“Gratitude becomes a way of life.”

—Mark Nepo

“Gratitude is heaven itself.”

—William Blake

I am so incredibly grateful for 2015. What a fabulous year! How can we ever top 2015? Wow, the greatest Bahamas Cruise ever! We cruised the far eastern ends of the Bahamas and enjoyed the finest cruising I have ever experienced.

I had never been to Long Island, Cat Island, Conception Island, nor Little San Salvador, and it was all so exciting. We cruised 2,000 miles and enjoyed catching Mahi Mahi, eating lobster fresh out of the water and anchoring over gin-clear water with white, uninhabited beaches right off the stern.

The crew, not counting old times with my children, was unparalleled. Lorna Lee, Dennis, Suzie, and Helen comprised a crew that was so fun and hopefully will, along with others, all return for 2016.

“We can touch wonder in every moment as we slow down and perceive the world around us as for the first time,” said Mary Jane Ryan

As I sat on my flybridge on a quiet December evening, I realized that one must plan their cruise early or time just passes by and opportunity is lost. At first, I decided that I wanted to take Mud Puddle Rose past the Statue of Liberty and meet old childhood friends from Rumson, New Jersey, who still live along the Atlantic Coast. When I realized that one of my oldest friends lived on Nantucket Island, my 2016 Cruise just got longer and more exciting!

So where do we start?

First, I ordered all the paper charts from Florida to Marblehead, Massachusetts. Yes, I realize that I have three separate GPS Systems onboard, but for safety reasons, I still take paper charts. I am old school, and if I lost all electronics, I still could navigate. Yes, I have my dividers and compasses on hand as well.

Secondly, I went to my friends at Embree Boatyard to paint the bottom, replace zincs, and go over my engines and electronics. Not only is it wise to paint the bottom, but pull the boat out and examine every inch of the hull and running gear.

Thirdly, I went to Costco to get all my dry goods and bought all my spare oil, filters, belts, and parts.

Finally, I realized that I had to go to the Bahamas. I can’t miss a year in total cruising paradise!

Lee’s granddaughters, Dee and Sierra, will be joining us for two weeks of snorkeling in the Abacos. The memories made with a grandmother and her granddaughters are priceless to say the least.

Now, I do various shakedown-cruises to test all systems aboard knowing that systems do not fix themselves—yes, Embree Marine is on my ‘speed dial—then the week prior to departure I return to Costco for perishables, frozen goods, and anything else I forgot. Of course, my fishing poles go to Mastry’s Fishing Equipment Store for a final tune up to pillage the Bahamas of Mahi, Wahoo, Cobia, and Tuna.

What should you do?

  1. Get your Bahamas Cruising Guide for the 1st Timer and read the chapter on Preparation & Provisions, which is applicable for any cruise.
  2. Download Garmin Blue Charts with Active Captain which has reviews on anchorages, marinas, and cruising sites.

Benedict Spinoza once said, “Happiness, pure happiness is a virtue in itself.”

Happy Cruising for 2016!

You can grab Joe’s Cruising Guide here, or visit his blog to follow more of his cruising tips.