April 11 – Back in the States

Fort Pierce City Marina

“There is a kind of magicness about going far away and then coming back all changed.” ― Kate Douglas Wiggin

Good-bye Abaco, good-bye beautiful white sandy beaches and a very sad good-bye to the crystal clear turquoise water. We've had an amazing time exploring the islands of Abaco and we will definitely come back, but it's time to go home and reconnect with family.

The first port in the Bahamas isn't that far from the Florida coast, but getting to the Abacos takes a little longer. We spent three days moving from Green Turtle Cay back to Florida, about 200 miles. We had one day of playing and two long travel days to arrive in Fort Pierce. Yesterday was our longest day, the trip across the Little Bahamas Bank was rolly and very choppy, but once we were in the Atlantic things improved. Not as smooth as our trip across the Gulf Stream last month, but definitely not as bad as it could have been.

Last year we signed up for the Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS), we highly recommend this process. It was well worth the time it took to go to the customs office for an interview. One phone call this morning and we were set, if you don’t have these numbers you have to clear customs at the airport in person.

You definitely have sensory overload when you return to the States from Abaco. We are docked in Ft. Pierce near the historic district and it's Saturday night. There's noise everywhere...cars, motorcycles, trains, sirens and music coming from several bars. We've seen more people this evening than we've seen in the last six weeks. We are a land of excess, so much to choose from and everything is so accessible. Being in Abaco felt like stepping back in time. Where things are more laid back, uncrowded and move at a slower pace. Doors and windows are open, people sit outside and kids play together riding bikes and running. There are only a few cars on the outer islands, most people either walk or use golf carts, the stores and restaurants are small and selections are few. All these things help you unwind and unclutter your mind...it was wonderful. But as wonderful as it was to relax and slow down, it's nice to be back in the States where things are more accessible and affordable. I guess we're a little spoiled...paradise was amazing but coming home is great. It’s time for a new adventure in a different place.