I'm now visiting my brother, sister in law and niece Annie in NYC after spending a few days visiting my sister and other niece Alexa in Connecticut.

I am truly grateful and am really enjoying my freedom to stop the boat for a period and do some traveling around. I had a quick reminder of why I bow at the alter of the tropical latitudes. My dad and I drove his snazzy red 2008 Corvette from Florida to my sisters in Connecticut. After 20 hours of driving, including a night spent in western Virginia, we emerged into......POW! Cold weather. Dreadful for a beachcomber. But here is the thing. The following day dawned clear and beautiful and Alexa and I went for a hike on the Turkey Trot Trail. My point is that I do miss the flaura and fauna of the higher latitudes, especially at the changing of the seasons.

Now the Strand Bookstore has been on my personal radar for a few years now. It is located on 12th and Broadway right in The Village. I spend hours in the store as it boasts 18 miles of books. It is crazy big and different from a Borders in many regards. But check this. A few months back disaster struck my Bro's apartment resulting in a flood. So the family had to relocate while the apartment is being renovated. Much to my delight they relocated to an 8th and Broadway apartment building. I sat on the toilet this morning staring straight at the Art Floor of the Bookstore. I was pleased.

I really love NYC and would one day like to spend a year living in the city. However it is a very very expensive prospect. But for now I'll just free load on the blow up mattress. Such is my fate.

Looking down the trackline. I plan on hooking up with my friend Kristi who lives in the city and is striving to improve her life. And of course hanging with the family, walking all over the city and maybe a jog in Central Park. More later.

Capt Chris