Hollywood Beach, Preparation for the Bahamas

Steve and Linda Franko aboard Yesterdays Dream have arrived. They checked in at the Hollywood City Marina. We still had a couple of days at the Loggerhead Marina after they arrived.

It's a happy day when a man gets a new boat.
Even if it happens to be a dinghy.

I think they arrived on Tuesday and that was the same day that the new dinghy was delivered. Peter had fun putting it together. No big deal really, just a little learning curve. I read the directions for him and before long it was done. We got the old soft bottomed dinghy off the back of the boat, and got the new one on.

Had a test drive from our marina up to say hello to Steve and Linda. We haven't seen them since the summer on Georgian Bay. We already had made arrangements for docktails back at our marina so it was a short visit. We agreed to return the following night and join them for dinner.

Wednesday, Tom and Amanda from Montana and off the boat named "Big Sky" took us to Fort Lauderdale so that we could get our charts for the Bahamas, and 3 water cans for the side of the boat. Once in the Bahamas you buy your water. We are hoping to anchor out as much as possible, and enjoy the swimming, snorkelling, and fishing once we are there. Definitely do not want to have to return to a marina just for water.

Hollywood Beach Bridge, lighted at night.
This is the best pic out of the 6 that I took.
Pictures taken from a  bouncing dinghy.

Taking pictures at night time from a bouncing inflatable boat, creates some interesting effects. Not necessarily what I was going for, but interesting.

Our welcoming committee. Steve and Linda

We were very fortunate that a sailboat left the marina on Thursday morning, and Steve immediately spoke to the dockmaster for us. We called right away to make the reservation, and the dockmaster was rather hesitant, he said he already had 2 or 3 boaters looking for a slip. Wow, I don't think the other boat had been gone half an hour. Peter said he wanted to make the reservation and join our friends and the dockmaster agreed. I don't know how long we would have had to wait otherwise.

Linda with the stuff that would
not fit in the trunk. Good thing they
 got a full size car.

Thursday, Steve and Linda had arranged to rent a car so that we could all do the big shopping to provision the boats for the Bahamas. People have said that you can buy most everything in the Bahamas, but paper products tend to be expensive, so stock up before you go. We bought a lot of canned goods, wine and beer. Canned goods because they are heavy to carry. Wine because it is hard to find in the Bahamas, and beer because it is very expensive in the Bahamas.

There is a huge contingent of french speaking Canadians in this marina. All very friendly. In fact it was a gentleman from Trois Riviers, that helped to catch our lines and get us settled.

Friday, the new battery charger arrived and Peter and Steve had a dinghy ride back to Loggerhead to pick it up. Peter had it installed just ahead of Steve and Linda coming to our boat for dinner. I had a Crock Pot Vegetarian Cookbook and was looking forward to trying some of the recipes. Southwestern Beans and Corn over rice, and Steve had made his Cucumber and Green Onion Salad. All very good.

The first evening we were together; the girls won playing Euchre. Last night the guys won. I must say it is much more fun winning, than losing. I am quite sure I did not have a decent hand all night.  Oh well there is always tonight.

Peter is locking the bikes. Now look closely, can you see that he could have another problem brewing? Check where the cord for his hat is caught on the handle bar of the bike. Retired people are so much fun. 

Another shopping trip. Warm up those
shopping carts.

This morning the four of us were off for a bike ride to Publix in Hallandale Beach, and Peter wants to return the small battery charger that just could not keep up with our system. After Publix, Steve and Linda were off to Winn Dixie, and Peter and I were off to Walmart for the return. We then went over the ICW to the beach side, and finally were able to get onto the beach to ride our bikes along the ocean walk.  A great bike ride.

Riding with Peter is sometimes very lonely.

We are patiently waiting for the weather window that will give us a good crossing to the Bahamas. There has been a lot of wind out of the north, high winds, and high seas. Looks like perhaps Wed. may provide an opportunity. However that is so far away, you can never tell. We will have to wait and see.

