December 2017

Our new blog address for our sailing adventure will be for:

2018- http://gayadenison2.blogspot.com.
2019- http://gayadenison3.blogspot.com.

The End

The GaYa is now on the hard in Fort Pierce, Florida.  Can't believe the miles we motored and sail on her from September 5, 2016.

It won't be easy to go back to a routine at home but at least the weather will be warm.  

I hope you have enjoyed our trip by following my blog.  Through this adventure, I have learn how little we need in life and how we must keep an open mind and live one day at a time.  Living the "NOW" is all we really can do.  We must accept the daily challenges as well as the fun filled moments.
Even though we are feeling sad about leaving GaYa in Florida, there is a wonderful story at the end of the rainbow.  We now get to spend precious time with our family and friends and travel in places in Canada which we have never  seen because we were always sailing on Lake Ontario. 

I would like to thank all my supportive blog followers.  I first decided to write this daily journal so that my mother and mother- in- law could follow us on our journey.  To my surprise, it was nice to hear from others who commented and appreciated the read and photos.
Aurevoir until we sail again. Enjoy your summer.
Lise and Steve
 

April 10-22, 2017 Florida

April 10,2017
7:30am-  Steve and I both woke up with a slight headache.  Probably due to dehydration, bouncing around in the boat yesterday, tiredness or maybe realizing our adventure is coming to an end.
8:30-  We both went and took a nice long hot shower. 

First thing, we have to go to Fort Pierce airport after 10:00am. We called in Customs yesterday however seeing that we are coming back to Bahamas, we have to physically go to an office.  The Customs officer on line told us since we have a Nexus card to apply for SVRS (Small Vessel Reporting System) card.  Once we have this card, we will not need to physically go into an office and will be a lot easier.  That will be first thing on our agenda when we get home.
10:00am- We had Huber service  take us to the airport to report to Customs.  The officer was very informative.  He told us once we have our boat on the hard, we need to go back with our boat registration and US Cruising Permit and leave it with them.  They put it in a safe until next year.  This way they know we do not sale our boat in the US.  It makes sense. 
We then had Huber take us to Riverview Marina where we will keep our boat for the summer.  Unfortunately, Sally, from the office, told us we will have to wait a couple of days since they are very busy.
11:30am-  We figure we would start preparing the boat for storage. Steve washed the topside, changed the oil and propeller and put a new bathroom toilet pump in my head.  I started sorting all the things which will be coming back to Canada and did some cleaning.
6;00pm- We cleaned up and went to Cobb's Pub for dinner at the marina.  Came back to the boat and relaxed on the boat for the evening.
 

April 11, 2017

10:00am- After breakfast, Steve and I rode our bikes to Riverside Marina to look around and find out about haul out date.  Sally told us she will know more later in the afternoon or tomorrow morning.  

We then stopped and rented a storage bin foe the summer to keep our dinghy and kayak.  We then inquired about renting a U-Haul to bring our stuff from the Marina to the storage bin.  

12:30- Had lunch along the way at A Touch Of Brooklyn Plaza and then we did groceries at Publix

1:30-  We were back at the boat and rested after bicycling such a distance.
After dinner, went for a nice long walk while the full moon shined on us.  We watched fisherman on a pier. 
Beautiful night....

April 12, 2017
We called Riverside Marina to find out when our boat is going on the hard but they still cannot let us know.  They are running behind and everyone is wanting to store their boat.  So we wait or decide to bring it to Titusville but it is over 80 miles away. 
We took an Uber to Home Depot  and Walmart today in order to pick up painting supplies for when we paint the boat bottom.
Steve managed to pickle the water maker (in preparation to store it) today since we will no longer need it.  We are able to get water from the marina.

April 13, 2017
Busy day today.  After breakfast, Steve and I rode our bikes to Riverside Marina to check when we will be coming out.  Sara told us we are getting closer to the top of the list but still can't tell us exactly what day.  We decided to stay at the City Marina until Sunday and then we will anchor.  We figure we will be out by mid week.
We still have a lot to do in the meantime.  I did a load of laundry.  Steve and I then lifted all the boat's floor boards and cleaned and bleached all the bilges.  That was quite the job.  After we finished, we figured we deserve a drink.  We went to the marina bar and had their wonderful lobster bisque soup and beer. 
After dinner, we removed the jib sheet (sail) and folded and put it away.  There isn't much else we can do until GaYa is out of the water. 
April 14, 2017
After breakfast, Steve and I wen for a walk and then we went grocery shopping on our bicycles.
Later I started sorting thru things on the boat so I can decide what we will be taking home while Steve read.
6;30pm- It Friday and that means Steve takes me out for dinner to Orange Bloom.  We listened to a singer and then later we went to Sailfish Brewery Company and listened to a fantastic band Belinda and the 3 Steve's.

