Toronto's ROM and David Libeskind

A 10day boat break. Karen goes to Toronto with the Council for the arts at MIT and back to Boston while Steve traipses the US doing board work.

The Royal Ontario Museum's "Crystal" entrance. The design was sketched by Daniel Libeskind on the back of a cocktail napkin while attending a wedding reception at the ROM and Inspired by the its gem and mineral collection. Emerging from the original Victorian structure, this expansion opened on June 2, 2007 after 5 years of construction and $260 million, to very mixed reviews. True, Toronto has nothing quite like this steal frame structure clad in glass and brushed aluminum.

What's inside? Equally amazing.

It can't be!

What are the chances?

Tempted by the Hope Town Inn and Marina's outdoor trellised restaurant, we wander off Blue Chip and who do we run into, but the Dimmitts! Fellow Useppan residents, Richard and Doreen, were escaping for a long weekend of R&R to this quant town with Victorian cottages on Elbow Cay. Having come here for many years, they shared the best places for the essentials - pies, ice cream and snacks. Here they are water shuttling across with the Dohertys to the other side of the harbor.

You never know who you might meet.

Saturday? Opti racing day!

A tropical Saturday without sailing?Never! Here in Hope Town on Elbow Cay in the Abacos, the young opti sailors are off.

The big question is whose manning Bill's Grill to feed those hungry sailors upon their return.

Bahamas - What a crew!

Carol and Jim Doherty are frequent Blue Chip crew. This is their first Bahamas assignment. Starting in the Berry's Bimini, we then went onto Chub Cay and anchored out during a rough night at Alder Cay. Onto the Abacos to dodge the winds, we continued onto a protected evening at Little Harbour and today the ever charming Hope Town and a well deserved evening out.

Every stop has had something unique to offer. So many wonderful sites, experiences and people. It really is hard to beat! Just ask the crew who would say - "You should wish that you were here!"

Before and After

On Monday we waited for the monsoon rains to pass and left from Miami, Florida for Bimini, Bahamas in the Berry Islands. Just 50 miles in three short hours. Can you tell which is which?

Conch farewell

You know someone has officially left the island when the conch shell sounds. The Kaufmans wave farewell from Blue Chip to the "tunes" of the conch as played by a favorite Useppa neighbor, and sometimes crew, Coleen Ligibel.

We'll miss you and the blogmeister!

Blue Chip Cruise 2013

The official beginning of the 2013 Blue Chip Cruise began on Tuesday, April 9th. We are always torn, departing from Useppa just as the orchids enter full bloom, but anchorages new and known call.

Let's Talk Remote

Little Shark River is a spot we look forward to every year. The water turns a bright turquoise as we head south. A mere 119 miles from Useppa and 70 miles from Naples, you meander through mangrove dense Everglades and choose your place to nestle in and anchor. With no man made light sources for nearly 20 miles, the stars are plentiful, civilization sparse and the wildlife abundant. Bring your camera, some paints, a good book or a kayak and you'll be right at home.

People ask us what we find to do on our remote island of Useppa. What would they think of anchoring out at Little Shark for a few days?

Spring Break

This Easter was full of firsts - and seconds. For the 2nd time, Clara brought her Mom, Dad and little sister Evie to Useppa for Spring break. For the first time Clara participated in the children's fishing tournament and caught three, including one of the day's largest. Evie had her first Easter egg hunt. Usually fearless, she wasn't so sure about the six foot tall Easter bunny. There was much eating, laughing, lots of events and meeting new friends. They wore us out, but we all loved it!