Preparation - Are We There Yet???

Last week I met Dave in Florida to prep the boat and get it ready to launch in the water. What a learning experience! Of course we had to start off the week by doing it right and attending a boat show in St. Pete. Dave was pulled into a conversation on the pros and cons of all the attributes of fishing poles (who knew??) while I watched a cooking demonstration. Sadly for the boat show, the only money they got out of us was for an autographed "Bob Bitchin" sweatshirt for me as I was freezing! Of course there was a party that evening which was a lot of fun with my new friends. Reference the enclosed picture and the photo link for evidence.

The next day we returned to Indiantown where it had definitely warmed up and was very humid. For those of you who don't know, Indiantown is about an hour and a half north of Fort Lauderdale near Lake Okeechobee. Dave and I began by painting the hull and boot stripe of the boat. It went on from there with all the chores to be done but I think replacing the water heater was the most frustrating as nothing seemed to fit. However, attaching the wind generator (for all my loooooong hot showers) was the most interesting as the mizzen mast had to be pulled down. Finally, the boat was ready to be launched by Friday. For those interested, see the photo site for the mast removal and then the movement of the boat into the water by Travelift. Dave was one happy camper to finally see Starshine in the water again!

Since I had to return to California on Sunday morning, we spent Saturday in Fort Lauderdale. Our first trip in Costco to begin provisioning the boat cost us about $400. However, Saturday night at the casino we came out ahead by $400 (thanks Dave for your words of experience)!

Now I am in California finishing up my last week of work before the adventure begins! Can hardly wait!!!