Not sure what we will have for communications once we get there. If you don't hear from us for awhile, do not worry. It is probably that we haven't arranged for communications yet, or it is just too expensive for the relatively short time we will be there. We will use our Find Me Spot so those of you who track us that way will be able to see where we are.

Storm water run off tube that is behind the boat. In the evenings it pumps about every 30 minutes, if not more often. For some reason it doesn't seem t pump during the day. Those tubes are about 18 inches in diameter, so it is a serious amount of water that flows thru.

Weekend Hollywood Beach

Weekends used to be more exciting before retirement. Now it is just another day of the week. There was something to be said for the work a day week. Monday was the beginning of the week, and you had 5 days of the work world and friends. Then there was "hump day"(get your minds out of the gutter") Hump Day was Wednesday and the week was half done. And then there was "TGIF Thank God it's Friday ...... FRIDAY! The week was over and you would look forward to going home, sitting with that well earned drink and put your feet up and relax.

Well here it is FRIDAY! But there really is no magic to it anymore. When you are retired, every day is Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. I'm just saying, that's all. Don't get me wrong ...... retirement is great.

Loggerhead Marina, Hollywood is a very nice facility. Like the other Loggerhead's it is within a gated community or golf course complex. Very high end.

There is a fountain in the courtyard of the marina complex.

And all the marina's have a loggerhead turtle statue somewhere. Again, it is one of those situations "find waldo", only you are looking to "find the turtle." If there is one, it is usually somewhere in the entrance area.

By 8 am in the morning, the marina office has fresh coffee for the boaters. And in this marina they have a lovely roofed area with tables and chairs where you can sit and enjoy your coffee, meet other boaters, or just sit quietly with your coffee and watch the day unfold.

The battery charger decided to die, so we are off to Walmart to see if we can find a new battery charger and I can pick up some groceries for the boat. Not too many, as whatever we buy has to come back on the bikes.



I thought I was being very careful and limiting what I was purchasing. Peter who had brought his back pack, and he has the bike that has a little rack on the back also. Well, he tends to get loaded down pretty good. So perhaps he has reason to complain a little, as he ends up carrying the lions' share. He is threatening that I should bring a back pack also. I had thought of it before we left the boat, but decided against it. Evil, Evil, Evil.

We always seem to be making this bike ride in the heat of the day. We don't seem to be able to get our act together in the mornings and get out when it is somewhat cooler. Oh well, there was a bit of a breeze that made the ride pleasant.

We were treated to seeing an iguana along the edge of the inland waterway on our trip to Walmart.

Also, just as we left the boat, we saw a huge fish in the water at the bow of the boat. He was relaxing with his head in the shade of the dock. He had to be 3 feet long. Peter is thinking it is either a Barracuda or a Snook. We will have to look it up on the internet.

And just for everyone's information, Walmart is in the next beach ..... Hallandale. Remember I said that it seemed like everything we wanted was in the next beach. This time it was only a short 2 mile ride, one way. Piece of cake. Just getting warmed up.

Yesterday, Peter was out in search of an Auto Zone. He figured he road 10 to 12 miles. He was in both Hollywood Beach and Hallandale Beach.  I fortunately, said I would stay at the boat, that he could go on his own. Thankfully. I worked away to get something into the crock pot for dinner using ham and hash brown potatoes. As it was a little late in the day to start a crock pot dinner;  4pm. Needless to say dinner was very late last night 10 pm.

I was really adventurous, ham, hash brown potatoes,  garlic,onion, some diced tomatoes, sour cream, jalapeno cheese, a can of rotel (diced tomatoes and green chillies) and some cumin. It was really supposed to be a casserole, but as the oven does not work on the boat, I used the crock pot. We enjoyed it and I will do this again.

I needed to go shopping. So the ingredient selection was 
somewhat limited. Sometimes it just works out well.

