Lynn, the Question Sister, writes...

I read the latest couple of posts on your blog.  Does it make you feel left behind when so many people are sailing south? Do you wish you could pull up anchor and move along without so much of a to-do list?

I was impressed with the list of groceries and extra water and fuel they are taking, but they didn't mention how long they planned for it to last? Interesting to think of carrying so much so that the high prices in the Bahamas wouldn't affect them. 

That's an interesting adventure you have chosen. 
Xo, Lynn     [LYNN THE QUESTION SISTER]

Wow, that Lynn can sure cut through the Red Tape.  So let's answer these. Yes i feel left behind.  i sometimes get the feeling I'm missing something. ('they are all going somewhere and i am not.  what am i missing?')  They talk about their paperwork for Cuba or which route they are using to reach the Bahamas.  I'm not ready for that.  BUT, i did take Prodigal out today and give it a test drive.  Take it out and run it through it's paces to test the new transmission and propeller.  I ran it up to top RPM of 3000 while it motored along at 8 knots.  It was perfect!  My to do list is starting to shrink...  So my personal adventure is still alive.  It's just different than theirs.  It still takes me all day.  Every day!  I'll continue to do some short tests locally and then move somewhere for hurricane season.

Food and the grocery lists are twofold.  Price and Supply.  Even if you dont mind paying top dollar, you cant always find what you want in Cuba, or the Bahamas.   It's just not there.   If there is anything you 'must have' then take it with you, or you wont have it.  Now about quantity and why the large supplies.  For Cuba you can get a 12 day travel permission from the USA to visit.  (more than that requires extra paperwork, but is possible)  There is very little food to purchase in Cuba.  The Bahamas welcome visitors for a 3-6 month visit.  So you are provisioning for a 3-6 months trip.  (*anything you must have, like, or want take with you.  note: Izula is feeding a family of four x 3 months.)  There are stores in the Bahamas but not on every Island and are often days or weeks apart.  You cant just jump in your dingy and motor over to the Piggly Wiggly.  Even if you can find a small corner store it probably wont have the brands you know or items you seek.  "The milk boat arrives one day a week and sells out in an hour or two."  It's a different type of shopping.

Great Questions Lynn.       -  xo Skip


SAMPLE PHOTO from s/v Izula:    (i voted them cutest family)

what is on s/v Holiday:
65 gallons of diesel (50 in tank, 15 in jerry cans)
140 gallons of water (90 in tanks, 37 in jerry cans, 13 in solar showers)
4 steaks
3 chicken breast
1.5 lb ground beef
4 pork chops
3 packages sausage
1 package bacon
2 dozen eggs
10 cans of canned meat
4 pounds cheese
2 gallons coconut milk
more pasta (sauce to go with) and rice than can be counted
6 lbs oranges
2 lbs apples
4 lbs tomatoes
1 bunch bananas
5 lbs potatoes and sweet potatoes
2 lbs zucchini
2 lbs avocado
1.5 lbs sweet peppers
3 lbs onions
cucumber
2 lbs mushrooms
1 lb carrots
1 lb celery
grapes
1 head cabbage
2 lbs dried sausage
8 bags chips
lots of roasted nuts
about 20 cans of vegetables
dried fruit
popcorn
10 lbs flour for making bread
2 packages wraps
5 boxes granola bars
grits
box of powdered milk as back up and for yogurt
2 gallons olive oil
8 pack pineapple juice
12 pack Coke
36 pack La Croix
5 cases beer (it’s $45 a case in the Bahamas!)
3 boxes wine (3 red, one white)
3 1.75 litres rum
2 1.75 liters vodka