Committee Meetings

Weather: Late afternoon showers were the only blemish on an otherwise perfect day in paradise. The temp range was 78 – 84 degrees; the wind was out of the east at 10 knots until late afternoon when a weak cold front moved through bringing 5 to 10 degree cooler weather and wind out of the west at 5 to 10 knots. After the front moved through, we were back in east wind at about 5 knots. The day was mostly sunny when late afternoon dark clouds and a brief period of overcast skies came along.

Comment: We enjoyed a “cooked” breakfast for the first time since we returned to the boat. Spam and eggs were a real treat for the Texans (I think beef brisket is their main source of protein). They haven’t had eggs since they moved from New Jersey 16 years ago. Did you know that you can’t get good rolls, a hoagie, Philly cheese steak, soft pretzels or Tastykakes in Texas? Of course, in New Jersey, we don’t have many dishes where the main ingredient is cows’ feet.

Committee meetings started immediately after the cruisers’ net. The standing committees (Finance, Entertainment, Maintenance and Repair, and Technology) and a special committee whose task is to plan the 100th day celebration all met in succession. As you might imagine, there was a lot of discussion and little action. Marje and I were put in charge of the scheduled maintenance and repairs. Cleaning the bottom was the business of the day. We accomplished the task in about two hours. We were quite comfortable in the 72 degree water as we scrubbed the fauna that was growing on “SUNSHINE’S” bottom. The waterline on the starboard side of the vessel, especially the outside portion of the hull had a thick growth of green slime that was hard to remove. The inside part of the starboard hull wasn’t quite as bad, and both sides of the port hull were reasonably easy to clean. We also noted a few barnacles beginning to take hold and, armed with a scrapper, will get back in the water tomorrow to remove them.

When we left the boat at Nettles Island for three weeks, the starboard hull was facing south. We presume the sun caused the heavy growth on that side.

Ed and Anna Marie were elected to leadership positions in the Finance Committee. Following the meeting, they were charged with procuring containers that were to be used to ferry fresh water for “SUNSHINE’S” holding tank. They returned without the water jugs but managed to BLOW the budget of other stuff! An investigation ensued and the Committee for Controversies and Disputes required Ed to reimburse the cruising kitty for his own personal expenses.

The TIKI BAR opened at 1600 hours. The crew of “SUNSHINE” was joined by the crew of “Tally Ho.” The Margaritas were superb! Andrew took a few pictures of the new canvas work to use for reference when he makes an enclosure for “Tally Ho.”

After the TIKI BAR closed, we were off to the Overseas Bar and Lounge for 25 cent wings and sliders (75 cents). The food was good and the price was right. We met a few folks including Ronald Blackeby, a retired CIE teacher from Cinnaminson, NJ. Ron knew the CIE teacher at Pennsauken High School (I worked in the Pennsauken School District for 20 years). Ron is also a member of the Farragat Yacht Club (north Camden, NJ). Coincidently, we met people (Bob and Mary from “Ter-Barb) from FYC two years ago on our Catboat Adventure. Ron said that “Ter-Barb” is heading for Boot Key Harbor and might arrive in a few days.

Tim Dee provided the entertainment at the Overseas. We stayed for his first set and enjoyed listening to him. We returned to the boat, discussed the day’s events and talked about possibly inflating the kayaks tomorrow morning (after the cruisers’ net).