Jacksonville, FL
30.23.75N
81.30.390W

Our first day officially away started quite early in order to complete a practical joke that began 3 years ago. (B&C, the deed was done as per your instructions. No one will ever guess who was behind the dastardly deed.) Fond farewells were wished to those who were up and about and we returned to our boat to secure what we could and raise anchor. At approximately 8:30 am, the sailing vessel Gypsy Palace and her motley crew sounded air horns, dropped our leis in the river, and departed our home. We had no sooner crossed under the Buckmann Bridge (approximately 1/2 hour later) when alarms sounded and the sweet smell of a disintegrated fan belt assaulted us. Dale has become quite adept at changing these under pressure, so we were quickly back under power and the remainder of our first leg was uneventful.
We now sit at Back River under clear blue skies, being entertained by a pod of dolphins, poised to begin our adventure. We anticipate a predawn departure down the ICW tomorrow, which is always an adventure in my book.