I Live on a BOAT! :)

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Nice afternoon on Sombrero Beach

Since we’ve returned to s/v Winterlude, we’ve been pretty much working on the boat. The weather hasn’t been the best – the first several days were monsoon rains – we know the new smoked acrylic windows and hatches don’t leak! – and now hopefully we’re nearing the end of a five day 20-30 wind blow.

Nice afternoon on Sombrero Beach
Nice afternoon on Sombrero Beach

Working on the boat all the time gets pretty dull.  The good news is, the Tru-Charge2 40 battery charger is replaced, both autopilots are functional (after much cursing and frustration), we think the new fridge is wonderful (again after alterations and frustration), plus everything that fell apart in the process of fixing major systems has been put back into working order.  I hate it when lazarette latches fall off in your hand!  But, for now, all systems are GO to sail to Key West next week!  WooHoo!

Howard Livingston concert at Boondocks - note the 1952 Johnson outboard stage left - converted into a margarita blender. How cool! :)
Howard Livingston concert at Boondocks – note the 1952 Johnson outboard stage left – converted into a margarita blender. How cool! 🙂

It’s time for some fun.  Usually when we return to the boat, we try to work half days and take the afternoon off for something fun, just to keep our sanity.  This year, however, there were too many big projects and we weren’t having fun when we did take time off, so we just kept after them.

Now, the wind is down a bit, the outboard needs breaking in, the beach is beckoning and Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band is playing at Boondocks.  🙂

But first, a walk out the Pigeon Key bridge was in order… a few photos from a gorgeous FREE walk, just have to find a parking spot.

View from below the new 7 Mile Bridge
View from below the new 7 Mile Bridge
Pigeon Key Bridge
Pigeon Key Bridge
Reef Waters from Bridge. Saw 2 sharks and several southern stingrays, but no eagle rays (black & white spotted tops/white underneath) this time. Have to do it again!
Reef Waters from Bridge. Saw 2 sharks and several southern stingrays, but no eagle rays (black & white spotted tops/white underneath) this time. Have to do it again!
Old and New 7 Mile Bridges
Old and New 7 Mile Bridges
The end of the line - it used to be you could walk down the wooden ramp to Pigeon Key (a construction camp during the Flagler bridge construction years)
The end of the line – it used to be you could walk down the wooden ramp to Pigeon Key (a construction camp during the Flagler bridge construction years)
Orange iguana basking in the sun below the bridge - orange means it's mating season - he's looking for a mate
Orange iguana basking in the sun below the bridge – orange means it’s mating season – he’s looking for a mate

Today?  We need to find another pulley to add a purchase to our dinghy lifting capabilities…  plus watch a little football and Face Time with the grandkids.  🙂   Another great day in paradise!

Enjoy your day!  Cheers!  Jan

 

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7 COMMENTS

  1. SO wish we were there too! Next winter for sure, we’re following your adventures with fascination! Now, back to installing the new Isotherm on Sionna…

    • Hi Keith! New frigoboat refrigeration on Winterlude = frozen milk so no cereal this morning! First time we’ve ever had this problem! More adjustments needed! ? Cheers! Jan

  2. You may have been working on projects, but the big advantage of living on the boat is that they are completed A LOT faster than for those of us “attempting” your “Commuter Cruiser” lifestyle. My latest trip found me sourcing a new water pump and trying to rebuild my old as a backup. The list of improvements and maintenance never seems to disappear.

    Enjoying the updates, so keep them coming. (Hm, “orange mean mating season” … I learn something every post!) 🙂

  3. We do love the “commuter cruiser” lifestyle. I think I like being on the boat better than being land-bound. We will have a lengthy to-do list when we return to Antares in January, but it’s work in paradise, right? Have a great sail to KW; we might see you there!

  4. And another day in “paradise” for us is working on our teak rub rail while still on the hard. This is supposed to be fun? Haha! Anyway, I’m glad you guys are back on Winterlude and having a good time.

    Chris Allen
    s/v Whimsy

  5. We are finally in the water. Next month at Fishville then off to Marathon and the Bahamas. Hope to cross paths sometime.
    Gary & Judy

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