It’s 5 am, and the roosters on shore are crowing so ferociously they sound like stadium crowds.  Like it’s the 4^th of July in New Jersey and Bon Jovi is opening for the Boss.  Roosters are a big deal here in the Bahamas and ooooh baby, don’t they know it!  These sassy birds are not caged, they strut around on every street, yard, and alleyway looking fabulous and giving ‘tude. And when they perform their raucous wake-up extravaganza, it’s like they’re telling us, in no uncertain terms, “Hey, HUMANS. It’s MORNING. Get UP. And today, as you go about your business, don’t you forget…this here is ROOSTER COUNTRY.”  From the tiny v-berth on our floating home, I can tell you that the sunrise island crow-off isn’t a bad way to start the day.

     A week ago we finally left the Abacos (loved it there but it was time to GO) and headed south. The seas were calm and we had a good 55 mile crossing, leaving at 6 am and arriving just after 3.  On the way, Trav & Hud caught a giant, neon green and yellow Mahi-Mahi, an absolutely gorgeous creature, fighting and bobbing beneath the waves as the boys reeled her in. But just as Trav was about to haul her up on the deck, she wriggled free and got away. Hud, the ardent fish-taco enthusiast that he is, practically cried.  But our spirits were lifted when we arrived here, the island that is officially (for the time being) our new favorite place…ELEUTHERA. Just the name gives me chills.  Oh man, I’m in love with this island.  It’s a gorgeous amalgam of all things we love.  It’s covered in flowers, it has a slightly European feel (The cliffs!  The crumbling churches!), the people pride themselves on being the friendliest in the Bahamas, and there are unexpected surprises around every corner, like spooky caves and funky surf shops owned by wacky island characters.   Most of all, it just feels good to be exploring someplace new, because wanderlust fuels this Moxie crew, big time.  It is a serious thrill when we drop our anchor, take our dinghy (named “The Flying Pig” by Hud after his favorite boat at sailing camp) to shore, and explore each little town by foot.  Every day is radically different, most mornings we wake up and happily wonder, “What intriguing/irritating/exciting/confusing/awe-inspiring adventures will today present us with?”

 

     We do not take any of this wonder for granted, especially lately.  As we travel, life goes on in the places we call home, Maine and Telluride.  Our hearts have been torn as we’ve learned of the battles fought by many of our loved ones, the tragic losses of friends and family members.  Most recently, we mourn the passing of Corey Leadbetter, son of our beloved sister-in-law Kellie Julia.  When I first met Kellie, more than 25 years ago, I was immediately struck by two things: #1 her insane, enviable beauty, and #2 her passionate devotion to her child.  Through the years I watched Kellie with admiration as she would celebrate, honor, and nurture Corey in a multitude of ways, by encouraging his artistic talent, providing him with invaluable travel experiences, sharing his many successes with pride, always listening with empathy. Kellie and Corey shared real, immeasurable love.  To Kellie, Dawson, and Kyli, please know how loved you are by all of us.  

Until next time, Moxie readers.  xo