We tried to start our sail in the Gulf, but the winds & waves were not as predicted and not as we liked, so we came back into a nice anchorage we like. No need to make ourselves (mainly W!) miserable & uncomfortable when it's not necessary. Besides, the engine bolt problem reared it's ugly head again, so we really need to get that sorted before cutting the shore cord forever.....which meant ordering parts from England, which arrived yesterday & are being installed at this very moment. Clever Mr Skipper Man!
Our buddy, Lenny, stopped by while we were at anchor - he's been stuck at the marina for 7 weeks getting a new engine - he's headed for New Orleans, then back to his homeport of St Petersburg, FL. He & his cat, Roscoe, share the boat & seem to hang in the air conditioning most of the time.
Lenny coming...
Lenny going.....
What do we do at this anchorage? It's just off the barrier islands, & usually we have the place to ourselves. We dinghy ashore, walk miles on the beach & swim/play in the Gulf, always keeping an eye on the weather, as we don't leave Star alone during a thunderstorm in case of the anchor not holding, which it always has so far. We go on longer dinghy rides along the shore, watching the dolphins when they're about. Reading, a spot of cooking maybe, tidying up & planning the next route, doing internet & email round out our lives here.
Celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary! Our life-long mantra is "We might not get it all together, but together we get it all." Sums it up really.
Changed our overall plans after deciding that South Florida isn't really for us this year, so we're planning on heading west to Corpus Christi, Texas for a couple of months. The teak decks need to be redone before they start leaking too seriously, and there are cheap marinas there, plus we lived in Corpus for 18 months in the late 1980's and we really loved it. It was the starting point for our Alaska odyssey. As it's about 500 nautical miles from Pensacola, it will be quite the adventure - maybe 4-5 days sailing. WOW!
After Texas & after hurricane season, we're thinking of heading to Isla Mujeres in Mexico then south to Belize. Right now we seem to have trouble getting out of Penscola!
So, first, an overnighter east to Port St Joe for a few days exploring, then off on the big passage. Checking the weather like crazy to pick the perfect time for the perfect crossing to Texas. Star is an ocean-going boat so she can handle practically anything - but her crew is a tad untested!
Spent an evening watching this young osprey learning how to fly - once he took off, there was no stopping him.
For the first time, missed having telly - we really would have liked to watch the opening ceremonies from the London Olympics, especially the Queen & Daniel Craig. It's been pulled from youtube - maybe they're making a DVD?
We also miss watching Formula One, but we can follow the action on the laptop thanks to speedtv.com. So on race weekends, Saturday & Sunday mornings are glued to the computer for lap-by-lap written commentary. Not quite the same, but the best we can do.
A smartphone has entered our lives - something we said we'd never do. We need good weather, and when we don't have internet, we can get the weather on the smartphone via cell towers. I'd been ringing my brother in New Hampshire to see what weather was headed our way - crazy! At least we didn't have to sign up to a 2 year contract - and I've started texting, something else I said I'd never do. See....never say never!
