February 10th & 11th Days 213 & 214

On the 10th we were going to walk the beach and visit the town of Venice. We were up pretty early and Lin was going to clean the boat so I decided to take the bike and venture the 2.5 miles to town to the hardware store to get some fittings for the external water filter system. Nice ride in and got all the parts I needed. Started the ride back enjoying the morning and the nice houses, then it started to get dark first a lite rain then I got the full force of a Florida rain. I was about a mile from the boat and in that mile I was soaked. Lin was waiting for me with towel in hand, she thought about a nice SCOTCH but luckily she did not otherwise the day would have been shot. Rest of the day went well we emptied our water tank and re filtered all the water. It is hard with so many different water systems. The marina had a great restaurant which we enjoyed.
On the 11th we were up and ready to head out we had to wait for another boat to pump out and fuel before we could get fuel and pump out. It was foggy and cloudy all day but the ride was nice. There was one bridge that only opens on the hour and half hour, we were nice and let 6 boats to do slow pass which caused us to miss the opening, oh well who has a schedule? We planned on staying at Cabbage Key Marina, well Lin & I kidded all day about CABBAGE PATCH marina.
Well when I turned off the GIWW I called on the radio CABBAGE PATCH MARINA this is Goofin Off once he heard our boats name he understood.
As we got in the wind was strong and pushing us off the dock Lin gave him the bow line and I told him CLEAT IT well he knew better and wrapped it loose. No way was I getting the stern in with out a good bow wrap. Needless to say he had to pull his guts out to get us in. I am sure other captains have the same frustration when the dock hand or Dock Master as they are called know more than you do on how your boat handles. It was a nail biter but as luck has it we made it in safe and sound. Tomorrow we will travel to Ft Meyers where we will spend a few days before we head to Naples to visit our Sister-in law.

Lin& Rich
Cabbage Key Marina
Cabbage Key Florida