Nassau

The Winds are starting to die out and I’m heading for High-borne key in the morning. The next day I will travel SE, across Exuma sound, for about a 24hour leg, and anchor on the NW side of Long  Island before I do the 181 Mile leg to Great Inagua where I will get my exit papers from the Bahamas, and hopefully some diesel and fresh food. The next leg will be 790 miles to Cartagena (Columbia), through the “windward passage” which will take me between Cuba and Haiti, and past the eastern shores of Jamaica Mon. I spoke to a captain this morning who warned me that “The Windward Passage” can be “a very nasty stretch of sea”.

I know some of you have expressed concern about me venturing into Columbian waters, however I’ve spoke to a number of cruisers who have visited, and they assure me it is safe as long as one is smart about it. Jimmy Cornell’s book “World Cruising Handbook” refers to Cartagena as, not only safe harbor, but the most beautiful port in the new world. From the pictures I’ve seen on-line, I would have to agree. I’ll be staying at Club Nautico, you can check them out on line, I forgot the address, and will post it later.

I’m aware of the risks evolved with taking a trip like this, and often remind myself that “With no risk, there will be no reward”. Also know, that if for some reason, I do end up in “Davy Jones’s” locker I’ve been doing exactly what I want in life “YEEEHAAAAA”.

There is a big difference between living life & just being alive, the latter of which I am no too interested. I don’t think I will ever be able to change my life and plug back into the system. Freedom is a hard flavor to give up; I just now taste it for the first time. I’m trying to develop more of a “Come what may” attitude, as I’m sure the more adventurous my path, the larger reward will lay in my wake.

I will post text updates during the trip, and don’t be afraid of dropping me an instant message or two, having a bit of company during the crossing will be nice.

–         Live Large!