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American Spirit II - We're Under Way!; January 4, 2014



After 1 1/2 years of planning and preparation we're under way! After a rousing party put together and spearheaded by Janet Fox at the Boca Ciega Yacht Club in Gulfport, Florida; and boat 'tours' conducted by the crew ,we departed on schedule at 3:00 PM en route to our first stop in the Dry Tortugas to wait for a large weather system (Gale) to blow thru Monday night/Tuesday morning. This will be the second of two giant weather systems that will impact the start of our trip; systems so big and unusual that we normally only get one every 2 or 3 years in the Florida winter. Getting 2 such systems within one week of each other is very unusual and a bit unlucky on our part. Our weather this winter until then has been above normal, with December about 10 degrees above normal. Our departure was cold and cloudy, with rain and full weather gear required.

Normal 3 hour watches (3 hours on, 6 off) were set in place after dinner, with Brian Fox pulling the first watch; and Joel Heyne pulling the lucky wet one(rain). Two fishing lines were put in the water, with negative results. Dinner consisted of sumptuous party leftovers, which included coconut shrimp, Polynesian shrimp, plantains,chicken on a stick, and a pastry item with some sausage in it (an Australian specialty). The food items were from countries around the world, south of the equator, where we will be visiting on our journey. The dinner libation (Rum Punch) was made and supplied by "Pirate" Diane.

Brian Fox, Captain; and Joel Heyne, Navigator; are making the circumnavigation together. Joel's wife, Darlene, is accompanying the boat to Galapagos. Since we expect that our first leg from Florida to the San Blas Islands will be our toughest, her assistance in standing watch is greatly appreciated.

Brian Fox; Darlene and Joel Heyne

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