My Girl

Most of you who have followed our blog (Thank you ever so much!) may have detached yourselves since we are no longer sailing our Allied Princess Junk Rig. However, this experience will always exist for me and something I will look back upon when faced with a challenge big or small, to be mindful, not focusing on the expected outcome, but finding joy and perspective in the process.

I wrote this journal entry on May 25, 2015 as we sailed into St. Petersburg, FL sitting on Aletheia's bow, allowing my emotions to overtake and quickly write as my head spun with thoughts, sadness, excitement, self-doubt, contentment, acceptance and happiness that I was able to acknowledge.

Aletheia - a permanent attachment to my soul

Life is about choices. As I sit here on your bow, you've given me the greatest choice - 

To be brave. 

To be humble.

To be respectful. 

To be grateful.

To be patient.

We sail you into a safe harbor so that someone may sail you out, to experience your unique abilities and connect with your soul, which has now become a part of me.

Five more NM (nautical miles) with you as mine - this may be the one moment I wish the wind would die or shift so that our moment could last a bit longer. 

Today we share salty tears upon the salty bay and know that when we met, sailed nearly 4,500NM together through moments that shook me to the core, you accepted me and I accepted you and we made a choice - to have an adventure, to connect in a way only ladies understand.

You will always be known as someone that has strengthened my character, become a proponent of my spirit, and ignited in me Pride, Competency and Love.

You have helped support a desire, fulfill a dream, guide an unpredictable journey. You've conjured in me happiness and tears, sadness and laughter. You've taught me things I wouldn't have otherwise known I am capable of doing.

You've boosted my competence, lifted my confidence, allowing me to witness my true self, my Atman. I've enjoyed the gift of new friends, new places, brightening my sunsets and horizons, making moments of stillness something we truly deserve and treasure.

To appreciate minute details like the luffing of the sails. To finding my way around the cabin through both red light and darkness. Your creaks are familiar. Raindrops at anchor excite me. Sentiments have their place - books, cards, ceramic cups, booze and tethers. I've learned so much from you.

Everything has purpose. Thank you for allowing my heart to appreciate something new. This experience will now and forever give greater meaning to my continued journey. Thank you my girl.

This adventure is over for us, Aletheia is ready for a new adventure with new owners

Goodbye from Aletheia!

The open secret of late is that we are done cruising. For now. Everything is "for now," because never say never, right? I sure don't know what the future holds. That's what makes it so fun!

Jenn has a great job opportunity in Denver, near friends and family and all the activities Colorado has to offer. She started the drive back yesterday morning! With her is our friend Marissa, who we met in Marathon and encouraged us to come to St. Pete. We are so blessed to have friends willing to drop everything just to take a road trip with a new friend! Marissa will fly from Denver next Wednesday, back here to Tampa Bay, where her husband Chris and I will be playing while the cats are away.

What you don't get with the boat

I would love to sell Aletheia to someone who has followed our journey, who is willing to take themselves to a simpler time when the wind and the current are all that matter. Check out the Craigslist ad for all the details. I'll give you a deal if you say you saw it on my blog!

Happy 4th!

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. It's full of pride, togetherness, and of course, celebrating our freedom as a nation. Not to mention the enjoyment of food, friends, day-drinking and fireworks. We had a sociable 4th of July celebration, boat-hopping throughout the day in anticipation of watching the St. Petersburg's fireworks on the water.

We grilled aboard our neighbor's boat with s/v Sanibel with traditional American fare, hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, potato salad, my homemade guacamole, veggies and chips. And what 4th of July wouldn't be complete without beer and little shots of tequila in mini red solo cups. I'm in love with these lil' solo cups. Even better, there is a song honoring their very existence! Thanks Lori for introducing this song to me!

No my hand isn't giant, it's a shot size solo cup!

