Much like the space shuttle command countdowns, we go through our own systems checks to ready for departure. This is the last opportunity to get “parts”, oil, fuel at a “reasonable” price and within a reasonable amount of time. While it is available in the Bahamas, it is actually shipped in with a hefty freight bill and VAT tax so we try to carry what we think we may need.
Life on Paradigm Shift has been better than I could have imagined. We really have a house on the water with her. Our mornings we will sit out back and enjoy our coffee and then transition to the fly bridge for evening cocktails if not too breezy. The comforts of having space to maneuver around one another and the ability to see outside while sitting in the salon are really two of my favorite features of a trawler.
The boys continue to have fun and exhaust themselves with their toys and chew sticks. There are days we still think Jaxon wants an explanation as to why Cooper entered his world, but most days he seems to enjoy someone to pal around with.
We cannot say enough about our wonderful hosts. Ed and Mari-Etta are the best. Their Tiki Bar evenings, “where all complaints are welcomed”, to their way of making us feel welcomed each year. It is great to see their new “ride” and hear of their upcoming adventures. We hope we can reciprocate and host them at our home when they do the Great Loop or just come to explore the Chesapeake. Mari-Etta’s hearts are still everywhere you go in Key Largo and when you meet her you know she has a heart full of joy. She was put in my path for a reason……EIWP! Oh….that stands for Everything Is Working Perfectly. Leaving a dock is always hard to do because it is “comfortable” but leaving this one is like leaving family.
Ed and Mari-Etta had a special guest while we were gone……S/V Fancy Free paid them a visit. This was their boat prior to their Great Harbor. What a great reunion and a perfect opportunity for the new captain to learn some more from the original owners.
Off to check more off the lists!