Gearing Up...

   Hello, armchair travelers! Departure time is less than an hour away. There is an amazing weather window (thank you, God) that will make our northern passage—which is characteristically rough—lay down like a kitten. But at the moment we are moving back and forth in front of the docks like a guard on duty while a last-minute technician tries to work the bugs out of our newly installed auto pilot.

   Yesterday, we went on a short “shakedown cruise” out into the ocean, and a few things showed up that had to be dealt with. However, no shops were open by the time we got back and we wanted to leave in the morning. What to do? So, I prayed. Because to be honest, I didn't want to miss that wonderful weather-window I had been praying for all week and the Lord had so miraculously given to us. Even the locals said how very strange it would be for this time of year. Then as I was making dinner for a hungry crew (I am the chief cook and bottle washer on this voyage), our good friend from a boat two slips over—who just happened to have the same engine we do—knew exactly what to do (thank you, God, again).

At any rate, we are good to go within the next few minutes. So, here we go. I'll report back first chance I get, meanwhile, thanks for coming along with us!

Lilly

(who is now praying for continued fair winds and following seas)

PS...We have five crew members aboard (including me). I'll introduce you to each of them as we go along...