And the Dream began.....

And the Dream began... I can remember my very first sailboat as if it were yesterday...the shiny, bright red hull, the brilliant white sail that could blind you in the afternoon sun as it danced across the water. I loved that boat and would have done anything to keep it safe. Even fall off the dock and almost drown...but that was many moons ago and I was only 3. Thank goodness for a quick dad! My pride and joy and I were both safe and lived to sail another day. There have been many more loves in my life since that wonderful week on Keuka Lake and a good a share of them have been the sailing variety. So I guess that it was only natural that over time the dream to sail around the world would become a passion. I am very lucky that the man in my life, my husband Gar, has humored me in following this dream. We are getting there and hope to set sail once we retire but the journey has been fun. Hope you enjoy the ride!

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Carefree Carrabelle

We were not very excited about going into Carrabelle for some maintenance and to wait out TS Colin.  We had been there many years ago and only remembered how bad the mosquitos were during our stop. We ended up staying there for 8 days and thoroughly enjoyed it.

View Down the River
Carrabelle is so small that they don't even have a red light and can boast that they have the smallest police station in the world.  But there is an IGA, Ace Hardware and a couple of good little cafes within in a stone's throw of the marina.


Our base was C-Quarter Marina and a great place to spend the week.  Part of the fun was meeting other cruisers, some who had cruised for years and others like us who were at the beginning of the journey.  The large porch is a gathering place from early morning to dusk for cruisers and locals alike.  Mexican Monday is a weekly potluck that was lots of fun!
Cruisers are starting to gather.

Mexican Monday
It was fun to watch the Saturday fishing tournament!  I have to learn to fish.
The winning grouper at 38 pounds and that was only half of him!! Whoa!!
A face only a momma could love

If you happen to head into Carrabelle, these are a few of the place you need to check out.

Carrabelle Junction is an old-time ice cream parlor.  They make an awesome breakfast and the ice cream isn't bad either.



Ham and cheese croissant and fresh squeezed OJ

The waterfront park is pretty cool.




The old Carrabelle Hotel
The Fisherman's Wife and Fathoms were good places to eat. The shrimp dishes were delicious.


But the best thing of all was the people we met!

Victor and Kathy
John and Nancy
I didn't get a pic of Marty and Ken!  Will have to catch up with them in the future!

Hope you enjoy your time  on the porch!!

Till next time, don't forget to relax and get some sand between your toes!!

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Sante,

Saturday, June 11, 2016

And the next adventure begins!!

On June 8th we celebrated one year on our boat, Dreamchaser.  It has been lots of fun and we are loving the boating life.  Most of first year was spent at Bluewater Bay Marina in Niceville and it was a great experience.  We made many new friends that we will remember forever.

Our evening view

LJ Schooners' view

Another gorgeous sunset!!
Going to miss this place!! Adios Schooners!!

Just three short weeks ago we set off on our grand adventure. We've made a slow path east during these weeks and have revisited many of the wonderful places that we have been sailing for years.  At times it seems like we are just on another sailing vacation... but this time we get to continue on!

Some of our favorites!!

The Ditch..




St. Andrews..

Interesting neighborhoods to explore.

Great parks! This is the only palm of its kind!

Shell Island..


Sunset on the hook

It really is this secluded!

Port St. Joe..






Apalach..




Carrabelle..

The Old Carrabelle Hotel

Sunset at the dock!

But now it is time to explore new places!  Hope you come along with us.  Who knows where this will lead??


Till next time, don't forget to relax and get some sand between your toes!!

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Sante,