Decisions, Decisions???

Ever since we left home last October we have been pondering just what to do during this summers boating season. Early on we decided that we wouldn't be bringing Tourist back to Mid-Town Marina this year. What we have been struggling with is where to go. There are so many new places to explore by water.
One option is to travel back up the Tenn-Tom and explore the Tennessee and Ohio rivers for the summer and fall. Another option is to bring the boat back as far as Green Turtle Bay and slip it there for the summer. GTB is only a days drive from home so we could bounce back & forth at will. Still another option is to travel up the East coast and explore the Chesapeake Bay area as well as everything in between. Yet another thought is to do the Great Loop. A water journey of some 5000 miles up the East coast, Erie Canal, across Canada, the Great Lakes, and return via the river system to Florida next fall. Still another would be to keep the boat here in Florida and spend the summer months in the Bahamas. What to do???
Turns out we've opted for None of the Above! Once we started seriously thinking about commitments at home throughout the summer. Work that is needed around the house. And the fact that you can't just go home for a couple of days at a time, brought us to a decision. Put the boat on the hard for the summer and fall hurricane season here in Florida.
About a month ago we struck a deal with River Forest Yachting Center in La Belle, Fl. (http://www.riverforestyc.com/) to store Tourist in one of their buildings which are supposedly rated to withstand 140 mph winds. Located just west of Lake Okeechobee on the Caloosahatchie River it's central location keeps it away from any tidal surge that coastal areas experience during a big storm. Another benefit is that the boat systems get flushed out with fresh water from the river on the trip over which helps remove the salt. Much easier on the boat while sitting. Additionally Tourist will be inside, out of the Hot Florida sun which just demolishes a boat if left unattended. Add to that the staff plugs the boats power into an outlet every few weeks to keep the batteries charged while sitting. All of these things plus a friendly staff helped us make our decision. River Forest is only 2 years at this location and looks to be a top notch facility.
So there you have it. A decision has been made. Now the work to get Tourist ready for storage begins. Much the same as getting ready for winter storage back home minus the anti-freeze. The real concern for Pam is what am I going to do without a boat? This will be the first time since we've been married that we haven't had a boat during the summer at home. In fact it will be the first time for me without a boat since 1985. Yikes!!!! Maybe she should be concerned. I'm sure I'll be just fine. At least I keep telling that to myself.  The test starts in June!