Bottom Painted

Today’s date is November 11th and we are going to leave hopefully on January 2nd if the weather is permitting.  We have painted the bottom of the boat and spent a lot time making sure everything works.  We had the props balanced.  As with all boats, there will be new problem pop up every few weeks.  That is just the nature of boating.  We are very excited but also a little nervous about starting such a long trip.  Our boat survived the hurricane with only scratches on the starboard part of the boat where the fender popped and left the boat rubbing against the piling.  Our first stop from Sandestin will be Carrabelle.  Carrabelle was damaged but are back in order and have fuel.  Will probably stay for a day or 2 and then head on to Clearwater when the weather allows.  Since it is winter there is a good chance that it could take weeks for a window to open.  We plan on going about 7.5 knots in general but will probably go about 20 knots since it is 155 nautical miles.  We have made this trip dozens of times and most of them have been great but several have been very rough.  I do not plan on repeating that and will wait until the waves are 2 foot or less before we attempt this.  When we had traveled to the Bahamas we are always in a hurry.  This results in making less than wise decisions about when you can and cannot go.  It will be a relief to not have to worry so much about how much time we have.  I know a year sounds like a long time but I know it will really pass fast.