But what time is it there?

What we left, morning of. After weeks of greys and whites, Mainers were reminded that there was indeed color in the world.

Here begins another Chickadee cruise, amended once again for the 2023 version: minus one child, and back to the full two months of sailing. At what is becoming our routine ‘first night back dinner spot’ here on Green Turtle Cay, I had a particular drink and thought of our OG cruising buddies on Ruach, which had me reflecting nostalgically on what an evolution our winters have been.

In an attempt to circumvent the butchering of my name on my order, I said my name was Sally, thinking it’d be easier. Well, Sale says not so much.

Starting in Florida, with tiny people barely filling spaces on the boat (though making a valiant attempt to with the number of stuffed animals packed), we now begin and end in the Bahamas, this time with Violet standing alone (at 5′ 5″, mind you- where she once barely took up a step in the companionway, she can now stretch the whole length), with practically only her school books and art supplies in tow.

Our journey south included dropping Lily at one airport to fly to a semester in Spain, while we continued on to another to make our way here. A whole fun park full of roller coasters of emotions for THAT, but to spare you the specifics of my journey of pride, sadness and excitement (and did I mention sadness?), I’ll just say that between the time change from her to us, and everywhere-but-the-USA using a 24 hour clock, I’m basically going to spend most of the next five months subtracting 6.

One lucky traveler got a sweet trans-Atlantic upgrade!

Violet is having her own adjustment not only in being an only child, but also living a Chickadee life without her mostly companion. I’m sure it won’t be easy, but some solo time for her will also be a great thing, and in just a day and a half I’m already noticing some subtle differences in her affect. It’s also worth mentioning the realization that she’ll get the entire bunk to herself. Pure gold!

Three quarters of Chickadee’s crew, at the ready.

The next time I’m grunting and groaning while shimmying a fridge this way or that, I’ll try and remember to be grateful that I’m not getting it on or off a ferry.

Our gear taking its ferry ride. Every bag packed to exactly 50 lbs.

Back to the work part of our trip beginnings, we are scheduled to launch tomorrow, so today will be a busy one. Cleaning, stowing, unwrapping and so on to get ourselves started, and then another day of setting up our onboard lives before we leave our rental on Saturday. All doable, even WHILE calculating what time it is in Seville. (It’s almost noon! Wonder what she’s up to…)