My people, Steve and MJ left the Chesapeake Bay on Oct. 31, 2006. While most of your other Tonks were putting on their costumes, my skipper was tying up inside the tall concrete walls at Great Bridge Lock, Va. The “Lock People” sounded a loud horn, to announce All Clear! That day turned out to be a slow one for “Cygnus” my sailboat home. We only traveled 40 miles due to the many bridges. Soon we were anchored in the Alligator River. Meanwhile, MJ had been watching me very carefully because she was afraid if I fell in, I would become a furry snack for a giant alligator! The moon was full and our boat appeared to be floating 20 feet above the water level. Every evening that it's calm, I'm allowed to patrol the upper deck. Steve has sewed netting all around the sides of the “lifelines” to keep me onboard. I like to check the anchor, and watch for silly birds. When one bird landed on Cygnus, I launched myself straight at him, missed, and landed gracefully on my feet, much to MJ's relief

Soon we arrived near Oriental, North Carolina. Chris ( my human brother) has a sailboat here. He also has a hound dog named “Boone”. Boone is my friend, because he has cats at home and never chases me. He loves to go for long dinghy rides.

We proceeded south on the ICW. As usual, my skipper had MJ run to the bow at every fixed bridge with binoculars to read the current height clearance. Our big stick, (the mast), is 64 feet tall! Skipper Steve is worried that we will hit the mast on the bridge!

On November 10th, we finally raised our sails, and headed offshore to sail from Beaufort to Wrightsville Beach. It was a very gentle sunny ride. Nice clear aqua blue water. I spent the day outside sleeping in my soft cat bed under the dodger. We anchored early, 4:00, close to shore. I could almost leap that far, and run on the beach!

Later, we were back in the ICW; tied up at “Doc Holiday” Marina in North Myrtle Beach. Steve rented a car, so they could look at their future home site. Someday I will have a stationary home there. MJ took me for several walks around the docks. I love it when other sailors stop and pet me, and tell me I'm a good sailor cat.

As we travel down the waterway the weather becomes more important, so every day, Steve is awake at 5:30 am to turn on the SSB radio for forecasts. On Nov. 14 th , the sun was warm and we were in the middle of miles of wilderness, Just marsh grass, trees, Spanish moss and dark water. It was very quiet. Many dolphins were in the wider parts of the water, and jumped right up next to the boat. I know the word BIRD, so looked to the sky. There were Pelicans, Spoonbills, Egrets and Kingfishe all around. Cat paradise! We anchored in the North Santee River.

A few days later we docked in Charleston, South Carolina. We were waiting for the weather to calm down. I like Charleston! Lots of walking space, and all the dogs are on a leash. If a really big dog walks by, MJ puts me on her shoulder, so I won't be afraid. Steve's sister lives here; and they are going to Bubba Gump Shrimp Company tonight. I hope they bring back a bag of shrimp for me!

On Nov. 18th we arrived at Cumberland Island, Ga. We were escorted to our anchorage by a large Coast Guard Dinghy. It seems this area has an “Underwater boat” area (Sub Base) where regular boats are not allowed. The park here does not allow animals to be brought ashore, because, there are wild horses and armadillos roaming about. The horses aren't afraid of people and saunter right past, but the armadillos run away. No people live here anymore. It used to be a summer home for the Vanderbilts. The mansion is still there, but is crumbling and has vines growing throughout its walls.

For the week of Thanksgiving, we anchored in Bell River, just outside Fernandina Beach, Florida. The boat smells great with turkey breast roasting, plus the cinnamon smell of homemade apple pie. Friends are coming over, to share in the feast. The movie of the day, “Lonesome Dove”, was on. One of my favorites! In the scene where Gus kicks the squealing pigs off the porch, I ran to the TV and pawed the screen. The pigs kept running so I ran to the back of the TV to see where they went? I never did find those darn pigs!

Finally, we made it to Vero Beach, Florida, on Nov. 29th. Many, many sailboats were tied together on mooring balls. It was sunny and warm, 84 degrees. Steve began stocking up for our winter in the Bahamas. There is a bus that will take you to all shopping areas. While MJ was reading, I thought I'd be sneaky and visit the sailboat next door, tied to our side. Unfortunately, I slipped into the water. Sailors around us started yelling “Cat in the Water”! But, by then, I was already swimming to the back of the boat. That's where Steve keeps my Emergency Cat Ladder! MJ scooped me up in my bath towel. Then I got a soap down and rinse off, because salt water is bad for my fur. A vet is coming to check me out. I must have a healthy cat certificate before I can sail to the Bahamas. I rode in the dinghy, and Steve put me on the picnic table. A nice lady doctor listened to my chest and looked at my eyes and ears. I passed her tests with flying colors!

