The trip south - FL and Home

Okay, I'm not going to lie. I've been remiss in my duties and I'm actually writing this in February, although I'm going to date it December. Hey, I've had a lot going on -- two trips back home, two weddings (one my own), and also general laziness. Anyway, hopefully most of you know that we made it safe and sound to Florida and beyond, but let me sum up the rest of the trip:

1.) We made it to Florida. Duh. And we learned that the ICW leaves ugly brown stains on your hull.

2.) We had a lovely Thanksgiving Dinner aboard the boat, complete with turkey (just a breast -- the oven's kinda small), mashed potatoes, stuffing, and fresh baked bread.

3.) We stayed longer than we planned in St. Augustine because it was so cool. We'd gladly go there again (and probably will).

4.) We hauled the boat out once we got to Fort Pierce FL. Haulouts are expensive!

5.) Stuart's Southpoint Anchorage is still the best deal in town. We kept the boat there after the haulout. Interestingly they've been hit by several hurricanes -- two last year and one this year, and there are still a couple of boats washed ashore. But its one of our favorite places -- reasonably priced and a short walk to the downtown pubs and restaurants.

While poor Kevin got stuck with the haulout duties, I flew back to Phoenix to spend time with family and friends. I'd been feeling pretty homesick, so seeing everyone really helped. My friend Catherine had a lovely bridal shower and bachelorette party (Vegas, baby. Vegas.), Jamie and my sisters threw me a fantastic bridal shower. Kevin joined me for the week of Christmas, and we frantically scurried all over the Valley trying to get last-minute wedding things done while we had a car. But by New Year's Eve we were both back on the boat (and in bed by 10:30pm. Yeah, I know we're lame.)

Anyway, most of you know what happens next, but I'll post it separately. :)