.
(Zincs are sacrificial pieces of metal that
save critical metal parts on the boat from
deterioration -- rudder, etc.)  
Wax and polish the exterior.
And, of course, fix the broken stabilizer fin.
More to follow -- I'm sure! 

Everything worked out for the best.  We barely got back to our car when the rain started, making us so thankful that we moved the boat early.  The rain stopped long enough for Brian to have one more meal at Maple Street Biscuits.  Then, more rain.  It is an ugly day.  We checked into the Hampton Inn early so Brian could take a nap while I catch up on the computer.  The Hampton has a great program that offers FREE shuttle service to the airport and FREE parking while we travel.  How sweet is that?          

Gotta smile -- we're loving the ride

An Apology To My Faithful Readers

September 5 - September 18, 2013

I have to apologize to all of you that have continued to faithfully read my blog.  It has been pretty darn boring for at least six months.  We haven't been traveling very much due to my knee surgery and family activities.  Please hang on and I guarantee that things will get more interesting once we are moving towards the islands in November.  Until then I will continue posting occasionally, with the mundane things that are happening in our lives.  I guess this a good life lesson for me -- you can be in a place that you love, living the life that you have dreamt of and still every day is not filled with exciting new experiences.  Occasionally we have to slow down and recharge.  As we spend time here in Jacksonville, I'm recharging by taking time to swim and read books again.  Just a couple of things I have neglected.  Oh, I almost forgot.  I got a MAC computer and iPhone so my brain cells are being stimulated as I try to learn this new communication system.  Weekly classes are helping, but it is a challenge.       

Thank goodness we have a car with us.
We love driving to some of the other cities
and towns that surround Jacksonville.
There are lots of interesting places that
can be seen in a day.  Of course, my location
in the car is always the passenger's seat.  Brian
 thinks that his role of 'captain' extends to all
 things motorized.   

Jacksonville has the largest population of any of the
cities in Florida and is the largest city by area in the
contiguous United States.  But, like many large cities,
it is struggling to bring the population downtown in
 the evening.  The first Wednesday of each month is
 Artwalk.  Many of the downtown restaurants, galleries
and street performers co-operate for the event and it is
working.  The night that we attended was packed.  In
case you are having a difficult time deciphering my
photo --- it is a woman twirling and balancing a big
stick that is burning on both ends.
   

Amelia Island is about a half hour north
of Jacksonville.  It has a history of living
under eight different flags.  They like to say
"the French visited, the Spanish developed,
the English named and the Americans
tamed."   At the north end of the island is
the town of Fernandina.  A 50 block area of
the downtown is on the National Historic
Places registry.  Because the town fell into
obscurity when Flagler's railroad bypassed
the island, the Victorian homes were repaired
rather than replaced.  Their heritage was
preserved.  In our travels we are always
looking for seafood shacks or dives that are
local favorites.  During a downpour we ran
into Timoti's, and had a great lunch.  As we
left we saw the sign proclaiming it one of
Coastal Living's top picks for this year.        

Daytona Beach is famous for the hard packed sand 

that allows cars to drive on it.  Brian is meticulous 

in the care of his cars.  So you understand that it 

was only out of true love that he agreed to take the 

car on the beach subjecting it to sand and salt spray.  

For me it was a walk down memory lane.  In 1966 I 

  came here with three sorority sisters for Spring Break.

Nothing more to say on that topic.

We discovered San Marco, a cute neighborhood, within
Jacksonville.  Maple Street Biscuit Company is a new
restaurant located on the main street.  The owner, Gus,
is one of those super nice guys that you just pray will be
successful.  Their specialty is delicious meals and sandwiches
on the flakiest biscuits. The last time we stopped Brian had
 just about licked his plate clean when the chef came out
with a new dessert and asked him to critique it......
A cinnamon apple biscuit, topped with whipped cream
and carmel sauce.  I don't think they could have created
something more perfect for Brian.  Of course, he loves this
picture with his mouth full.    

St Augustine remains one of our favorite neighboring
cities.  It is about 45 minutes south of Jacksonville
with a huge outlet mall on the way.  St Augustine
offers abundant history, a beautiful coastline, lots
of shopping and restaurants.  Most of it is within a
reasonable walk -- especially if the summer
temperatures dip below 90 degrees.    

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!

When Will I Learn?

August 23 - September 3, 2013

I've got to stop announcing what our plans are.  My last blog talked about us leaving for Stuart the beginning of September.  Guess what?  It's not going to happen!  To those of you that don't live on a boat, you probably make plans and that is all there is to it.  You follow through on those plans.  Living on a boat offers a few more variables.  

The unexpected variable this time is unprecedented levels of bacteria polluting the east and west coasts where the Okeechobee drains.  The pollution came primarily from the Northern Everglades Agricultural Area where most of the country's sugar cane is grown.  Extremely heavy rainfall in the area caused flooding that carried sewage, manure and fertilizer into the water causing a fluorescent green and black slime of toxic algae.  It is recommended that no one touch this water.  Beaches in the adjacent areas are closed.  It just made sense for us to stay in Jacksonville where the water isn't pristine, but it isn't toxic.  Now we will probably stay here until the end of October........oops, there I did it again!  

We have started meeting more people in the marina that also live on their boats.  The last two Thursdays we were invited to barbecues and we were amazed at the stories. Many of the couples have been living on board for twelve or more years and one couple took the last twelve years to circumnavigate the world.  We feel like total newbies!  



Searching for entertainment here in Jacksonville, we found that every Saturday the Riverside Arts Market is held under a large freeway bridge.  When I read about it, the image of Billy Goat Gruff and the Troll came to my mind.  However, it is a great location.  The bridge deck offers shade that makes the 90+ degree weather comfortable.  A small amphitheater at one end has wonderful acoustics and a view of the St John's River.  Like the markets in other cities, this one was both a craft show and farmer's market with live music and food  trucks.  A little something for everyone!

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!