On Dec. 10th we arrived in Lake Worth, Florida, where we waited for good weather to cross over to the Bahamas. Radio chatter was all about wind and weather, and something called the “Gulf Stream”. Meanwhile, by December 12 th , we were in the midst of the heaviest rain ever! Every portal had sheets of rain, plus lots of lightning, and thunder! Guess we won't go today! We all took lots of naps, so MJ and Steve had hot soup for dinner.

On Saturday, December 15 th . at 3:00 pm, we motored out the inlet to start our sail to Lucaya on the Grand Bahamas island. We raised sails. and the seas were only 2 to 4 feet tall. It was so calm, I walked around and played with my favorite mylar ball. It seemed like it was alive, because the boat would lurch starboard, then port. Soon I was exhausted from the chase and curled up with MJ. She was “off watch”. from 7:00pm to 10:00pm and 1:00am to 4:00am. We entered Lucaya breakwater at 7:00 am to tie up at the Yacht Club

Our goal was to be tied up in Nassau for Christmas, and we made it on Dec. 24th. The one thing bad about the holidays, the one thing I could do without. is my stupid red and white Santa Hat they make me wear. All our Christmas guests took my picture; and said I looked great, but I hate that hat!

We sailed to Staniel Cay on Dec. 28 th , where we saw a really big powerboat, named “Privacy” owned by somebody called Tiger. I wish MJ had named me Tiger! This island has very clear water around. I can see fish swimming near the boat. MJ began baking a coconut cake for Steve's birthday,

On December 31 st, New Year's Eve, we started our sail offshore to Georgetown Bahamas. Because of rough passage, I didn't eat until we were safely anchored at Sand Dollar Beach in Georgetown Harbor.

On January 2 nd , MJ spent the day moving gear out of the forward stateroom because Human brother Chris, along with his wife, Pam were coming for the week. The four of them spent lots of days, snorkeling, eating ashore at “Chat and Chill'n, and hiking to the top of Monument Hill. The worst part of this island trip, the seas were so rough and wet, I only got to go ashore at Long Cay. That island has a long, tall straight ladder that hangs from the dock area. MJ put me in my “Pet Pouch”, squeezed me tight and slowly climbed the ladder. I tried to hold very still for her. We all walked to the tiny grocery store, but I had to stay outside with MJ. It was a scary climb straight back down that long ladder, so I was happy just to stay on the boat after that adventure

During the winter Steve and MJ sailed to Conception island, (no houses or people). Cat Island, Fernandez Cay, Little San Salvador, Eleuthera's Rock Sound, Spanish Wells and Marsh Harbor in the Abacos. We left the Bahamas from tiny Mangrove Cay on March 29th at 6:00pm to sail to Ft. Pierce, Florida. I never knew what to think, when the anchor came up and the engine came on AT NIGHT! It was a 96 mile trip across the Gulf Stream, and we were all hoping for calm seas, but this time the seas were lively. I chased my crinkle ball until I fell asleep against MJ's legs. We arrived in Florida at 5:30 am.

As we continued our trip north, unfortunately, some of our major boat parts failed (like our new genset). Steve and MJ decide that maybe long term cruising is not for them. After lots of talk, my human parents decided to sell “Cygnus” into Annapolis, Maryland where this long trip all began. The sailor that bought our beloved boat lives in Adelaide, Australia! “Cygnus” alias Cicada, now is happily sailing near the Great Barrier Reef!

My new home is in a place called Meadowlands Golf Course, North Carolina. Now I look out over “oceans” of green grass. Steve and MJ bought a golf cart, and I love to go for rides to the library, and neighbor's houses. Once again I can feel the wind on my whiskers, and smell the ponds and trees.

I often dream I am still riding the waves, secure in my little cat bed, under the dodger. Please, any Tonk owners out there, don't be afraid to let your kitten grow up to be a Sailor Cat! I've been from Bar Harbor, Maine to Conception Island, Bahamas. I've lived the Sailor Cat Dream! It's a wonderful, happy life being a sailor! Now if I can just learn to be the first ever Tonkinese Caddy!! Love Always, Percy.