April 16, 2017

11:00am- Anchored a outside the Fort Pierce bridge anxiously waiting for our turn for GaYa to come out of the ware.  Looks like it might not be until after Tuesday.  Waiting patiently.

April 18, 2017

10:00- Word is now that we will supposedly come out tomorrow.  We will have to wait and see. So I am taking advantage of painting and I baked a coffee cake.  Steve is getting a lot of reading done. 

Margi and Chuck sent us a text to let us know they crossed the gulf and will be staying at the Pierce City marina for a couple of days.  We might get together this afternoon after they run all their errands.

April 19, 2017
10:00am-  Our patience is surely being tested.  We keep calling Sally at the Marina to confirm our haul out date and she keep telling us we are getting closer.  It is the unknown of a date which frustrates us.  And now when Steve calls her, she is not there to talk to us but her assistant said she will call right back.
11:00am-  Seeing that Sally has not called right back, Steve decided to put the dinghy in the water and place the motor back on.  We really didn't want to do that since we already ran fresh water thru the engine for storing it.  Guess we will have to do it again.  He dinghied to the marina to find out what is the issue.

5:00pm- We met Chuck and Margi at their boat.  Went out for tacos and beer.  

Afterwards, went to a grocery store to pick up  beer and we stopped in at their boat for our last goodbye drink.  

8:00pm-  on our way back to our boat, we decided to go and see if the sunken boat was out of the lift.  Yay!  It was ....so there might be hope for getting our boat out tomorrow.   We spoke to Dave who works at Riverview and he was reassuring.  

April 20, 2017

10:30am-  Steve took the dinghy to Riverside to see the progress.  Looks like our boat will be coming out today.  Now we wait.

3:00pm-  We get a call to say they are ready for us.  So off we go.  As we were motoring to the Marina, it dawned on me that the boat is coming out for the summer.  I actually came tears eyed knowing this was the end of staying on the GaYa for awhile.  Just then I saw 2 dolphins as we were entering the channel.  What a fantastic way to end this adventure! 

It was a fairly easy process getting our boat out.  I was so amazed that a guy was operating the lift with a remote control.  It was like he was operating one of those remote cars except our boat was the subject.  They placed her in the back end temporarily until they make room for our permanent site.  We didn't mind because Steve wanted to sand and paint the bottom bright and early tomorrow.  

The place is a working yard and it has so many boats either coming out or going in.  

7:00pm-  Had a great spaghetti meal and went to bed early.

April 21, 2017

Didn't get much sleep.  There is a train track right behind us and the boat shook ever time a train went by almost every 2 hours.  I guess you can say we are now living in a trailer park. 

7:00am-  Had breakfast and quickly started working on the boat.

11:00am- The bottom of the boat is all sanded and clean ready to paint.  I started sorting things 

out inside the boat to see what will be stored and what will be brought back home.

 11:30am- Steve painted the boat bottom.  Poor guy was soaked  due to the heat.

 2:30pm- Steve and I walked 2 miles to the U-Haul place.  We rented a U-Haul and a storage bin to put stuff like our dinghy, kayak etc.  We also picked up a sunscreen sheet to protect our boat from the hot sun.  

After dinner, we loaded the U-Haul and took down the main sail and the Bimini. 

.April 22, 2017

What a busy day!  After breakfast, we brought a load to the storage space such as our dinghy, kayak etc. 

We then reloaded it with boxes which will be coming back with us and we brought them  in the storage  during the time we will visiting Nicky for 3 weeks.  That's right, we get to spend 3 weeks with out grand children.  

Made a shaded cover for the boat since it will protect it from the sun and heat. Steve brought our original boat papers to the US Customs house to keep in their safe until we return.  If you leave a non US boat in the States, you must leave the originals with Customs.  This way you cannot sale the boat in the U.S. 

4:30pm-  Just as I finished making the cover, Nicky showed up to pick us up. It is time to leave the boat.  We were too tired a and filthy to even say a proper goodbye.  It was sure nice to see Nicky. 

April 8 & 9, 2017- Goodbye Bahamas

April 8, 2017

6:30 am- Woke up to a gorgeous sunrise and decided to go kayaking since the wind died right down.  Everyone was getting ready to leave and it looked like that window of opportunity is here.

