A note to fill you in on our current adventure.

Dennis answered an ad for "Wanted - experienced off shore cruisers to assist in a maiden voyage to the Bahamas". David and Lowie Bock Nordhavn 55 Salty Dawg.

The Bocks were friends from TrawlerFest days as Dennis had often recruited Lowie to be a presenter on ladies issues. So we were warmly received.

We arrived in Aventura (North Miami) on Friday April 14th at 1:00 and were welcomed aboard the Salty Dawg by Dave Bock and his son Leigh. Leigh owns a construction company and is presently in New Orleans working, but took time off to come help his Dad with projects on the boat and set him off on his retirement dream. A nice young man, hard worker and fun to be with. He returned to work on Tuesday.

Our responsibilities are to share our knowledge with preparation of the boat, provisioning (all kinds of items but most importantly FOOD and Fishing Gear to be at sea 5 weeks) course planning. Dave and Lowie have owned a Pilgrim 44 for 9 years and are familiar with the intercostal, although, there was generally a captain aboard when doing long cruises. We are here for confidence building.
A short cruise to an anchorage and an overnight last Saturday proved to be uneventful and foretells a great experience ahead.

Pilothouse Helm

As this is a new boat (owners moved aboard in March) there are many systems, and electronics to learn. An expert is aboard now giving an orientation to Dennis and Dave of the extensive electronics in the wheel house. Lowie is out finishing the final shopping as I complete the stowing and baking of a 14# turkey.

The Bocks are very easy to be with and we are enjoying the time even through the stress of workers on board, workers who haven't shown up and a growing lists of things to accomplish. But alas, it has come together, the captain is beginning to sing (made up songs).

The weather has been hot and humid and we have had a daily swim in the marina pool. Tonight the car will be delivered to a friends for summer storage the dog ramp will be stowed, all systems prepared for a Friday 0:dark 30 departure. We need to time our departure to coincide with a lift bridge on our way to the Fort Lauderdale cut. Will head for "west end" of Grand Bahama Island where we will declare customs. After that.......we will cruise a little, anchor a lot, and hopefully get Dave through his retirement transition. He sold a Dental practice December 29th in Torrington Conn.

Oh yeah, dogs. When we heard 2 dogs.... we raised our eyebrows.... but NO PROBLEM. Pretzel a 13 year old arthritic Golden Retriever lays where she wants and sleeps 90% of the time. May bark to beg for a table scrap at dinner. DannieDoodles, a cross of White Standard Poodle and Golden Retriever is extremely calm for a 2 year old. Most of the time she crawls into a corner out of the way and sleeps until she hears the leash rattle. Barks only when appropriate as guard dog.

Not sure when I will be able to communicate again....... SO please send me only personal messages, NO FORWARDS, PICTURES, ETC. Cell phone will be off as roaming fees will be prohibitive. Will check in via phones and phone cards occasionally. To see picture of boat, www.nordhavn.com Click on 55.

The plan is to be in Rhode Island first week of June.