We sail at dawn....

This morning, Gesa and the kids went off to Norfolk Airport, thanks to a lovely local chap called Andrew who chatted to us at the dock the day before and then asked, rashly 'is there anything you need?'. Er, yes, actually, any chance of a ride to the airport?! 'Of course'. It's only fifteen minutes away but how kind of him.

We finished tidying the boat then went to get fuel and water ready for departure. As we did so, at 12:10, a plane flew over. Same type as Gesa's flight, and same time, so we think we saw them go. They'll be in California now for what promises to be a great fun two weeks with Julia, Peter and Aiden.

Meanwhile we watch the weather and talk to Herb, the legendary Canadian weather guru. He confirms that Sun and Mon are going to be great sailing days for us, but we have to watch a storm system developing further north. This will push a front of rain and strong wind towards us on Tuesday. If we have made enough miles south, we'll be fine, otherwise we'll head for Charleston, a couple of hundred miles down the coast, where we can hide out for a day. It would still be progress. Either way, we have options so we're happy to go.

And ready. I don't think we've ever felt so ready for a trip. The couple of days delay has let me finish lots of little, optional jobs on the list, we've had time to relax, eat well, have a good shower at the local marina and double check lots of things. It still requires the usual vigilance and caution, 1300 miles in a small boat is not to be undertaken lightly, but we are all really looking forward to casting off the lines and setting out at dawn in the morning.

So from Yan, Karla and Nick, Adios America, it's been fun but now, let's go south.