We awoke to thunderstorms and 28 MPH winds this morning – so no boating for us again today.  We met some great folks on board “Knot-A-Lot”.  They were heading out for The Abaco Islands (Northern Bahamas) for six months of calm waters, warm breezes and panoramic beauty – 120-miles of islands and a boater’s paradise.

After the rough weather start this morning, the afternoon turned into a sunny, warm and gorgeous afternoon.  It was too late for us to break lines and travel.  With a bit of cabin fever, and with the beautiful afternoon, we borrowed the marina pickup, (NO shocks, check engine light on, message of “low tire pressure” flashing), and we bounced off to Slidell, Louisiana for a bit of provisioning.  We were thankful for the wheels albeit it was a bit rough!

Karen put on a pot of lima bean soup before we headed out.  Had to finally try out that crock pot she had been carrying around since Halloween!  You see, we like to try out new places in new places, therefore, we don’t cook a lot.

We met “Sailboat Dave” (as he goes by at the Marina) on our trip west last month.  Dave is a neuro-researcher from Virginia, who has discovered a vast appreciation of the oceans, islands, rivers, stars, and the pure essence of life.  Dave is on his way Puerto Rico.  He is liquidating all but the few necessities and “have to keep” items, selling the home, and donating to charity.  Gone are the Persian Rugs, lead crystal wine glasses, large screen TV’s and “stuff”……on board is the scuba gear, his “fav” bicycle, his Krups coffee bean grinder – just the “must haves”…

      (Dave’s 52 ft sailboat, Crystal Spray)

Dave joined us on Kara Mia for our meager lima bean soup, with cheesy garlic biscuits dinner, where we visited and shared conversation and boating stories and received appreciated suggestions for our next few legs of travel.  Dave has sailed thousands of nautical miles….

Here’s to hoping for better weather tomorrow……..