It goes on

 Here in Hope Town things have settled down. We've had a chance to visit a number of establishments and now that the boat is parked for a while, some work items I've wanted to get underway have been started. Some have actually been completed! Occasionally I impress (even) myself because now that we are retired finding time to squeeze in projects has become challenging.
 Today in spite of the demanding schedule and brisk winds out of the ESE we took the dink out onto the Sea of Abaco hoping to get around to the new place on Elbow called Firefly. Lunch out and about was our game since we had been cooped up with getting projects underway. We were hoping to use the dink since the West side of Elbow was in the lee today and we didn't want to walk all that far. As it turned out the ride around was smooth enough allowing us to make it to Firefly easily. Looking at the first two photos one can conclude the Sea of Abaco was cooperative. I believe the owners of this esthetically well positioned place are involved with Firefly Sweet Tea back in the States. I imagine they decided to burn some cash on a place over here on Elbow. In our opinion they have done a terrific job of locating a very pleasant establishment.
 They did a really nice job of laying out the property and setting up a very cool place to have a meal. As well accommodations within various cottages are located on the property if living aboard is not and option.  As you can see from these photos taken from the bar the view is spectacular and sunset dinners will be awesome. But we were here for lunch and Deb had a bowl of conch salad. I had their tuna as well as a calamari appetizer. Yes! We found fried calamari in the Bahamas and it was very good. It came with a sweet and spicy chili sauce drizzle that went well with an ice cold beer. The tuna was also well prepared and quite tasty although I would have wanted a bit more on the plate. The conch salad was as good as any on the island and there was plenty of it. So we both had a great meal at a reasonable price (for the islands) with a wonderful view.

 It was a refreshing break from installing a new outlet in the galley for the microwave, a stereo on the bridge, and some work with DirecTV that spanned several hours.
 Nothing goes into Freedom easily. Well, nothing of substance anway. To get the new outlet from a stand alone breaker associated with the inverter, I had to pull all of the paneling off the starboard interior wall. It might look easy but it isn't. The paneling fits into a groove under the window sill and another groove in the floor. That means paneling that has aged since 1985 has to bow out in the middle for its entire length to facilitate popping out of both grooves. If it cracks, the finish is ruined and it's in an obvious location. Anyway this portion is the comfortable zone of this project and it went very well. I was able to get the cable into the A.C. panel and pull it through under the inverter I installed in 2008. Once that far it went into the bilge where dwarfs have the advantage. Dan does not fit well down there. If you look closely at the photo (click on it) you will see the outline of the hatch over the starboard engine. That engine would be a Detroit 6-71 turbo charged inter cooled diesel with a 400 pound gearbox. The cable goes down into the bilge just aft of the floor mounted battery selector switch under the inverter. From there it goes across the salon floor and down into a conduit up to the bow where it then goes through the floor up into the galley. Cake. Not. But it's done and I can enjoy morning coffee without having to get up and reactivate a breaker that pops because the coffee maker and microwave are on the same circuit. I've had the parts on the boat 2 years now.
 What can I say?
 She finally wore me down.
 Anyway along with this, the stereo that has been aboard for a while also got installed. You may have noticed the grey wire hanging out of the vent opening above the inverter? They go to the speakers that have been muted by removal of the stereo to make room for the inverter. With this latest surge of activity the stereo has been relocated to the helm and we have speakers up there now as well. Once this grey cable gets pulled up a very narrow raceway that is loaded with control cables, A.C. freon lines and all sorts of other "trivial" stuff, we'll be able to listen to the Door's album (inside) I down loaded from Itunes the other day. Something like 40 of their best on a single album. I'm thinking the folks on the mooring balls would appreciate our keeping the volume down so the inside speakers are probably a good idea.
 As for DirecTV, I have to hand it to them. We have been down here the past three Winters and the basic antennae has worked flawlessly. We can order movies over the internet, and the picture only pixelates during stout wind storms or thunderheads when I don't have the tracking system up and running. This year we switched our install address to be that of Miami Florida coincident with our departure from the NYS residence. You guessed it, right when the playoffs started, the company (Sunbeam) owning the station that broadcasts FOX decided they wanted more money to transmit their infomercials and local news. DirecTV said no. Sunbeam pulled the plug. As a result everyone here as well as in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale using DirecTV missed the Giants game this past weekend. Last year we had good reception for the NYS stations all the way down to Staniel Cay which is the rumored limit so we knew based on past experience that we could watch FOX if we were not associated with a rogue local network. Even though we are no longer resident in NYS, DirecTV let us use the old address so we could watch FOX. Thank you DirecTV!