We made our next stop onto s/v Adagio for a quick visit with new friends, including Rufus the weinerdog! Here is where the night got interesting! As with any outdoor event, weather is typically a concern and usually strikes at the most opportune time. Sometimes I think Mother Nature and Murphy's Law have a strong working relationship and they roll out their plans at just the right moment. And with a celebration such as this, boat owners dust off their vessels and make their way into the bay to view the spectacle. About one hour before the start of the fireworks show, the winds picked up to 25kts, white caps emerged from below and Mother Nature gave us a fireworks display of her own. Flashing red & blue police lights bobbed on the water's surface monitoring the safety of boats. We didn't witness the incident, but a boat washed up onto the nearby beach, likely due to a very short anchor scope in very strong waves. Hope they made it out unscathed. Poor local cops!

Thankfully, the winds and rain moved north of us so our night continued on. We made our way across the mooring field to our final destination aboard s/v Jingle to watch the delayed, but much-anticipated fireworks show! We were roughly 200 yards from the main event. Anchor lights (aka kitty lights) dangled like bright stars on the horizon and thousands of spectators lined the seawall eagerly awaiting the colorful display reminiscent of childhood summers. Smoke in my nose, debris falling onto the boat and onto my skin made the 4th of July celebration a true experience to remember. Thanks to all of our boat friends for your hospitality, entertainment, food and good times!

My fireworks photos didn't quite do justice, but they are still fun to share.

Storm brewing and spectators watching

Nate enjoying the view from the trampoline

Love to All,

Nate & Jenn

 

Mi manca l'Italia!

Topic: What do you miss? (a person, place, thing, a time in your life)

When I was studying at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA I was standing by an elevator after class staring at the plethora of flyers of announcements, campus clubs and upcoming events thumbtacked and stapled to bulletin boards, encouraging you to join. One flyer stood out with the title "Study Aboard". There were multiple foreign cities as options, but only one drew me in...Rome, Italy. I didn't have many friends at Duquesne so I thought this was a great opportunity to explore one of the most romantic countries on Earth, get to know myself better and integrate myself into a beautiful culture. Nervous yet eager, I found myself at an open house with my mom in tow. I discovered I could study abroad in Roma, Italia for the same price of studying in Pittsburgh. Doesn't take a college degree to tell you what the right answer is! 

In February 2001, with a non-refundable deposit, an MCI calling card, 12 credits and textbooks in tow, I was off to Italy for an opportunity of a lifetime. I have numerous memories and experiences that I could bore you with, but these are the ones I miss most...

My "dorm room" was one of two down on the ground level. My roommate and I got along great. The best part about my room was the view from the wooden Italian shutters and the water pressure in my shower. Overlooking the Italian landscape towards Ostia Antica, I could hop out my window and walk three feet to our one-room classroom; built that year for the students. I can still smell the freshly built schoolhouse. The chalkboard came on wheels. My Italian teacher was a beauty. My Arts History teacher commuted from the Vatican. Classes were held Monday-Thursday. Most Thursday nights were spent rushing to the train station to catch the overnight train to a country of our choice, usually one of six on our pre-paid Euro-rail pass. Thursday night in Italy, Friday morning in Switzerland.

We had organized class trips to multiple cities, including Assisi, Venice and Florence, complete with Italian meals at local restaurants. My mom and sister visited me for spring break and we took a mini-cruise to some of the Greek Isles and Kusadasi, Turkey. I did a roundoff back handspring in Piazza Novona for a free beer. One day I spent eight hours walking aimlessly through the Roman Forum reading a guide book from front to back, talking with tourists about the history of the ruins we were admiring. That was a magical day, something I cherish as one of my best days in Rome. I miss that.

Still to this day I become nostalgic by my Italian experiences. The rising sun and dewy mornings remind me of waking up in Italy. The smell of my body spray reminds me of a sweet scent I used on a daily basis. I fell in love with tomatoes and red wine throughout my life in Italy. I kissed an Italian. I spoke the language of love and spoke it well (for a time). I miss that.

I feel incredibly honored that I was able to study abroad, even make Dean's List, and have an experience only some young people dream about. I tell every high schooler or young college student, if within their means, to STUDY ABROAD! It will shape who you become. 

In the meantime, I continue to dream and consider my next visit to Italy, to relive my nostalgic moments and visit new landscapes. I'll continue to enjoy my scrapbook thick with photos. I've even thought of renting a villa for a year. Anyone care to join?! Where would I go? Does it matter? At least I'll visit the Italy I know, love and miss.

