Remaining Stops In Florida

After our Serenity Island anchorage, we had a long day. Past Melbourne, Eau Gallie, Cocoa, Titusville, through the Haulover Canal and into Mosquito Lagoon. The final miles of the Indian River were less than pleasant with open water and strong east winds. On our way south, we didn't leave the dock if winds were blowing over 10 knots. Heading north, we're fine with 15-20 and anchoring in less than perfect conditions. The ICW is very protected for the most part so wind isn't as much of a factor as we thought on the way down. However, there are several spots we need to respect Mother Nature!

We anchored in Mosquito Lagoon, 13 May. The wind was blowing out of the east at 15 knots with gusts over 20. We turned east off the ICW and headed as far east as we could toward the shore -- literally 'tip-toed' as close to shore as we could. We got close enough for pretty good wave protection but not wind. There was a beautiful beach but we never left the boat. The wind died down in the evening but picked up later at night. We both slept great with a cool breeze blowing through the boat!

We cleared it!

Pulling up the anchor the following morning was less than fun. We had 25+ knots gusts and the boat was flying all over the place. The anchor chain even flew off the roller more than once. Once out of Mosquito Lagoon, conditions settled and it was a beautiful day.

We traveled from Mosquito Lagoon to and anchorage called the, "Cement Plant". We wanted a nice protected anchorage after the night before. The Cement Plant is no more. It is now a construction sight. We don't know what they are constructing. Condos? On the other side is a Sea Ray factory. It wasn't very scenic and cell service not the best but it wasn't bad for a night. We were there with one other sailboat. 

Guess this was the old "Cement Plant".

Sea Ray Plant

Friday morning I tried to quietly get us ready to get underway for St. Augustine Municipal Marina. I managed to wake up a 'groggy' Sharon while making underway preps. My goal -- arrive at the marina at slack tide. The current can be really strong in St. Augustine and I wanted as zero current if possible. Slack tide is around high and low tide when there is basically no current in either direction and doesn't last long. And I nailed it! It seems we are always fighting the current! Naturally, this trip we had the current in our favor and I actually had to slow down. Seriously!?!

We got a slip for two nights. We originally tried to get a mooring ball but there was a wait list. This is a big time 'cruisers' marina. We were here for Thanksgiving last year for a fantastic potluck dinner. Once we were tied up, we hit the town. It was nowhere near what it was like last November! There were a lot of stores, restaurants, and bars open (at 25% capacity) but not many tourists. I even tried to get a haircut but they couldn't take me until Tuesday. We poked around some shops and stopped at Ann O'Malley's Pub for a couple of beers outside. It was so nice to actually have someone, other than Sharon, get me a beer!

Last time we were here we said we'd tour this next time. It was next time and closed so maybe next time...

This was packed last time we were here!

Enjoying a PBR at Ann O'Malley's.

Saturday, my friend Bob picked us up for a tour of the area and lunch. Bob and I met in Bootcamp in 1982! We've been good friends ever since. Unfortunately his wife, Christine, had just had minor surgery and not feeling up to hanging -- totally understand. Bob took us to a great produce stand and then to Valley Smoke (on the ICW) for lunch. Awesome!!! He gave us some more of a tour and then we said our good-byes. 

Wings. After two months I wanted wings!

We met several people on the dock that night. One couple, Turner and Naomi, just bought a Fleming, Stephy B, in Stuart and are on their way to Herrington Harbour South (our former marina). They will be on "M" dock and are a lot of fun! We hope to see them next month.

Sunday we left St. Auggie. I hailed the Bridge of Lions bridge tender for an opening. He told us the height is actually 4' more than the tide boards show. Let's go! We cruised right under and didn't need an opening. I hate being out on weekends. The boat traffic can be annoying.

Bob has a drone. A kick-ass drone that I always wanted! He was waiting at Palm Valley bridge and gave us a flyover. Can't wait to post that video! Most of this trip was non stop boats everywhere! Luckily it wasn't the day before because there was a major Trump rally of boaters in the section of the ICW we would have transited. 

We went north of Jacksonville and stopped at Jim King's Park. There is a free dock there. No electricity but water if you need it. The dock was pretty full but there was a spot on the end (right where I wanted to be!). A young couple ran over to help Sharon with the lines which she was totally appreciative of!

Jim King Park on Sister's Creek. Free dock!

Once we were tied up, we walked up to thank them. James and Melanie bought a sailboat even though neither one had ever sailed or owned a boat. They both quit their jobs and are living the dream with their dog. I love stories like this! They wanted to go to the Bahamas but.... now they are heading to Charleston. They introduced us to another couple, David and Tricia on a Katie Krogen Manatee. The six of us enjoyed boat drinks on Sovereignty (David and Tricia's boat). It's great making friends along the way.

Monday morning we got a relatively early start and headed to Cumberland Island in Georgia.

Fort Pierce and Beyond

On May 5, 2020, we were underway for about 6 and 1/2 hours slowly making our way to Fort Pierce Marina. Our goal was to be able to see my sister and brother in law before they headed back to Maryland. We had the choice to get a slip in Fort Pierce or continue on to Vero City Marina, obviously we chose Fort Pierce. When we arrived in Fort Pierce the dock hand was busy fueling 2 other boats 🚤 so we had to get in the slip without assistance (I know whoa is me).  Amazingly, we had no issues, Rob put her right in the slip.  Rob checked us in for a 2 night stay, we were amazed no one was wearing a mask.  Our brother in law was picking us up so I quickly gave the boat a much needed fresh water wash down.  There was so much salt on the boat if you touched anything you turned white.  We packed our bags for a nice 2 night stay in a "real bed" and spending time with family.

Next morning Rob so enjoyed the big king 👑 size bed and spending time with Florian and Brenda, we decided that we would stay a few more days.  So, it didn't make much sense to pay for a slip when we were not going to be there, Rob started contacting different marinas to see if anyone had a mooring ball available.  Luckily Fort Pierce, said no problem we will refund you the second night and the marina across the river had a mooring ball available.  Off we go to the marina to move the boat over to the mooring ball.  First stop fuel dock to fill up and pump out, of course wind is blowing in the opposite direction.  I told the dock hand, I was tying mid cleat he said no problem, but wanted to throw the line at the other end of the dock (we are really busy need to put you at the end).  We successfully tied up, took on about 120 gallons of diesel, and emptied the holding tank 🚽.  By the way no other boat came to the fuel dock.

We ventured across the Indian River to Causeway Cove Marina.  The fun and exciting part was grabbing a ball, no big deal right? Wrong, for me it was a huge deal.  I snagged the line on the first try, got my line through the loop and then realized my line was incorrectly around the railing.  I had to let go of the line and we had to start all over.  Rob circled around and I again snagged on the first try.   I get my line through the loop and pull really hard, ooops, didn't really have it through the loop.  I'm laughing now, but not so funny when it was happening.  I was immediately able to grab the line again and began pulling, I was pulling so hard I was flush against the boat, but I was able to loop my line through. My chest is still sore from the experience.  All secure, we turn everything off, empty the refrigerator, drop the dinghy and ashore we go.  We checked in at the office and booked for a week.

We spent a whole week with my sister, I'm sure she was happy to see us come and even happier to see us leave. Now, my sister and husband were still working during the day as we sat and enjoyed time by the pool.  We checked out a little beach across the highway from the Causeway Cove Marina and drove around Fort Pierce.

Rob's view in the mornings.

Brenda and I relaxing by the pool.

We had most dinners at the house, but we did venture out, one evening we met my great nephew Jett, niece Brianna, and her husband Zach, at Casey's in Vero Beach.  You ordered your food at one window and picked up from another.  We sat at one of the several outside tables to enjoy our to go meal. If you get a chance I recommend the Deluxe Cheeseburger and their fries.  The kids got ice cream 🍦🍦 from Countryside Citrus, it looked yummy.  We went to Waldo's to get a drink before walking on the beach, we were all concerned for Rob, we all know what happened the last time he had a drink at Waldo's. Waldo's had a sign out front entrance only, I guess not everyone paid attention as a couple was leaving through the entrance.  There were no bar stools at the bar and a sign which stated only 15 people allowed in the area at one time, there were clearly well over 20 people.  The guys went to the inside to order the drinks, we were a little uncomfortable with all the people.  For the most part, when we ventured out, people were social distancing and I have to admit that it was pleasant to see people out enjoying themselves.

Casey's Place

We ordered crispy chicken 🍗 sandwiches and ooh lala pate and chicken liver mousse served with grain mustard, jam and baguette pieces for our lunch from Michael's on 7th.  We were also able to order and try pizza's from a new place called The Garage.  I highly recommend both locations.

On Mother's Day I did not get to see my children (the same as many other parents), but I did talk to all of them.  The four of us enjoyed a nice champagne brunch at the house with bagels, fruits, meats and cheeses and of course plenty of champagne.  Brianna invited us all for dinner at her house, we had duck, chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and carrots everything was delicious.  For dessert she made an amazing browning served with vanilla ice cream.

Brunch

Champagne brunch

Dinner

During the day on Monday we went and did all our provisioning that needed to be done.  It was nice to have a vehicle. We went to a produce stand, grocery shopping, and West Marine.  In the evening Brenda had some quality alone time with her grandson as Rob, Florian, Zach, Bri and I went to Big Shots driving range.  This was the first time both Rob and I played.  We ordered drinks and food and played several 'rounds' of golf.  I even managed to not be last at least once.  We had a fun evening, would definitely do this again.

Tuesday morning, May 12th, Bri and Jett picked us up with all our belongings to take us to the boat. We stopped at the fish market, Day Boat Seafood and bought fresh Yellowfin tuna ($10/lb) and mahi-mahi ($15/lb). What a deal!!! Bri dropped us at the marina and we loaded up the dock cart and then the dinghy.  Hauled everything on board the boat, while I put everything away inside Rob pulled up the dinghy.  We were underway by 11:30.  We waved our goodbyes as we passed their houses.

Passing Zach & Brianna's house.

Passing Brenda and Florian's house.

We spent 5 hours underway and chose to anchor off of Serenity Island.  It looked like a nice little island to dinghy to and set up our chairs and enjoy the sunshine, maybe next time.  We enjoyed a nice dinner of tuna, potatoes and broccoli and enjoyed a nice quiet evening.

Serenity Island 

Sunrise over Serenity Island

Many, many thanks to Florian, Brenda, Zach, Brianna and Jett for everything!! The best hosts and hostesses.  Love you all!

Key West to West Palm Beach

We left Key West Thursday, 30 April after fueling up, pumping out and paying our final month. Three months at Conch Harbor Marina cost us almost the same as two years at Herrington Harbour South! But it was worth it. We said our goodbyes to our dock friends and the marina staff. We were sad to go but happy to be underway again. Our boat had not moved for three months.

Once we were out of the harbor and in Hawk Channel, we were greeted with three foot waves and 12 knot winds – all on the beam. We knew it would be like this for two-three hours until the wind died down and shifted to the southeast (behind us). That gave us an apparent wind of about ½ a knot. We shifted from the fly bridge to the lower helm hoping it would make the rolling feel less extreme. We were both queasy (even though neither of us gets seasick). Things settled down after a few hours and it wasn’t bad for the other half of the trip. We were originally headed for an anchorage called Long Key Bight but severe weather popped up and we made a beeline for an anchorage right next to us. We were definitely in the right place at the right time and got in as the winds were really picking up. There was only one other boat in the area where we anchored. The name of the anchorage is Curry Hammock.

We got settled in, made a drink and grilled fresh Cobia (that we bought) along with potatoes and a salad. It was a great spot and we enjoyed a beautiful sunset! The next morning we took our time to let the wind die down. Sharon made a nice breakfast and baked a banana bread – the best I have ever had! (Sorry mom.)

The Galleon Resort leaving Key West

Views at our anchorage

Our original plan was to go from Long Key to Key Biscayne (just south of Miami) and have two long days in Hawk Channel (the ‘outside’). Friday’s winds looked ok to go to Rodriguez Key, then to Key Biscayne but Saturday’s winds didn’t look good to be in Hawk Channel. Soooo… since we have absolutely no schedule and like to shoot for four to six hours of underway time, we decided to go ‘inside’ in Florida Bay. We went up Hawk Channel and under Channel Five Bridge (65’ clearance) to the 'inside' to Cowspen anchorage in north Islamorada.

Manatees are also referred to as cows and cow pens were created to ‘house’ manatees for food. They are now endangered although many that we’ve seen have scars on their backs from boat propellers.  

The Cowspen anchorage was really nice too! It was well protected from north to east winds. West winds, forget it. There was one other boat there. Presumably a live aboard that rarely moves his boat. He hopped in his dinghy, motored over to us, said hello and asked if we needed anything. How cool is that!?! We ended the day with another beautiful sunset.

Saturday we traveled through the Gulf side of the Keys winding through shallow channels, mangroves, sounds and Biscayne Bay. Once we hit Biscayne Bay, the boat traffic picked up and was a little overwhelming considering we haven’t been around a lot of boats or people in quite a while. Our destination was No Name Harbor. This is a popular staging area for boats waiting for a good weather window to cross to the Bahamas. There is a park, beach and lighthouse. We knew it was closed but we didn’t know the harbor was closed as well. There must have been at least a 100 boats anchored outside the harbor. We took our chance and checked out South Basin right ‘next door’ and dropped our anchor in another great spot (although crowded)! It was so nice seeing people having fun and kids playing and swimming! The homes surrounding the basin were unbelievable! We grilled chicken, enjoyed our boat drinks and another sunset.

Lowering the Conch Republic courtesy flag. It's was flying for over three months.

Sunday we went ‘outside’ and paralleled the coast of south Florida. Why are we not back on the ICW? Between Miami and St.Lucie is crazy! The homes, scenery and mega yachts are beautiful – I’ll give it that. But it seems half the world has settled here and bought a boat! And the bridges – bascule bridges – are, in some spots, every two miles. Most are pretty much timed to open for someone cruising at 7 knots. So between the bridges and traffic, going outside is a rational choice. Outside may be a little ‘rolly’ at times but it’s soooo much easier. Just set your course, enjoy the skyline and being out of the water.

We came in at Port Everglades Inlet. OK. That was a challenge. It was crazy busy! The boat traffic in Ft. Lauderdale was thick and we found a nice anchorage in Lake Sylvia. This was definitely a popular spot! Florida law (during the Chinese Plague) says boats have to be 50 feet from each other. FWP (Florida Water Police) made a boat that was anchored too close to another boat move and they weren’t even together. What a world we live in now.

Monday we went back out Port Everglades Inlet to Lake Worth Inlet and anchored in West Palm Beach just north of Mar-a-Lago. This was definitely the most enjoyable time we have spent on the Atlantic. Out of the last four anchorages, this is our least favorite. It's very exposed and just a stop over for the night. This will now make five nights that we haven’t left the boat and stepped foot on land. We have burned just over 100 gallons of fuel. We also haven’t spent a cent and are loving every minute of it!

Water while underway.

Time To Head North (Almost)

It's time to head north -- next week, during a good weather window. Staying in Key West through April waiting out the Wuhan Virus was a good call! It's already too hot with 'feels like' 93 degree temps during the day. We're getting wanderlust. Plus we need to be north of Cape Hatteras by 15 June for insurance purposes (hurricane season). Once we leave, we cannot come back or get a transient slip at any marina in Monroe County (all the Keys).

We have been 'springing' out of bed each morning where Sharon has been taking us on a two-hour five plus mile 'Bataan Death March' around the island before it gets too hot. By 0930, it's too hot! After that we pretty much stay on the boat and have no problem occupying our time. We aren't doing that because it's, "Safer at home". It's because there isn't much else to do and, did I mention, it's too hot! We try and limit news watching to every other day and only for an hour or so. And social media? Good God! We limit that as well and do a LOT of scrolling. We typically focus on our cruising sites for real-time intel and local sites for Key West info. By 1630, we can sit out back in the shade and enjoy 'docktails', read, chat with dock friends and listen to music. Then it's time for dinner, another walk as the sun is setting and a movie. Occasionally we'll go for a bike or scooter ride, or lay in hammocks under the shade of palm trees. The water continues to become clearer, Mother Earth is taking over, birds are singing, hawks are grabbing baby chick[en]s and manatees and their calves are playing in front of our boat.

Our original plan was to go home via the Gulf of Mexico up the west coast of Florida to Ft. Myers and cross the Okeechobee Waterway to Stuart to get back on the Atlantic ICW. We were looking forward to exploring the Everglades, Marco Island, Ft Myers and Cape Coral. Thanks to the Chinese plague, we don't know how much exploring of anything we'll get to do. Unfortunately, the water level of Lake Okeechobee has been steadily declining. We have a four foot draft and the water level (at it's lowest point) is just over five feet. I am not comfortable with only having a foot or so of water under us -- especially when crossing a 21 mile lake. So unless the water level increases, we'll be going back around the Keys via Hawk Channel (the 'outside' route) and stay outside, weather permitting, to Ft Pierce Inlet. Either way we go, we plan on anchoring out as much as possible.

We will be provisioned for at least two weeks and can dinghy ashore for provisions as needed. Or use Instacart if we're at a marina. Getting groceries has always required a little creativity even during normal times. We have been following other boaters heading north on the ICW and it looks like stopping for fuel, water, provisions and pumpout won't be too much of a concern. Luckily, a lot of marinas are still open to transients in case we need to wait out bad weather. Governors appear ready to start relaxing restrictions and hopefully we can enjoy some of the towns along the way like we did on our way down. 

We look forward to seeing family and friends and hopefully will be able to cruise through Canada this summer. The Erie Canal may not be open (at least when we need it to be) and who knows when the American/Canadian border will re-open. We have other options, like the New England coast but for right now, we just want to get back to cruising and a cooler climate.

Key West Is Strange

Life in Key West these days is strange (and not the usual "strange" that we all love about Key West). It's been a week since all visitors were told to leave. Friday (March 27th), a check point was set up preventing non-residents from entering the Keys by vehicle and Higgs Beach was closed. The pelicans and tarpon that used to circle the fishing boats hoping for scraps have moved on. There are still a couple of flights arriving daily but that's a LOT less than usual. Bras are optional. There are probably more women not wearing bras then there are women wearing them! There are fewer and fewer restaurants staying open for carry-out and delivery. The only thing normal and not out-of-place are the bums. (That's how they are referred to here.) They still hang in their same spots. Funny how seeing them is reassuring. 

We have been saving a ton of money by eating/drinking on the boat. Many bars/restaurants are taking advantage of the down time and cleaning and remodeling. Duval St. is getting repaved and the corners on Greene and Caroline streets are being replaced. Our "garage" (the V-berth) has been rearranged to accommodate canned goods in case we need to leave and have to anchor out for days on end. Our local grocery store, Fausta's Food Palace, has food. There are still people walking around and riding bikes/scooters (us included).

So this will be our home for at least the month of April. Hopefully we can start our migration north in May but if there's ever a place to be 'stuck', this is it!

Southernmost Point

Above three -- all Duval St.

Mallory Square

One of the last places to close even though everyone was practicing 'social distancing'.

The "garage" stocked with can goods.

Above three - Duval St. is getting repaved.

Decisions

Surreal. That's what Key West is like right now. We have been at Conch Harbor Marina since January 31st. It's been great and one of the best decisions we've made on our journey south. There's a certain rhythm that we had gotten used to. Ferries coming and going, charters, sunset cruises, tourists and locals. It's so quiet now. Even the birds and fish seem to sense something is very different. My son and his girlfriend came down for a vacation with us during their Spring Break from Salisbury University. They arrived last Sunday, 15 March. In less than a week, Key West went from a fun loving town to a ghost town. Fortunately they left this morning -- literally in the nick of time -- driving to Ft. Lauderdale, flying to BWI and driving back to Salisbury. There was a big lump in my throat when we said our good-byes. The rest of their school year is over and he most likely will not get to 'walk' and receive his diploma. He's very bummed. He loves Salisbury and takes his role as president of the Kappa Sigma fraternity very seriously. We were going to fly back with them to surprise my mom for her 80th birthday tomorrow and return Monday. As of last Monday, we decided that just was not a prudent idea for many many reasons. Most of all potentially infecting my parents.

Like everyone, everywhere, we are confronting and evaluating everything related to the Corona Virus. Our plans were to leave here on/about April 1st (always depends on a weather window) and make our migration north to Maryland in time for Nick's graduation then cruise through Canada. Well that's all changed and we had to make some decisions rather quickly as conditions are rapidly deteriorating. Monroe County (the Florida Keys) will be closed to visitors along with hotels, short-term rentals, marinas, RV parks, etc effective 6pm, 22 March. Fortunately we've been here more than 30 days on an 'extended lease' and can stay. Otherwise, we'd be forced to leave. So we pretty much had two choices:

- Leave tomorrow and start heading north. And head to where? We are very self sufficient and can anchor out but eventually we will need food, fuel, water and a pump out. And if marinas are closed, how will we get those items? We could dinghy ashore for food and fill two five-gallon jugs with water -- maybe. At some point there will be a storm and we'll need a slip. If marinas are closed, then what? The Waterway Guide has a COVID-19 Marina/Services Reports database but things are changing daily as panic is sweeping our nation. What about locks and draw bridges? Will they remain operational? And operational to non-commercial traffic? Going 'outside' is an option for some stretches but we'd prefer to stay 'inside'. We're basically 9-5 boaters. And things always break on a boat. Getting parts/repairs may be a major challenge.

- Stay put. Yes, it's expensive! But we're here and, as of now, can stay here through April. We can walk and bike to get groceries and other essentials. Restaurants are carry-out/delivery only. Florida has lifted the prohibition of restaurants being able to sell alcohol to-go and can sell/deliver that as well. It's still paradise here (although a quieter paradise) and there have been no cases of COVID-19. Beaches and pools are closed as well but we can still get out, walk around and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. It's easy to 'social distance' when there's no one around.

So.... as of now, we're staying put and taking things day-by-day. There are too many 'what-ifs' to leaving right now. Everyone seems to be treating outsiders like lepers and we don't really see the need to put ourselves in harms way if it isn't necessary. Another plus to staying -- the bath house has toilet paper!!!

What do you do all day?

I decided it was time to answer the question I get the most, What do you do all day?

·     Our mornings start anywhere between 7 and 8:30 and that is without an alarm clock.  The average wake time is 7:30.

·     I sit back and enjoy my limit of 2 cups of coffee a day.  If I drank anymore, I would have the shakes all day.

·     Now, while I’m enjoying my coffee, I scan through Facebook and play my daily games of Candy Crush, Candy Soda and Word Connect. If I’m doing really well I can play for at least an hour if not longer, I know what a waste of time, but that is not a problem because I have all day.

·     Grocery shopping, I love a grocery store, except on a rainy Saturday morning, that is when everyone else is shopping.   I think we have been in every grocery store on Key West including the little mom and pop shops.  Grocery shopping is great when you have a car, otherwise we have to lug the wagon and walk, yuck, but it helps for the 10,000 steps. Don’t forget whatever I buy has to fit in my tiny refrigerator.

·     Meal planning is time-consuming, I have to look at pretty pictures of food (I’m a Pinterest fan), make decisions about  eating in or going out, and I have to consider our budget, which we have been over every month since starting this excursion.

·     I make breakfast almost daily, depending on my mood, it could be cereal, oatmeal, omelets, French toast, pancakes, hard-boiled eggs, but mostly scrambled eggs with tomatoes and cheese. Sometimes he just gets a breakfast bar.

·      Of course dishes need to be done, Rob is my dishwasher. He has to wash and dry by hand. I should probably buy Palmolive so he can have nice soft hands.

·      Ice is a twice a day chore.  This includes emptying 2 ice-cube trays. The ice maker no longer makes ice cubes, but it still works as a freezer so I also make 4 bowls of block ice.  The block ice is for the cooler.  I know it would be easier to buy a bag of ice, but it helps with the budget.  The things  I do to make sure there is cold beer.

·      In the morning I drain the water out of the cooler and at night I stock with beer.  Of course draining the cooler consists of opening the floor and draining the water using a syphon via a special hose, very scientific.

·      On Thursdays while in Key West we walk to the farmers market, we stroll through the fruit and vegetable stands, there are 3 amazing Middle Eastern stands that offers free samples of their delicious food, and you could basically have lunch just by trying the samples. Oh, and the cheese lady is my favorite.

·      We walk at least 10,000 steps daily, some day’s way more others barely. We love exploring the back streets of Key West and seem to discover something new every day.

·      My work out routine which includes squats, Russian Kettlebell swing, the superman (On all four and extend left leg and right arm straight out) and the double leg crunch, funny thing is I haven’t noticed any change, maybe I have to work out for more than 5 minutes and once a week. I have a jump rope, but I haven’t been able to find it, I’m on a boat it shouldn’t be that hard.

·      Laundry day is different each time, sometimes I wait until I have several loads others when I only have 1 load.  My dilemma with laundry is I have to go through the pool area and up the steps to the laundry room.  But it is great to sit by the pool while waiting on laundry.

·      Rob has to empty the shi**er every other week, that is a dirty chore and I am so glad he takes charge of that one.

·      Reading, by the pool, on the fly bridge, while sitting out back, there are so many places, the decisions I have to make.  I am currently reading The Camel Club and Rob is reading Stone Cold both are by David Baldacci.

·      We occasionally go to the pool, it is very crowded on weekends.  Great place to people watch (lots of skimpy bathing suits), read, and wait for the laundry.

·      Riding bikes, we’ve done that once.  Same with our scooters only ridden once since Rob’s accident. Bike riding would be considered exercise and we already know how much I exercise.

·      Cleaning the inside of the boat takes me practically all day, I don’t understand why, since it is literally 2 rooms and a bathroom.  It’s not like I’m sitting and watching the soaps, we only have 3 channels. 

·      There is also the mundane stuff like going to the dentist for a root canal and cleanings, getting fingerprinted for our TSA pre check, and having to get a new pair of eyeglasses (can you believe I want to be able to see clearly).

·      Spending time with all our family and friends, there have been so many along our travels, it is almost like never leaving Maryland.  We have also made some new friends along the way.

·      Happy hour and watching the sunset go hand and hand and both are great to do in Key West. Where to go for happy hour our all-time favorite place in Key West is the Boathouse and our second favorite place is Ka’ Why Knot’s fly bridge (cheaper and helps with that non-existent budget). 
·           Naps, I was informed I forgot to include naps, you know why? One of us could lay down and nap for 10 to 15 minutes and be raring to go.  If I were to nap, I however would just be falling asleep as he is waking up. I also feel absolutely useless the rest of the day when I do fall asleep.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I do lay down while he naps, my back needs a break from all the walking.

Well, I hope this answers the question what do you do all day but more importantly, what you really want to know is if I am bored, HELL NO.