Finally a break in the wind!

  This last week we had a real blow out with 50+ mph winds in the Abacos. Freedom was moving side to side and around in her slip testing the lines to their limit causing some sudden stops that caught us off balance on a number of occasions. It was enough movement that it reminded us of crossing the Gulf Stream at the end of December but only in an amusing way. It wasn't like we had to crawl around on our hands and knees to prevent injury but it was enough that balance and composure were challenging to maintain. In spite of the rocking and sudden stops caused by taught lines, we managed to get the stereo installed, the electronics station on the bridge cleaned up and its face repainted.
  We did not hear of any damage being done but we all had to make certain the boats were adequately tied up. Those out on the hook moved to more protected areas like Marsh Harbour or the West coast of Abaco to be in the lee of shore thus mitigating the affect of the winds. It was a time to hunker down and keep an eye on the boat. Along with the wind the temperatures got down into the 40's and we were fortunate to have reverse cycle air conditioning aboard Freedom. At this point of Winter we think we have used the heat more often than we have in all years past. Hopefully this is not an indication of how the Winter will continue once this break from the cold fronts has concluded.
 Given the opportunity with this recent calm and warmer weather we were able to get a good walk along the Atlantic shore from Hope Town down to the Abaco Inn for some of their specials. It was comforting to learn they still make darn good conch fritters and their seared tuna is still a stand out special that can't be beaten. Others may try but the Abaco Inn has a lock on this dish.
 Since the weather window was good for a second day, and the second day was more calm, we took the dink out to the reef at the North End of Elbow Cay and looked around. It was calm enough we didn't need the look bucket or need to snorkel. The water was clear and calm enabling us to merely putt around looking at the coral heads and the fish living near and within them. There were a few encounters with nurse sharks and some large snapper that made us wish we had gear with us to capture some good eats. While we did not see any lobster antennae I'm thinking we might have found a couple if we were to throw the hook out there and dig around under the coral heads.
 Eventually we had seen enough and I pointed the dink at Snake Cay where we were hoping to see some of the large spotted rays but the sun hid behind the clouds by the time we got there and we could not see deep enough into the dark water to pick them out.
 Perhaps if  we had not stopped to help a sailboat that ran aground in Tilloo Cut we might have had sun light at Snake Cay but boaters have to help each other out if they can. They were hard onto the sand and grass with the tide going out, and they had a mess of kids on the boat with them. We pushed and tugged on their boat with all we had but we could not budge it. The captain elected to spend the day there waiting for tide and we moved on after wishing them good luck.
 Regardless it's all good and on the return to Hope Town we stopped off at Sea Spray for some of their awesome conch salad and blackened grouper sandwiches washed down by a couple of ice cold Kalik's.
 Days like this are tough to beat.

 The garmin data is up to date.

Happy 2012 and Goodbye 2011!

