Sunny Florida? ? ? ? ? ?

SHIP'S LOG:

Way back when, on my way down through this area in December, I groused to one bridge tender about how cold it was, He replied, "We are the "Sunshine State." We say nothing about warmth!" Well, looks like they can't say anything about "sunshine" either! Well, at least not for this week anyhow. The 30% chance of rain today came through and it has been pouring big time since before noon. Even though it is raining, NOAA says there is only a 50% chance of rain in Daytona. Somebody ought to stick their head out the window or something. According to NOAA, there is basically a 50% chance of rain every day through Friday. It is a good thing I wasn't planning to go anywhere or that I didn't have to be anywhere because I ain't going anywhere. Despite all the claims about how wonderful rain gear is, unless you are in an enclosed pilothouse ( I don't have one of those, traveling in a sailboat in the rain is no fun at all. It is damp cold and uncomfortable and despite all your efforts and all your gear, you get damp, cold and uncomfortable and the boat gets damp, cold and uncomfortable. It is best to stay put, light up the stove, crack open a bottle of wine and enjoy a good book.

Despite the rain, I took advantage of an offer from Mike Talover, a member of the Halifax Sailing Club and did a little shopping. He seems quite a nice guy and he wants to make sure I have all I need while I am here. He is very hospitable, unlike the people of Miami. The Club is on a piece of land owned by the city and right next to the sewage treatment plant. It has been around for 50 some years and is a real "every-man's club," just like TYC. It feels like home in a way.

I am currently at mile 831 on the ICW. It seems to be counting down a lot faster than it was counting up but then it always seems to me, whether it is true or not, that you get back faster from a place the getting to it. I've got no anticipated date for my return besides"eventually" as I will move with the weather - warm weather move fast/cold weather don't move.

Mike told me about the guy whose boat is anchor next to me. It is a 42 footer and he keeps it in a marina not a quarter of a mile away. But every couple of weeks, he "cruises" to the anchorage in front of the Sailing Club and "anchors out" for a week or two, living on his boat. At least he is not jost living at the dock.

PS: The spellcheck for this site is not working so forgive any errors.