Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Land Ho!

After 8 days on the boat, here we are safely docked in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida.  Total of 1200 nautical miles or so from cold weather to nice and warm.  The passage overall was very good.  Agave maintained a good speed motorsailing for about 70 hours or so, and all the rest sailing.  We had a bit of everything: cold, warm, strong winds, no winds, choppy seas, glass seas... Nothing broke on the boat (yeah !!). Sleep for adults was of poor quality and at times non-existent. How do kids sleep through anything? We were happy when we could get some "shut eye" for 20-30 minutes in a row!  Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is called the "Venice of America" because of its extensive and intricate canals - zoom in on the map on the right to check it out!  Luckily, we found within walking distance everything we needed and wished for: the beach, a groceries store, a hardware store, and a laundromat. Here is the passage in a few pictures [click on them for bigger formats]:

In Norfolk, last minute engine check... changed the fuel filters.

I always thought Agave was a big boat, but maybe not...

Thanks Jesmin for the game!  Kehan beat me to it many times...

Simple meals on board, but everything taste so good when you're in the elements.

A bit rolly and bouncy, but Sayan still found a nice and comfy spot...
Our turn to be on watch.
Only Sayan and Kehan slept full nights.
Caught several fish: skip jack, black fin tuna...


Tuna cerviche for lunch; bbq tuna for dinner!

Almost everyday pods of dolphins came and ...
swam playfully in the bow waves of Agave...


for some reasons dolphins love it!
And the more you squeal in delight, the more tricks they do!
Mini Esteban is on a roll today!

Weather is warming up as we approach Florida
Sunrises are just spectacular... it really feels like the promises of a new day...endless possibilities...