Bahamas !!!

We sailed down to Green Turtle Cay, one of the target Cays in the Abacos. We found this great little harbor (OK, after 20 people told us about it). In there, we found the Green Turtle Marina which had a special deal - stay at the marina and all charges for food and drink offset the marina charge. It's like eating and drinking for free - which makes Jenée very happy! You can see Jungle over her right shoulder. Right shoulder!

Jenée wasn't sure the shots of us sailing trough this beautiful water would do it justice. You decide. The water here is on average 7-8 foot deep with a sandy bottom . This part of the Abacos Sea is in the Grand Bahama Bank and one of the reasons why people come to the Bahamas. The other thing we noticed is that there are so many islands to choose from (800) that you are many times alone - fantastic for me as I hate people.

And why am I so happy? Jenée and I wrapped up our backup main sail which is about 600 sq. ft. into this tiny package and we did it all on deck! Our original attempt had this at three times the size. On a boat, even on our big cruiser, space is everything. Next up, I'll take you through my ideas for effective deployment of Tupperware on board.

You can shoot me now.

And our next course took us around to the next island - Little Grand Cay. We ended up spending the night in this little harbor and had a great dinner at Rosie's Place. Conch for me, lobster for Jenée. We met up with a couple of sailors - Carol and Alex who've been sailing around for 5 years. They hail from - Southern Cal - small world.

The Admiral is quite happy, even though she hasn't slept a wink on the passage. Jenée is busy plotting out our next course.

Ahh, this is why we go through all the trouble. We pulled into Walker Cay (pronounced Key) at 10 AM to clear into paradise. All is well.

Well, our crossing was quite exciting. The distance was some 80 miles and crossed the Gulf Stream at one of her strongest points. We had a brisk 20-25 knot tail wind from the west, which combined with the fast flowing, northerly Gulf Stream makes for big swells (6-8 feet) pounding us from our side. Fun times. At one point, Jenée and Katie went flying off the couch below, while attempting to sleep - kinda like a magic carpet ride! Here Katie surrenders to the elements and just tries to brave her way through - inspiration to us all.

This is the last shot of Jungle in US waters for the next 1-2 years as we sail forward. This shot is courtesy of Tom Brennan.

Here's Jungle pointing east out of the Ft. Pierce inlet. To catch everyone up to speed, we are embarking on the next major leg of our journey. Destination: Mediterranean. We'll get there via the following route: Bahamas - Britsh Virgin Islands (BVI) - Bermuda - Azores - Portugal. We've got some friends to help us along the way and to visit with on the way. We'll spend a month in the Bahamas before Departing the BVI on May 5 and arrive Lagos, Portugal around June 19. We are traveling with 30 other like minded numbskulls, with an organization called ARC Europe. This org. handles all facets of safety, communication, events at various spots, etc. ARC makes the crossing as safe and fun as possible.

Tom lives nearby with wife Morganna and family. As usual, Tom was a great help, driving me around for may last minute stops. Not only that, Tom bought dinner for Jenée and me. Now that's a pal. It was great catching up with Tom.

We made it to our launching point for the Bahamas - Ft. Pierce. Our boat buddies, Charlie and Saundra Gray gave us the helpful advice that allows us to make a straight, overnight shot to the northern most point of the Bahamas, Walker Cay in the Abacos Islands. Charlie and Saundra have already sailed around the world and have been a great inspiration to Jenée and I - great couple.

Back in Ft. Pierce, we meet up with my ole buddy, Tom Brennan. Tommy and I met at the age of 3 1/2 - now that's going back a ways. Tom has always been my sixth brother, and we argue just the same.

And ... They're Off !!!

And she doesn't want to get to over stimulated - to soon!

Katie needs to find her sea legs as this is the first boat trip for the princess in 4 months!

Here's an outside look at the Captains seat. Where's the Captain? Did I mention the new varnish?

All jungle systems have been checked, re-checked and running smoothly. Except for the crap that ain't working. However, I did redo the varnish on the teak you see and it's shining baby! We also changed the port name on the boat from Marhall Islands to the actual port listed on the documentation: Bikini. So this is what you see on the transom:

JUNGLE
BIKINI

Pretty catchy, eh?

Ah yes, the new Marshall Islands flag flies beautifully in the late afternoon sun while Jungle cruises south from Cape Canaveral to Ft. Pierce, FL. From there, we'll sail overnight to Grand Bahamas, West End to check into paradise. Turns out Jenée and I love overnight, open ocean sailing. We always seem to have the sea to ourselves and we arrive at a new harbor in the daylight - much safer than trying to arrive before nightfall - and missing by just a bit.

But first back to these adorable love blobs. I believe your not supposed to interfere in any way with these guys but heck, once that hose is on, it's on! They'd come up every morning and say "Dude, got a little agua for a thirsty bro?" We told them we are going to the Bahamas for the month of April. They seem to say "Right on" While here I reconnected with cousin Dave Fraine and wife Roberta. Dave's not too happy with the cutbacks at the Kennedy Space center as that has been his work home for close to 30 years. In his previous job, Dave captained one of two ships that retreived the space shuttle reuseable rockets, as well as other less fun rcovery missions. It was fantastic to catch up again with Dave and Roberta and meet their cool family. Their youngest Kaitlan (another Katie) is beginning her professional soccer career.

We need to say goodbye to Titusville, FL to our flippered freinds, the Manatees. These guys weigh over a half ton each and just love fresh water. Everytime I clean the boat, here they come. To catch you up on our plans, Jenée and I are setting sail for Portugal! Now how do we get there? Simple, we sail, in order to, Bahamas, Tortola-BVI, Bermuda, Azores and finally Portugal. We've heard great things about Portugal, but more on that later. We will sail with ARC Europe and about 30 other vessels from Tortola to Portugal. ARC Europe is and organization that manages all travel and safety conditions as can be expected for an ocean crossing. We will be in constant contact with ARC and each other for weather, emergency, chit-chat, etc. It makes it so that if need be, we can sail it alone. However, I'm happy to report we have great friends who are even greater enthusiasts and are willing to crew along with us. We'll update everyone on that later ...

