Brian,Hand Me the Bucket-----

December 14 & 15, 2011

December 14

Good-bye Apalachicola

Former cotton warehouse now a shop with
rooms to rent upstairs.

It took 33 hours (261 miles), but we made it across the Gulf from Apalachicola to Long Boat Key.  Even though we had waited almost a week for good weather and calm waters, it didn't turn out exactly as we had hoped.  Before we left, we made sure computers were secured, we put throw pillows in the cabinets to keep dishes and other breakables from sliding, we latched all of the cabinets and closets and stowed everything that was on
the deck.  We really didn't think it would be necessary, but just in case..... Well, luckily we took precautions. 

The oyster men harvesting

The sun goes down and the waves pick up





During daylight the seas were 1-3 feet and very manageable, but once the sun went down we had 14 hours of darkness that made us feel like we were inside a washing machine on the heavy duty cycle!  We were getting hit on the port side near the bow.  We'd come down with a thud and then get an extra twist at the bottom.  I had my new anti-nausea wrist bands on, but they were no match for Neptune's tricks.  I started vomiting before the moon came up, which meant Brian got the short stick and had to drive the majority of the night plus empty the puke bucket!!!  (He is such a good husband.)  Changing the course slightly, we thought would reduce the wave action, but that didn't give us much relief.  Nothing is more monotonous that staring at the total darkness....no lights from land or boats....for hour after hour. 

The sun has moved to the other side of the boat--
it's morning -- everything else looks the same.

Just before the sun came up I rallied and came to his aide.  I was feeling well enough to take charge.  Brian went below deck and passed out for several hours.  He still looked like death warmed over after his nap.  I sent him back down for additional rest. 

Look carefully -- Clearweater on the horizon

We had originally planned to go to Clearwater, but after this exhausting cruise, we just wanted to get to Longboat Key where we could dock the boat and relax before we go north for Christmas.  Well, we made it!  At 5:00 we pulled into our new winter home -- the beautiful Long Boat Key Marina!  Our friends, Doug and Mary, have an extra dock at this marina and are practically giving it to us for as long as we want to stay.  Wow, we are so fortunate!  I mean really fortunate!!!  We left our other boat in this marina for a year in 2005.  It has always been a favorite spot.  Well, with an offer like that, we quickly decided that this will be our base for the winter and we will take short trips to other areas that we want to explore.  As soon as we were tied up, we jumped off and walked to the grocery store.  It felt great to get out and stretch our legs.   A quick dinner on board, watch a favorite television show and early to bed.   

Our Home's New Location

December 15
The boat is caked with salt.  Even the top deck, got hit regularly with spray from the waves.  Brian spent the entire day washing and scrubbing every inch.  The teak, fiberglass and chrome are all glistening.  There is only one job left and that is mine -- clean the windows.  I've spent the day paying bills, responding to emails, setting up lunches and appointments for Minnesota and arranging for a few visits from friends that are coming to see us this winter.  Someone has to be the social secretary...          
Since leaving Afton, we have traveled 2597 miles.  It's been great and now we're enjoying blue skies and a 78 degree day. 

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!