How was the first day?

After a weather delay, on March 21st, we FINALLY left the Loggerhead Marina in Hollywood, Florida, where The Zone has lived happily for several years. 

Proudly displaying the America's Great Loop Cruising Association burgee.

Off we were heading North on the Intracoastal, not exactly sure where we would land our first night, though we knew we would anchor out somewhere near West Palm beach.  The WPB Boat Show assured us the marinas would be a zoo filled with monster yachts and we wanted to avoid it like the plague. The first day was relatively uneventful, though not unexciting for us. We were doing it! We felt free, in love and living our dream. Granted, Day 1 consisted of waiting for many bridges to open and wondering who all these people are who spend their days on jet skis, but nevertheless, we were on The Great Loop of America and were sharing the helm and life, looking forward to what lies in store for us.

Last check of the engine room

Sharon, from Loggerhead, who along with her team
took great care of us & The Zone!

 What was in store for me for several hours, was trying to understand and follow nautical charts to help my Captain navigate. Not always simple, for either of us, despite his experience and my 5 Day Class.  Some of the charts are old, and my vision older, but by the end of the day I got the hang of it and now feel comfortable with my important daily task..especially now that I'm using the giant, globe magnifier.

Small section of a chart from Day 1 in South Florida

 We had a gorgeous day on the water, and chose to spend the night at the North Lake Worth anchorage.The water was a lovely calm with a delicious breeze making the evening a delight. Making my Captain a calm, delicious delight to be with, was a lovely app called, "Anchor Watch" that would sound an alarm on his Blackberry if we drifted.  Aah, the wonders of technology.

Swaying gently for a peaceful 1st night

Stay tuned for our next episode, as I describe our first docking debacle.....(we're fine, really, just want you to come back for more!)

 Here's a preview....this was the remainder of an attack of a very large, very sick bird....most of it's "spray" landed on me, in front of a dock full of boaters as my audience.  They said it's a "blessing".