Marathon

So I welcome you dear blog readers, to take a moment and think about the process you have to go through to do your household laundry.... We had been away from facilities for a while, and had accumulated 13 days worth of laundry for 7-8 people. Although we are conservative with our clothing, as you can see, this can amount to an enormous amount of laundry. Aside from the fact that the dinghy was plum full, we had a 4 mile round trip dinghy ride (1 hour + fuel), 2 one way cab trips, a brisk walk to the store for laundry supplies, the cost of washing in Marathon (more than anywhere I have been yet), and the labor involved for all the above. Thankfully I had the help of my mom, but in the end was out about $100! I can assure you though, that the boat smelled way better when I returned :-)



On Febuary 9th, I went up to Miami to provision the ship for leaving the country. Terrie and Robbie from Wahine came down from Labelle for one last visit, and to take me up there for all this crazy shopping. I had been compiling the list for weeks to insure that we would have everything thing we could possibly need at least through the Bahamas. Of course, we have needed to restock on perishables and meat. About 1/4 of what is here is non-food items that become next to impossible or too expensive to replace in the islands.



We filled not only the whole back of the truck under the cover, but also the back seat of the crew cab! Gina and Bobby came down to the dock we were parked at to offload the provisions. It took me a "few" days to repackage andcreativly store everything safely in the boat.

While we were waiting for parts and weather we had a great time in Marathon. It was great to spend some quality time with old friends and have the time to make some great new ones. Gina and Bretton above, taking a break from dancing.

Paulo Suave to you, my dear :-)



Gina girl helming Free Spirit to Sombrero Key, a snorkeling spot a couple hours sail from Marathon (Boot Key Harbor).



Our new and wonderful friend Erin, introduced to us through Bretton. Hey girl, you are welcome aboard for a visit with us anytime!



Bobby, Gina's new boyfriend, contemplating the confusion of the Gaff Rigged Schooner :-)



~Teamwork and Friendship~



Bobby and Gina enjoying the sail home....



Gina's friend Jackie and Mom, full of smiles and sunshine.



Drake, taking his job of helming VERY seriously!



Bretton, Erin and the boys really enjoying the Ripley's Beleive It Or Not book of wierdness :-)



My young man is growing up sooooo very fast!



Sunset just before the bridge to enter Boot Key.