Happy Valentine's Day, Sweet Hearts!

Hello, Every One!

Phil and I have almost completed all of the things on our "to do" lists and we are looking forward to setting sail for the Dry Tortugas on Wednesday, February 16th. We're really going to do this!! Have a 20 hr. sail ahead of us and then look forward to exploring the Tortugas. We've heard so much about them however two previous attempts to reach them have been thwarted. We're trusting "third time's a charm."

We splashed alot of champagne around yesterday a.m. and officially re-named our boat "Take Two". Took a christening sail into the bay near Sanibel and Captiva Islands. "Take Two" sails like a dream and gets alot of attention along the way. What can I say? She's a big, beautiful boat!!

We'll leave the Tortugas for Key West and then sail on to the Bahamas. Will jump off from Ft. Lauderdale/Miami. Will have a few weeks to acquaint ourselves with the islands before Michelle, Richard, Jordan and R.T. join us. Craig, Jackie, Colten and Dylan are pondering dates as I write as is my sister, Mary. So, if you're the least bit inclined....get on board! Let us know what you'd like to do and where you'd like to do it! We'll do our best to accomodate you!

Leaving our dock at Pine Island will be like leaving home. Our initial contact here was John Thurston, a retired NEA employee. He and his wife, Marcia, have been helpful beyond description to us as we've been getting "Take Two" ready for an extended sail. We are actually docked two doors down from them at a neighboring dock. Sharon and Mark Massey, complete strangers to us two weeks ago, offered us a home for "Take Two" for as long as need be. We now count them among our many friends. Mark is a gifted man who plants trees and rocks here on Pine Island. Will try to get some photos of his work and post them here. Those of you who know me know of my affinity for rocks. The ones I've met here are in a class by themselves.

That's all for now. Wishing each of you a sweet Valentine's Day. Wishing I could deliver a hug in person.

Blessings,
Judy