 Finally we can kiss off 2011. It was a rough year for the market, and for us, a difficult year to cross the Gulf Stream. We've been in Hope Town a full week now and the notion that we are here has crept into our minds allowing us to relax. We don't have all of the concerns over the weather and the boat delivered us safely.
 So we struck out to see how Elbow Cay fared in consideration of Hurricane Irene. I know that between Irene and Tropical Storm Lee many lives were left in waste, and we saw plenty of it when we drove out to Sayre Pa. just after Lee left that area. A major arterial Route 17 was underwater in many places and closed to traffic between Vestal and Elmira NY. The devastation that was brought upon so much of the East Coast and inland areas of the United States by those two storms is mind boggling. Our hearts go out to those that have and are still living a nightmare as a result. But now we are in a different environment and let's face it, a direct hit by a hurricane here is as significant but fortunately it does affect less people.
 However Elbow Cay seems to have survived in style! From what we have seen the beaches have some weak spots and serious erosion but by and large they managed to avoid destruction the likes of which New York and other New England states saw. The worst of this storm damage is focused at the cliff road leading South to the Abaco Inn, and the beach area just North of Sea Spray. The roads are safe and open but there are some pot holes and other repairs that are still needed. The locals have responded quickly to make restorations that can be depended on.   
 In spite of the bad weather, the Hope Town Inn and Marina is quickly taking shape and we look forward to the point that it comes online completely. It's going to be a very special stop for mariners willing to make their way to the Abacos and for a number of reasons. It is well located with regard to Marsh Harbour and it is in central Hope Town. Everything is a short dink away across the Hope Town Harbour and there are many facilities within the harbour that cater to travelers. It's going to put a stamp on the Abacos for sure.
 Since we were held up in Florida for an extended stay we had some extra expenses and we have to curtail some of the extra spending on dining out. In support of this we immediately ate out at the Edge, Sea Spray, The Reef Bar, Cracker P's and we also celebrated New Years Eve at the Hope Town Harbour Lodge. Maybe next week we'll settle down but some steam had to be let out and it was worth it.
 Friday evening we were fortunate enough to hitch a ride down to Tahiti Beach where many folks reviewed the fireworks display John Bull puts on for everyone. It was a great show and a lead in to the New Year's Eve festivities that take place in Hope Town. Up at the Reef Bar we had dinner and a D.J. along with all sorts of party favors revolving around a theme based on the Blues Brothers. Everyone had stern faces and cheap sunglasses on making for a fun evening. At midnight we sat on one of the porches overlooking the harbour and were treated to a great fireworks display put on by the Lodge. It was full of color and noise and right in our faces. Once in a while the wind shifted carrying the display overhead.
 After the fireworks everyone joined in with the Junkanoo parade that marched all around Hope Town and then back to the Lodge where free champagne was waiting for us. Not too shabby.
 With that, we hope everyone has a Happy Healthy and Prosperous New Year. Let's all make 2012 better than the past!
  Some extra photos are in the bucket here Photo Bucket Link
 The Garmin Tracks are up to date excepting perhaps the Lubber's dink ride. I have to create a new file for 2012 yet.

Mission Impossible

  It's been a genuine test of our will to get to the Bahamas this year. We almost elected to visit the Florida Keys instead. There were a few glitches with the boat but mainly it was the weather affecting the Gulf Stream that contributed to a rough start of the season. Many of us regularly looked over the weather forecast, shared our opinions, and decided it was not worth the risk to venture across the Gulf Stream on a regular basis. It seemed like every week the winds would build out of the North East and roil up the Gulf Stream to make passage impossible for all but the largest yachts.

