February 9, 2009

Hi all, This will be a short message for two reasons—no three. The week has flown by, I've taken only a few photos, and it is nearly midnite! We're still here at Banana Bay Marina, Marathon, in the Florida Keys.. Have not moved the boat since we arrived last week, so we are truly live-aboards. It feels a bit strange to stay in the same place and not be thinking of all the details of moving to a new location every day or so. A bit strange, but also nice. This week's weather has not been conducive to travel—the winds have not totally subsided after the storm last Sunday evening. Two boats in this marina had their lines loosened by gusts of wind in the 60-65 mph range. Happily, YA stayed solidly connected while we were galavanting off to dinner with Kris and Gerry! The winds have been in the 20-25 mph range all week. Whitecaps in the harbor some days, but now the water is calmer as the direction of the wind has shifted from the North to the East. Hasn't warmed up much, though. Now please do NOT hear this as a complaint, but for me, it is dungarees, turtleneck, sweater and closed shoes weather. Clearly I don't understand Florida, as most folks hereabouts are wearing shorts and sandals as they lean into the winds and the thermometer reads 60 degrees. There is NO snow or ice. We are grateful. We've adjusted pretty easily to the pace. Each day is filled with the tasks at hand. Ship's Work, says Fred. He has a never ending list of things to be repaired and/or replaced and has made many trips to Boater's World and Home Depot. How fortuitous that both are an easy walk! YA has had a much deserved and thorough cleaning. Inside, that is. Outside is yet to come. We chat with the neighbors over breakfast at the tiki bar.. I walked to, and found yummy produce at, a farmer's market, then crossed the road for an arts and crafts show. We walked to the local movie theater to see the Curious Life of Benjamin Button, only to learn that the couple ahead of us had just purchased the last available seats, so we walked home. Saw the Sunday matinee (this time WE had the last two seats) and I can highly recommend the movie. A bizarre premise, but well played out in a Titanic (remembrances of an elderly lady) sort of way. We also watched a movie on our dvd player—Lawrence of Arabia this week—I'd just read Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell (thanks Amy, I really enjoyed this fictionalized story of the dividing of the Middle East after WWI) and wanted to see another version of the life of "Arranz” as he was called by the Arabs. Tonight we walked to the Key Fisheries where 28 boats go out daily to bring in the fresh catch. We laughed as it is great to go to a fresh seafood restaurant, and when we're in the boat, we tend to mumble bad things about having to avoid all the trap markers set out by the fishermen. Just can't have it both ways, can ya? Another task has been to adjust our schedule. Now that the bruising of YA's rail has a little time and distance on it, and all the official reporting etc. is done, we can talk about it more easily. The facts are that Fred 'had the boat' so I was the Look-out. To quote (almost) our President--We Screwed Up. Now the event can move into the realm of a 'personal story about how quickly things can go awry on the water'. Would that we had no such tale to tell! In any case, our plans have changed. Instead of joining the Mirage group that goes to the Abacos, we'll be joining the Mirage group that repairs boat damage. YA will go home to Green Cove Springs by mid-March, and while there, will also be hauled to get her bottom painted, as planned, in preparation for the Great Loop. What good is a plan, after all, if it can't be changed??? That is it for tonight, folks. Keep smiling and we'll see you next week! Happy Valentine's Day from Fred and Linda