Jungle waits for our next trip - in 3 weeks to the Bahamas.

Katie girl patiently waits for our return.

We also visited my sister Sue and hubbie Mark and two of my brothers and families - sorry no photos. Back in Titusville, the admiral and I take the dink out to a little island for lunch and a break from our Jungle duties.

Hey look at that, I wear the same sneaks as my Dad. Nice.

My parents spent their February and March at the Flamingo Royal for the last 15+ years. It's one of the last old school cottage type resorts versus the high rises that line the east coast around here. Neat place. My whole family usually cycles through here at one time or another.

Back in Ole' FLA we pay a visit to Frank and Lorraine Fraine in Deerfield Beach. Here's Dad hangs loose in the cabana outside their beach cottage. This day was not conducive to sunbathing, so Dad and I hung out from the wind in the cabana.

Splash Down!

One last shot across the bow before e drop Jungle in the briny - pretty girl.

And here is Jungle with her beautiful newly painted bottom getting ready to be launched. the upcoming shots are of Jungle in in the cradle. I'll provide videos of her going in the water later.

The total experience lasted about 30 seconds and now the crowd takes the 4-5 hour drive home. That's dedication!

Jungle is still on land where Jenée and I perched ourselves on the pilothouse roof to catch the launch. 200,000-300,000 people came to watch the launch at Cape Canaveral - 10 miles away. They take all day to arrive for the 4:50PM EST launch. The marina let the yard staff off early, otherwise it would take hours to cover a 15 minute ride home.

Yes we are! We arrive back at the Westland Marina in Titusville, FL just in time for the space shuttle launch.

Katie's asking "Are we there yet?"

Returning to the Jungle - Nawlins' up next.

We did make it safe and sound the the next day. And while my princess was a tad under the weather, she was able to make it to breakfast.

Hey, did I mention they serve all these cool shots for a buck. So, any whoo, we're late into the evening and Jenée has all these cool beads. She said people just kept throwing them off balconies. Anyone know how you get all these cool beads while walking down Bourbon Street? Me neither.

After dinner we strolled down Bourbon Street and popped in at this speakeasy and caught this band. They where playing everything 80's and 90's and sounded like the originals. They played Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" and Guns and Roses "Sweet Child of Mine" and we dug it baby. And I don't even like Journey or Guns and Roses. The lead guitarist looked to be 15 years old, barely moved, but could he play - wow.

And a great corner table to take it all in.

Dinner was at Galatoiore's, the century old "Grand Dame" of New Orleans dining. Fantastic meal.

Jenée shoots again, and scores! We love bars that spin while you drink.

We stopped in at the Carousel Bar inside the Monteleone Hotel. If you look closely at the mirror up top, you see me.

Strolling by Jackson Square.

Here is a typical balcony scene during daytime on Bourbon Street - We'll get back here later tonight.

And we're in New Orleans - on the Mighty Mississippi River. I've been here a couple of times and wasn't very impressed, but I must say we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves this visit. We walked through much of the French Quarter.

Getting Back to the Jungle - Family Time

A happy family portrait - Next stop New Orleans!

Here is Jenée's love - her dinner. This is the venison and duck combo that she felt was the best she ever tried. While I of simpler tastes felt the Mac and cheese was "to die for".

Our Mexican Senoritas are hamming up once again.

Everyone's happy. Here is Mike, Monica and Monica's daughter Giovanna. Monica has multiple businesses in Monterey providing upscale kitchen appliances. We love spending time with Monica and Giovanna as they are great fun.

Charlene Webber and Mike Webber have big smiles for the camera.

Jenée and her Dad Lonnie pose at a restaurant on the San Antonio Riverwalk called Biga. What a meal!

We made our way to San Antonio, TX to visit with Jenée's family (Mom, Dad, Brother Mike). The Webber's just moved from San Diego to San Antonio. They settled in to a great new home while Mike and beautiful lady friend Monica live 5 hours away in Monterey, Mexico. Mike manages the Latin American business for manufacturing equipment giant Amada.

While taking a Jucuzzi, Yanko demonstrates the Ukranian tradition of "Here is my hand to you", or "here, smell my hand". As you may imagine, it is very long and loving tradition.

We made it to Buckeye, AZ and our good friends Kristy and Darren Yankovsky. They were our best man and maid of honor for our wedding - 10 years ago. Darren is from Montreal and played professional hockey for many years, mostly as an enforcer. Some may call it goon, Yanko would prefer to call it disagreement arbitration. One stat for Yanko - 87 professional fights, lost twice. I've seen him in action and it is as pretty to watch as figure skating - no doubt.

And we're off on the Jungle Land Sail 2011 ! Hold on, we blew this tire on our ride while not quite out of California. Key word being blew! I was convinced it was from having our big ride (Escalade) sitting in the garage for a good part of a year. Jenée felt it may be caused by low tire pressure - women! The AAA guy (that's right - complicated tire change for the ace) looked at the tire and said this type of blow out indicated low tire pressure. I told him that's what I thought. When he pulled the flat we found a nail stuck in the center, causing a slow leak - who knew! We then put the spare on and Jenée commented that we need to be careful because the spare is an different (original) size. I started to assure her we'd be OK for a bit and the AAA guy said "Oh no, you don't want to drive far on this spare." Of course! Tell me something I don't know. Glad I was available to supervise the effort.