What do you miss? 

Because I'm Happy

Topic: Ten Things That Make You Happy

1) My morning coffee: it's a creature comfort and I enjoy sipping my coffee throughout the morning hours. I heart my AeroPress too!

A rich cup of coffee

2) Sunsets: they are all so unique and beautiful, most certainly on the water. It's nice to stop what you're doing and watch the Earth spin, knowing that the sun is on its way to waking others on the other side of the world.

Sunset in Key Largo, FL

3) Manicure & pedicure: I'm a pretty low-maintenance gal, but I treat myself to a mani/pedi once a year near my birthday (which is Christmas Eve, so it makes sense for the holidays). I'm not sure if it's living on a boat, but I've gotten three within the past 12 months. I'm constantly using my hands and roughing up my feet so it's not pretty. I've realized this little treat makes me feel good, so I've decided I can spend money on this (maybe 3-4 times per year or for a very special occasion) if I forgo something else that costs an equivalent amount. I get a good return on my investment!

Latest and most greatest!

4) Reuniting with family & friends (framily): I have some of the most loving friends and family members in my world and hanging out with them is so innate. Living on a boat certainly makes one realize the importance of connection and continued friendships.

5) Waking up next to my husband: I'm a lucky girl

6) Finding a good fiction author: I just discovered Diane Setterfield and read The Thirteenth Tale. I'm not a huge reader, but when I can't put a book down, I call that a WIN-WIN. Looks like I'll be reading her only other novel, Bellman & Black soon!

7) Teaching yoga: This is always a great way to work on building my confidence and pushing my students physically. My last week in Marathon, FL I decided to teach five days in a row. I can't teach without bodies and they showed up! This picture below is from a donation-based class I organized. Another great reason for teaching - giving back to others.

My studio

Students in Savasana

8) Running long distances: I've been a runner most of my life, at least since 7th grade when I started running cross country. Running is meditation. I find no shame in paying to run in grueling 24-hour relay races, high elevation trail runs or hot summer 10ks. Pushing my limits through running makes me happy and accomplished. My favorite shoe brand is Brooks. Their motto: Run Happy. What a coincidence!

9) Discovering a new IPA: I consider this exercising the tastebuds and visiting new breweries is a hobby of mine!

Tasted the Jollie Ollie IPA - great breweries popping up nationwide (St. Pete's)!

IPA on the right

10) Seeing new places: I have been blessed to visit many countries and states in my young life. I studied abroad in Roma, Italy and enjoy taking road trips. The views that Colorado offers never gets old. Although we haven't sailed internationally, I've seen some pretty cool and new places along our journey. Any new experience is one for the books!

Denali Brewery

FL Keys

Daytona Beach

Belhaven, NC

Portsmith, VA

Lady Liberty State Park, NYC

Boston, MA Freedom Trail

Halifax, NS

Halifax, NS

Shelburne, NS

Summer trip to AK

Alone Again

Jenn is visiting home, celebrating her mom's 70th birthday. My mom just left a few minutes ago, after spending 2 weeks cruising with us. There is a very big difference between 3 people and 2 people and 1 people. ;)

With 2 weeks to visit, we were able to find a nice cruise of 200 miles or so from Marathon up to St. Petersburg. It's comfortable for us to go about 40 miles in daylight - rise with the sun, have a nice breakfast but don't dawdle, then get sailing. Cruise at 4-5 knots (I like to travel when the wind is favorable for us), and 8-9 hours later, drop the hook somewhere protected from the swell but windy enough to keep the bugs down. I also have a bridge up for sale, vintage, classic. I wish it were like that every time. All sailors do. So, since I can't guarantee 5 days of that in a row, I budget double or triple that time to account for reality. That gets us about 2 weeks to travel 200 miles.

The first day was great, leaving Marathon early in the morning after getting my mom from the airport in Key West. We borrowed a car, since her flight got in late enough the bus would have been inconvenient. That was the first time I'd driven a car since early November, in DC. Before then I'd driven a car for a few days in mid-September, then mid August. Everything happens so FAST in a car! It was scary. Anyway, the first day of sailing was perfect. 15 knots of wind on the beam, we sailed about 45 miles due north to the mouth of the Shark River. There was a great rainstorm just as we arrived, but the wind died, so we just stopped where we were. Beautiful rainbow, and deck showers for the girls.

