Right Hand Life: We’re Back

Hello from Great Harbour Marina! Yes, this is the same location as the last time I posted, in April, but the boat has not been here all of that time. In fact, we just checked into the Bahamas yesterday, November 30.

The last time I posted, I was leaving the boat in the marina so I could fly home to check on both Keith, and my dad.

I’m going to give you the ‘Cliff Notes’ version of the past 8 months…

My son returned, with me, to Great Harbour to help me overnight the boat back to Florida

It did feel like quite an accomplishment to be back in the U.S.

I continue north alone, from West Palm to Fernandina beach…on one engine. The trip went well, but was complicated by the loss of my port engine. I developed a raw water leak at the exhaust elbow, and decided to shut that engine down, to be safe. This required better planning and timing on my part, as the maneuverability of this vessel is drastically reduced with one engine.

Finally, by mid May, Keith was well enough to join me in Fernandina with the goal of getting the boat to the Chesapeake, where we planned to spend the summer. Keith was still plagued with unexplained fevers, and by this time my dad was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

In Oriental, NC we did a crew change, and Keith’s brother joined him on the boat to continue north. While I returned to MD to attend my niece’s graduation.

Thankful to be able to spend a few days with family! This is one of the last pictures taken of my dad. Unfortunately, he passed unexpectedly on July 4.

While in many ways, our summer was very difficult…we were blessed to have the opportunity to be surrounded by family and friends.

So grateful to attend the wedding of Eddie and Gail’s daughter…what a beautiful event!

Anna still got her boat time, but instead of a Caribbean Island she had a Bay adventure!

Before boat time, she wanted to explore the museums in DC.

Kayaking the Sassafras

This was her favorite activity

It turns out, she is an excellent crabber!

As summer progressed, Keith’s right lung slowly healed, and by the beginning of September the fevers diminished, and all of his scans came back clear.

We spent the last few weeks, before departure catching up with friends.

We took Amy to Thomas Point to get pictures for her 2024 gingerbread extravaganza.

Amazing!

By the end of September, Keith had the ‘all clear’ from all doctors, and we began to plan our departure from Maryland. By October 1 we were heading south.