As we pulled
away from the gas dock in Panama City, I saw the big pirate boat sitting in the
dock. It made me think of men who
boarded those boats years ago, and spent many years on the sea. A week ago, just before Thanksgiving, I heard
a commentary on life on the Mayflower. Those folks suffered from cramped
quarters, stale or rotten food, no beds and poor “facilities”. Well, I think Nancy and Steve Janett were
living in “luxury” in comparison on our boat Kathryn. BUT….one two day/two
night cruise on the Gulf, might be MY first and last!
We left Wednesday
at noon from Panama City headed for Clearwater Beach, FL. Our weatherman, Bob, recommended this route,
in case we needed to get off the Gulf and into a safe harbor on the west coast
of Florida. Basically, you sail and sail
and sail and finally get to your destination.
We had great weather (it was really quite warm), no mechanical problems,
and the seas were not too rough! Why
then did I say that once was enough for me?
Well, on the Gulf, the boat is ALWAYS in motion. I am fine in the cockpit up above, but get me
down below and I don’t feel so good.
Good, ole fashion, seasickness!
Basically, I made it down below to “use the facilities”, change into
warmer clothes or vice versa and sleep for a few hours when I wasn’t on “watch”. That’s just a LONG time up top in the
cockpit! Steve and I always manage to
have a great time…..but he got to be the captain, the crew, the cook and
anything else I needed! I was living the
pampered life….he,he,he!
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| It's Not Always Sunny and Warm on the Gulf |
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| But the Captain is Always Happy |
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| And a Good Cigar Makes the Captain Even Happier |
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| Don't Spill Diesel on Your Clothes if You are Going to Have a Cigar |
We were
actually ahead of schedule, and pulled off the Gulf about two o’clock in the
morning (Friday). We anchored, since it
is too hard to go into a new marina in the middle of the night. So, this AM, we made it into Clearwater
Harbor Marina. It’s a beautiful facility
and right next to the downtown area. The best news was the temperature….83
degrees! This evening they were having the “kick off” to the Christmas season, and
we just happened to be there at the right time.
Our favorite activity, was the crushed ice that covered part of a hill
that turned into a bob sled run for the children! Hey, these kids could move up North…we hear
from Texas to Minnesota, lots of people have plenty of snow and ice. We ate our way through the downtown
area. My favorite booth was the “make
your own s’mores”. Steve toasted the
marshmallows on the little candles and then they helped us put them between the
graham crackers and chocolate. Yummy!
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| Making S'Mores |
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| This is Snow, Florida Style! |
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| Ready to Have Pizza Al Fresco |
Tomorrow we
will be up bright and early and have one last “ride” down to St. Pete, across
Tampa Bay and into the marina at Bradenton.
This will be where we leave the boat while we come up North for
Christmas. This little Grandma and Papa
are getting excited to see everyone!
