The excitement is overflowing here – today is “Move to the Boat” day!!!
Things got started with a very early wake-up – about 2:00 AM. I depart for the St. Louis airport at 3:00 am and my flight to Atlanta departs at 6:00 am. After a short layover, the flight to Hewanorra, St. Lucia departs at about 10:00 am with arrival in St. Lucia planned for 3:30 pm.
St. Lucia looks like a pretty swell place!!
Then, a two hour taxi ride from the south end of St. Lucia to the hotel at Gros Islet at the north end.
At that point, I suspect I may want to fall into a bed. However; I have a boat/new home to see first!! I can’t wait to get my eyes and fingers on it!!!!
I am taking four large suitcases containing my most important “stuff.” I was going to take boxes, as previously noted, but thru the help of family, I was able to round up four big-ole suitcases that nobody wanted returned. So, I have no concerns about them being rejected by the airline. They are stuffed to the brim and HEAVY! Close to 70 lbs for each one. I originally guessed that the problem I would have was insufficient volume. I was wrong – it was insufficient weight capacity. Given the way I am ticketed, my bags have a 70 lb limit and two are free. So, bags #3 and #4 cost an extra $325.00 (total/combined). Given the cost and complexity of shipping/receiving things down there, this is probably no more costly and certainly more convenient.
Of course, I am leaving with some loose ends hanging. It doesn’t seem to matter how much I try to avoid this – planning ahead, starting the process early, etc. – there are always unfinished tasks. Thankfully I have some really great family that is willing to help finish these items. THANK YOU GUYS!!
The following photo is Rodney Bay at Gros Islet, St. Lucia. I’ve added a pointer to where my boat is currently sitting on the hard. We are going to get her cleaned up, rigged, and back in the water. Then, sailing north to Martinique.
I’ll be out of contact for about the next week. If/When I re-appear – it will be a whole new world! Ha – at least from my perspective!
Excitement?!?! Yes, lots of excitement!!
Fantastic !! I am looking forward to reading about your new adventure.
Can’t wait till your next update. You are certainly more courageous than i am!!!!
We miss you already, but could feel your excitement ~ and that is contagious! (Never mind that St. Louis tried to keep you here with our snow storm this a.m.!)
I hope the next couple of days are all that you hope. I pray that the sail boat is easy to handle and a dream come true.
HUGS ~ Crystal
Thank Crystal! I sure appreciate the ride to the airport in that mess!
Just letting you know it is 30 degrees below zero with wind chill. I’ll be moving in with you soon!!!
Ohhh… bbrrrrr…. No fun. If it helps, I have a terrible sunburn on my face and neck – you remember what a sunburn is don’t you?!? 🙂
I have been thinking about you and what you are doing. It has been two days since you wrote and I hope all is going well. I am hopeful you will take some pictures of your boat and what you are doing. Big excitement!!
Hi Peter – I’m afraid I am terrible at taking photos in the middle of a task – I need to improve!!