Florida DMV

Barry has been on a quest to satisfy Florida's laws and register our boat here, while at the same time documenting it with the federal gov't. After two encounters with uncooperative, uninformed government workers, he had all but given up hope. As I was blissfully shopping for organizational supplies for the navigation table, he was encountering yet another roadblock to lawful ownership of a boat in Florida. He needed me and my driver's license in order to complete the next round of paperwork. Needless to say, he was not a happy camper when he retrieved me from
Big Lots to return to the DMV. Amazingly, we were randomly assigned a funny, young clerk named Travis who made our time at the DMV almost painless. First, he jokingly stated that "This will be $500." hahahahahaha We gave him all of the requisite information.....make of boat, address (difficult, since we are staying at a marina), and information about the engine. (yes, this is vital. If we had replaced the original engine with a newer, go-fast model, we would be screwed). Finally, he tells us we owe the great state of Florida $249. Now, keep in mind that Barry had told me he thought it would cost around $80. After a bit of an exchange between the two of us, Barry turns to Travis and says, "We're not an example of those boaters that have loads of money to spend. We're shocked at the cost." Travis says...."I think I have a way to save to send you some money. I'll declare your boat an antique." (It is 31 years old....whereas Barry and I are genuine antiques since we're both over 50 years old). After a few minutes with his supervisor, he returns and gives us all of the paperwork to sign and says, "That will be $12.50." I exclaim, "Travis...CAN WE TAKE YOU TO DINNER?!?" He smiles and says "I can't take anything." But, we're going to send in a positive comment to his boss--Best experience we've EVER had at a DMV.

Florida in June

Barry and I have been in Florida for 2 weeks now and are returning home by Thursday night. After moving to the new house, we needed a break! After a week in Tarpon Springs, we took a boat ride south from our 'home' there, and decided to stay in Gulfport--about 26 miles down the coast at the southern end of Tampa Bay. Gulfport is a small, artsy community with wonderful restaurants and scenery. We are in the city marina, which has hundreds of boats--but is eerily quiet during the week (no live-aboards allowed). We're sort of stretching the rules right now....
While we've been on the boat, Barry attempted to put in a refrigeration system--worthy effort, but still needs work. We've also done some cleaning and organizing--with Barry doing some major reductions in tool supplies. (applause)
We've had some great fun, as well. Barry learned how to use an air compressor and diving gear to 'dive' for fish called Sheepshead ( or convict fish). These striped, sharp-toothed fish live under docks and dine on the barnacles that grow there. Our neighbor Chuck managed to spear 3 of these delicious fish--so we had a fish fry with his family that night. We've sailed to small, quiet islands and I've done some kayaking on the waters near the harbors. One time, a dolphin swam within 10 feet of me, going under my kayak twice. I couldn't hardly breathe! Dolphins, herons, and osprey abound down here and provide us with lots of entertainment. We sighted a 10 foot alligator in our harbor in Tarpon Springs--unfortunately (or fortunately?) it was dead,so Barry got in our dinghy and pulled the gator out to the river so it could continue its trip to the Gulf. R.I.P.
We've enjoyed dinner with our new friends, Bill and Robbie and have seen our 'old' friends George and Sue several times. We feel refreshed and ready to tackle the projects at our new house!