Waiting for our package, I climb the mast!

Friday, September 11

This morning, when we got up, the anchorage had emptied. People were able to take advantage of the weather window. We are still here for a few more days, at least until Tuesday!

We went out for a walk and, while strolling, we saw a couple with a dog who seemed to be looking for a place to eat. Since the restaurant they were trying hung up on me, the Deck on the waterfront doesn't accept dogs, and a Mexican restaurant had refused us entry on the first day, I went over to them and recommended the two restaurants we had tried. They were very happy to talk to me!

We returned to Éolo for dinner and were lucky to hear the music coming from the Deck.

Saturday, September 12

Jonathan worked on our app during the morning while I did the cleaning! Then, at 10:45 AM, we weighed anchor to go on an exploratory trip into the Atlantic.

It takes about 45 minutes to reach the tip of Sandy Hook. We set the sails and, as we exited the bay, the current was strong. And then, wow! We saw dolphins again. I don't know if we'll ever stop being amazed!

There is a lot of traffic. It's Saturday, the weather is nice, and people are out.

I'm fearful; it's new to us. Jonathan, for his part, feels a bit constrained by me. I understand him, but I can't help being stressed!

We ended up turning back. The winds picked up, another sailboat seemed to be in difficulty and was approaching a shoal dangerously, on top of having to navigate around a powerboat.

We doused our sails and returned to anchor.

Sunday, September 13

It's raining! I'm almost tempted to say finally, it hasn't rained at all since we left! But no, I prefer days without rain!

When the sun came back out, I climbed the mast to install the radar reflector. We didn't even think to install it before we stepped the mast; it would have been so much easier!

There was no wind, but every passing boat created a wave and I was standing on the second spreader! I managed to attach it to the shroud.

I hope it holds!

While I was in the mast, I saw a shadow pass behind Éolo. On closer inspection, I recognized a ray! I even saw it a second time.