 I know I've mentioned before that small craft warnings are meant for all boats shorter than 60 feet but there had to be times the mega yachts would not go out. It would be too rough on the equipment.
 When we decided to leave Fort Lauderdale on 12/23/11 the forecast was for 2-3 feet waves spaced at 8 or 9 seconds. That is the same forecast we had a week earlier when we attempted to cross the stream but the wind and waves were out of the North East on the first attempt. Back then, they were steep and just far enough apart that the bow pulpit was in the water every three waves or so. Our concerns for the freezer and free standing furniture we have aboard Freedom grew. If it started falling over or moving about it would make our ability to focus on handling the boat impossible. That day we looked out at the stream and saw that the horizon appeared to be closing in, and it was not smooth. These are not good signs and given the pounding started within 3 miles of the Florida coast we turned back. And it's a very good thing we did. Shortly after getting back inside we heard the forecast had deteriorated from underneath us and any cushion we had in our assessment of our abilities evaporated.  
 But on 12/23/11 the waves were out of the South East which meant we could quarter the seas making for a much smoother ride. It wasn't exactly a comfortable ride and one crew member thought this was probably number two on the all time worst ride list because yet again, once in a while Freedom took a sudden dive off the back end of a swell into the next wave stuffing the bow pulpit into the water. The forecast may predict 2-3 footers but we all know there are better than that out there and we found them. Deb would say we found them all.
 Initially for this crossing I took a more Northerly course that lined us up with Memory Rock more than it did with West End. This allowed for a smoother ride until we found ourselves in calmer water that facilitated a more direct course to West End. If that didn't work out we had an alternative of going back into the Lake Worth inlet of the Florida coast. It wasn't a desirable alternative but it works if things get bad. As it turned out we eventually had a decent ride that enabled us both to carefully move around on the boat to take care of things like nature calls. Fortunately this wasn't the worst ride so I was able to leave the helm once. On other occasions morning coffee was my worst enemy.
 And then we saw the coast line of Grand Bahama and left the Gulf Stream. With the change in current and a few course corrections we wound up in West End along with a squall that removed a small amount of the salt Freedom was sporting.
 In summary the crossing was good because we made it! It was also summed up by another as "you wouldn't have to wait long for help if you broke down there was so much traffic out there" which is indicative of the number of boats that had piled up in Florida patiently waiting for this opportunity.
 Once at the customs dock at Old Bahama Bay I fueled up Freedom while Deb filled in paperwork. The officials here were terrific moving through all the forms and documents quickly and professionally. All said and done we had our six month hallway permission slip and we cleaned up and met up with others for a burger and brew at the restaurant Old Bahama Bay has. Without question it's a great place to break up the trip, check in, and blow off the stress of crossing the Gulf Stream.
 Early in the morning we spun up the Detroits and made our way past Indian Rock and over the shallow water that leads North East past Church Bank towards Barracuda Shoal. The procession of boats moving on all backed off a bit here due to the shallow water and fog. Thick fog. Enough that we could not see the boat in front of us a mile away. But with radar and common sense we all lined up at a common speed around 7.5 knots and had a safe trip to clear skies by the time we passed Barracuda Shoal.
 Fortunately it stayed that way and we enjoyed a very pleasant ride across the Bahama bank to Spanish Cay. To our pleasant surprise we were welcomed onto the bank by a pod of dolphins that shot under us as we moved. It is always alarming because we are concerned for them but so far by leaving the boat at a constant speed they travel under us and pop up behind us in the wake where they play for a while. Once at Spanish Cay marina we stayed for the night enjoying their house specialty grouper. After dinner Don the owner of the island hooked up the Karaoke mics and music and started belting out songs. He came over to the table and handed me a mic at which point Deb's face took on a horrified expression. No. Not that.
 And it happened. Notice the pictures stop here.
 I got up and started singing. It was about this time Deb cut me off and for good reason. Regardless we all had a good time, although I could not have known otherwise, which resulted in a couple of rocks in the aft cabin that didn't budge until we were an hour late to move on in the morning. Fortunately getting back aboard Freedom went well because I left the transom lights on. This brought in a large number of snapper as well as some sharks. Falling into the water with all the sharks around was not an option.
 In the morning we discussed the evening over breakfast and Deb reflected on a couple of songs I did. She said I could actually have a future as an Elvis impersonator. I laughed and she went on to say there was one song I did that sounded really good! At that point I realized I should have cut Deb off as well. Anyway,
 I have this thing about traveling through Whale Cay Channel when the tide is running since that passageway is known to be a dangerous segment of the trip to the Abacos via boat. It has led people to try Don't Rock passage instead of going outside around Whale Cay and one year we saw many bent propeller shafts outside one of the local marinas testifying to the nature of that course. It's not impossible to pass Don't Rock and many do. I'd rather ride with someone else before I take that leap.
 The trip out Whale Cay channel was effortless thanks to relatively slack tide, light East wind and a calm Atlantic. We had a good feeling about going out directly from Spanish Cay because as we made our way South passing a number of cuts to the Atlantic, we saw no white caps or elephants on the horizon and there was no swell from the Atlantic making its way into the Sea of Abaco. All we had going out the cut and heading to Loggerhead Channel was 2-3 feet of chop that was closely spaced and worked really well at 10 knots. I think we dipped the bow pulpit a few times as we traveled over the reef into the Atlantic. No big deal at all. And in a few hours more time we were tied up at the Hope Town Marina which is one of our favorite Winter hangs. The sun is shinning, the winds are light, and our spirits are up because the journey over here has FINALLY been completed. Mission Accomplished!
 By the way that was a great movie but catch it in an IMAX theater if you can.

          

And now it's getting Ancient. . .

 That's correct we are still in the United States. Fort Lauderdale Florida to be more precise. We are kicking ourselves for not crossing last Wednesday when it was forecast to be 2-3 at 9 seconds. Oh well. We have been in water like that several times before and we could have handled it. For example every time we crossed Lake Ontario from Oswego to the St. Lawrence Seaway and back we had similar forecasts. I believe the last Ontario crossing was worse and we altered course to mitigate the slamming. The determining factor this time was that it will take us all day to cross the stream vs. 4 or 5 hours to cross Ontario. But it is what it is, and here we are still. Adding to all of this gloom, today we heard that a well known expert with regard to weather associated with boating, has come out and said we should all forget about crossing to the Bahamas until after the holidays. So perhaps we will stay Stateside even longer than we thought was a worst case scenario.