9:00am- We went in town to drop off our cruising permit and get an exit pass.  Of course, we waited 1/2 hr. and no Customs officer showed up.  She told us the other day that they are always opened 7 days a week 9-5. After speaking to a woman from the administration, she told us that sometimes they go to other ports and will eventually return.  We only had an hour left to leave because of the tides, so we decided to leave Green Turtle and mail our cruising permit from the States.  Hopefully, that works out.

 

9:30-We hurried back to the boat to bring up our dinghy and prepare for our long journey before the tides go down.  We plan on motor sailing until at least 7-8pm tonight, and hopefully cross the gulf tomorrow. We waved goodbye to Margi and Chuck.  They will be heading back next week. So many boats heading back now and taking advantage of the good weather.  Looks like we were the last ones to leave but we are catching up.
 


 

Off we go.  Not much wind to sail so we have to motor also. 

11:30am-  Steve caught a Spanish Mackerel.  After texting a photo to Brent, he identifies it for us.

 

12:00pm- Seeing that we were rushed to leave this morning and were low on bread, I decided to try Margi's sandwich bun recipe.

 

1:00pm-  Buns were made and Steve made himself a sandwich.  They were really good.  Nice to be able to cook and bake while we are motoring.



2:00pm-  Steve caught several more fish along the way.  A small Barracuda and a Jack.  

3:30pm- We saw two dolphins jumping out of the water. 

6:00pm- It was interesting to watch this Barracuda running away from us on top of the water for at least 100ft.  Steve figured a bigger fish must of been after him. 

We are still motoring away.  We want to anchor in Mangrove tonight and get an early start in the morning. 

7:00pm-  Tonight's dinner is meat loaf, sweet potatoes and salad.  

 

What a gorgeous sunset.  Probably one of the best ones since we have left.  To top it off, the moon is almost full and it is bright. I am so grateful to be able to see all of this. 
 

Can you sense that I am starting to feel sad since the realization of our adventure is coming to an end soon? I can't believe that we have been on the boat since September.   

9:00pm-  We arrived and anchored at Mangrove.  We covered 64 kn miles in 11 hrs. Off to bed we go since we will be waking up at 3am to set sail across the gulf. 
 

April 9, 2017

3:15- We left behind 10 boat from our anchorage as we motored towards the gulf. The moon was really bright and it helped us see thru the dark seas. 

6:30am- Washed the moon set.. So cool!

7:00am- The sun is rising.

1:00pm- Steve took down the Bahamian courtesy flag and replaced it with the US one.

The gulf was rough but I must have my sea legs since I did not feel sick at all. Waves were coming from different angles.

3:30pm-  An hour away from the Fort Pierce inlet and a dolphin decided to play with the waves off our boat.  Great finale before entering the intercostal.

5:30pm-  We entered Fort Pierce inlet. 

6:15 pm- Covered 79.30 knots in 15 hr.
We are staying at Fort Pierce City Marina for a couple of days before bringing GaYa to rest at Riverside Marina. 

7:00pm-  We were tired and hungry and went to Tiki Hut to have dinner. 

Stevens is happy.  First thing he does is put on the TV once we came back to the boat.  Although he wanted to stay up to watch it, he couldn't keep his eyes opened.  In bed by 8:30pm.

April Fool to April 7, 2017- Green Turtle

April 1, 2017

7:30am-  Made it home to Canada in one day,  April Fool if you believe this.  We would certainly be fools to go back home so soon especially waking up to a beautiful hot day in Green Turtle.

After breakfast, we went to Bluff Marina beach by dinghy and laid on the beach until 1:30pm.  

Steve enjoyed swimming since the water was warm while I laid under an umbrella.  

3:30pm-Margi and Chuck came over for hors
 d 'Oeuvres until 7:30pm.  Chuck and Steve were competing with who could make the most noise from the conch.  

7:30pm- I went up the mast to fix the mooring light since it was dead calm and no breeze.  What a beautiful site.  Of course I took some photos.  Not the greatest since it was starting to get dark.  

Enjoyed the evening on back of the boat.  We could hear a lot of people laughing at the marina pub. 

April 2, 2017

10:30am- After breakfast we met Margi and Chuck who anchored for the day in a bay around where we are moored.  What a treasure place.


Just love taking our dinghy to remote beaches and exploring

We went to chore on our dinghies and walked 1000 metres to a beach on the ocean where we went snorkeling.

Walking 1000 metres to the  beach

Preparing to snorkel

 Saw so much fan coral, all kinds of fish, parrot fish, brain coral and much more.  I even managed to get sea glass and a small empty conch. The water was so warm.

