Hi, Marilyn here ...

Well, tonight's the night - we're planning to leave at midnight for a 15-hour trip to the Berry Islands - heading progressively South toward our destination in the Exumas.  It looks like we've got a decent weather window for a couple of days, and then gale-force winds are predicted by Tuesday. It's blowing hard enough now that the boat is rocking in our protected harbour - but it's predicted to fall off by evening to SSW 10-15 knots - not too bad for sailing, close hauled on a starbord tack (for the non-sailors, a reasonable sail). This is our last long crossing, 80mi, with our last 20 mi “on the bank” in the light. That means clear turquoise water 12-16’ deep.

Yesterday was spent in preparing the boat for departure, including scrubbing out the bilge - a disgusting job which we shared (a-w-w-w). We also planned our route for tonight's sail with our buddy boat.

Then we had a lovely dinner on board Sea Change with our sailing partners, Therese and Denis. We're really getting to like each other, and they say their English is improving dramatically (though I'm not sure I can say the same for my French!).

So today we're just hanging out and finishing preparations to leave, including cooking chili to have in a thermos for enroute sustenance. Our weather here is as nasty for the Bahamas as yours is for Canada - cloudy, rainy, sometimes downright chilly - but no need for boots and coats - yet.

A few pics from yesterday's activities - including the sparkling bilge!!