Return to Stuart and Sunset Bay Marina March 10-12, 2021

 Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Day 94.

We awakened to a beautiful morning “on the hook” (anchored). We were on the eastern branch of the St. Lucie River, very close to Stuart and Sunset Bay Marina, where we are going to spend the next few days.

I took the morning to stretch and complete a heavy duty work out on the back deck, and made breakfast. The wind was picking up and Captain Roland really dislikes docking when the wind is heavy; but this seems to be our fate. It requires much more skill when there is current and /or wind influencing the boat's direction.

Bringing up the anchor was a major ordeal; it was really dug in and there was mud everywhere. It took Roland a long time to wash off the anchor while I was at the helm steering the boat towards Sunset Bay Marina, following the captain's directions to a T.

The heavy wind made docking, challenging and, being human, Captain Roland pressed the wrong thruster and we hit a piling. Fortunately, the rubber stripping on the piling (that's why it was there), softened the blow and there was no serious damage.

We hoped that the winds die down so that we can leave on Friday, as planned, but if not, we will leave on Saturday. It will not be the first time that we’ve had weather delays and change of plans based on the weather. Meanwhile, I took advantage of being at a dock, taking walks, running, maybe going to an outdoor restaurant if we can find a non-crowded one, and then there’s always the paperwork, bills and enjoying the view and the pleasant temperatures.

We had to go to the supermarket, do laundry, wash the boat, repair the dinghy, and various other tasks of daily living. We were hoping that guru Scott will be able to come by and help Roland with the new software that still was not working on the main screen.

We planned to go around 4 o’clock, to a simple fish restaurant that we believed had a lot of outside space, but on our way we passed Casa Bella which was so cute. The tables were all decked out and arranged and no one was around. They didn’t open until five. We asked if they had room for two when they opened at five and they said they did so we waited around. Good decision! We had one of the best meals that we’ve had on this trip (Parts of Paris, in Safety Harbor, was excellent), and Casa Bella was comfortable and friendly, as well as delicious). The restaurant was a very short distance from the marina, and we took home half the meal for leftovers. It was a wonderful evening.

Thursday, March 11, 2021. Day 95.

I was up early, the temperatures were moderate (mid 70s ). Even Philadelphia reached into the 70's that day. Here in “paradise,” it was sunny but very windy, so as anticipated, we would have to stay another day at the marina until the winds slow down.

I spent a great deal of time trying to get a haircut. I called several people who were recommended either by Joe at home, and/or from the KK owners who live aboard at the marina. We tried mightily but nothing worked. I will just have to live with my hair way too long (and unfortunately stuffed under a hat), until I can go back and be saved by Gabby.

Roland made poached eggs in his new silicone egg poaching cups (yet another galley gadget), and to my surprise, they worked! Roland keeps reminding me of my skepticism (I laughed when I saw them), and now, poached eggs has become my breakfast of choice (there’s very little cleanup as well -bonus!).

Roland got his other packages, including his new phone (thank goodness-living with only my phone was a little challenging which seems curious as two decades ago we didn’t have any cell phones).

His delivery also included mood lights for the salon, so we could have romantic dinners. The mood lighting even comes with a remote unit to dim or brighten the lights. I must say this was beyond my wildest imagination. I am afraid that I lean heavily to the practical....less on the imagination.

We spent happy hour at the end of dock C with other KK owners, had the Casa Bella dinner leftovers (still delish), and then found out when I went to take a shower before bed, that for 3 1/2 months, I had been misusing the shower sump pump. My hope is that I did not burn it out, but I probably had shortened its life. Hopefully it will still be working well for the entire time I own Magic Moments.

Friday, March 12, 2021. Day 96.

Another beautiful day at Sunset Bay. I finished the housework (laundry, making the bed, doing the dishes, paying the bills, etc), and to our pleasant surprise, guru Scott came to help with the new software. Of course, timing is everything, and five minutes before Scott showed up, the computer crashed, totally. Captain Roland, you can imagine, was extremely frustrated and there was not much anyone could do. The hope was that when the computer was operating again, Scott will be able to guide Roland, by phone, through the software reset.

Roland went back to washing the boat, and I made fudge (yum!).

We borrowed the marina's bicycles, and going the back way (limiting the distance on US 1,which is very unpleasant), rode to the supermarket a couple of times. We were expected to be at anchor for two weeks and needed to stock up on food and treats, and carrying groceries on foot or bike really limited our purchases. A benefit: Roland didn't spend much time in the store each visit, (My job was to stay with the bikes, outside the store, and carry as much as possible). Masked and short stays inside, was our obligation to fight covid spread.

