Docking and Dinner
24 February 2011 | Southside Marina, Turks and Caicos
Deborah
Feb. 23, 20011
"Land was created to provide a place for boats to visit."
- Brooks Atkinson
The lines were secured. Many hands made the process simple. Our new home was located in a piece of Paradise. The skies were painted blue decorated with fluffy white clouds. Layers of clothing were abandoned in favour of light summer clothes. A drink of celebration quenched our thirst. Our new surroundings beckoned but we were content to lounge in the cockpit. The customs official was summoned to clear our presence in the Turks and Caicos. Fortunately, the Custom Agent came to our boat and we were cleared to be guests for 90 days with a cruising permit that can be renewed once within the year.
Fishing and diving boats shared the dock space in Southside Marina. A successful lobster fisherman approached our boat as prospective customers. Fresh lobster was on the menu for supper aboard the SV Ariel. We decided we were definitely going to enjoy our stay in the Turks and Caicos.
The five o’clock bell peeled inviting all boaters to gather under the gazebo for Happy Hour. We were off to meet new friends and swap boating tales. The night was brilliant with stars. Constellations danced across the black sky. Stillness mixed with silence invited a night beckoning a restful sleep, one we longed for after two days at sea. Another day was waiting and tomorrow promised to be a new beginning for the SV Ariel.