Lantana and on to Hollywood

We had a layover day in Lantana. Another epic bicycle ride of about 16 miles or more to an Auto Zone in Boynton Beach. Why is it that whatever we want seems to be one or two beaches away?

The day started with a few rain showers and an overcast sky. Most fortunately we did not get the overnight strong and possibly severe thunderstorms. The winds were up overnight with 30+ knots of wind in the 5 am to 7 am time period.

If your not the lead dog the scenery never changes.

It was a good day for a bike ride, bright sunny with a slight breeze to cool down. We didn't push ourselves, had lunch out and returned to the boat by about 5 pm. Oh - Oh! It's absolute low tide now and the boat is about 3 feet below the dock. How to get on the boat????  Stepping off the dock and over the bow pulpit seemed to be the easiest way. Peter was the first to make the leap of faith. I was more fortunate to be able to have Peter hold my hand as I got on. Safely aboard. Nothing to it.

Just one monster home after the other

We had a new saltwater experience around 7 pm when the winds turned to the north/north east, effectively pushing the boat onto the dock. We heard a crunching sound as the oyster shells on the concrete dock pilings were scrubbing the fiberglass hull. As fresh water boaters this is new. Sure glad that it happened while we were on the boat and not while we were away bicycling. Another adjustment on the lines, keeping in mind that there is a 2.5' tide. A little bit of a challenge for fresh water boaters learning how to tie a boat between pilings and trying to keep the anchor from hitting the concrete dock to the front, oyster shells on pilings to the side, allowing for a tide, and still be able to get on and off the boat.

Early start this morning. 42 miles to Hollywood Beach and 20 bridges. A real challenge. We started early and caught the 7:30am bridge at Lantana. We have given ourselves as much time as possible because we have no idea of how long it will take.

It's as if they are in competition for the biggest

By 10:30 am we missed the opening for the Hillsboro Bridge by just a few minutes and would have to wait a half hour till the 11 am opening.  Too bad that north bound sailboat couldn't have a gone a little slower thru the bridge opening, we could have made it. Not bad tho', we have travelled 20 miles of the 42 we have to go and this is bridge # 10 for the day. By my calculation we are making about 7 miles an hour.

This could be a very long day!

I will publish this post now, and then come back to it later with further information and some photos. I am posting as we travel.

Peter remembers this boat from previous years. Very pretty and such a great colour.

And then there is the competition for the biggest boat. And this is not the biggest.

We arrived Hollywood Beach and were all tied up by 4 pm. Not too bad, 42 miles, 20 bridges, in 8.5 hours. We missed the openings on at least 3 bridges and had to wait 30 minutes till the next opening.

Bahamas Express Cargo Boat. 

On the way down we passed the Port Everglades Inlet that we will using to get out of the Intercoastal Waterway to make our way over to the Bahamas. It is a Class A Inlet with lots of big ship traffic so it will work very well for us. It is about 6 miles back.

Joe's Crab Shack on ICW

We also passed Joe's Crab Shack, a restaurant right on the ICW. We have tied alongside for a day or two when we have been travelling with Steve and Linda Franko. Part of the deal is that you eat at his restaurant. Who am I to complain when I don't have to make dinner.

Now we will finish the last of the preparations for the Bahamas trip while we wait for Steve and Linda. We expect to be here at Loggerhead Marina for 6 nights at least, and then we may move back to Joe's Crab Shack if there is space while we wait for Steve and Linda. If all goes well, they should arrive on the 25th or 26th.

A new twist on "Finding Waldo" Find the Pelican.
Hint, check the dinghy in front of Joe's Crab Shack.
He is just sitting there watching the boat traffic,
not the least bit concerned as we passed.

On to South Lantana

My skipper decided that we should move on to South Lantana. While there was a small craft warning and a hazardous weather warning, it looked like that we could make the short 20 mile jaunt down to Lantana before the weather and winds moved in. 20 miles at 5 miles per hour ...... no problem.

