This entry, while still 6-8 weeks behind real time, is being written just before it posts. This is why the blog runs so far behind real time. There are times I just can't sit down and do this. I'm sure the writing itself suffers as well when I am depending on my failing memory a month or so later, but again I have to play the hand I am dealt :)
While this trip was a business trip, it was more so a last favor I could do for someone I miss terribly. I missed David's services in late September because they conflicted with our tractor parade with Grandpa. But we will be joining Miss Claudia on Jan 29 for David's Celebration of Like in Punta Gorda, FL.
We start out with a day's drive down to Jacksonville. I was able to drive for less than the cost of just a one way plane ticket. I don't know why, but airfare from Nashville to Florida is terrible. This also worked out to stage Miss Claudia's car down to Hammock Beach Marina. We spent the rest of that first day checking fluids and going through what needed to be checked to move the boat. Then of course a little dinner at "The Loop" :)
This little Albin was docked behind Still Waters II waiting for a haulout. Very neat little vessel. Sadler Point Marina took great care of her, and they come pretty highly recommended for service work.
The first day, we got settled up, and off we went out into the St John's river, headed for the ICW. Taking off went much smoother than I expected. It was a very hard day for Miss Claudia, as no one had taken the helm of Still Waters II but her beloved David, in over a decade. But many friends sent her all the love they could, and she really was able to sit back and take in the trip.
We had a fuel issue on the port engine, and ended up running most of the day on just starboard. I had it primed up and available for docking. in St Augustine. And Miss Claudia even worked her way from First Class Passenger to Captain! :)
We docked for the night in St Augustine, and took a little walk downtown. A beautiful little town, and one of David's favorites to talk about. David loved history, and St Augustine, FL is jam packed full of it!
The second morning I took a closer look at Port, trying to determine what the fuel issue was. I became intimately aware why David took one look at my engine room on Toscana and said right there he has Engine Room Envy :) I also found no obvious problems. Wiggled some wires and connections... and what would you know... Port ran just fine all day long on the second day! David and Claudia call things like that FOG... Favor Of God. And I have no other explanation.
Some great folks Paul and Michelle were waiting for us in Palm Coast and shot this wonderful video of us coming in to dock!
If the embedded video doesn't play, click here: https://youtu.be/m2-ilFNpB4M
Many thanks to everyone that helped out, reaching out to Miss Claudia, giving her strength for this trip. I am so very humbled to have been asked to do it.Still Waters II is home, very near the slip David and Claudia spent the previous year or two. I just pray that she can find peace, and know she isn't alone in missing David!
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