Over the past 11 days we moved nearly 700 miles south from Annapolis, Maryland, to Brunswick, Georgia. Although the trip down the Chesapeake Bay was all about our trusty old Volvo moving us through light and variable winds, once we got out into the ocean we had some good wind for fast and easy sailing. There was one stretch where the waves were confused and tossed the boat around a bit. Nothing dangerous, but uncomfortable. We tied up at Brunswick Landing Marina’s fuel dock at 1:30 yesterday morning.

As usual, the first day or two offshore on rotating 4 hour watches is a bit rough, but we still adapt quick quickly to that schedule and by day three, it is just the way life is lived.

The boat performed without issue, under sail and motor. No surprises, no emergencies. Wildlife sightings were minimal. Most birds have moved further south, and the water was rough enough from the good sailing wind that spotting things in the water wasn’t easy. As normal in this part of the ocean, we were visited several times. by pods of Atlantic Spotted Dolphin containing from one to dozens of individuals. Karen won the “Photo-of-the-Trip Award” with a beautiful shot of a mother dolphin and her calf out of the water under a beautiful sunset.

Right now we plan to be here in Georgia for the months of November and December, then move down to south Florida for Harmonie’s maintenance haulout. From there, it is off to the Bahamas.