Next morning the wind was lighter than predicted (and I hadn't figured out the typical daily weather patterns for this area yet) so we motor-sailed for the morning, then the wind picked up from the wrong direction in the afternoon. We just dropped the anchor where we were for lunch before the wind came up, since Florida is freakishly shallow. The whole trip we've been sailing in depths we'd normally anchor in: 10-30 feet. Creepy. You get used to it, which is even scarier. The wind picked up after lunch, but from the wrong direction, so we raised anchor (the waves had built up quickly, Jenn got a little tossed about on the foredeck) and headed in towards land to look for smoother water. We anchored about sunset, the wind died, and within 10 minutes was blowing 15 knots from the SE, a perfect wind for us to sail in. I was disgusted, but we were all tired so we didn't do any night sailing that time.

Next day we sailed and motor-sailed the rest of our intended journey from the day before, up to Indian Key, in the 10,000 Islands portion of the Everglades National Park. Actually, the previous 2 nights had been off the Everglades as well. Active Captain told us people had been yelled at by the Park Police for anchoring too close to Indian Key, so we left it a wider berth than I would have liked and settled in. Here we could just barely get some cell service, which was kind of nice to feel civilization not too far away. The wind forecast for the next few days was not favorable for us, but we had time, so we spent 3 nights at Indian Key. There is a great tidal beach, and we waded around the whole island collecting shells and watching wildlife. We also found another beach that almost connected 2 other islands, which had lots of old horseshoe crab shells, and scallop shells, and other pretty ones collected for jewelry and assorted scoops.

With good wind we headed around the shoals that stuck 7 miles out from land. As we came up near Naples, a serious thunderstorm built up and caught up to us. Wind gusts to 35 knots ish, and pouring rain, and lightning! Since we were only a few miles from land the waves weren't bad, and our boat is so good at reefing the wind is easily managed as well. Lighting is another story. There's nothing we can do about it, except not be there. So we sailed as fast as we could out of the path of the storm, but not fast enough. We ended up soaked from the rain, and Jenn did lots of work keeping the sails under control, and my mom helped and didn't get too scared when the boat started heeling way over in the pounding rain and wind and waves. No lightning, and a beautiful rainbow for dinner afterwards. The wind came up after the storm very favorably for us, so we kept going all the way up to Ft. Meyers, another 6 hours or so. We anchored about midnight off Bunche Beach, since conditions were calm.

Left early the next morning, and soon a whole gang of boats were sailing out of Ft. Meyers! We had a good wind forecast, so we weren't able to stay for a day or two in Ft. Meyers to see some of Jenn's friends that live there. Darn. We'll just have to go back another time! The wind died about mid-day again, in a pattern I was beginning to recognize. Then it filled in from the NW, a terrible direction for us, as the land heated up and built thunderstorms. We outran the first one, but the second got us just as the sun was setting. Once again with the wind and the waves and the lightning. Ugh. Lightning scares the dickens out of me. Especially when you're sitting on a 40 foot metal pole with nothing around you. My mom went below to bed, so she could be dry. After the storm passed, Jenn and I alternated shifts through the night to take advantage of the good wind, and the wind that was forecast to be in Tampa Bay that we wanted to take advantage of.

Dawn found us sailing well under the direction of our Super Hero Cape, coming up towards Egmont Key and the entrance to Tampa Bay. Once we got inside the bay we found the wind was just a few degrees not good enough for us to sail straight in, so we motor-sailed under the Sunshine Skyway, a very impressive bridge. A few hours later we pulled in to the little mooring field in Vinoy Basin, right in the heart of downtown St. Pete!

Aletheia on the mooring ball

This is a great town. Lots of pleasure boats, Tampa Bay is a great place to sail, all of downtown is within easy walking distance, and it's beautiful! The locals have put significant effort into their infrastructure and social systems, and it appears to be paying off in spades. It feels remarkably young and vibrant for Florida, which I otherwise think of as America's retirement home. I love this town.

