Rudder post, stuffing box

OK, the cold front came through.  It was 64 F in the salon this AM - way too cold for these 2 islanders - time to head South!!!!  Anyway, we decided to work on tightening our rudder post, stuffing box.  For the un-initiated, that's what keeps water from coming up the post from the rudder, into the boat - good idea.  Problem is - it's under our berth (bed).  Not to worry, I had my trusted assistant hold the mattress back while I skinned my knuckles down in that hole.  Then I had a rum (just kidding).  By the way, she's on the cell phone with Herm - getting instructions on loosening the lock nut first - & buying several spare wrenches - not to mention a couple dozen spare anchors.  Right, Herm!

 
Now, thanks to our buddy & computer guru, Rich T. for an easy way to access our map position.  Simply click this link:  http://www.winlink.org/dotnet/maps/PositionreportsDetail.aspx?callsign=KJ4BMY 
 
Well, how about crossing the Gulf Stream?  Try as we might, we can't get the Weather Gods to give us a good window!  So here's the plan:  we'll sail up Hawk Channel to Rodriguez Key tomorrow, anchor overnight, then advance our pawn to Biscayne Bay Sunday - check.  It's only 50 NM across the Stream from there, compared to 73 from Rodriguez.  That means we can fly (I mean sail) with a shorter window.  Also can be done in daylight - even at this time of year.
 
Well, it's time to dinghy over to the laundry - are we having fun yet?  In parting, here's a photo of Ann & Harv from Camelot - enjoying a cold one aboard Dance Aweigh.