A blur of boat projects and preparations required to step away from mainstream American life, the past two weeks consisted of 12 hour work days. One starts to wonder if escaping the pull of the home port is more difficult that breaking into earth orbit. Nearly one week ago Anne and I established Wednesday, June 11 as our departure date. As early week slipped into mid week, it became obvious that our to-do list would hold us back. "What's another 24 hours," I thought.
Thursday, while feverishly packing C'est la Vie full of provisions and personal items, a warm south Florida rain steadily slowed our progress. I began to doubt the day's 16:30 departure, but we pressed on despite NOAA's severe thunderstorm watch and a flood warning for western Collier County. Like a rising tide creeping across a mangrove island we moved relentlessly towards the docks, packing up gear and closing down buildings as the day grew long. Finally around 18:30 we had all the gear stowed and the basecamp ready for a four month slumber. Watching a six foot alligator swimming up the Barron River, rain falling on our heads, and sounds of thunder growing in the distance we discussed our options. We still have plenty of light on this long summer day to make it off the docks and out to Russell Pass. Now we only need to find some dinner, wait for the tide to allow of egress from the docks, and allow the storm to pass. What are our back up plans?
Somewhere earlier in the day it had occurred to me that tomorrow would be Friday. Nautical lore states that the prudent mariner will avoid starting a voyage on a Friday. Whoa! Tomorrow is not just Friday, but Friday the 13th! Hmm... Would the two bad omens cancel each other out? Or would the date, the 13th, act as a misery multiplier increasing our woes exponentially when fate dealt her hand. When I shared my realization with Anne we chuckled about superstitions and used the knowledge to a motivation to continue.
Standing on the dock watching the alligator and pondering our options we honestly begin to question our timing. We begin to feel pressed into departing. We both agreed that leaving on Friday the 13th for our long awaited four month cruise during hurricane season is a bad idea. Anne suggests that we head into E'City, find some dinner, and attempt to gain some perspective. Over dinner at the Seafood Depot clearer heads prevail. No we will not depart tonight. No we will not depart on Friday the 13th.
We spend Thursday night at our friends Bonnie & Craig's house (THANKS!). We sleep in late on Friday, watch a movie, and are now killing time awaiting an early dinner with our friends Gungor & Dianne on Marco. Hmm... this is beginning to feel like the cruising life. Who knows tomorrow we may even sail the boat.