As it turned out, it paid us to wait nearly a week before crossing the Gulf Stream. Today was THE day to move from the Old Bahama Bay Marina at West End, Bahamas to Florida. Woo hoo.
Our entrance into the St. Lucie River from the Atlantic was a welcome sight even though it was a little sporty due to the outgoing tide that was bucking the offshore wind.
Our timing was perfect for passing the 2 bridges at Stuart, Florida.
Ughhhh! It is soooo nice to be back in this lovely (spelled n.a.s.t.y.) tannic water runoff from Lake Okeechobee!
Our biggest concern today was getting to the St. Lucie lock before it closed at 4:30. We were pushing hard all day and finally made the lock right at 4:00. Phew!!!!!!
BTW, the lock raised us 13'.
Thus ends Samba's saga!
The entrance to our boat yard at River Forest was quite a welcome sight!
This season, we travelled 993 miles - wow!
We saw much, experienced much, laughed much, loved much and truly enjoyed sharing our adventures with you..
As you read in our previous blog, we have decided to sell Samba. Snifffff! She has been a magnificent traveling companion and has faithfully taken us past Detroit, up into Canada, down the Erie Canal, down the Potomac River, around the Statue of Liberty, through the Chesapeake Bay, down the US Eastern Seaboard, around Florida several times and around the Bahamas many times.
We are so very blessed.
If we can offer you an encouragement, it would be to seize the moment - - whatever that might be. When the Lord opens a door, step through it and when He closes a door, move on. Take time to smell the roses, wiggle your toes in the sand when you can and dip them in your tub when you can't.
One final thought - -
A boat is safe in the harbor but that is not what boats are made for! Untie your dock lines and meet us "out there".
All our love,
Jim & Carol
