From: "Jonathan Bickel" papillon31@earthlink.net

Subject: Papillion update

Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 21:11:41 ñ0500

N 28ƒ 08.66 W 80ƒ 36.23

We departed Daytona Beach early, real early Tuesday morning, to make one of the drawbridges in Daytona Beach before it locked down for all those poor souls who need to get to work on time. So we left at the first sign of daylight. A another boat, Halcyon, fell in behind me and eventually caught us at the next bridge. He called on the radio when he saw I was from Ocean Springs, MS and said they were from Tuscaloosa, AL. With the weather predicted to take a turn for the worse (another cold front), how many of those things are there anyway, he asked where I was headed and when I told him Titusville he said he would just follow me. The weather did get rather nasty for about 3 hours and it was nice to know you have a buddy boat, as they call them, to run with you. He gave me the number to the municipal marina and I called ahead to make sure I could get a slip for the night. Once we arrived they invited me over for a toddy. Halcyon's fine crew Dayton and Dee Hale, are in their seventies and they have been cruising off and on for over 20 years. It just happens that another couple that they had met in the Keys 10 years ago, live on their boat, part of the year in the Titusville marina and saw them come in and joined in on the party. Just another day on the water.

This morning we departed Titusville in a strong west wind that allowed us to sail a good part of the way to near Melbourne where we dropped the hook behind the "Dragon" as it is known on the charts. Tomorrow we make the run to Vero Beach, where we will pick up a mooring and probably make a quick grocery run. Vero Beach is noted for their excellent amenities offered to the boaters that cruise the ICW.

To check our position and view updated pictures go to http://liveaboardsvpapillon.homestead.com/Chartourcourse.html

"Goin where the weather suits my clothes" (but not fast enough)

Capt Jon & Ruby

View Ruby's page at http://liveaboardsvpapillon.homestead.com/Rubyspage.html