Walked the beach after snorkeling to find sea glass and shells

  We then dinghied back to their both and Margi prepared a really good lunch.  So yummy and healthy.

Margi and Chuck going back to their boat

 

1:30pm- Came back to the boat.  Steve read while I painted.
After dinner, I went kayaking before the sunset.  

8;30pm- Watched the Soprano finally.

 

April 3, 2017

9:30am- After breakfast, we went in town to walk around and then did a few groceries. 

11:00am- Steve dropped me off at the Bluff Marina so I can do laundry.  Nice facility.  Cost $20.00 for 2 loads.  While waiting for the laundry,  I sat at the pool and read while Steve went fishing for an hour or so. 

Came back to the boat and relaxed all afternoon.  I painted and Steve read. The wind picked up a bit today.  What else is new.  At least the wind keeps it from being scorching hot and humid. 

What a gorgeous sunset.

It looks like the sky was on fire. 

April 4, 2017

7:00am- I went kayaking before Steve woke up.  It was a little breezy.  

After breakfast, we went for a long walk along the beach.  I was so pleased to find fan coral along the beach.  We must of walked at least 2 hours. 

After lunch, we went to the beach to relax, read and swim.

 

3:00pm-  From the beach, we went to the pool to swim in the unsalted water at Bluff's Marina.  It was so hot that we could only lay there for an hour.  At least the breeze was nice at the beach and we were undead umbrella. 
 

After dinner, I went kayaking in a lagoon near our boat.  Saw turtles and stingrays.  The winds died down so it was really pleasant and the water was so clear.  I even managed to get a sea biscuit with my oar. 










As I was paddling back, I could hear many boaters playing their conch as the sun was setting.  It just echoed everywhere.  When Steve blew it for a long spell, someone from another boat yelled out: "Are you OK? ". Everyone was laughing. 

The skies lit up as sunset. 

April 5, 2017


Waiting at the post office and Customs Office

After breakfast, we decided to make water and wash the outside of the boat.  It has not rained and the salt and dew builds up a residue on the boat and windows.  Besides, we wanted to take a shower also.  It had to be a cold one since the engine hasn't run in a while.  It is welcomed since it has been really hot.
1:00pm-  After having the boat so clean, we then went in town to mail a letter and go see a Bahamian Customs agent.  As we arrived, we noticed the offices were closed from 1:00 to 2:00pm for lunch. 


After sitting on the bench for 20 minutes, we decided to go to the liquor store since Steve needed beer.  To his surprise, the beer in Green Turtle was $17.95 for 6 beers. Needless to say, he only bought six and will have to ration.  We ended up seeing Margi and Chuck also in the store and since the beer was so expensive, they bought rum  Much cheaper. 
We went back to the post office to get a stamp and Steve inquired about what a Canadian boat has to do when exiting Bahamas.  Apparently, a Canadian boat has to get exit papers.  So we  will have to go back before leaving Bahamas.

Came back to the boat and I made Chili and later painted while Steve read for the afternoon. 

6:30pm- Went for a drive in the dinghy to a remote lagoon.  There were many sunken boats. On our way back, we noticed schooner from Australia which just arrived at the marina.  Beautiful.

 Then we noticed the GaYa all clean and looking good.

Watched another beautiful sunset while relaxing outside our boat.  Of course, there was a conch blowing competition which echoed throughout the bay.









 

April 6, 2017

It was time.  After breakfast, I cut Steve's hair.  Of course, I never get it like his barber but beggars can't be choosy. 

10:00am-  Steve went in the water and washed the bottom of the dinghy and the boat. The water was nice. 

11:00 am- We gave Margi and Chuck a brief tour of the Marina facilities and showed them the beach.  In fact, we sat under an umbrella at the beach until we 1:00pm.  We started getting hungry and headed back to the boat.  It was really gusting and many boats where coming in the harbor to get shelter.  There were some boaters who where having problems setting their anchors.  We are so glad to be on a mooring especially when high winds blow the boat around.  At least it is a hot breeze. 

3:00pm- I decided to make chocolate chip oatmeal coconut cookies.  That is right....I felt like something sweet.  Steve was pleased.  I had him deliver Margi and Chuck a few of them while they were still hot. It is a good thing there was a breeze running thru the boat otherwise I would never be able to heat the oven. 

We relaxed on the boat the rest of the day and watched the boats swing around with the wind.  

6:00pm- Made pizza for dinner with fajitas. 

After supper, I serenaded Steve on my guitar until my fingers hurt. 

