Picture shows Quilcene about to be launched

Slowly, slowly Quilcene began to look shipshape again. The new winches were delivered and fitted, the bottom sanded and painted, the cutlass bearing fitted, the propeller back in place, and a hundred other jobs completed.

We were given a date for splashing, 18th March, but it came and went and we were still high and dry. The tug truck that moves the yachts to the boatlift had broken down and was awaiting parts. The new launch date was Tuesday 22nd - so we waited with fingers crossed. Living on a boat out of water is inconvenient to say the least; every bit of water we use goes into a tub which has to be emptied every day, not to mention slopping out! (..both 'blue' jobs of course!). Surprising how adaptable we can be! ..and don't suppose we're in a warm paradise here either - it's been very cold for the last few days, especially the nights; on Monday night the temperature dropped to 36F that's 2C. Just above freezing and we have no heat on the boat!

But it's not all bad - whilst waiting to be launched we've been socialising; We made contact with OCC (Ocean Cruising Club) Port Officers for Green Cove Springs and met them for dinner at a local Pan Asian place. Frank and Pam were very helpful and welcoming and we spent a great evening chatting about - guess what? Cruising! Frank also gave us a lift back from Jacksonville where we had to return the rental car which was very helpful.

Another evening we were invited for sundowners and supper aboard 'Shin Deera' by English couple Bridget and Martin. We had a lovely evening. Shin Deera is also high and dry and undergoing repairs and renovation but nonetheless Bridget and Martin played host; we were waiting until we're finally afloat before we risk having guests aboard!

Our cupboards are once again well stocked, not an easy task here; the supermarkets are vast with aisles of similar products just different brands - and all full of sugar! For instance there are dozens of brands of Baked Beans all proudly claiming to be flavoured with bacon and brown sugar, or sausage and brown sugar, or molasses, or maple syrup. We tried one tin of beans but couldn't eat it as it was so sweet! We eventually found 'vegetarian' beans with no meat and only a low percentage of sugar, although plain white beans and our home made tomato sauce will be my choice from now on. Much of the bread seems to contain high sugar levels too, in fact it's difficult to find anything without added sugar!

Anyway don't knock the new UK 'sugar tax' - if it helps to prevent all our food and drink being sweetened I'm all for it!

We've become inveterate readers of food labels in an effort to eat properly. At least the fresh fruit and vegetables are good, although it has to be said there's not as much choice of salad and veg here as in the UK. Maybe that's a good thing as not so many air miles are involved?

Anyway enough of that - it's Tuesday and we're finally afloat! Yay!!!

A few days to re-fit the sails and we'll be on our way - although before we leave I have a feeling we may have a bit more socialising to do; Bob and Lesley on 'Moon Rebel' who we met in Greece and haven't seen since, have just arrived to pick up their boat, which was also stored in Green Cove Springs.

Meantime it's wonderful to hear the water lapping against the sides of Quilcene - music to our ears!!