Arrived in Florida ... campfire on the beach
13 February 2018 | Rose Island
Sunny, breezy, 77.
Kristtaney arrived in Florida and docked at the marina where they will store the boat on land until they can start another trip. Long journey and day, but they made it!
Quiet day as everyone worked on their boats. I got my deck wash working by removing the fuse assembly. I tested the fuse - it was good but no power past the fuse. I replaced the fuse, no change. I might have another fuse assembly I can use, but for now am going without. The pump only runs when I turn it on and use it. The switch is off otherwise. I also ran a line under the boat so I could work on my paddle wheel. I scraped out more crap and it turns now. We shall see tomorrow if it works.
The day ended with a campfire on the beach and more stories. The scariest one came from Bruce and Chris who had a tornado wreck their property in Minnesota only months before leaving on their trip. Their boat was there, but luckily was not damaged significantly.
Landing on the beach and getting back off was an adventure. There were breaking waves, and even though they were small, it made for some excitement and splashing. Each time you crossed that point where the waves were breaking, you got it. Going out, I especially took it on the chin, so to speak, even with Jerry and Bruce pushing me out. And of course, the engine wouldn't start when I needed it to so that I wouldn't be pushed back ashore for round two. I finally guessed that the kill cord had somehow got ripped off during the somewhat wet and violent launch. Turning on the flashlight confirmed it - there it was, lying on the bottom of the dinghy. Reattaching that, the engine started right up and I made my getaway.
Tomorrow I leave at 8 and head back to Nassau to get Roger. I will also be bringing back garbage from the other boats. Small detail, but these are things you have to take care of when you are cruising. There is no curb side pickup.