**WE FINALLY MADE IT**

With great pride and self-satisfaction we safely arrived at our final destination on March 9th, 2014
in Hope Town, Bahamas.

As one sits back and reflects on the journey it’s hard to put the emotions, fears and joys into words.

Without the cautious, competent and loving man,
Joe Madigan, this journey would not have been a success.  Whether it was the daily Jimmy Buffet out-of-tune singing, smelly morning “duck quacks” or the polite barking of orders, Joe made each day the best it could be and delivered top-notch cooking at the end of most days.
I can’t imagine it was easy for him being surrounded by 2 princesses, but these princesses did rub his back and fetch his pints daily :-)

Grace, who graciously embraced this journey at the ripe age of 9 then 10 proved to be a shining star.  The intelligence and common-sense displayed made many mouths drop. 
Grace is now an expert cook and will continue to make us breakfast in bed Saturday mornings~WOOOOHOOO!
Only if they had “Home ec class” in grade 4 .

~Much Love to Jmad, Gmad, Joannie Burns, KT Tucker and the lovely Jo Tucker~

Early morning travel smiles from all!

 

Even bigger afternoon smiles!

 

 Behind the glasses were tears of joy!

 

ARRIVED AT OLD BAHAMA BAY, GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND

We did it...... We left mainland America to our stern. After a long day of final boat repairs on Tuesday March 4th, we put 'not Saving for Grace' back together and made the decision at Captain's hour to take the voyage across the Gulf Stream at 0530 hrs Wednesday. We'd like to thank Al and Gail, our neighbours at Sailfish Marina for all their help. Also a big thanks to Al, from Deck Hands, for all is hard work in getting our repairs done in time for us to catch the end of the crossing weather window. If we had not crossed Wednesday it looked like we would not have had another opportunity until this coming Tuesday. Our friends, and journey partners, the Dream Weaver Team are currently positioned in Lake Worth waiting for their weather window.

The cross brought the memories back of the Coastal waters we traversed off the coast of New Jersey. Captain Grace was down, Double B went down, Momma Burns read a book who apparently, is not a victim of seasickness. The Dad had his standard cleansing of the stomach. 

After what seemed to be a long long morning we arrived to West End Bahamas. Kyle and Robbie from Old Bahama Bay Marina were quick to help us out with a slip and Customs and Immigration paperwork. We were in!!

The journey that  started September 25th, 2013 was finally ported in the Bahamas! SUCCESS. 

Ahhhh, but no so quick! We're not to our final destination yet. We're currently hanging tight here at the Marina waiting out the storm front that was forecasted before we embark on our final 140 miles of travel. 

Here's some of our moments from the last couple days.....

      **Our last moments on the mainland**

Kissing the mainland goobye!

Nothin but Ocean out here!

And Seasickness...

Let the fun begin

After carrying the dinghy for 1600 miles we finally bought a motor in Florida and launched her for a trial run in Old Bahama Bay

Off to town for provisioning

Got the kisser out for the babes!