Burning diesel

Our boat (soon-to-be home) is functioning perfectly. We took it out into the bay twice last week and got it up to full speed. Besides burning diesel in a most extravagant manner (16 gallons/hour at full throttle) it also helps detach the flora and fauna that so quickly infest boat hulls, props, rudders and bow thrusters in a sub-tropical climate. Of course it is fun too!

Next door neighbors - Ron and Sue joined us aboard for the bottom cleaning run:

Note matching crew uniforms.

Depending on the path Hurricane Laura chooses next week we may be adding extra dock lines over the weekend.

2 complex, complicated systems

 De Anne has discovered the major time and effort required to maintain two complex and complicated systems that are under her responsibility. One is beautiful, but 15 year old yacht and the other is an ulgy, 68 year old husband.

The boat is in the yard having hydraulic steering lines replaced, bow thruster repaired, and throttle linkage adjusted.

My high maintenance is now eye drops 4 times a day for the two new eye lens surgically implanted to replaced the original equipment rendered unusable by cataracts. 

The boat and I should both be ready for travel when our lease expires on September 23rd. 

Our neighbor snapped this picture of us leaving for the boat yard.

Sheltered

OK, truthfully - we are somewhat bored, but considering how things are in many places I guess that is not too bad.

The front door remains unlocked during daylight hours, we still go for bike rides and wave to the island police, and the number of infections on the island has increased by one since March.

 The only big excitement was when a cruising sailboat spent a couple days anchored in our bay before running aground. A tow boat freed them on the second try; however, returned a couple days later to retrieve the keel that broke off during the tow. A huge float bag was attached by a diver and the multi-ton keel was towed to  (presumably) reunite with the sailboat.

De Anne kayaking near Longboat Pass with Jewfish Key as a back drop.

Locked down, but not up

Our complaints on the lockdown pale in comparison to 99.9% of the country. We have a private beach (not subject to lockdown) on the Gulf of Mexico, a couple hundred yards from our front door and beautiful Sarasota Bay is just a few feet away.

I have wiled away this lonely time working on my tan while De Anne's worst experience this month was when a manatee surfaced under her kayak startling both of them and injuring neither.

Our biggest complaint is that our new boat refrigerator is back-ordered in Italy. Pity us if you can.

I know you have seen my ugly toes before, but at least here they are demurely covered with sand:

De Anne headed out to fight for Bay space with the wildlife:

Stir crazy

We decided to take a little trip and obey the Florida stay-at-home order/recommendation by using the boat.

We headed north to Tampa Bay and across, ending up anchored outside of Gulfport Marina in St Petersburg. It was the first time we have gotten the anchor wet.

We surveyed the anchorage, making snide comments about the derelict boats and the 3 slightly sunk boats. A couple hours later 2 inflatables arrived at one sunk boat laying over at a 45 degree angle, A few minutes later a cascade of water was poring over the side. We enjoyed the rescue show until dark; however, the sailboat still had 10-15 degree list. This morning it was floating upright like nothing had happened. I imagine the interior is a mess - as only saltwater can do.

Click to enlarge and you can see the water over the starboard rail:

Sunset over Boca Ceiga Bay:

There was a good breeze last night and this morning, so we crossed Tampa Bay at a sedate 7 knots. She could handle more speed but I did not care for waves breaking over the bow and the jarring ride - therefore I  was quite willing to sacrifice speed for comfort.

We were going to stay out a second night, but it was breezy and overcast plus (and this is the important reason) we ran out of ice for my happy hour Sailor Jerry's rum and coke. I am not a savage!
Next boat purchase is a new refrigerator.

On buoy.....then not

Little did we know when I took the picture of the floating Tiki hut/bar it would be its last bay cruise for the foreseeable future.

De Anne returning from her walk back and forth on the Ringling Bridge.

 The marina from whom we were renting the mooring ball has been incrementally discontinuing services. Every few days another needed service would be cancelled with little to no warning. We realized a change was needed quickly. Through a series of rapid fire texts and emails we were able to lease our old condo again and secure a slip for the boat. De Anne is safe, the boat is safe, and I am relived. De Anne might reverse the order on the first two items in the previous sentence - if you know her you get it.

 Maybe in a month or two the Florida Keys will reopen and possibly our Bahamas plans can be renewed at a future date, but until then so many others are in real trouble that we will be grateful for our good fortune.

Hunkered down

One of my favorite sayings is "life is what happens when you are making plans".

 Two weeks ago we complained about crowds and traffic in the Sarasota area. That problem has dissipated for reasons we all know too well. It is good to be on a mooring ball with our nearest neighbor 100 yards away.

 Stay safe!