During our stay in Sunset Bay marina, we watched admiringly, a family whose boat was on a mooring, row back and forth several times to the marina's dinghy dock, to buy groceries and run other errands. Rowing quite a distance, their dinghy sans motor, a family that often included several members: father, mother, a teenage daughter, and 2-3 younger children, was remarkable. Often the teenager was rowing. We assumed that they were not Americans, maybe they were Scandinavians. I was sorry that we weren't on the dock at the same time; I wanted to meet them and chat. I was really impressed.

Saturday, March 13, 2021. Day 97, and Gail‘s birthday.

We were up early but I controlled myself to not call my sister, until a bit later, and sing happy birthday to her (a family tradition), at 6:30 am. I’m sure she was grateful for the delay.

Roland made one more trip to the supermarket and we prepped Magic Moments for our departure to Peck Lake, off Jupiter Island.

With the boat prepped, we left the dock, fueled and pumped out at the fuel pump, and then started our journey around 11am, on our way to Peck Lake.

Punta Gorda

 Saturday, February 27, 2021 to Monday, March 1, 2021. Day 83 to Day 85.

We were in Punta Gorda for three nights. Neither of us had ever been there before. In fact neither of us had ever heard of it before our Clearwater friends, Cynthia and Dan, had mentioned that they had stopped at the marina there from time to time and really enjoyed it.

Because we had to stay on the west coast of Florida in order to be in a position to get our second vaccine, we were looking for new places to go, inching our way north to cut down, even if it was for only and hour, the 18 hour round trip drive to Fort Walton Beach, in the panhandle. We made arrangements for a marina for a week in Sarasota, and decided to try Punta Gorda before we went to Sarasota.

We were pleasantly surprised. Punta Gorda, and Laishley Park Municipal Marina, were quite enjoyable. The town is clean and very well organized. 

There are parks, walkways, bike paths, benches, playgrounds, outdoor exercise locations with installed equipment (even some pieces designed for handicapped workouts), trash bins, plastic pet bags, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, water fountains, covered areas with grills, and lots of shady areas and waterfront walking/bike paths. Bicycles are well maintained and free. There were lots of murals, but none as cool as those we have in Philadelphia.

 The public light fixtures were on the walkways and bike paths and the parks, were well designed, and the signage, very interesting. Some of my favorites: Senior Olympic style game registration notice, and caution to not harass the alligators (who, I wondered, needed this warning??).

And of course, many bars and restaurants, particularly in Fisherman’s Village and along the waterfront that faces west for great sunset views at happy hour.

When we arrived on Saturday afternoon, we walked along the water to Fisherman‘s Village, an area that had been re-purposed from its original use. In the 1920's, it was an industrial area and major commercial fishing center. Now there’s a mall, and motel, docks for fishing charter boats and tours, a marina, a park area, and lots of stores in the outdoor mall. Fisherman's Village was less than a mile from the Laisley Marina where we had slip E4. We continued our walk around the town enjoying some very lovely homes, walking about 3 1/2 miles; it’s always good to walk after several days at anchor.

On Sunday, we went to the farmers market and bought some vegetables and fruit, including Honeybell oranges (my father‘s favorite) and a large sweet Florida onion. We couldn't resist the scones and freshly baked bread.

After coffee and scones on our back deck, (very disappointing scones I’m sorry to say), we borrowed two of the free bikes and cycled to West Marine to buy new navigation software (hopefully Roland will be able to install it himself, if not Guru Scott may be able to assist; none of this is ever easy nor simple).

Sunday evening I treated Roland to dinner for his birthday (one may recall that he grilled a wonderful dinner on February 24, his 70th birthday and I wanted to treat him to a dinner out). He picked the Tiki Bar on the waterfront where the outdoor area was spacious, although very crowded, but we were able to secure our own picnic table far from other dinners, facing the water, so we were safely able to enjoy a great sunset over the Peace River. It was bar food: fish and chips, conch fritters, shrimp Po' boy, and, of course, cocktails. It was another celebration of Roland‘s 70th birthday and it was delightful.

We were up early on Monday, March 1, to get ready to try to get the second vaccine closer. I had called a couple pharmacies to discuss the situation and got some hints to enhance our chances to get the second vaccine in a closer location, which had not previously been possible. My alarm had been set for 6am but I was up at 2:30am, too stressed to sleep. We set up our phones and computers before the 7am start of the vaccine rat race; it was so stressful. We were trying to win the lottery, with no real clue of how to be proactive to get the computer to pick us for the coveted prize of a nearby appointment!