Wi-Fi is awful particularly tonight.  Even my purchase data was slow.  Guess we can't always stay connected. 

Watched a DVD which my sister brought when they visited since we are finished the Soprano series. 

April 7, 2017

I spoiled Steve this morning with French toast made from homemade bakery bread.  

                                                                                                            10:00am- After that wonderful breakfast, we went for a nice long walk




During our walk, we noticed one of the houses had their own plane along the beachfront.

1:00pm- Met Margi and Chuck at the beach.

 Margi was desperate for a haircut so I volunteered to help out.  I think I did a pretty good job.  Good thing she has a lot of curls ....this way you can't see if I cut it uneven.

 

4:00pm- We all went to Green Turtle Club for Happy Hour.

 Met Another couple from London named Goran and Diane who leave their boat in Fort Pierce all summer also.  We bought 2 Black boxes of wine from them since we were totally out of wine for the price they bought it in the States. Great deal. There boat name was Pepa . 

7:30pm- A chartered catamaran boat came in the bay to anchor and went in an area were they hit bottom hard. Of course Steve got in the dinghy to help them.  They were very appreciative.  

8:00pm-  Sat out the boat and listened to Pink Floyd. Beautiful evening.  

8:30pm- We took the dinghy to Bluff's Marina and hung a new FPYC flag in their bar.  We noticed the dollar with our boat name still on the wall from the first time we came here in January.

We socialized with a few boaters and the guy who Steve helped out showed up and wanted to buy him a drink.  He was very appreciative that Steve helped him out. 

10:00pm- Came back to the boat and since we could not get Wi-Fi, off  Steve went to bed  while I worked on my blog.  

 

March 30 & 31, 2017 Archer's and Green Turtle Cay

March 30, 2017

8:30am- After having breakfast, we just waited for the tides to come up in order to leave Little Harbor. 

It is a beautiful morning and the weather is perfect to sail out in the ocean.  We decided not to go further South this year.  We didn't want to rush back to Florida and the weather is too unpredictable. 

Our plan is to sail down to a Man O War today by ocean.  Steve is determined to catch a big fish. 

9:15am- Tides are up and off we go.  The huge swells of 6 ft are 70 ft apart so it makes the sail quite comfortable.  

As you can see in the diagram,  the water depth is over 1200 ft.  Steve should be able to catch Mahi Mahi or tuna  for dinner tonight.  

10:30am-  Gazing out into the ocean, Steve yelled out "whale"..  To much of. my pleasant surprise, I see the whale spout coming out  of the water and then see his huge tail as he went under.  What a thrill!  We later found out it was a Sperm Whale.

1:30pm- Guess we won't be having fish for dinner, since Steve put his rod away.  Too much saragatho weeds in the water.  

2:00pm- We anchored outside of Man O War Cay.  It was too windy to spent the night so I took the dinghy into town to pick up a few things while Steve stayed behind with the motor running. 

2:30pm- Left Man O War and headed to Archer's Cay.  It should be a lot calmer there.  

We text Margi and Chuck to see where they where.  We plan to catch up to them in Green Turtle Cay as long as the weather permits us to go thru the whale passage. 

4:30pm-  Arrived at Archer's Cay.  There were already 3 other boats anchored here.

After dinner I practiced my guitar while Steve read. 

7:30pm- Steve blew his conch after a beautiful sunset.

 

8:00pm- Soprano night.  Again no Wi-Fi. 

It is nice to see the moon smiling. 

March 31, 2017

What a gorgeous calm morning except for the ferries bringing employees on the island to work starting at 5am.  Every time they arrived or left, the boat bounced like a rocking cradle.  

After breakfast, Steve read and I painted while making water.  

10:45am-  Left for Green Turtle Cay. The wind is picking up but I think we will do find in the whales.  

11:50- Started going thru the Whale Passage.  It was a little rough as we predicted but we didn't put too much sail out and we did fine.

Passing Green Turtle Cay.  There are no moorings available in Black Sound where Margi and Chuck are so we will anchor in White Sound.

1:30- Entering  White Sound (Bluff Marina) and managed to anchor here.  A fellow boater who is anchored beside us told us other boats where having a difficult time setting their anchors. Someone must be on our side because we are not moving.  When the wind dies down, we will figure out a way to connect with Margi and Chuck.

5:00pm- Yeah it is Friday.  That means Steve decides what's for dinner.  Had a couple of drinks.

6:30pm-  Went to Ballyhoo restaurant for dinner.  Steve had coconut grouper and I had coconut shrimp.  Very good. 

8:45pm- Came back to the boat and relaxed.