To All:

 

The new boat was positioned in central CT undergoing last minute checks, re-checks, and triple checks. We did everything possible to exceed safety and preparedness standards. We left early Sunday morning for points south taking our time having no agenda or schedule, just 2 reservations. First,, we leave the boat in Charlestown for a few days at Thanksgiving and then again in St Augustine during Christmas while we return home for visits. NO other reservations for 180 days, now that is the way to travel!

 

After Christmas (you don't really think I would use "the holidays", do you?), we cross Florida via the Okeechobee Canal and will spend January in Sarasota before heading south towards the Keys. Starting about March 1 we sit and wait for a 3 day weather window (you need perfect weather) to make the jump to the Bahamas, Abacos, Exumas, and then possibly down to the Turks and Caicos. The Turks is a place of high interest but not a must-see goal. We have lots of objectives to hit on this trip but only two rules: DON'T TAKE UNQUALIFIED RISKS & DON'T DO ANYTHING STUPID. While always remembering "IT'S FAR BETTER TO BE IN HERE WISHING YOU WERE OUT THERE, THAN OUT THERE WISHING YOU WERE IN HERE."

 

For the remainder of the year and into 2014 please DONT let the PD tail wag the dog, instead consider the writings of poet Hensley: "I AM THE MASTER OF MY DESTINY, I AM THE CAPTAIN OF MY SOUL." Beck and I hope you all have a fabulous fall. With that, Happy Thanksgiving, and a very early Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanza, "Merry Festivus"' plus a HAPPY NEW YEAR, whatever floats your boat.

 

To all my boating friends, boat guests, and even the friends who don't like boats, God willing we will see you upon our return in June 2014.

FAIR WIND AND CALM SEAS.

 

Beck and Bob Preston

Motor Vessel - Family Ties

 

Find us OPTIMISMTOUR.BLOGSPOT.COM

Or RIAPDA.ORG

 

 

Ps: When we started this whole OPTIMISM CAN TAKE YOU ANYWHERE! thing, Mary Jean, the force behind this project, had me set an ambitious goal of raising $10,000 in 45 days. Last week the APDA announced we have hit the $250,000 mark. If your tax planning for year end includes charitable donations please keep our mission in mind. 100%, every dime you donate goes to Patient Support Services helping the 1900 Rhode Island families, our neighbors who are fighting this insidious disease. On their behalf, I thank you.