2015 - 5/1 to 5/31 - We are NOT supposed to still be in the Keys

5/1  The excitement for the day folks - the pump out boat arrived.
This pump-out service is rather new for vessels anchored out or docked (that don't have pump-out available) throughout the entire Keys.
The boat is about 25ft long with a center console and equipped with a small gas engine that powers the system. The rumor is the "government" wants to decrease funds and possibly eliminate this great service entirely. Fools that they are! The local & state government is paying billions to install a waste-water system in the Keys (at the tax payer's expense) so the near shore waters don't get more contaminated by old cesspits & septic systems but they want to get rid of a system that services hundreds of boaters from dumping their waste into the near-shore waters!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next night, Jay, Karen joined us for dinner at Thi Life, (authentic Thi food) a tiny, floating restaurant at the corner of Roosevelt Blvd & Palm Ave.
Years ago, a fisherman owned it & the interior was quite different; very rustic with a small fireplace, antiques everywhere & bar - a true local's hangout. However, it did sink on more than one occasion but was always salvaged. Chef Dow & her husband took it over several years ago. They changed the menu from the last time I was there & I didn't enjoy it as much.

I copied this off the web

Jay & Karen were in Tampa for 6 days when their new davit  was delivered to their marina around the 13th. "The Plan"...after the installation; they would meet us in Summerland then together, we cruise to Lauderdale & take slips on the New River. This had to occur all before 5/31 when they were flying out for a 3 week business trip. It was a good plan-but you know about "the best made plans..."

Took Scupper to the vet to have her teeth cleaned. Dr. Cruz examined a small, black spot on her ear & tail so while she was 'under' he removed them - thank goodness, they were benign melanomas. Poor baby had to be bandaged for 2 weeks. The 3rd week the bandage was taken off & using Silver Sulfa cream, it's healing nicely. Now if could just get the goo off her hair from the bandage. 

Wayne installed a new membrane in our reverse osmosis water maker. The old membrane lasted about 5 years.

The membrane goes into the tube you see there - Jack is always there to help

  From the web: "Sea water "Desalinator" or "Water Maker". These units can use either a heat and vacuum distillation process that turns the water into vapor and use membranes to desalinate the water - or - can use "reverse osmosis" with a semipermeable membrane and pressure to separate salts from sea water".
He (not Jack) also installed a new swim ladder on the swim platform. Guess it was kismet that we're still 'home' as it gave us plenty of time to get caught up on maintenance. 

While Wayne was working on LARGO (5/17), I decided to take on the monumental task of cleaning, sanding & varnishing some of the inside teak. (teak is everywhere) These areas are well worn by the touch of people's hands while going up & down steps; touching the fiddles around the galley & the forward head etc. But the area to take the worst beating is the cabinet & drawers next to the port-side door from the sun & salt water,

Totally trashed from the sun

I spent over a week sanding these down but the result is still not up to my standards - but it's a bit better than before.

Door way to aft cabin - before

Door way to aft cabin - cleaned, sanded & varnished

Fiddles in the galley

Fiddles on a boat are raised wooden edges or bars on tables or shelves to keep things from sliding off due to the boats motion. We don't have them on the dinette table but they are everywhere else. Most new boats don't have them.

Fiddles in the galley

Varnishing is still a work in progress for me. (boring-right?)

Starting on 5/17, Jay & Wayne spent 7 long days installing the davit & upper deck hoist... the results were awesome. I was all alone everyday till about 8pm . YIPPEE! It's not like I didn't miss him but, hey, all alone to do whatever I wanted to do whenever I wanted to?...gotta love that once in awhile.

OMG!!!! -  a guy reading directions!

We're such happy boys - must be going well

 There was a definite problem with 'the plan' as the davit project didn't end until 5/24...too little time & too much wind to get to Lauderdale before 5/31. We had to bite the bullet & make a tough decision - "don't wait for us...we'll find you in the Bahamas".
 Veg day on the 30th - Ahhh - peace & quiet...until...What the hell is that racket??  There had to be 50+ PWCs come racing under the bridge - I've never seen anything like that here. Reminded me of a motorcycle gang.

About mid month, we decided to sell my VW Cabrio & Jay decided to sell their 9' Livingston tender & said if I sell it, Wayne keeps the money as a thank you for all his work. I posted on Craig's List & on US1 radio's Biz Baz. Lots of inquiries for the VW but only one for the dinghy. Spent time answering questions & sending pictures out. But one particular guy, John, (a local) stood out to me - he was buying it for his daughter. Did you ever get that good feeling about someone even just talking on the phone? Emails, pictures & questions back & forth for a week or so. On 5/31 we finally met John, his lovely wife, Holly & Hayley, the young lady who would get my "Henry". 

Handing over the car keys

Fits her like a glove - right?

Varnishing continues.

It was a busy month but now we're that much closer to leaving the area for Ft. Lauderdale then to the Bahamas.

Hope you stay tuned & maybe let me know what you think of my blogs. I could use your input.