3 Years onboard

On 27^th April 2014 was our third year anniversary of our cruising life.  Funny that we would celebrate it in almost exactly the same spot as last year! Who would have thought we would have been back in Sand Dollar anchorage in George Town, Great Exuma, Bahamas.  When we left here last year we had no intention of returning but here we are.

Magnum is there is  the middle of the beautiful Sand Dollar anchorage

The day we left the UK (April 2011) in brilliant sunshine with Portchester Castle in the background, this is minutes from  our home berth

Magnum getting last minute fuel as we leave Portsmouth harbour for the start of our journey

During the last 12 months we have sailed over 3900 miles which is almost half that of last year, but still a significant mileage as the previous year included an Atlantic crossing.  Surprising to us is that of the last 12 months cruising 7 months of these were spent in America.  When we originally left the UK on this trip with no intention on visiting America but about 12 months in, we started to consider this option for the hurricane season as we met people who had done the same or knew people that had travelled that route.  So after applying for a US visa and having to travel back to the UK to get the Visa we decided this would be a good option to fit with our plans, little did we know that our plans would change again but that is the nature of cruising

So what have been the highlights of this year:

• Meeting so many genuinely lovely and welcoming people in America, from our first weeks at Portsmouth where the liveaboard community gave us lifts to do our shopping, frequently invited us to fun and frolics on the dock and made sure we had everything we needed to make our stay as enjoyable as possible.  This welcome and helpfulness stuck with us as we travelled up and down the east coast with almost everyone we met, amazing how people can be so kind and generous.  We really hope we can remain friends with some of these lovely people.

Our lovely Portsmouth friends

• 4^th July spent in the US, how fantastic, a great fun time had by all.

• Seeing a bear whilst sailing the Intracoastal Waterway and then seeing more bears in the mountains. A REAL LIFE WILD BEAR still can't get over that!

• Resting and walking in the Blueridge Mountains, such stunning scenery and wildlife, a wonderful time away from the boat.

So pretty

• Our first baseball game, yes it was only a local game in Norfolk, Virginia but great to experience such a family friendly event.

• Sailing into New York. Wow this was amazing, something I never imagined we would do.  Our time in New York to our surprise was some of our best time spent in the States, we loved it much more than we thought.

Amanda sailing into NYC

That is Lady Liberty just on Marks shoulder

• Newport Rhode Island had such great sailing history and our trip to Boston was great fun.

• Spending Christmas time in Miami South Beach, yes we spent too much money, but it was such an interesting place.

Magnum at anchor in South Beach and downtown Miami with the sun setting

• Our entire time is Cuba was so special due to having friends and family visit and spending time with them whilst enjoying this interesting place.   We were lucky enough to visit Havana numerous times and spend time in the countryside in Vinales as well as lots of other day trips

• The Exumas in the Bahamas, the crystal clear waters are such amazing colours, yes it has sometimes been a challenge to navigate and the weather has not always been kind but we will never forgot this place.

We have done things slightly differently this year by spending longer time periods in the same locations with almost 2 month in Cuba and 6 weeks in Portsmouth, Virginia, a month around New York, 3 weeks in Miami and currently 5 weeks in George Town.  Although this has not always been by choice and the weather has played a part, it has enabled to get to know places.

So what did we do on our anniversary? Well the day before had seem rain and thunderstorms all day but the weather was kind and the sun came out.  We snorkelled with turtles and rays, explored the reefs in Elizabeth Harbour and walked on the amazing Stocking Island beach.  We topped this off with a glass of rum and reminisced about a great year.

Walking in the beautiful beach at Stocking Island

Mark enjoying his walk on Stocking Island