  Fortunately at the Fort Lauderdale City Marinas, we have access to shopping, dining, and a rental car if we have need. In spite of all of these conveniences and most importantly, we got a close look at Theodore The Tug. It was only fitting to walk around and get close because he had been staring at us for a few days "weirding us out". He seemed easy going enough and had plenty of Santa's helpers aboard dressed in miniskirt elf outfits so perhaps he's not so bad after all. Maybe that's why he has that grin on his face all the time. And that defines the environment here on the New River this past weekend.
It was holiday season parade time again and we had to move in support of that effort since the Downtown marina was the kick off point for the boat parade that spans two days. Once the parade finished on Saturday night it continued on Sunday to wind up in Pompano Beach. The logistics of making this happen on Saturday were complex and frustrating for many boaters. Dock space on the New River is limited especially in consideration of how large some of the participating boats are.  Not only that but navigating the river during this time is a bit more stressful at best. In support of the notion the authorities were quite busy at the 7th Avenue bridge here when the river was locked down at 2:30 P.M.. This led to a confrontation between the authorities and several boats that did not want to be held up. They wanted to either participate in the parade, which required registration, or get to a good anchorage where they could review it. Since the closure of the river occurred at the 7th Avenue bridge and it is right off our port side we were "offered" a commanding view of the whole affair.

 One boat had a gang of folks on it and they missed the 2:30 deadline by a couple of minutes. My heart when out to them but what are you going to do? Another boat was also caught upstream of the bridge as a matter of happenstance. They also had a number of folks aboard but their intentions were merely to return home. What were they supposed to do? It did not matter what kind of boat you had. It could have been a dink. Some were. The CG was not going to let you under the bridge. The regulations were well published on the web and the notice to mariners probably had this event documented as well since the Coast Guard had a pronounced attendance in the form of boats and a helicopter. Loud speaker announcements were made threatening citations. People held their ground. More boats arrived adding to the confusion. Occupy New River was taking shape. Game on!
 We were not happy about this because our bow pulpit had been the subject of abuse by another boat last month and things were getting very crowded in tight spaces. Let's face it when the tide is shifting on the New River it's not going to be a pleasant boating experience if everyone around you has issues controlling their boat. Fortunately more law enforcement showed up making the point clear to the hold outs and they all eventually left the area one at a time for points up stream. Fortunately for the folks on the boat trying to get home, they were able to arrange a tow through the area and get where they had to be. They did not need a tow, and I am certain it cost them, but they were able to get home. Not exactly a great way to finish a day on the water. Occupy New River broke up after about an hour and a half. Here's hoping other venues are as fortunate with short lived demonstrations.
 Regardless of all the posturing, stress and difficulties it was evident many people had a pleasant evening. Reviewing the above photos will illustrate that well given the crowds lining the waterway at dining tables and chairs. Looking up we saw many condo balconies loaded with people reviewing the event.
 All in all, it was a good time to be on the New River.  

This is getting very old...

 The notion of being stuck in Florida for the rest of the season is gaining some traction. Neither of us recall a "crossing season" that was laced with so much wind for extended periods of time. It's making a mess of the Gulf Stream again as I type. A small craft advisory is in effect until Monday and has been for a day or so because the seas are reaching 8 feet at 9 second intervals. Keep in mind that this is what they call significant wave height which can be half of what peak wave height will be in reality. So having a sense of the reality of it all based on our experience with the Gulf Stream, we know that there will be waves in excess of 8 feet so we are not going "there". It also tempers the urge to get the crossing over with when the forecast indicates seas of 2 to 3 feet. While optimism for success increases at that reduced prediction the period of the waves can make a huge difference. If the period is 4 seconds the waves are close together and the resulting ride will include spray over the top of the bridge with water sheeting down the enclosure making it difficult to see the next wave and prepare. I know, we should install spray rails. But for two crossings a year?
 By the way, according to the United States Coast Guard, the definition of small craft is a vessel less than 65 feet in length. So we are certainly in that category regardless of how some folks have labeled Freedom.
 Along with the delays in getting across the stream we have put the car into storage for the Winter in anticipation of actually getting to the Bahamas. As a result our mobility is reduced but our walking has increased and this has assisted the waistline since we are probably walking at least a few miles a day now.