Before 8am, IT HAPPENED!! I got an appointment in Hialeah, the western part of Miami, and so did Roland, at the same pharmacy, 15 minutes after my 9:45am appointment! I was thrilled beyond belief. The fact that we did not have to drive 18 hours, round-trip, for our second vaccine shot, made me joyful!! Six hours round-trip felt like a gift! Hallelujah!!

There was lots of work to do to support this change: I called the pharmacy in Miami to make sure they were OK with giving us the second vaccine two days early (yay! They were fine); we asked the marina if they would allow us another day (yay! They had room); we had to cancel our week in the Sarasota marina (sad but necessary), (yay! that worked without a cancellation fee); got reservations at a yacht club in Naples to shorten the ride to Hialeah, (yay!); and arranged a rental car in Naples for the drive to Miami. Before we completed the rest of the arrangements, I went for 3 mile run, I was so happy!

Brownie's (the electric motor repair shop), returned my call to discuss the finicky electric motor that we had paid $1000 to have repaired – hopefully their suggestions will work; at least we now had something to try.

Although I don’t usually check Facebook, occasionally something pops up that makes me curious. Andi, a friend from Camp Louise, where we both worked in the late 60's, had posted a picture of herself in a bathing suit on a friend's yacht. I remembered that she winters on the West Coast of Florida. After some research, I discovered that she actually lives in Fort Myers. I sent Andi a message, and she called me immediately (as I knew she would). I told her we had spent a month in Fort Myers and I didn’t realize she was living there; she chastised me for not calling ( as I knew she would). She was available for dinner Wednesday evening and Naples was not that far from Ft Myers, so we made arrangements to meet for dinner.

We took 2 of the free bikes and used the back roads to go to the supermarket. Roland treated for ice cream when we returned. This was one good day!

Back to Fort Myers

  Sunday, February 14, 2021. Day 70. Valentine’s Day.

When we got up in the morning it was overcast. Before long, the fog rolled in and we could see nothing. After a reasonably short time, the sun burned off the fog and it was actually clear and beautiful, but still really windy. So it is on the water: we are pretty much dominated by the weather.

We had hoped to try the SUP‘s today but the wind made that impossible.

Roland made me a wonderful Valentine’s Day breakfast: Nutella crêpes; delish! with sliced bananas (our nod to healthy eating). We were rather disappointed that, again, neither dinghy practice nor stand up paddle boards were possible.

Around 11:50am, we pulled up the anchor after four nights at “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Pine Island Sound, making our way back to Legacy Harbour Marina, slip C 6, in Fort Myers.

As was the case with every other time that we passed this way, it was enormously crowded. It was a Sunday, it was a beautiful day, and Monday was Presidents’ Day, so this was a long weekend. We passed every type of boat imaginable from the smallest to the largest fortunately, they all observed the “slow“ area requirement (it is a manatee zone”). 

I steered for a while. It was very windy as we approached the marina: the wind was 27 knots. Although we had been in and out of the marina once before, and were therefore, somewhat familiar with the zig and zag to get to C 6, the wind was really heavy and Captain Roland made his turn into the slip too tight for the first two tries. Fortunately, he was able to back out and the third time, his docking was perfect.

After our initial docking, we had to readjust all the fenders on both sides and retie the lines in a way that would enable me to embark and disembark on my own. It was not my favorite set up. MM was too long for this narrow slip. Sassy, the boat in the adjoining slip (we shared the finger dock), took up 90 % of the width at one point with their access ladder, and I had to hoist myself off the dock onto the boat and sort of jump off to disembark. Not really comfortable, but it is high season and the marinas are packed. After we retied the lines, I was able to get on and off.

We had been at anchor for four nights and five days and because of the strong wind, we hadn’t been able to get off the boat at all or practice getting the dinghy down or try the SUPs. I was looking forward to stepping on land, going to an outdoor restaurant, going for a run, riding our bikes, and walking around town.

When we call the marinas and/or the bridges and/or locks on the radio, the dock masters and lock and bridge tenders always address the caller as “captain”. It is interesting to hear them only use the title; names (except for the boats' names), are not relevant, and there is a certain panache to hearing the respectful reference to the title. Throwback civility that is missing in our casual world today.