Mom & Jenn at the Chihuly Collection

So here we are, checking out the scene, having a good time. Our friends in Marathon should be up here in a couple weeks which is very exciting. Today I'm just adjusting to being on my own.

Freudian crop?

She'd be beautiful even in a burlap sack

Mommy!

Mustache glasses at the Salvador Dali museum

More than a moment...An experiment

Topic: A moment in your day

First coat of varnish on the starboard toerail

Since this body position and task has been part of my life throughout the last week and will continue into this week, it's only appropriate to give you a glimpse into a moment in my day...Varnishing!

It's more work than I anticipated and my back hates me right now, but I enjoy seeing my progress. To watch my boat come to life by sanding (lots of sanding) and paint brushing (lots of paint brushing) a little bit of magic onto the teak companionway, toerails and handrails, gives me simple joy. Varnished wood on a boat is also known as brightwork and boy are we getting after it! So, why stop there?! Enjoying the fruits of my labor, it's onto the interior brightwork for more sanding, brushing, varnishing and pure satisfaction. 

Before and after photos to follow!

Easy To Give. Hard to Receive.

Topic: A piece of advice you have for others

Allow yourself to be unafraid to try something new, but do it for You. Try anything once, even if slightly out of your comfort zone. Embrace the opportunity, but don't feel you must put yourself in harm's way; know your limits and believe you will and deserve a new experience. 

Yes, I'm sure you know where this is coming from! My sailing and liveaboard experience has got me thinking about how I felt and who I was one year ago to this day. It was nearly one year ago (give or take a couple days) that we verbally agreed to buy Aletheia which sent contracts and emotions into motion. Oh yes, I was afraid. I wouldn't have taken this leap of faith if not for my husband, so no I didn't exactly do this for myself. But, I do know about embracing opportunities, stepping out of the lovely arms of my comfort zone. I've always been willing to try anything once just to acknowledge my limitations and get the adrenaline boiling (slightly). It usually works out that there is always an opportunity for growth from a new experience. 

Along the bumpy waves and strong currents, although it's been a recent discovery of mine, this journey has been for Me. I'm no adrenaline junkie and I like my comforts, but I have learned to become more resilient, appreciate the ups and downs that life throws at me, to adapt to changing circumstances, to find patience and embrace my emotional rollercoaster. 

Of course, this advice links into other areas of life experiences other than cruising. However, I have been able to embrace this challenge/advice fully through cruising. And saying to myself, "If I can do "this", I can certainly do "that" is a wonderful mantra that I've fully embraced by saying yes to this challenge. My own advice that I share with others has given me the gift to embrace yet-to-be-seen opportunities, to be unafraid of what comes next and lastly, to accept my limits. We all deserve to grow into a better, smarter, and braver person even if it happens in the least way you expect it!

Friend Love.

Topic: Publicly profess your love and devotion for one of your blogger friends. What makes them great? Why do you love them? If you don't have blogger friends, talk about a real-life friend or even a family member.

I've chosen to write about one of my lifelong friends. Someone I've known for 31 years! We met in day care when we were both 4. Through nap time, story time and snack time, our friendship has remained effortless. I was always playing at her house or she at mine. Her dad would ask my mother to drop me off at her house so "the girls could play". Her mother is like a second mom to me.

What makes my friend Meredith great? Why do I love her? Although she never slows down, she always makes time for me. Always there when I need to talk, to listen, for comfort, for laughs, for tears and for everything in between. We've certainly gotten into our fair share of trouble, always coming out one up with some sort of lesson learned. 

It seems as we get older, we get closer. We connect, understand and support the other. We are sisters. I love her because she loves me. We're soul friends. I love her cooking, her taste for music, her taste for beer. Her love for her dad. Whenever her mom comes to visit, she's always got an itinerary planned. She's methodical. Thoughtful. She's mindful, but speaks her mind. She puts her soul into her work. 

One of her many selfless acts came at the tragic loss of her good friend and local [Frisco, CO] chef. She worked tirelessly to create a successful event to raise money and establish two culinary scholarships in his name. I was beside myself at her effort and accomplishment. I was unable to be there in person to help, but I wish I could have seen it all come together. I was so proud of her. I love her because she sees an opportunity to do good, to help make a difference and she spares no details.