Winds were soft as we left the marina. Sunny, blue sky with the ocassional cloud. Six bridges and we would be all nice and tucked in for the night. An early day.

Ship coming in the Fort Worth Inlet.

Well how wrong could that go.  The winds started to build, and we had to wait 45 minutes for the Flagler Memorial Bridge. Huge boats started to fill in behind us in the waiting line. My skipper, aways polite decided to move behind the big boats and wait for the bridge.

On the other side of Flagler Bridge there were also a number of boats waiting to come thru from the south. Finally the bridge lifted, and the radio chatter from captains had decided that the north bound boats should go first as they had the wind and tide pushing them from behind. Then it was our turn.

We started to proceed and pushed our little Yanmar 3GM motor to the max to make way against the wind and current. Then the words you never want to hear from the huge wall of a boat behind you ...."Step it up Surona" I had to report to him that "this is all we got" He stayed behind us. I really wanted to say; "she's giving us all she's got captain. She won't take anymore captain; she might break up". However, I refrained. Not sure how much a sense of humour he would have. Things were a little tense with about 10 boats trying to make that bridge opening, and only 1 mile to the next bridge which would open in 15 minutes.

"Step it up Surona"

Our frustration was only to begin. We thought we were waiting behind these big boats for the next bridge; Only to find out that most of them were putting out fenders as they were going to go into the marina between the bridges. We got caught behind 3 or 4 of these big boats jostling around for position and missed the next bridge. Wait another 30 minutes for the next bridge.

Next time we won't be so polite. Note to self ..... when you are the first boat in position for the bridge; hold your position. Polite skippers end up waiting for the next bridge.

Hope we never find ourselves in this position.

The winds were picking up as we waited. 15 to 17 knots. At 10,000 rpms we were just holding our position heading into the wind. Finally the bridge was opening. Time to rev the engine up and make our way thru the bridge opening. There must have been 2.5 knots of tide coming thru the bridge. It seemed to take an eternity to make our way thru. The little chipmunks in our engine were giving it everything they had.

On the other side of the bridge it was no picnic. The winds were howling up Lake Worth, with gusts to 28 knots. NOAA said moderate chop on ICW waterways. Slight chop my as.... But I digress.

Rare to see this size of boat anchored.

Six bridges on our days travels; and we had to wait for each one of them. With the winds so strong our progress was slow. 4.5 knots for the most part.

The winds continued to build. The sky was building a lot of grey clouds that were obviously building rain. With only 4 miles to go to our destination the VHF radio sounded a weather alert, and then the Chartplotter posted a weather notice. Peter said, Cheryl you have your glasses on, come and read this.  Oh yeah, thats right .... notification of a tornado watch in the south Florida region.

The good news is that it was a tornado watch, not a warning, and we were only 2 miles away from our destination.

Quite calmly, relative to the way I felt, I told Peter that "my mother will never forgive you if you take me thru a tornado, and you can kiss the Bahamas trip goodbye".

Once again, my skipper brought the boat in for another perfect docking. We are all tied in and quite snug and safe.

Looked at the weather for the night. Winds are to stay high overnight; 17 to 21 knots, with gusts building to 40 knots by 5 am then subsiding. Strong and possibly severe thunderstorms overnight. Don't expect to get much sleep overnight. The boat is rocking and rolling at the dock.

It is such a relief to be tied to a dock when weather systems need to move thru.

Tomorrow could be t-storms in the morning. We don't plan to go anywhere.

 Pics from a previous day.

Peter always says he is the captain, but I am the admiral.

Confused boater, doesn't know if he is American, ????, Canadian, or from Scotland.

Stuart and Palm Beach Gardens

How not to dock your boat. He had only 1 engine.
Felt sorry for him, but still funny.