My job, when docking and de-docking, is to be at the stern to make sure that there is adequate room for the various turns and maneuvers, especially when and if the captain has to back up. We wear headphones so that we can speak to each other in a calm and clear manner, although the Captain is at the helm, and I am in the stern, many feet away. The headphones are commonly called “marriage savers” (the reason for this nickname should be patently obvious!)

I do believe that I could be more helpful with respect to directions; as an example, I knew that Captain Roland's first two turns were much too tight; if the Captain were open to my input, he would have waited to make this difficult turn, and docked perfectly the first try. I stand prepared to assist when we get comfortable enough to exchange more information over the “marriage savers”. We have docked only 14 times, and just our luck, usually in heavy wind! It is not easy and the Captain is getting better and better.

After we arrived at the dock, we proceeded to address all the tasks, in addition to adjusting the fenders and the lines, that have to be made: the motor is turned off, the electrical and water lines connected, the breakers changed from DC to AC, the engine temperature checked, fuel tanks and water tank and holding tank levels checked, opening and closing of the sea cocks, and the time and hours noted of the engine and generator, if it had been on, etc., etc., and etc.

It was Valentine’s Day so we got ourselves together; I even applied lipstick, put on jewelry and a nice pair of shoes. We walked into town and stopped at the Twisted Vine courtyard hoping to have our Valentine’s Day dinner. Of course, we did not have reservations. But it was only 4 o’clock and they agreed that if we could would leave by 5:30, we could have dinner. The courtyard was totally empty, and we had a lovely dinner. 

The food was good (not great), and a little overpriced. We had a nice rose (we shared three glasses), and we shared seabass and short ribs. The dessert was perfect for Valentine’s Day: key lime pie, which was a little small, and a flourless chocolate torte, which was quite generous, and perfectly delicious.

All in all, a very nice Valentines dinner, and we were out of there at exactly 5:30, as agreed. We had started the day with Nutella crêpes, and ended with a very rich, dark, flourless chocolate tort with a lovely rose wine and a walk. What more could we ask?

Monday, February 15, 2020 Presidents’ Day. Day 71.

The day was very windy, even in the marina. I ran 3 miles to and around Edison Ford Gardens and Estates. It was hot and humid; okay outside, but not comfortable in a closed boat. The AC was necessary; it seemed to be working well enough. Thankfully. It is good to solve a problem so we have capacity for the next challenge! I finished listening to Dreams of My Father by Barack Obama, and continue d listening to Becoming by Michelle Obama.

Our visit to Legacy Harbour Marina in Ft. Myers, was supposed to be just for a couple days but the forecast showed heavy winds for much longer. We talked to the marina about staying longer. Although it was not really what we wanted to do, it was the only prudent plan. I had plenty of paperwork to do, and bills to pay. We walked to the supermarket at least once a day, zoomed with friends and ate some very interesting dinners that Roland prepared. The highlight of the day was a call from Lee County; it is possible that we may be able to get our second shot through the county which would be a great relief.

Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Day 72 to Sunday, February 21, 2021 (02/21/2021).

The weather was not perfect, but certainly more tolerable than Texas, New England, Philadelphia, and New Jersey; we had no snow, it was overcast and windy, but the temperatures were mostly mild. The next few days in the marina were spent doing “housework” and “paperwork” and working on Wil and MAG (Mid Atlantic Angel Fund).

We took a walk each day or rode our bikes (taking the bikes off the boat and assembling them was a challenge). I attended a Wil zoom program on Khmer Villages, which reminded me of our visit to Cambodia in October 2019, which we loved.

One evening we went to dinner at 10 Twenty, in a courtyard around happy hour. Most of the customers went to the rooftop deck and we sat alone (thankfully), in the courtyard and had a great dark beer; I had a bison burger, and Roland had smoked brisket flat bread; very good. On the menu were two “Philly” variety sandwiches (we did not order them, but I was mildly curious).

We went to the supermarket frequently, and Roland was having fun with the air fryer and the Instapot. He made egg bites in the Instapot and fried chicken in the air fryer. Both worth repeating.

I got my first opportunity to buy Girl Scout cookies; always an important pleasure of mine. My personal rule is that whenever I see girl scout cookies for sale, I buy at least one box, and engage the girls is conversation. It has been important to me for decades. I bought one box of thin mints and one box of Tagalongs....my favorite!

Again, in the Florida tradition, we rode our bikes mostly on the sidewalk, which really goes against my grain. But apparently it is the tradition here, especially because very few people walk in Florida. Whenever possible I worked out, ran, stretched, and did yoga. I was eating and drinking way too much to ignore serious exercise.

