Flying to SUNSHINE (Day 085)

From: West Creek, NJ
To: Boot Marathon Boat Yard, Marathon, FL MM1195

Weather: We departed our home at 0415 in 30 degree weather and rain, heavy at times. By the time we reached the Atlantic City Airport, the rain stopped, but it was still cold and windy. It could be a bumpy plane ride.


Comment: The flight departed on time but, due to head winds the whole way, we arrived in Ft, Lauderdale about five minutes late. We flew at 38,000 feet, above two layers of clouds to get out of the “bumpy” air. The entire eastern seaboard was thickly blanketed by clouds. I’ve never seen the entire coast covered by clouds. We didn’t see any “ground” until a few minutes before Ft. Lauderdale.

The landing was sooth, Hertz had our car ready to go and at about 1015 hours, began the driving portion of our trip back to SUNSHINE, we stopped at the Homestead WalMart to provision. Besides that stop, we made a 45 minute pit stop for lunch at Alabama Jacks, a local restaurant with lots of color, just before the Card Sound Bridge.

On the way to Marathon, we made one other stop for cold beverages. At 1600, our long day of traveling was over. We pulled into the Marathon Boat Yard to see SUNSHINE resting comfortably right next to the travel lift well.

After off loading the provisions, we visited the local establishments that did work on SUNSHINE while we were away. After the chores, we did dinner at the Island Tiki Bar. While dining, a severe storm blew through causing customers, who were enjoying their repast near the water to scurry for cover. The rain came quickly and the wind blew to 45 knots. I took about twenty minutes for things to settle down. The restaurant staff was very gracious to those who had to move quickly, offering free desert or a free beer to the patrons.

We made it back to the boat and began to prep for tomorrow’s launch.