It is Wednesday, May 10, 2006 and Island Time and Crew are in Fernandina Beach Fl (St Mary's Georgia) at the Marina.  The weather was not as forecast so we bailed from the Gulf Stream early to avoid sailing in the stream against a north wind to Charleston.  We did encounter squalls with thunder and lightening which are not pleasant in a small boat at sea.  Had a great ride in the stream for a while with southwest winds and waves pushing us at 9.5 knots speed over ground (SOG).  The revised forecast for northerly winds  was correct.  By the time the wind changed, we were at the western edge of the stream with the current at 1.5 kts.  This made really steep short period waves and a rough ride.  I am glad we weren't in the middle of the stream with the 3 kt current as it must have been miserable there.

We had a great sail last night and early today to  get here.  We meet our buddy boats and are going to dinner tonight to celebrate our successful stream crossing.  We will also plan our trip to Charleston when the weather is favorable.  Looks like this weekend.

John & Genie