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Hi F & F

It was still wet and windy when we woke up. The decision was made to make the run across as the weather was not going to improve and there was a good chance was going to get worse.We didnt fancy being stuck in Bimini.Anyway Roger who had his radar operating was the lead boat and we entered the sea.At first seemed okay but we soon realized that it was going to be an interesting crossing. The one good thing is the wind was still Easterly so we still had a following sea.However , we soon realized  the seas had become the roughest and heaviest we have ever been in! Once we entered the Gulf Stream it seemed to be worse. Graeme and I had a prayer before we left so we knew it was all in God's hands .Graeme was cool as a cucumber all the way.I was so proud of him! I was ok although a few words escaped my lips on occasions that I have been know to do in emergencies, the s..t word! It was truly a mixing bowl and at times we would slowly go up a wave and then doen again and surf along at speeds of around 24 to 26 knots! Because the wind was behind us the flags flying on the boat ( the Bahamian one on the bow and the American one at the stern )were almost still.Even though the wind speed was between 25 and 30 knots,it all cancelled itself out. Fortunately no one was sick aboard.

We passed one sailboat and a small approx  24 ft pleasure fishing boat. So we weren't the only crazy ones out here!

We chose a shorter route to the Fort Lauderdale inlet  which took 2 1/2 hours. Then into the ICW for a somewhat torturous journey up to Riviera Beach Marina. Suddenly at one of the bridges,a pleasure fishing boat passed by us with two guys onboard grinning from ear to ear." Hey, that was some ride across the water" We recognized them as the boat we had passed in the Gulf Stream!This final leg took way to long with all the low bridges and crazy openings.Some opened at the hour and half hour, others opened on the quarter hour and quarter two of the hour.Also some distances between bridges were only a few miles others bigger distances.We were tired and ready to stop,but at least we were all safe and sound. Graeme and I had an early dinner at the Riviera Tiki Bar. Despite the appearance of this place it has terrific food.I had the wasabi ahi tuna wrap and Graeme the best chicken satay he had eaten since living in Hong Kong.On that happy note  we headed off back to the boat and for a blissful sleep.

Over and  Out,

E n G