I really have to post more often. It gets too hard to remember what we did and where that was. Downloading the pictures from the camera helps.

First, HAPPY  ST PATRICKS Day!

So pretty

The bridge at Stuart is lighted at night and such a wonderful sight.

We decided to go into historical Stuart, which required a bicycle ride over that wonderful bridge. Not so wonderful on the up side of the bridge, had to walk up, but then the downside was fun. We paddled around getting the feel of Stuart. They have some very pretty statues and fountains in the middle of their traffic circles. While Stuart was originally renowned for their pineapple production, it changed to become the sail fish capital.

Sailfish fountain in traffic circle

We had lunch out in a restaurant that had no windows. The restaurant was open to the street. We were inside, sheltered from the sun, but still enjoying the out of doors. Peter thought I should strike a pose like one of the girls in the Amsterdam Red Light District. That man faces disappointment in so many ways.

OK some red light ladies are not creative.
Sitting at table is limiting.

We visited their museum. No charge, and the volunteers are so enthusiastic, knowledgable, and well informed. We learned that Frances Langford had a restaurant 4 miles away in Jensen Beach. She is very popular in this area also. We became aware of Frances Langford in the North Channel. She was married to Ralph Evinrude and had a luxury yacht, "The Chanticleer". They had a small cottage in "The Pool" at the end of Bay Finn, when they went to the cottage, the boat would be plugged into the cottage to provide power. She passed away in 2005.

Frances Langford and Bob Hope

She was a movie star most famous for all the charitable work during World War II and entertaining the troops overseas with Bob Hope's USO Tours. She appeared in 28 films.

Her local restaurant was called "The Outrigger" It has since been sold and is now called the Dolphin Bar and Shrimp House. They have lots of pictures of Frances Langford around the restaurant. Frances Langford, 1913 - 2005.

Cheryl & Peter at Dolphin Bar

The next day we rode the bikes the 4 plus miles to the restaurant for lunch. Good lunch, and the restaurant overlooks the ICW.  It is a memory lane.

Well this blog was delayed for several hours as we moved the boat from Palm Beach Gardens to Lantana. Turned out to be not one of our better ideas, but more on that shortly.

Palm Beach Gardens Loggerhead Marina is a great marina. Well protected and just off the ICW. Staff are friendly and helpful. Jay came to catch our lines and was quite impressed as Peter brought the boat in so well. He said if everyone docked like that; he wouldn't be needed.

Peter tricked me again! Let's go for a bike ride to Publix, he said. Now on the map it was to be only 2 miles away. We got over the bridge and on a road that paralleled the ocean. Great ride, unfortunately if you missed the one road on the left that took you back to A1A you were in for a very long ride to Jupiter - 12.5 miles away.

The Pubix was in a mall  that had 2 hairdressing shops. I got my locks under control, and this hairdresser sure knew what she was doing. She did her best to correct the hair cut I had in South Carolina. She said it will probably take one or 2 more cuts to get over that bad one. Looks much better, and feels better.

Had lunch at a Boston Market which is very different than what we were accustomed to. Very good chicken lunch. As it was a late lunch, warned Peter that there would be no dinner tonight. Perhaps something light like crackers and cheese.

Trying to be aero dynamic against the wind.

Now for the 12.5 mile ride back. Few shade trees and the temperatures very warm. Warm enough, that you hated to stop riding. and the last mile or so was into the wind. The hardest part of the entire ride. Good to get back to the boat and share a nice cold beer.

Weather didn't look good for Sunday. We decided to stay another day in Pam Beach Gardens. You just don't want to be on the ICW on the weekend if you don't have to ....... and we didn't have to.

Weather looks questionable for Monday travel. Small Craft warnings, and Hazardous Weather Warnings. We will wait till morning and decide whether to travel.

Just stopped in for an estimate. She laughed and laughed.

Have decided dolphins are basically shy animals.
They are so hard to photograph. By the time you see them and get your camera ..... they are gone.

