Sixteen days ago, Cindy and I flew from Sint Maarten to the States. Thirteen days from now, we will fly back to our beloved Beatitude. It’s a long time to be away from our boat and way too long to be away from the Caribbean. However, our one month exile from the islands has allowed us to accomplish two important things.

The first, and most important, was Cindy’s knee replacement. Her left knee had been bothering her for a few years now and had really begun to limit her ability to explore and enjoy herself ashore. So, on April 4th, she underwent a total left knee replacement. The surgery went perfectly and she is now in rehab mode (and not extremely happy about that). The pain meds are decreasing and her mobility and strength are increasing. She’s really doing well.

Pre-surgery. I flew back from Daytona Beach just in time to be with her prior to surgery.

Immediately post-op

Two of the several flower arrangements received after surgery.

Post-op, hospital rehab

The incision

More flowers

The second is a month of work for me. Today, I am halfway through nineteen shifts in the emergency departments of Daytona Beach, Florida and Biddeford, Maine (And, I’m not extremely happy about that, either). But, I am thankful for the gift of being able to work and replenish the cruising kitty when needed. We had spent a lot of money back in the fall on replacing Beatitude’s electronics, buying a new life raft, and performing a few other necessary tasks. A month of essentially full-time work will provide a little cushion once again.

While in Ohio with Cindy after my first nine shifts – chilling with my “grand-daughter,” Layna

When not working or tending to my recovering wife, I’ve been planning and dreaming of future voyages. Who knows where we will be in one year? I don’t! But, I’m looking forward to returning to Sint Maarten and Beatitude in less than two weeks to get started once again!

The updated map of the Travels of Beatitude

Until then, I’ve finally produced a short video of my diving experiences in Anguilla. Enjoy: