Turning the Page on the New Year

Days 226  |  Palmetto   

Although we didn't really go to sleep until after 1:00 a.m. when Glass Onion closed their five-hour set with Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, we were up at our regular time. Dense fog was rolling in off of the water and obscuring the condo towers across the way, but didn't stop us from going out for a walk. We managed to map out a path that is about a mile long. During the first five months of our Loop journey there was ample opportunity for exercise and we were always moving. For the past two months we have been more like barnacles and my joints are feeling it. With over a week left in our stay here at Riviera Dunes, I'm looking forward to walking this path many more times. 

The fog began to dissipate as we circled back and several birds waded on the banks of the lagoon.

Soon the sky turned deep blue and provided the perfect backdrop for flowers and reflections. By the time we returned to Crossroads, the view from our little utopia was back as expected.

Boat projects filled the rest of the morning and into the afternoon. We replaced the original windlass switch on the flybridge that was the source of a galley leak (the corrosion of the switch indicates rain has been coming in for a long time). We want to take down our enclosure and enjoy this weather here in Florida and in the Bahamas. To do so, solving the leak issue was our top priority. We hope its taken care of, but we'll find out during the next rain.

Barry then went to work on the final fitting for an additional shelf in his closet. He had assembled it at home per the template, but final trim adjustments had to be made in the cockpit. Nothing on a boat is square, plum, level, or symmetrical so we knew there would be several rounds of measuring, marking and trimming. Once satisfied with the fit, he stained the wood and later applied a varnish. They galley countertop was a identified as the perfect work area so I graciously delayed unpacking in exchange for some me-time up on Fiberglass Beach. The marina was a happening spot today as dozens of large powerboats came to the restaurant for a few hours. It was fun to watch them all drive up to the bulkhead, realize there was no place to tie up, turnaround, and head out in search of unoccupied slips. There were boats rafted up all over the place, but everyone played well together and it was fun to watch.

I was fortunate to receive several new books at Christmas and am eager to read all of them. I must first, however, finish then one I am in the middle of. Just like with the walking trails, its not hard to look for motivation in this beautiful setting. Being outside in the sun and warmth is all I need.