Monday
1421 On the beach looking for buried treasure (thanks bro!)…dark storm clouds approaching…one droplet, two droplets, a lot of droplets… sugar!!!! Hatches open + Heavens open = WET BOAT! A fishing journey with
no pictures because we not catch any fish although I did manage to get a glimpse of a Humpback whale in full breach of the oceans surface, wow!! A
gamble with Video Blackjack….don’t try it!!! Zinc propeller attachment without scuba equipment…not generally recommended! Starting to learn Spanish -15 minutes a day over 12 weeks = fluency. “Me llamo Juan, no soy Espanol!” (translation: My name is John, I am not Spanish!). Watching the Patriots last night at Shark Bite…enough said!!
So alas our time in Provo quickly comes to an end as the forecast is for a lightening of the trade’s this Thursday through Saturday meaning team Audax shall weigh anchor and “bust this joint” tomorrow in the early AM to make landfall
at Grand Turks Island two days from now. From there it’s 300 nm directly into wind and wave… destination Puerto Rico!! (see photo of route plan). If it gets too rough the backup plan is head south and make landfall somewhere along the Dominican Republic’s coast. Thus at an average blistering speed of 4-5 knots its a nice 60-70 hour bumpy, motor driven passage to look forward to. Gotta love it all!
With prayers to the higher power, (thank Godness I purchased the Bible - childrens version 
) here in Provo, extreme focus on the task at hand and with a cermonial splash of gin to Neptune we go forth courageously but not foolishly. Maybe some communication to be had from Grand Turk else it’s a week…. so don’t worry Mom. Kisses to all.
Our newest high class internet joint, Go Team Patriots (most of us but I won’t say who rooted for the team from NYC!!) and a snorkeling adventure pictorial
February 4th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Hey
that is so cool to see a whale - and neat colorful fishie in the photograph - are you able to identify any of them?
Good luck with your sail to Puerto Rico - I, of course !, will be thinking of you - but thanks for the heads up that I won’t be able to HEAR from you for awhile!
Love to the team!
Mom/Jillian
February 4th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Safe travels. Good lunch with Jordi and off to Montana. Steve rooted for my second favorite team.
February 5th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Great fun keeping up with the travels of team Audax on the blog site.
Jordi, it was awsome to see you at the family gathering. Andrew Thomas is now one of your biggest fans. He cant stop talking about seeing you down in the USVI. Hope we have the chance to connect.
February 5th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Breaching Humpbacks in the distant horizon are definitely an awe inspiring sight to behold ….
….now, what about those sea turtles Master John and crew???
Be strong, be safe, be smart and keep smiling Team Audax!
Follow the light!
Peace out,
Pat
February 5th, 2008 at 9:50 am
John,
Just happened to see your blog-had no idea you were doing this-freakin’ awesome!! Today it is snowing in Portland, reading about your adventure has been great. Have fun, stay safe and look me up for a beer when you get back!
Chris Avallone
February 6th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Hi John–
Love your commentary!–look at http://www.beyc.com/ to see what is best place in BVI–The Bitter End–hope you are there when your Pop gets there–
Hank
February 6th, 2008 at 7:43 am
forgot to say–when you get to PR buy bug juice and start thinking about screens for hatches–I remember bugs in Bitter End—while we were anchored out on our bare boat–things you don’t have to think about in Maine!!–HHH
February 10th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Hey John!
Just heard about your adventure and have come to visit. Two different worlds we’re in right now, but I am enjoying the winter…..although we could stop with the snow anytime now, it just won’t quit!
Reading about your adventures and seeing the photos are a joy and, no doubt, making many people smile. I especially liked the “slave labor!”
Enjoy your time, your friends, your new aquaintances and your learning experience to the fullest……..and take care.
Lori