My hope is that as our mothers remain friends, we remain friends and our future children will meet to become friends. I'm lucky to love a friend like her.

Admitting is Refreshing

Topic: Things That Make You Uncomfortable

A topic most people would rather avoid; however, acknowledging these 'things' that make us feel uneasy are the very things we should confront to get to the next level, for personal growth. Find an opportunity to come face to face with one or all of your discomforts, even if these things are inconsequential.

I start my blog entry with the definition. And although it makes me uncomfortable (or feel stupid) to look up the definition, I'm ok with admitting that I do this quite often with words, even elementary ones.

Uncomfortable (adj). 

• causing or feeling slight pain or physical discomfort; 
• causing or feeling unease or awkwardness.

So, here I admit a few things that make me uncomfortable (based on the above definition) without going into too much detail and in no particular order. I'm already feeling twitchy and fraught.

• any variety of snake
• sailing at night
• talking about politics
• public speaking
• asking for help
• disapproval
• getting older
• interviews
• restaurant menus
• confrontation
• silence

Can you name the top three things that make you uncomfortable? It's ok to admit them here!

I Never Pass Up a Beer

To be quite honest, there isn't much happening in our lives at the moment. We've been in Marathon, FL since April 1. It's hard to believe how quickly one month can be taken by the wind. We've kept our minds and bodies occupied, but Aletheia hasn't moved much. We've traveled a bit up and down HWY 1 up north to Tavernier and south to Key West. The weather has been sweltering, recently rainy and cloudy, but looks to clear up. So living on a boat isn't all sunny skies, steel drums and rum drinks, although I suppose it ought to be. 
To stimulate these quiet days, and to practice my blogging/writing skills, because I'd love to be a more articulate and captivating writer, I've chosen to take the Blog Everyday in May challenge. Through most pieces of information, I found this challenge through the Internet Grapevine and found myself here. There are 31 suggested topics for each day. Below is the first suggested blog topic. Consider these yourself and give it a go!
I'm already behind since accepting this challenge, but I can skip a day, make it up later or not write at all. If inspiration strikes on a topic my fingers will do the work. Although, the goal is to take a topic and run with it, to eliminate the pressure of writing something "cool", "here's what we did today" or even something enjoyable. Just write for the sheer joy of expression.
Day 1: The Story of Your Life
To tell my life story usually means talking about my loved ones and how they have impacted my life. But for this challenge, I write about how I have impacted my own life. Here goes... 

I grew up in rural Ohio among my 4 siblings, loving parents, a house always filled with activity and privilege, summers spent by the pool, winters skating on the pond, relatives coming and going, and surrounded by the best circle of friends I could ever hope to have. Dad, my greatest role model, although I didn't get a chance to realize it, died when I was 15. Athletics has and always will be my lifestyle - cheerleading, gymnastics, running, yoga. I've carried my athletics with me through youth into my 20s and 30s. I've been given the gift of enjoying my workouts, turning physical exercise into a meditative practice, escaping the world around me. I've had a diverse and challenging career, all involving marketing and event planning, which I'd like to integrate back into my life at some point. I'm not done yet. Fortunately, in my youth, I've had the privilege to semi-retire twice to untie the docklines and visit new places. Spring 2007 for a 3-month sail in the Caribbean and most recently Summer 2014 to cruise our 36' home with my husband. Both journeys he has had to pry my butt from the office chair, but I'm always willing to give something new a try in order to grow from the experience even with hestitation (see Mark Twain quote). The over-arching story of my life has been this recent journey. Here, today, is where I've learned the most about myself, where the story of my life has collided with my past, present and future. I've learned I'm not as brave as I'd like. I thought I knew myself better, even at 34. Black water frightens me. Reading books has become a new hobby. I love to cook in a small space. I'm still in love with yoga. I've had lots of time to mediate on my past and how to shape my future. I need to love more. Encourage more. I pause to honor sunsets. Running is what I do. I've run over 60 races in my life. I get compliments on my white teeth. I love to make others laugh. I'd like to get a sunflower tattoo. I want to be my husband's #1 cheerleader. I'm afraid of change. I love visiting VT. I never pass up a beer. I'm a social butterfly in the sailing community. I know more about sailing then I realize. I like sailing. I can't wait to become a mother. I get homesick. I prefer land. I love shoes. Maintaining relationships is crucial. I want a veggie garden. I love to floss. I have a lot to learn.

