HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wow, hard to believe that 2008 is coming to a close. It has been one of those years that we know several people including ourselves, will never forget. This year the world had seen the worst global economy, horrendous recession and huge escalation and fall of oil prices. However the USA has elected its first African American President who's bringing hope and change.
We have wonderful memories of 2008 starting with our cruise down south aboard the Summer Wind,making so many great boating friends and visiting great places, seeing breathtaking sunsets and star studded nights. Last year will be remembered by the excitement of the great flood of our house. We'll be remembering with sadness of losing our loved one Dave Geiger. Last but not least our great joy of our wedding and now enjoying our wonderful honeymoon aboard the Summer Wind which in today's economy is a true blessing.
As our journey continues we decided to not go to our dock farther up the New River but went instead to an anchorage right near Miami Beach and Collins Ave. So here we go we launch the dinghy to explore and, alas, our outboard motor wouldn't work. Add that to the list of repairs. 2 days later we went back to Ft. Lauderdale and up the New River to our old friend Rudy and the dock behind his house. Here we will stay for the month of January.
Starting to make plans for this month and already have many days booked with friends and relatives, but also many projects to get the Summer Wind looking and running with perfection.
Tonight, (New Years Eve) we decided to just cook a nice meal,open a bottle of wine and bring in the New Year quietly with just us.
Since our journey began last September we have been keeping track of some statistics and have compiled some interesting numbers which we would like to share.
Days traveled.........96
Miles Traveled.......1628
Engine Hours.........210.5
Average Speed........7.7.MPH
Marinas...................72
Anchorages.............22
Fuel Cost...............$2,294
Average .................$2.86 Per Gal
Total Expenses.....$10,973.81

This trip has had many ups and downs. Our weather has been rough until we made it to Florida. We were stuck in many places for days because of Nor'easters or just high winds. That may explain why so many marinas. We had planned on anchoring out more often but, thank goodness we were in marinas during those storms. Also had to go back to NJ for necessary appointments and we're planning another trip back, brrrrrrrrr back to the cold.
On the good side, went to our Yacht Club Going out of Commission ceremonies, where we were joined with the whole Lassman clan for a beautiful brick laying ceremony in memory of Barbara.
Thanksgiving was marvelous in Northern New Jersey with again the whole Lassman clan and Sue and Buzz.
The Summer Wind was dressed for Xmas in honor of Elle and we lit a Menorah every night of Channukah.
So here we are on New Years Eve and my bride just brought forth a cocktail so have a very Happy and Healthy New year and we will continue in 2009.