Friday, April 13, 2007

The last two weeks have been busy.  Alan and I worked just about every day last week and Easter weekend on his final survey.  I did the data entry and learned how to use the new software we had purchased to generate survey reports.  It was slow going at first but in the end we were feeling pretty good about getting the system down.  By Sunday night it was done.  In between his school work Alan  installed the rebuilt  hydraulic steering pump and bled the system!

On Monday morning Alan took two of his classmates, Joe and Julie, fishing in the RIB.   Sounded like they had some fun catching "ladyfish", a highly acrobatic fish.  Between Alan, Joe, and Julie,  they caught 12 fish, could only get 4 into the boat and only 2 actually into their hands! They're not a good eating fish - just fun to catch!

Joe's Ladyfish

On Monday afternoon we took the  boat into the dock where we had a diver dive on it, replace the zincs, and clean the bottom (it was looking pretty green after sitting in one spot for so long).  So we should be good to go.

With his final survey done Alan's focus this week was studying for the ABYC exam, a reportedly difficult professional exam, which he is taking as I write this.  I met with my friend Gerta every day this week going over our Spanish lessons and squeezing in as much as we could before we leave.  On Tuesday she had me over to her house for coffee to see their collection of Peruvian and pre-Columbian  art.  It was a very nice time and I really appreciated seeing all their wonderful pieces.  Her husband, Lincoln, gave me a beautiful carved gourd. It has the most intricate carvings of scenes of everyday life in a Peruvian village - really lovely.   On Wednesday I stopped by the fish market to chat with Monte and buy some fish for dinner.  We had Alan's classmate from Canada, Julian, and his wife Kay over for dinner Wednesday night.  They're going to drop our car and trailer off in  Brunswick Landing for us on their way home to Canada. 

                                      Alan and his classmate, Julian, from Canada                                                 "The Graduate"

With classes done, the ABYC exam over, and diploma in hand, Alan was back at the marina by 12:30 today with Julian.  We put my bike on the boat trailer and Julian left with our car and trailer.  With the highest final grade in his class, 98, Alan came home with a Chapman School burgee and a nomination to the National Honor Society, Alpha Beta Kappa!  That's my guy!  We went to town for lunch to celebrate.  On the way back to the boat we stopped by Atlantis Seafood to see Monte and pick up some fish.  Monte had already packed us a goodie bag complete with several meals of fresh Mahi Mahi, Ahi tuna, and Louisiana shrimp, all frozen and ready to go!   Sure am going to miss the visits to my favorite fish market and the chats with Monte. But Stuart is already at the top of  our list for a long stop over next year.   

Saturday, April 14, 2007

We left the mooring field around 7:45 this morning and by 8:45 we had turned into the ICW and were officially heading in a "northerly" direction.  Had a nice following breeze ESE so we were able to put some sail out and motorsail.  Made about 7 knots until we reached Fort Pierce inlet and the tide changed.  Had planned to get just north of Vero Beach but because of the forecast for some weather tonight and tomorrow we decided to pull into Vero Beach Municipal Marina and take a slip.  Took a long walk down to the beach on the Atlantic - very enjoyable but hot!  Since we're at the dock we're taking advantage of all the amenities, air conditioning is on and Alan is in heaven ( he has cable TV for the first time in 2 months!) Hey, he deserves it!

Stuart Mooring Field - our base for the past 7 weeks