At the suggestion of my next door neighbor boater, Janice, I went to the next dock to meet Susanne, a real character. Susanne and her husband John, live aboard their boat for five months in the marina. They are from Ocean City, New Jersey, about 5 miles from our house in Ventnor. We had a fun discussion, and exchanged boat cards (that's what boaters do). She and John have sailed the world she told me. Maybe we will get together this summer in NJ, after we all have been vaccinated.

Most of the time, there were thousands of these little teeny bugs all over the boat. Our neighbors said that they’ve been in this marina for five years and they’ve never seen it this bad. It was bad. I blamed these bugs for my itching problem, but nobody else seemed to be bitten by them.

On one of our walks, we stopped and had lobster rolls at Masons; really good, almost Maine quality! On one of our bike rides we stopped at Kings Table which turned out to be a Cuban restaurant, and it had a Philly version of a Cuban sandwich. Old home week! We didn't order it, but it was the second restaurant in Ft Myers to feature a Philly style sandwich.

Another Kadey Krogan 44 (very new) stopped in the marina for a night (this marina is the marina with the closest supermarket), and we met Jelles, the owner. I immediately had door envy when I saw the entrance to the back deck; it was twice the depth of Magic Moments's door; so sensible, so easy to get on and off, so sad that KK didn't think of that back in 2007 when MM was under construction! Getting off and on the boat with doors like that would be 10 times easier than what we have. It was a kick to meet him in person; I had read a lot of his commentary each morning on the KK site where people share ideas. He’s a frequent contributor. It was almost like meeting a famous columnist.

Ft Myers has several murals and sculptures scattered around town, creating interest during our walks, even though, due to Covid, we weren't shopping or going into art galleries.

While in the marina, it became apparent that our refrigerator was not operating properly, (surprise: a problem!), so Roland defrosted both the refrigerator and the freezer. It took a while, it was a pain, but it seemed to have solved the issue. I am thrilled that the refrigerator/freezer, doesn’t have to be replaced. But we will have to defrost the freezer and refrigerator more frequently. We also have to be very attentive to closing the refrigerator door, which is a bit tricky, if we don't pay attention and take our time. It’s so great that we solved a problem without having to call our guru, Scott.

While in the marina, I watched some very large boats come in and out of the slips. The ones with stern thrusters as well as bow thrusters had a much easier time. I developed my fantasy list for MM: I would like a water maker, solar panels, gas stove, stern thrusters, drawer replacements, quiet heaters and A/Cs, and deep doors to enter and exit the decks. This is just a fantasy, MM is great, just the way she is.....But, if anyone wants my 2cents, those are really great things to have. There is an item that next week will jump to the top of the list.......hang in!

We are leaving the marina tomorrow, Monday, February 22. Winds: please be gentle, we HAVE to practice getting the the dinghy on and off the top deck, and find out if the repaired motor works!

Legacy Harbor marina -Fort Myers

 Sunday, January 31, 2021. Day 56.

Entering Legacy Marina in Fort Myers was an interesting event. The marina was packed, and the slips are narrow and short. We were assigned slip C6, and told that we could find the C dock by the yellow flag. Finally Roland spotted the yellow flag and we made our way in, zigzaging around several turns to get in to C dock. C6 was very narrow and very short, (we are 17 feet wide, the slip is 18 feet wide). But Captain Roland did an incredible job getting in. The dock hands were there to help us dock, bow in, port side (not my favorite).

We have a walk around only on the starboard side so getting on and off the boat on the port side is a little bit of a gymnastic feat for me. We have two possibilities of exit: one towards the stern and one towards the bow. Both were challenging. But I ended up going in and out near the stern, saying a short prayer each time I got on and off the boat for the entire time we were in Fort Myers.

There was a very large boat next to us, Sassy, and Janice and Jerome greeted us warmly when they returned from their outing. Their boat was so high off the dock that it took Jerome about 30 to 40 minutes to assemble a ladder so that they could get on and off Sassy. Unfortunately, the ladder took up most of the width of the narrow dock. Every time I went passed their ladder to get on and off my boat, I had to walk sideways. It was rather inconvenient.

Janice and Jerome were very nice and welcoming. They are from Toronto, and had already gotten both of their vaccines in Florida, without the need to show any documentation that they are Florida residents, and of course, they are not stressing, every day, over getting the vaccine and not in the vaccine frenzy that is dominating my life.

