Family & Friends Time

'Sat Feb 7, 2015
Matanza Marina Mooring field
Ft Myers Beach, FL


Early this morning the exodus began. There were suddenly many mooring balls available. Handleys came about 8 from outside the mooring area and picked up a mooring beside us.  They came over to our boat and we talked about the schedule for the next few days.  Mark and Judy are going to spend the next few days at either his sisters or his brothers. Wed he has another treatment and his brother will take him to Ft Lauderdale for that. We were welcome to join in but have friends and relatives too we would like to see and a few boat jobs to do.

We replaced one light fixture and looked for the source of the water in the bed.  We didn't make a clear determination on that problem but still plan to try to fill the space around the solar panel wiring. We have to figure out what to do that with and how to get it with no wheels. We also worked on our running lights and Lee has ordered a replacement that we hope will arrive before we leave the marina. We have several lights that do not work reliably. It is one thing about this boat we aren't impressed with. The Handleys had a bent stantion so they are having repairs done while they do the family thing. Always something to work on on a boat.

Our friend Bill Sears who lives in the Keys and has a ranch in central FL is going to come some time while Handleys are off their boat and visit.  We all lived in Monroe Co WV at the same time years ago. We also are leaving something we do not want to take to the Bahamas with us with Bill for safe keeping. We may rent a car and go get the things we need for repairs and make a quick trip to see my aunt in Sarasota. We haven't decided if we can manage that in one day and we do not want to be away from the boat over night since we are watching both Handleys boat and ours.

About 4 we decided to go to the dinghy dock and check out the water situation. You can get water but must carry it back to your boat in your dinghy in heavy jerry cans. Not what I wanted to hear. We walked a few block up to the beach front and through the touristy area. Lots of restaurants, bars, stores etc. Also lots of music. Music we actually liked. We hung around a while and ate at an outdoor restaurant. Then walked back to the dinghy dock and returned to the boat a little after 6.

Starting to get chilly at 8;30 probably another morning for Bonnie's propane Lil Buddy heater.