Year Seven

We left home three weeks latter than usual because of Marilyn's mother, who is 95, being ill. Can you imagine that this is our seventh year aboard Whisper for the winter season. Due to having done extensive repairs for the last two years we got away from our boatyard quickly. Most of our friends were ahead of us but we did catch up to many. We wish you all a Happy Christmas and a joyful new year. We were blesed with 3 new grand children this year. A twin Violet and Otis to Andrew and Kim and Erica to Shannon and Joe.

Whisper watchers: We had a good weather window on Wednesday and took it. After waiting 3 weeks for the best condition to cross the gulfstream we were off. Arrived in Cuba daylight on Thursday. Although it is only 100 miles, across one has to get the winds right. At the apex of the gulfstream seas were ideal but running on the beam (side) at about 4 knots pushing “Whisper” to the east, our heading was south. The night sky was stars and when the moon came up at 10:30 PM it was magical. Every now and then we would take a wave the wrong way and a hot spray would hit you smack in the face in the dark. When this happened to Marilyn she would use choice words as she spit out the salt water while I laughed and replied from a dry spot under the dodger that it was not the boats fault. Once on the other side of the stream seas became smoother and one could smell the 80+ temperature of the water. There is something wonderful about a sunrise at sea. Saw several ships but no problems this time. We are now rested at a marina and getting adjusted to the heat and slower pace of life. If you know of anyone coming this way please give them our e-mail address. It took Marilyn 21 minutes to sign into the internet so, NO pictures PLEASE but please e-mail us.

November 2012

November. 2012 On arrival at the boatyard we decided it would be too difficult to stay aboard and work at the same time. Removing the old engine and installing another is a challenge at the best of times. We could not get a crane therefore we had to invent a way around our situation. We made up a conglomeration and along with a small pulley we had the old engine out and the new engine below. We started the yucky job of cleaning and painting the engine compartment and Vic commenced to get the compartment ready to receive the new engine. I had the job of removing items from all the cupboards and containers, weeding out the bad and keeping the good items. I painted the cupboards, put in non slip shelving in all the drawers and cupboards. As you can see from the first picture of the engine sitting in the middle of the floor and chaos of items in the first blog to the inside now, it takes a lot of work to get it livable. After days of sliding the engine in and out sweating, planning, scrutinizing, praying and thanksgiving the time came to try the engine using a garden hose to supply water. What a blissful sound. The hard work and dedication paid off. We then came across an excellent buy on a Force 10 stove. Two days of elbow grease and she was as shiny as a new penny. Vic got the three burners working and will work on the oven later. New stove installed! We moved on the boat and continued doing maintenance. Whisper got launched, d-day arrived we took her out to try the engine, a few minor adjustments and we went back to the wharf. We continued rigging her out and provisioning. After two weeks still finding things to do we decided it was time to let the lines go. We are now traveling south and making adjustments as we go. Our plan is to be in the Key West area for Christmas. A months sailing will be payback for the scars and bloody knuckles. Keep in touch . Marilyn and Vic

Our cruising season has started. We left Green's Harbour, NL, on October 16th with our new to us 450 pound engine loaded into a 4 x 8 U-Haul. The trip across the island and the ferry crossing to North Sydney, NS was uneventful. We stayed with Ed and Marlene Giffin in  Shubenacadie, NS for a wonderful  visit, continuing on the next day to St. Andrews, NB where we stayed with Doug And Pat Brown. Doug and Vic worked on the trailer lights while Pat and I had a lovely visit. The next morning Doug and Pat came across the border with us, they went across with the cars. We crossed with the trucks. We had our homework done and were quite knowledgeable on what we were doing. Unfortunately the one Custom's Officer was not, but after about five other officers and then finally a Supervisor we were cleared. After finally clearing customs we had breakfast with Doug and PatAnd headed headed South, stopped at a hotel in the Boston area. The next day we had rain all day. The rain was heavy and continuous the traffic at a snail's pace, to say the least we did not do good time, but we did it safely.  We stayed in Fredericksburg for a night.  The next day we left early, destination Georgia. Had a wonderful drive and glad the rain and traffic was cleared up.  Arrived at Sandi and Steve's exhausted but happy. Enjoyed a wonder supper and visit went to bed. The next day we visited, went out to lunch and did some sight seeing. Monday morning came and we headed for our final destination Whisper at the boatyard.  It was very strange and sad for us this year as our special friends Ada and Oliver have moved to Ohio,we had been staying with them while preparing Whisper since we started sailing.  We miss them both very much.

 We found Whisper in excellent condition.  Of course she will need some cosmetic work, cleaning,cushions, instruments and sails put back along with provisioning.  Lots of work ahead of us. and of course the big one installing the new engine.  We found a beautiful cottage to stay in while getting the boat ready, five minutes from the boat yard.  As of today the new engine is out of the U-Haul, the old engine is out of Whisper and the new one now sets on Whisper's deck.

Our first time at the Sunday morning market. A truck load of pineapples. Our groceries usually cost $15 per week.

a couple of years ago the government allowed the public to use there vechiles for Taxi purposes. They then soon became business people. A huge change from the past.  A of the cars from the fiftys.  

 

Cigars are a big trade but be carefull of the street vendors trying to sell you a copy. Beaches are tops.

 

 

 

 

We sent out updates in a different manner during our sailing season of 2012. To our supprise we found that that system did not keep our travels uniform. 2012 was a very exiciting year. We sailed to Cuba on the first of the year to Marina DarSena, Varaadra. Here are a few of the hundreds of pictures we took on our visit to that beautiful country.

DECEMBER 2011

Well as you can see from the photographs Whisper got her new paint job, lettering and numbering and in the water. We had a wonderful trip down the coast of Florida to Miami, where we are presently on anchor. We had a great American Thanksgiving in Vero Beach, Turkey, Ham, all the trimmings and plenty deserts provided by the cruising community and some retired cruisers on land. The weather has been superb. It was good to meet up with other cruisers we have met over the last four years and the occasional first timers. To see the anticipation and excitement in the first time cruisers reminded us of our maiden voyage in 2007. We have come a long way both in distance and education of living aboard a 30 foot sail boat. We are not sure exactly where the wind will take us this season, but for sure there will be lots of stories. We have a taken a few days reprieve here in Miami to enjoy some trips ashore and the wonderful beach.





Marilyn has a new toy. What a relief since we got the new outboard moter, She can now handle going ashore by herself, this takes a lot of pressure off me.

Passing through Fort Lauderdale is breath taking. It is advertised as the yacht capital of the world. The mega yacht would blow ones mind. Of course the cruise ships industry is very vibrant.

Thanksgiving is as important here as Christmas is at home. There are two places to be for that celebration. We met at Vero Beach. You can see the number of boats who showed up for the occasion.

Three o’clock in the morning we heard this strange noise outside the boat. Not knowing what to expect we found this bird using our dingy as a diving board for fishing.

Who knew how a wasp found me but he sure did. Nurse Marilyn put a poltus on for the night

When it comes to the rules of the road each skipper must be very aware of which vessel has the right of way. Being in our fifth year Marilyn and I have learned to flick the books overboard and wisely give the larger vessel the right of way.



Here we are ready for another six months of adventures.




There is a saying “friends are better than money” this proves true here. As we were at wits end trying to get “WHISPER” finished and in the water two old friends showed up with lunch and put the finishing touches on the hull. They put the boats name and number where they belonged and did a great job. Our good friends George Hebb and Catherine Utter form “Mya 1”