As is my practice, as soon as we get into the marina, I start my 4-6 loads of laundry, and providing the weather is good, go for a walk.

Fort Myers is the county seat of Lee County and there were several government buildings, a beautiful regional library, lots of lawyers' offices, some fun public art, and many outdoor restaurants. 

Unfortunately the outdoor restaurants were very crowded and, as we have found in many places in Florida, almost no one is wearing a mask. 

One of the reasons we wanted to go into a marina that week, was the forecast. Heavy winds were expected for the next couple days.

I had plenty of tasks that had to be completed over the next few days so I did not really mind the fact that the weather was unappealing. We were tied very tightly onto the dock but, due to the heavy winds, we were doing a lot of rocking and rolling. I had 18 WIL grant applications to review, and a WIL board meeting. The blog needed some attention and of course, being on land, endless errands. We were within a very short walking distance to Publix, which means we tend to shop everyday.

The reports from Philadelphia and New Jersey were that there was going to be lots of snow. They were having a storm similar to ours; while I was rocking and rolling in the marina, they were shoveling snow. As one friend noted, this was a great winter to cut out!

Because I hadn't been able to get an appointment online for a vaccine at Publix, I went every evening to the local Publix to see if anyone had failed to appear for their vaccine, hoping that I could snag one. On the third night of my visit, the store manager, who was not too happy with me, and announced that everybody shows up, there has never been a no show, and to even if there were, they would not give it to me! The had the required refrigeration and would just roll the dose over to the next week. He suggested I stop wasting my time stopping by very evening. If I were to get a shot due to a no show, it wouldn't be at this Publix!

Our next shot at an appointment (no pun intended), was at 6 am, on Wednesday morning February 3. Meanwhile, I had signed up all over Florida, and Philadelphia, and New Jersey; I was determined....or possibly, obsessed!

On Monday, we took a walk around the marina and stopped by another Kadey Krogen, Sabrina, docked at the Legacy Marina, and met Kitty. Kenny was out doing errands. Kitty showed us their brand new, never been used, dinghy. They had had their boat for four years and Kevin had never been in the original dinghy. They were thrilled. I, of course, admired the new dinghy, considering ours, too, was not my dream tender.

Whenever we are at a dock, and therefore land is accessable, if the weather is good, I try to run 3 miles, once or twice a week, and running around Fort Meyers was delightful. The area around the courthouse and the government buildings in the library usually were empty early in the morning. The temperatures were perfect.

Wednesday, February 3, 2021. Day 59.

The alarm went off at 5:10an, so I could get myself together (I wakened Roland at 5:30), so that at 6am, we would be ready to get online to try to get a vaccine appointment at Publix. The system is so random and so frustrating, but finally, after about an hour Roland got two opportunities for an appointment, one for each of us. Unfortunately, the appointments were in the panhandle, 600 miles away – one way. Our appointments were on Saturday and Sunday which would mean not only driving 1200 miles round-trip but also one or two nights in a hotel. We would of course have to rent a car, neither MM, nor our 20 inch folding bicycles would have made it in a reasonable amount of time. Furthermore, we would have to have our second doses in the same the location, 28 days later (Moderna). This was going to be an expensive odyssey.

Lots of arrangements were required. Our stay in the marina must be extended (assuming they had space). Roland went to the marina office and spoke to the dockmaster to arrange for us to have a monthly fee (which is way more inexpensive than 2 weeks), but we had to agree to come and go because they didn't always have a slip available for us. We worked out the specific days and then made the other arrangements: the rental car, the hotel for the first trip to Okaloosa County, Fort Walton Beach.

Thursday, February 4, 2021. Day 60.

The temperature was rather cold for Florida this time of year, in the 50s. I had plenty of work to do in preparation for my three hour zoom meeting of the Wil Grant Committee, more laundry, dishes, and cleaning; Roland washed the outside of the boat.

In the afternoon, I went for a walk and then met Roland at SoHo Garden where we had happy hour outside at a small corner table for two. On Thursday, the cocktails were two for one, and sushi was half price.

Friday, February 5, 2021. Day 59.

We were up early, and tried to get an appointment at Publix someplace closer then 600 miles. We were not successful. I had my three hour WIL Grant Committee meeting, which went extremely well.

Meanwhile Roland did his last-minute Publix shopping, packed for our trip to the panhandle and went to Enterprise to get a rental car.

After the zoom meeting I took a quick shower, got dressed, got in the car, and we started our absurdly ridiculous and arduous, long trek to get our vaccines.