Time to Move on to Stuart

It is hard to believe that we have been at Loggerhead Marina, Vero Beach for 2 weeks now. It is time to move on to Loggerhead in Stuart.

We have had a wonderful time and met some new people.

We have spent a number of afternoons in and around the pool. And I learned that doing the laundry can be an enjoyable experience when the laundry is beside the pool. Put the clothes in the washer, have a swim, put the clothes in the dryer; have a swim, fold the clothes; have a drink.

Dinghy ride to lunch

One day we took a dinghy ride to a restaurant for lunch. 5 miles in our soft bottomed dinghy is an experience. A slow experience; but an experience. The dinghy required more fuel than Peter expected, so we had to pull over to a dock along the ICW and John and Nancy Coble gave us some fuel. They again gave us some more fuel for return trip. I rode back with Mark and Chris in their truck as it looked like rain. Peter was able to make it back on one tank of fuel. The return trip was much faster; and everyone returned soaking wet. I know I made the right choice.

John and Nancy, Chris and Mark, Greg and Leslie, Cheryl and Peter

The bad news; Peter now knows that he needs a hard bottomed dinghy to go the Bahamas. John and Nancy Coble have a Seabright dinghy and they are very happy with it. Peter has been in touch with them and they will ship it directly to Loggerhead Marina Hollywood Beach. Looks like a new dinghy is in the cards. Anyone out there want a soft bottomed dinghy? Not sure what to do with it.

Of course we have had a number of docktails parties, and another pot luck dinner in the captain's lounge. We still have not learned how much food to prepare for these pot lucks. When everyone has eaten their fill ...... there is still enough food for a second pot luck.

Greg and Leslie sporting our Mardi Gras hats.

We also had to have cocktails and snacks on Greg and Leslie's boat, Amalia, the night before they left to begin to make their way north. They have a wonderful trip to Alaska in June and need to get home and get organized.

John & Nancy aboard Amalia

Mark and Chris took us down to Fort Pierce to have a look at Harbourtown Marina. It looks like a very clean, and secure marina. We think this is where we will decide to leave Surona when we return home for the summer.

Chris and Mark saying Good bye

We had breakfast at the Fort Pierce Craft and Vegetable Market. Oh and then we had to stop at a fabulous chocolate factory/store. I was not only tempted, but I succumbed to the chocolate fairy.

Don't be so serious Bill

On our last day we did some grocery shopping at the Publix. A short 1 mile ride by bicycle. We tried to limit the shopping. Well that did not quite work out. We were trying to arrange the shopping between the two bicycles and not doing a very good job. We were fortunate to see Bill Edelstein, two boats down from us, had his truck in the parking lot and he would take our groceries back for us.

John and Nancy Coble saying Good bye.

On our last night, John and Nancy Coble invited to join them on their boat for cocktails and dinner. Their boat is a Mainship trawler. We joined them on their flybridge. We had a great view of the marina. A wonderful evening. I have always said that in a sailboat, you are basement dwellers. You see very little once you are down in the cabin. So you can say that for one evening we went from basement dwellers to top of the world flybridge guests.

We were up early to prepare to get away in good time. We had help from Mark and Bill to get us off the dock. We then proceeded to the fuel dock for a pump out and fuel. Everyone showed up to help with the lines and say good bye. John and Nancy, Mark and Chris, and Bill.

Thanks to all for making our stay in Vero Beach most memorable. We hope to see you next year.

The 43 mile trip from Vero Beach to Stuart was uneventful, in about 7 hours time, averaging 6 knots. We caught the current for the first half of the trip down to Fort Pierce travelling about 7.5 knots, and then after the inlet our speed reduced to 5.5 knots.  The day was a perfect travel day, bright sunshine, little to no wind, the ICW was like a mirror. We got into Stuart about 3:30.

It was warm enough to turn the airconditioner on. It is doing a great job to keep us comfortable.

