Yes, I know.  I have heard it from many people about the lack of blogging going on for the last few months.  We are sorry and will make every effort to keep you up to date.

BellaLuna was in the Annapolis boat show in October and if I don't say so myself she looked really good.  After the show Bellaluna was hauled out of the water for a fresh coat of bottom paint.  Debbie and I took this opportunity to drive home and deal with some outstanding business.  My Mother also experienced a health setback so we were able to care for her.  She is getting her energy back and doing much better.

Debbie decided to stay back in Orillia for a few more weeks but I needed to get Bellaluna to warmer climates.  So our friend Tim traveled back to Annapolis to sail with me to Charleston, South Carolina.  We had a great but cold trip.

Tim and I sailed south on Chesapeake Bay and into Norfolk, Virginia.  The US has many navel boat yards in the area making the sail through the area very interesting.  Also, many other boat yards and cargo ship docks.

Naval boat yards

Floating hospital under repair

Cargo ships in Chesapeake Bay

After the many boat yards, the Inter-coastal Waterway starts.  The ICW is a canal, river system that runs from Virginia to Florida.  The main ICW route was closed just south of Norfolk because a lock was broken.  So we took route # 2 through the Dismal Swamp.

Moored overnight at the start of the Dismal Swamp

 The Dismal Swamp is actually a 21 mile long narrow canal with two locks.  Beautiful scenery but one must keep a sharp eye out for logs, branches and wild animals.  After leaving the first lock we traveled with the group from the lock.  So we all watched out and would radio any obstructions.

Two locks raised us 9' each

Traveling between locks

Narrow channel.  Glad we did not meet another catamaran at this point.

Tim at the helm with his five layers of clothing on.  Yes, it was cold!!

Sunrise on a frosty morning

Note the SNOW!!

Tim and I arrived in Charleston, South Carolina.  Tim was a great crew member and I thank him for helping me sail Bellaluna south.  Tim has left and I have been looking after some small jobs on the boat.  Debbie returns tomorrow and we will wait for our weather window and continue south to Florida.

Return to BellaLuna

 On September 4th we returned to Palm City, Florida where BellaLuna was moored for the month of August.  We had a great time at our niece Jennifer and her new husband Chad's wedding.

Jennifer & Chad

My Sister Beth (Mother of the Bride), Jenn & Chad

My Mom and siblings

After spending a week in Florida preparing BellaLuna and ourselves we set sail for Annapolis.  We enjoyed a three day sail from Palm City to Charleston, South Carolina. 

Hamlin Sound

We arrived at Hamlin Sound.  Beautiful anchorage just off the Inter Coastal Waterway.  We anchored overnight then moved to Isle of Palm marina.

BellaLuna at Isle of Palm Marina

Walking the streets of Charleston

We have had an opportunity to tour the beautiful city of Charleston.  Three tours in three days.  Harbour and Fort Sumter Island tour.  Horse drawn carriage tour of old Charleston and Magnolia Plantation tour.

Fort Sumter

The confederate flags of Fort Sumter

Petting zoo at Magnolia Plantation

My new friend

Magnolia plantation 

Debbie at the Plantation house

Swamp walk, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Beach walk, Isle of Palm

After spending two weeks in Charleston we picked up two crew (friends) from Antares yachts to sail Bellaluna to Annapolis for the annual Annapolis boat show.  Bellaluna will be the Antares in the boat show this year.  We had great weather sailing north and enjoyed the company of Jeff and Salwa.

Salwa

Jeff

Jeff, Rob and Salwa.  Antares Yachts

Bellaluna at the boat show

Four Navel officers toured Bellaluna

The Bahamas

BellaLuna arrived in Florida June 3rd and we have been here looking after a number of boat jobs.  Two tropical storms have delayed our departure so we have decided to leave BellaLuna here and fly home.  We will fly to Detroit and attend our nieces wedding on July 27th in Jackson, Michigan.  Then travel with family back to Orillia for the month of August.

Below are a number of photos of our trip from San Juan to Florida.  Sailing through the Bahamas was fantastic.  We look forward to spending more time in that area next winter.

Cruise ship in San Juan harbour

This gentleman lives on his working tug in a marina in San Juan.  Very interesting man with lots of interesting stories.

Our new friend Miguel in San Juan

Departing San Juan Harbour

It wasn't until San Juan that we where able to get our fishing gear to the boat and organized.  So we wet the line after departing San Juan.  We were both amazed to catch a fish so fast.  It was so exciting to reel it in, clean it and then bbq it for supper.  The only thing we need on board is a garden then we can get off the grocery grid!!!

Gord's first Tuna

Beautiful sunset

Manatee in Clarence Town, Long Island

Santa Maria, Long Island

Looking out at gorgeous Santa Maria Beach, Long Island Bahamas

Debbie in Nassau harbour

entering Nassau harbour

This is not BellaLuna!!!

Going under the Nassau bridge

Moon over Nassau harbour

New friends Kathy & Alex in Grand Bahama

Playing pool with the boys in Lucaya, Bahamas, Coral Reef Yacht Club

Florida with sister yacht "Ona"

Ona & BellaLuna

Debbie and I have had a fantastic first year of living aboard BellaLuna.  We have traveled 8000 miles (wow), met so many interesting people and have seen so many fantastic places.  We will be back to blogging in September when we return to BellaLuna and sail her north up the east coast of the USA.

It's great to have you following us on our adventure.