A Good Reminder to Always Put Safety First!

Monday, September 14

We wake up to incredible winds that are creating a big swell. Despite the conditions, we see boats leaving as early as 5 a.m. We still manage to work, but we decide to move further inside the breakwall. It's much calmer there.

We're eagerly waiting for our package!

Around noon I see the Coast Guard and helicopters. We turn on the radio and understand they're looking for a boat or a person reported missing near our anchorage.

A clam boat.

I later learn that they seem to have found the boat adrift. Going down to the dinghy dock, we see the police watching the recovered boat.

We go to get propane at Jaspan Brothers South Inc. On the way back, I ask the police if they've also found the person. They tell us the search is still ongoing.

Tuesday, September 15

It's still windy and cold.

The Coast Guard does a quick check. The fisherman still hasn't been found.

The wind should calm soon and the weather warm up. We received our Navionics chart yesterday, so we're now ready to go. We just have to wait for a good weather window.

In the meantime, we work.

We also meet Pete and Elisabeth, who are aboard Four Pete’s Sake, a Tayana 48. They're originally from Sandy Hook but spend their winters in St. Augustine. They are also preparing to head south.

Wednesday, September 16

We work until 3 p.m. Then we go to get water and fill our four jerry cans at the dinghy dock. We chat there with our neighbor from the powerboat Rosa Bella.

We return to the marina and are about to head into town when we see several police trucks arrive.

We turn back and see the sheriff's boat. Unfortunately, we quickly understand that they've found the fisherman's body.

We are a bit in shock. At least his family won't have to wait and wonder anymore what happened to him.

We go for a walk anyway. We explore new neighborhoods and discover an excellent restaurant in a residential area, Emilio.

Since it's still a 'Bring Your Own Wine', I run back to fetch something to drink!

It's probably one of the best restaurants we've eaten at so far. Jonathan has a steak with a pepper garnish, while I eat absolutely incredible lamb chops.

And what do you do after an excellent restaurant?

We bring their excellent desserts back to the boat and open a bottle of champagne!

Thursday, September 17

It's a day for planning and cleaning.

We change our plans. We will ultimately not stop at Atlantic City. The following weather won't allow us to leave quickly and we were told people usually don't spend much time there.

We therefore decide to continue directly to Cape May.

We secure everything on the boat. We install our lifelines and prepare one for Miela. She will be attached for the entire crossing.

We will leave at 10 a.m. to arrive at Cape May after sunrise.

We're excited!