VACATION LESSONS LEARNED

During this vacation on an island, Manasota Key, Florida certain realities have presented themselves.  YUCK.  While I think of myself as a realist I enjoy the wandering imagination fostered by my dear mother.  Reading those wonderful mysteries as a boy continues to bring me much joy.  I find that while on this island, each visit, I imagine writing stories, books and hoping for that allusive moment when I am propelled along with my imagination.  I have been guilty of being "full of shit" and I am starting to enjoy that handle.

Above is the Lock & Key Bar

Scene of UK Victory

 

Some of the changes I noticed on this island trip do not have anything to do with the island but with my experience here on this latest visit.  We have ventured to Manasota Key for about 10 visits over the years, with and without children in tow.  While walking the beach today I began listing some changes;

10 years ago:                                                     Today: 
 towels, flip flops, kid stuff                                  umbrella,beer,chairs, bag,sunscreen
 three boys                                                         beach bag, cell phone

running on beach, splashing                              sitting in chairs under umbrella, beer, doing 
water, fishing till dark                                          beach shuffle(shell hunting)

digging for sand fleas, falling off                          cereal, coffee breakfast, work on laptop, 
skimeboards, fishing till dark,                              quiet walk on beach, miss our dogs,
eating anything.

Well you might get the idea.  Age does seem to change the island routine.  Not really a bad thing just a realization of mine on this island visit. 

I do seem to give the island time more appreciation.  During my earlier life the work load was so great it took a week to relax.  Now that my schedule is more sedate, I enjoy each day here without the dread of returning to a grind. 

View from the beach our first evening.  We do expect this all week. Beats snow and 0 degrees recently experienced in Kentucky.

We are staying in new digs for us. We typically rent a condo for the stay but during the high season rentals are limited.  However, we lucked into this duplex cottage and have a great and private beach access.  More than enough room for a couple and within walking distance of many island activities. 

Well our arduous activities with continue tomorrow. Quietly enjoying the island life prior to sailing aboard 0 Regrets. We have scoped out a local marina for our visit aboard and plan a stay here in coming years. 

Happy sailing,

Adm. Denise, Capt Barry, Deckhands Bailey and Bella

                                                                                                                                                

SPRING UPDATE

In a previous post I outlined the Galley Refit.  Well due to the lovely weather we have experience along the shores of Lake Barkley, things have slowed.  However, progress has been made and the project continues.  I say this at the risk that parts of the
project have changed. 

A pleasant view during the Summer Season 

Snowy and COLD view during February 2014.  Enough Said!  Let's hope this is gone and Spring has arrived.

The original plan called for removal of the existing countertop and construction of the hard surface top.  However, after several consultations(in KY that is talks) with 2 contractors, the risk of damage to the existing cabinet(teak) has altered my plan. I made the executive decision to keep the existing countertop and cook top range. This will not result in damaging the cabinets. 

I have removed the existing appliances, microwave and old ice maker.  In this effort I did discover two (2) 110 volt plugs behind the microwave which was for the ice maker and microwave.  It is good to know these can be available for later uses.  This effort created a large amount of storage space which we badly need.  Long range cruises require dry good storage and most trawlers of our vintage, 1985, lack such space. 

The revised plan with a little modification, to install louvre cabinet doors with possibly an additional shelf in the larger cabinet.  This does require some modification of the opening but my limited skills can complete this requirement. As previously written, the new microwave will be installed in a box toward the bow.

Spring Cruise Plan:
As has become the custom in recent Springs, I will be "the Captain" of a cruise with good friends.  Spring break for my friends is 2nd week of April and we typically cruise up river the Tennessee River.  This Spring my crew will join me at Clifton, TN for cruising "new" water. It is a journey of spring break out, seeing teenage boys change to young men and keeps the Captain fresh.  

The purpose of the "new" water sail plan is to introduce the crew to the wonders of transiting a Corp. of Engineer's Lock. We will lock up the Pickwick Dam to Pickwick Lake and later transit the Wilson Lock, a 93 ft. lift to Wilson Lake. This lock is the highest lift East of the Mississippi River.    As much travel occurs on the Tennessee River, very few people get to experience locking through a dam .

The journey will take most of 2 weeks and is never long enough. We continue to make plans for sailing South to Florida and beyond and prepare 0 Regrets for the journey.  Better come along with us to enjoy the adventure. 

Happy Sailing,

Adm. Denise, Capt Barry, Deckhands Bailey and Bella