As I write, I realize the story of my life is ever-blossoming, evolving through blank pages. My story isn't a chronology of events. It's a story of expression, emotions and realizations. A story of how to love myself better so I can love others. Call it rambling. Call it incoherent. Call it incoherent rambling! My needs and wants, positive and negative traits are all part of my character. This is my life story...for today.

Sometimes I smell myself

The later into April we go, the hotter the temps and stiller the air becomes. This is our year without winter, without snow scrapers, without numb fingertips. Barely any clothing at all.

Our skin is brown, arm hair blonde like when we were kids. Sweat constantly beads on my chin and mustache. After a long day in the sun and a cool shower, I rub coconut oil into my skin to seal in Vitamin D. Sometimes I smell myself :)

We make friends easily here is Boot Key. We help out fellow cruisers at the drop of a hat. We seek out the best happy hours in town. We learn new crafts. We make plans to visit other cruisers' boats. To hear their stories. To share tales.

We take salt water rinses right from the boat when our skin is soaked in sunscreen. We swim to our friend's boat to chat about upcoming plans. We try to use the stove as little as possible. I sip my morning coffee in the cockpit as slowly as possible.

We pause for sunsets. We easily find time to read books. We never tire of seeing dolphins swimming through the harbor. The days are going by so quickly.

Here are some photos of our last week. It's a bit packed with info so take a pause...We've had some fun!

Dinner with my new friend, The Boat Galley!

Dinghy parking

Driving to the Dockside Bar

Dinner with our 2006 Bahamas friends, Mendocino Queen 

We took a land-based trip north to Tavernier and Islamorada to explore the local scene. The bus system in the Keys is fairly easy to use, but exact change is a must. It's $2.65pp each way. Once in Tavernier, we walked three miles to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center. It shows as one woman's passion for birds has turned into a safe harbor for rehabilitating wildlife. I highly recommend visiting if ever in the Keys. $5 donations are requested. Three sweltering miles back to the bus stop, a refreshing beer was in order. But before that, the bus had to break down as we awaited a rescue bus to take us southward. In Islamorada we visited the Islamorada Brewery & Tasting Room. From way up north in the Alaskan breweries to the Florida Keys, I've done my due diligence to visit as many tasting rooms as possible. It's the best way to get a taste of the local scene. And I heart beer! 

We polished off our day excursion with happy hour dinner and drinks, live music and another lovely sunset at Lorelei Cabana Bar & Restaurant. On our way back to Marathon, we witnessed the south-bound bus speed by us as we were casually walking to the bus stop. OOPS! The next bus would arrive 2 hours later...we thumbed it for about 1 hour and miraculously, a friendly local pulled over and drove us 35 miles south back to Marathon. We jammed to Fleetwood Mac the entire ride. Thanks again, Joe! My first hitchhiking experience was a complete success!

A wonderful donation-based rehabilitation center

A Peli-can't

A Peli-can

So happy to see this refreshing local establishment!

4 beers offered - all great summer sipping beers

Islamorada, FL

Welcome to Lorelei Cabana Bar & Restaurant!

Some other fun activities we've accomplished during our time in Marathon:
Hookah Snorkeling (aka SNUBA) at Sombrero Reef with friends on C-Soul:

And a HUGE thank you to Sunny who made new slipcovers for Aletheia's settee cushions. I picked out this fabric, took measurements and photos and gave Sunny the material. My wonderfully talented mother-in-law did an AMAZING job! What a difference a little color makes too!

Bright fabric ready to assemble

Old dull settee slipcovers

Getting excited to see how they fit

A beautiful fit!

I should have done this many moons ago! So pretty to see her rails shine! Who knew that Brasso & Flitz would be my new favorite cleaning brands!

Stanchion before

Stanchion after! 

Bow rail before

Bow rail after!

Love to all,
Jenn & Nate