Setting Sail?

We were hoping to set sail for the Bahamas this coming Tuesday (Jan.22)....but the weather in the Atlantic is going to take a major turn for the worse on Wed so we've decided to stay in our safe, snug marina for another week or so. That's ok, because Barry still has a few jobs to complete--including checking the rigging and installing our VHF in the cockpit.
But, here's a list of the jobs that Barry has completed during the last 3 1/2 weeks in preparation for our trip:

• Installed an AIS (Automatic Identification System). Very useful when doing nighttime crossings on the ocean--lets the cruise and cargo ships see us and lets us see them! Also allows for easy communication.
• Installed hardwood floors throughout the boat--very difficult project leading to lots of cursing:)
• Installed new heavy-duty davits on the stern of the boat--to haul the dinghy
  
• Serviced the engine and the generator--always a guarantee to find more issues than planned for
• Removed dead jellyfish from the strainer for the AC--yes, dead jellyfish
• Installed a new water pump on the main engine
• Installed springs under our bunk cushion that help make the bed a bit more comfy (although by March I will be dreaming of my queen size bed waiting for me at home)
• Installed new refrigeration/freezer so we DON'T NEED ICE!!
• Helped our friend Norm with his engine 

I'm exhausted just reading that list....aren't you?

Polishing the stainless

He also agreed, rather reluctantly, to reorganize and weed through his tools. This sounds simple...but it is NOT. Believe me on this one. The sailboat is our home, our transportation, and Barry's workshop--all rolled into one small space. Organization makes the boat feel bigger. Keeping it organized is the challenge!

All work and no play...Well, fun is never very far away when you reside in a marina. Every Tuesday there is a potluck dinner, every Friday there is a happy hour on the dock

and there is a water aerobics class three times a week. We can walk to the nearby downtown area and eat at any number of cafes--one of which would give some competition to restaurants on The Hill in St. Louis.

There are nature trails to walk, beaches to visit,

and birds to watch. It's been unseasonably chilly down here for the last week, so not much swimming for me--but I always remember the temperatures here are much better than at home! The lows have been in the upper 30s to low 40s this week....with highs in the low 70s.

A marina can resemble the neighborhoods from our childhoods--people stop to chat or simply call hello as they head back to their boat. Friendships are made over conversations about water pumps and teak oil--and one of those friends celebrated his 85th birthday yesterday. We joined him on his beautiful boat for dinner, lively conversation, and birthday cake. He has a commanding view of the river and the town across the way--we watched a schooner sail against the reflected colors of the sunset. Happy birthday, Benny!