I”ll Be There For You!

We’ve been in Florida since New Year’s Eve. Days have been long working on the boat and getting ready to leave St. Petersburg. The CSYC guys have been there for each other getting projects done on all the boats with the goal of great winter sailing.

We have also had so much fun. Two for Tuesday’s at the yacht club, barbecues, trying new places to eat, and the farmer’s market. The cinnamon rolls are to die for.

We have the opportunity to see friends that we have not been with in years. A former trader and Detroiter, Randy and his wife Julia. We had a great lunch at The Big Catch. It was an open air restaurant and the waitress was wearing a winter coat and hat. It’s nice when you can pick up where you left off even if it’s been 10 years.

Today, Eric’s former Thistle crew Linda from the 1980’s and 1990’s came up for a sail on Thistle. We had a great brunch at Trip’s and a feisty sail. We were going 7 knots with a reefed main and staysail. It was nice having experienced hands with the wind gusting in the 20’s. On Monday, Eric shortened the boom and it was the first sail since the rigging change.

We are getting to the end of the to do list. Our frig wasn’t working but after Eric charged the batteries and found a loose wire it’s a go!

When sailing late last week, a dolphin jumped under our bow sprit. I was on the bow and wished I had a camera. It’s been fun taking pictures of birds and sending them to Giles for identification.

Books I’ve finished:

Good Night, Irene 5/5 – Historical fiction about the donut Dollie’s during WW2.

Trying to get a pair of socks finished for Natalie who celebrated her 39th birthday with Csyc south this past weekend.

Next week, we start the journey toward the other side of Florida. It will be hard to leave the Harborage. Great dock friends and a wonderful facility.

Fair winds,

Eric and Sharon