To: cramcha@unix1.sncc.lsu.edu, woody.nero@nrlssc.navy.mil, matta@madsewer.org, char7@imaxx.net, Michael.Ernst@uni-konstanz.de, Tao_sc31@hotmail.com, lonna_temple@pleasantco.com, nonlinear@mindspring.com, danno@chorus.net, stan_smith@flad.com, mxwbr@aol.com, WHoldik@t-online.de, jcwacker@facstaff.wisc.edu, meinemi@aol.com, dianne.paul@med.va.gov,
dear friends, arrived here yesterday just ahead of a big wind and rainstorm. timing our passage from
dry tortugas was more complex than we had expected. after 10 days of stable warm weather with
mostly E & SE wind in the mooring field at key west. we expected to enjoy a second 3-5 days in front
of fort jefferson, but listened to weather reports of cold fronts passing over the gulf of mexico every 2
days. as we listened to herb and the cruiseheimer net each day on SSB, we met many new cruising
friends who were passing through the anchorage. ultimately we hung out for 13 days and developed an
affinity and routine for moatwalking, birdwatching (tortugas is primary breeding place for magnificent
frigates and sooty terns along with many other residents and migrators), and life aboard with no
supplies from the civilized world. we were beginning to think that february was not the right month so
sail north, but somehow herb found us a reasonable 4 day window. we did have more windward work
than usual for the first 2 days and nites, but as promised the wind switched. most memorable of the
passage was jims watch on the last night - surfing in 10 ft. seas with reefed wing and wing sails, PC
the wind pilot steering straight downwind with 7 +kts boatspeed, much like our trade wind passage
with yvonne and charles. as the wind continued to build as forecasted toward dawn and the barrier
islands of the mississippi sound only 20 miles ahead, worry struck about the question: how in the
world can the 2 of us ever get the whiskerpole off the jenny and slow down for landfall. fortunately at
dawn the wind died down - windward douse no problem mon. and we actually motored into harbour
with friendly greetings from DJ the harbourmaster and Queens Barge jerry and marilyn in transit great
circle route. here Libelle floats at dock - first time since ft. meyers - amongst coots, loons and
dolphins. we are looking forward to seeing friends and family when we return to mandeville in the
next few days.thanks for your continuing responses ken etc. and alles gouda from jim and rosi.