Now how did this picture get in here??????

Loggerhead, Vero Beach

We were talking to Steve and Linda Franko about our plans to stay awhile at Loggerhead Marina, Vero Beach. And Steve says; "yes, Velcro Beach". It is aptly named, as once you get here it is hard to leave. We are enjoying their monthly plan. The facilities are top notch.

Greg Marsh manning the BBQ

We have had a couple of BBQ dinners/ pot luck in their Captains Lounge. We often spend the afternoon sitting around the pool visiting, with the occasional dip in the pool.

Pot Luck BBQ in Captains Lounge

Leslie, Greg & Peter at Ocean Grill

One afternoon we went out with Greg and Leslie while they still had their car and did a big grocery run to pick up the heavy items in preparation for our trip to the Bahamas. We stopped and had lunch at the Ocean Grill. A delightful restaurant overlooking the beach.

Another project underway.

Peter is running out of jobs to do on the boat. (LOL, if you believe that) C&C sailboats were not designed with a mid ship cleat. It has been a frustration numerous times when we are trying to attach lines fore and aft at the dock. Peter finally found a set at a reasonable price and he has them installed already. They look really good, and they close down close to the deck when not in use and pull up easily to hold the lines. Of course our lines were too big for the cleat; and that meant another trip to West Marine.

While at West Marine he ordered a wind scoop for the v-berth hatch. I am sure we will really appreciate it once we are in the Bahamas. I know there have been a number of times it would have been most welcome on Georgian Bay.

Loggerhead has a book exchange/library in the Captains Lounge. It is a take one/leave one system. I had finished the book I was reading and was able to get another 2 David Baldacci books. And there is still more available. I am reading as fast as I can; so that I can hopefully read them all before we leave. I am up for the challenge.

Tonight there is a plan to meet at the end of our dock for docktails and hors d'euvers (sp?, I have had trouble with this word before). Now the dilemma is what to take?

Two of the boys from our village, Kirk Hastings and Dave Price are challenging the Cain's Quest Snowmobile Endurance Race in Labrador. The longest race in the world at 3300 kms or 2026 miles.  It is also the most gruelling. Racers are saying they have never raced in such conditions before. Freezing temperatures, snow storms, extreme conditions. We have been following it on our computer. It is so exciting and nerve racking.  They start the teams at 2 minute intervals and our boys were the 26th team away from the start line. Our boys are Team 7. After three days of riding, they placed 3rd as they came in to the checkpoint at 7:28 a.m. this morning.  They are passed the half way point of the race. There are still a lot of miles to go and a lot can happen. We are cheering them on.

We are so proud of our Canadians. This is a 3300 km race with a $100,000. purse. When our boys machine broke down yesterday and needed some work, Team 73 stopped and helped them make the repairs. Even the support teams help each other. Team 17 had caught up to them by the time the repairs were complete. Then they all were on their way together. Now that is outstanding. We can't be more proud of these teams. What sportsmanship! Amazing!

If you are curious or interested, you can follow along on the website Cains Quest 2014. Go to the Tracking tab and look at the time sheets, and then at the bottom of the page you can follow them on a map using the "interactive" or "yellowbrick". Also, on Facebook go to Snoxcapes, "like" the page and you can get updates there. Penny Brake, Kirk's girlfriend,  tries to post pictures and give us updates as the days progress.

The endurance part of the race is serious. Riders say that you soon realize that you are not racing against other riders. You are riding against the elements, weather, and conditions that this barren land is renowned for. This isn't trail riding folks. This is riding in the wilderness, trees, snow, lakes, ice. Breaking your own trail. While 29 teams left the start line there already has been 9 teams scratched. 8 for mechanical reasons and one for medical (frost bite/ frozen fingers while trying to start a fire. Quickly evacuated and taken to hospital).

 We wish them well. Safe riding boys.

We are cheering from the safety of our boat.