Woke up this morning

to the flash of lightning and a clap of thunder.  Tuesday at noon was the first rain Renne' and I have seen since we pulled into Key West on March 1st.  Even then, the rain at that time lasted only a few minutes.  Tuesday, it was a deluge for about 15 minutes.  People around here were ecstatic!  They have needed rain very badly. But JonNe' did get a bath, and that was important.  We thought Alan would be able to join us for a sail on Tuesday, but he had to beg out until Wednesday.  Renne' and I had spent the better part of 2-1/2 hours cleaning the boat for his visit.  As it turned out with the rain and winds, it was really better he had put it off until yesterday. 

Alan Rhody arrived at the gate about 11:15 yesterday morning.  What a glorious day for a sail.  We needed to get her out anyway to exercise her before we leave, so it was a great opportunity to leave the slip.  We got underway about 12:15 and sailed east on Hawk Channel.  The winds were out of the Northeast (060 at about 18-20 knots).  We only hoisted the jib and staysail though, as we didn't want our new passenger sick.  Waves in the channel were 1-2 feet and the sun was out the entire afternoon.  The engine purred as we exited the entry channel to Boca Chica.  Wow, I just can't believe the difference between this engine and the old one.  This one is quieter, faster, more balanced, did I mention quieter and faster?  What a joy!

We got Alan back in about 4pm.  He is headed for Merritt Island to play a concert Friday and Saturday night, and needed to leave.  We have really enjoyed meeting and talking with he and his wife this week.

After checking weather, it looks like we will leave here on Sunday for Marathon.  Hopefully, the boat yard will be able to fit us in - I have to call today - for an oil change and we will be on our way Tuesday - or even Monday afternoon for Miami. 

We will miss the friends we have made here.  Everyone has been really great.  I enjoy the prospects of meeting people along the way.  Renne' is torn between missing her friends at home and being on this cruise.  She wouldn't miss this for the world, but struggles with how much her friends at home mean to her.

So we should be in Marathon the next time you hear from us, so meet us on the dock tonite for sundowners -

JonNe'