We managed to slip away from home on January 3rd secured in knowing we were making the right decision to head South by the outside temperature reading in the car. -16!
The cold followed us well into Georgia but then like magic it wasn't cold any longer. At least not by our standards. We arrived at Tourist the morning of the 5th and quickly loaded the contents of the car back onto the boat. That meant for me 5 pair of shorts, a pair of jeans, a few T-shirts, underwear, and a pair of flip-flops. The rest was Pam's and the car was full! I'll never understand why she needs 24 pair of shoes on a boat?
The plan was to head West along the Caloosahatchie to the park at Franklin Lock and get things organized before heading on to Ft. Myers and Legacy Harbour. A good plan almost thwarted by a starboard engine that would barely turn over. No problem. Just hit the cross over switch and start it from the same battery that starts the port engine. Success, and we were on our way!
It was a beautiful day on the waterway with a sunny sky and temps in the low 80's. We were both so thrilled by the weather that we forgot to take any pictures while we cruised along. It was good to be back floating again!
Once we arrived at the campground and got checked in we sat back and soaked in the warmth.
Our plan was to stay a few days and get the boat cleaned up and take care of a few maintenance items before moving on. Of course as we all know plans change. What initially was a good weather forecast for the next few days changed into cooler temps and strong winds starting the next afternoon and hanging around for awhile. Once again Mother Nature made our travel plans for us. Oh sure we could have stayed put but with a limited amount of food and no place close by for provisions it became a no brainer. Off to Legacy we went getting in a couple of hours before the wind picked up.
Since our arrival Pam has been getting the inside back in order while I've been spending my time in the engine room taking care of the endless list of maintenance items. Some planned for and some not.
I've also changed pencil zincs, the A/C sea water pump which crapped out after our arrival at Legacy, new batteries to be installed, and a port hole window to replace which showed up cracked while Pam was cleaning. And the list goes on....
In spite of the project list it's good to be back on Tourist and at Legacy. It's much like coming home reuniting with friends we've made over the past few years and getting back into the "Docktail" routine. Hang on liver!
We were even treated to a great, "gangs all here" dinner at Bill & Mary's condo. Thanks for waiting for us!
We've already experienced Bike Night in downtown Ft. Myers and this week is Music Walk so it's not all work! Then of course there is the occasional stop at the Cigar Bar for people watching. Maybe one of these days we'll take the boat out and try out the anchor. I can't wait!
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