Paradise is not at a marina docked next to mega yachts in stifling hot temperatures and a mechanic who we talked to yesterday by phone but who is nowhere to be found this morning. And it's not discovering a leak in one of our foot pumps which caused our water to overflow into the bilge, nor is it having to face the very real likelihood of needing a new outboard. Did I ever mention that the Evinrude we have is over 40 years old? It has been like Ed's best friend since he was a kid and has consistently worked remarkably well. I doubt he'll be able to part with it, even if it gets replaced.

The photo is from our first day out of Charleston marina and before all hell broke loose. This is Ed hoisting the spinnaker for the first time. That didn't last long, however, since the wind picked up and shifted direction soon after he finished what he's doing here.
Today, I will try not to get too discouraged and will look for paradise in all the smallest places. But I don't think we will ever really get to relax or play. I think that must be for other cruisers...