   But last night we were treated to the Annual Palm Beach Boat Parade. The parade consisted of all sorts and size of boats. Participants included one person dinks, dinner cruise boats, center consoles, sport fishermen and yachts. As far as overall decoration content goes I have to give kudos to this particular boat which was about 30 feet long. It seemed to have as much color and brightness going for it as the fireworks barge that preceded most of the boats from Peanut Island up past us at the North Palm Beach marina.

 And the fireworks! While they had chosen low altitude displays, they had more fireworks going off all the time than I can remember for the 4th of July in Kingston. To provide a little insight, they started shooting fireworks down at Peanut Island and kept them going all the way past us, the Parker Avenue bridge and points North. That spans about 4 miles and at maybe a speed of 3 knots that meant they were shooting them for at least an hour, and they kept going off as far as we could tell.
 Here is a link to a video of the fireworks display at the Parker Avenue Bridge here in North Palm Beach Florida. The bridge carries US 1 across the Intra Coastal Waterway at the North end of Lake Worth. If you look closely you will see that the bridge is open in support of letting the parade pass without delaying it. I can imagine how frustrating this could be to the motorists waiting to cross the bridge. Fireworks Display
 Everyone in the area had to be pleased to see this display with the exception of the bridge operator. It certainly looked like they got the display finished before they passed through the bridge opening but it was close! And no sooner did they get through the opening did they start a new display!
 It's things like this that help us pass the time while we wait for the opportunity to cross the Gulf Stream. At this point it looks like we will move down to Fort Lauderdale to take advantage of the effect the Bahama bank has on the wave height predictions. Generally speaking the wave height predictions are more favorable in Fort Lauderdale and Miami than they are up here. Yes, we will spend more cash on fuel but we will at least make some progress. Even if we wind up at Bimini, the passage North to Lucaya seems to open up more frequently than the path between the Bahamas and Florida.
 Of course we can expect that to change as soon as we locate there.  

North Palm Beach via the ICW

  Last night we took in a final sunset, and you knew this was coming, at the Sunset Bay Marina in Stuart Florida. Along with the Sunset came calamari at the Sailor's Return restaurant which is located on site at the marina. The evening started by sitting at the bar and being welcomed by Kelly who after one prior sitting remembered us and how we liked our drinks! Amazing, and she makes a great Mojito. Soon enough we had some freshly sliced calamari fried up in some kind of special seasoning with marinara, and we dug in. It was so good we ordered up a second batch. I really hate myself for not badgering them for the seasoning recipe it was that good. All in all I'll give it a 9 out of 10 which represents some of the best calamari we've had in about a year or so. Combining the view and good snacks together the evening was special enough and summed up our stay at the Sunset Bay Marina well. They have great staff here at the marina, and a good place to eat as well. The only thing this marina could use is a pool. With that it would be much more difficult to move on.
 But move on we did. We pulled out of our slip with the help of our neighbors at slack tide. This made it all quite easy especially since they gave the bow of Freedom a good shove. In no time at all we were outside the marina calling the Roosevelt Avenue bridge for an opening. Since this bridge is an "on demand opening bridge" we were treated to an immediate opening that allowed us to move on without delay. There's nothing like an easy start to a day of travel. As we moved along the St. Lucie river heading for the inlet we were treated to views of some very special houses. I have to say that it boggles the mind to think how many folks have so much cash that they can afford to build houses like these. They are all over the place down here and completely line the shoreline. I guess this is why America has such an issue with illegal immigration. All one has to do is review a few places like this to be convinced of the possibilities here in America. Kick it all you like, it certainly has worked well up to this point.

 Moving on we came into the Jupiter inlet area. The water there turns a brilliant turquoise and we thought to ourselves it would be terrific if it stayed that way as we left the inlet area. However soon enough the water color fades to dull green but the passage of the inlet is certainly scenic with the water color and the lighthouse standing proudly ready to mark the location with beams of light.
 And shortly afterwards we found ourselves in a slip at the Old Port Cover Marina on Lake Worth.

 The worst part of this move is we have put the car down for the season. It was left behind in Stuart and hopefully it will survive the Winter in good form and start for us when we return to it next year.