Simmering down South Lindsay McRory May 29, 1996 For the last three weeks our days have had a predictable, easygoing pattern. We get up, Kita does schoolwork, and I hit the computer (figuratively and literally). After lunch we explore beaches, snorkel, have fun. After dinner it's reading and bed for the kids and I am back on the computer. At times the heat is nearly unbearable. There's almost no wind during the day. The four fans in the boat are going nonstop. Infamous Bahamas no-see-ums occasionally sneak into the boat, but it's not too bad. We are starting to talk about installing an air conditioning system. It would make life more comfortable but it is one more piece of equipment to fix. There are lots of cruisers here in Spanish Wells. It is a convenient stop-off for those heading to the north. We're the only ones going south. We always get the surprised look and the comment, "You're leaving it a little late aren't you?" And then we tell the satellite story again. I've been diligently following the weather. The offshore weather broadcasts require much more interpretation than the local NOAA reports you get in the States. I am surprised by the number of cruisers who don't really care too much about weather forecasts. If it's nice out, they go. It seems to work for them, and I have to wonder if it's worth the time that I've been spending at it. But I think it will pay off in the long run. One problem I've discovered working with computers on the boat is my software gets out of date quickly. Mail stops have to be more carefully planned. It sounds like the office has a couple of hundred pounds of stuff to send. We won't be able to have anything else sent until we land at Puerto Rico. So we're heading back to Nassau for a couple of days to grab some mail and provisions and hopefully that new satellite beam will be operational, allowing us to head farther south.