The Adventure Begins

This week we finally left Texas and headed to Florida. Monday we hit I-10 headed east in the family truckster. It was an unremarkable journey other than the difficulty of finding a hotel when travelling with a dog. We arrived at our AirBnb in Bradenton, FL Tuesday evening and immediately headed for the pool. It was a bit frosty to say the least. Luckily Mike figured out the temperature control and we've been enjoying the pool every night since.

We did manage a quick peak at the boat Tuesday enroute to the house. She's a big girl. She's currently on the hard getting a new bottom. Hopefully she will be splashed next Wednesday or Thursday and we can start our projects. She is a Beneteau First 51, a Frers design. It is an older but well built boat that we can safely sail just about anywhere.

Wednesday, while the kids caught up on schoolwork, Mike and I went through the boat and got some measurements for some of our projects. Lots of compartments to explore. We should have plenty of storage, contrary to what Mike keeps saying every time he looks at all our stuff. I got to meet the current boat owner, Bill, that evening. He seems like a really great guy and has taken really good care of the boat. He's owned her for over 20 years. He's raced her and cruised her throughout the Caribbean. We got to hear some great stories about their travels over a couple beers.

Thursday brought a trip to Ft. Lauderdale. Mike has been trying to find new anchor chain to go on our new Mantus anchor. Apparently buying 500 lbs of chain gets expensive due to shipping. Thought we had found what we needed in Ft. Lauderdale. Unfortunately it didn't work out so instead we headed to the Ft Lauderdale boat show. Not much of a sailboat show but we did get some great info on some electronics we need to purchase. We also bought the new boat name and hailing port and picked up a bunch of new charts. I also learned that apparently some people (Mike) like burnt pretzels. I guess calling the Extra Dark is supposed to make them sound fancy. I mean seriously they sell these things?!?!

On Friday Tina came to visit. She's one of my closest friends from junior high and high school and now lives close by in Florida. We hadn't seen each other in a few years and it was so good to catch up. She got to see the boat and hear all about the big trip.

Finally, today we got to go see a bunch of Mike's family. It has been a while since we've been to Florida to visit his dad and aunts. It was definitely a little weird visiting outside and in masks but it was really good to see everyone again.

This next week will bring lots of work. We should finally be able to start cleaning up the boat and getting it ready for all of our stuff. Hopefully closing on the boat midweek. Next Saturday we are finally going to get to sail. We are heading out with the current owner and his racing crew to get to know the boat. Can't wait to see how she sails.