2019 Cruise - Week 3

2019 Cruise - Week 3

Sunday, January 20, 2019 - Football!

Went to the Marathon Grille for the KC vs. NE game. Arrived for the last quarter of the Saints v. Rams. We cheered for the Saints (for no particular reason), but the Rams won in overtime. With 1:45 remaining, the refs missed an obvious pass interference call on a third down play. The Saints, who could have run out the clock for the win had to punt. The Rams drove down field and kicked a 57 yard field goal to force OT. Then went on to win.

The late game went into OT as well, with Brady engineering the winning drive. KC (we root for KC because we like Andy Reid) could have won, but one of their players lined up offsides and the play was called back. 

Since both our teams lost, we have very little interest in the Super Bowl.

Monday, January 21, 2019 - Laying Low!

I developed a rash on Saturday that was exacerbated by all the walking we did yesterday. No sure, but think it was caused by a bug bite. So we’re laying low for a couple days until it goes away.

The wind laid down a bit today. The high only made it to the Mid 60s. It felt cool. Everyone was wearing long pants and sweaters.

Tues, January 22, 2019 - A Lazy Day!

Because of the rash, I’m hanging around the boat again. AM walked to Publix. I read some of Pirate by Ted Buell. 

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 -  Dock Party #2

We welcomed John and Susan (Mighty Wench) to the Marina this morning. About one-half dozen folks helped them launch on this windy morning. 

In the afternoon, AM and I took off for Bev’s and Mike’s Dock Party. Another good time here in Paradise.

In the evening, we went to Open Mic night at the ‘Cane to hear Jim. He’s really good! We enjoyed his set.

Thursday, January 24, 2019 - Hangin’ Out!

The forecast suggested rain would start at 0900. We waited. Instead of rain, we had sun. The next rain cell was supposed to arrive at 1600. It didn’t. Then the prediction was for 1700 and again, no rain, but it was overcast. We had a nice, long gam with a bunch of folks. We thought the gam would last until the rain chased us in, but even after the sunset, still no rain. The gam continued. Thunder started to rumble over the Gulf, some time later, lightening flashed. The gam continued as the thunder and lightening was far away. Eventually a few drops of liquid sunshine were felt, signaling that the gam was over.

Between the threats of rain, I took AM to the store where I bought her a couple pair of yoga pants. At around 1300, we boarded the F 250 for lunch at Burdines, our favorite eatery in Marathon. We always get the Mahi Ruben and Fries (with extra fry dust). The fries are the best!

lWizard is the name of the sunken boat in the picture. It has been the talk of the harbor (Boot Key Harbor) since we arrived. It has recently become the talk of Blackfin mariners as well. Wizard had apparently been anchored in Boot Key Harbor and, as folks have reported, it has dragged anchor repeatedly. Mariners who are staying in the mooring field have frequently expressed concern that the Wizard could damage their boats when and if it were to drag thru the morning field. Reports were made to the Coast Guard and FWC, but nothing had been done to secure the boat. Apparently no one has been seen on the boat for over a year. A few days ago a collective cheer went through the harbor when a center console boat towed the Wizard out of the harbor. I saw a photo, posted on the Boot Key Harbor Facebook page, that showed the Wizard being towed out of the harbor. 

A few hours later, I watched as the tow arrived just a few hundred feet from Blackfin. A person on the bow of Wizard lazily dropped the anchor, reboarded the tow vessel which then motored away from the scene. There was no attempt to make sure the anchor was caught. Sometime later, Wizard drifted free and was blown toward shore. It was towed back in the dark of night where it sank, a few hundred yards from Blackfin. 

I have heard that the sinking has been reported to the Coast Guard and the FWC. I haven’t seen either organization around the Wizard. I have, however, seen at least one guy on a SUP board Wizard. I suppose he was looking for stuff that could be salvaged.

Friday, January 25, 2019 - Howard Livingston at Boondocks!

It’s windy and cool today with some liquid sunshine predicted. At 1700 we joined Gary and Carol for a trip to Boondocks to have dinner and see Howard Livingston. We arrived at 1745 ordered some appetizers and talked until the show began at 1900. Howard and Mile Marker 24 are very entertaining. They played their hits, of course, some of which were new and they played a bunch of covers that we haven’t heard them do before. We stayed for dinner and both sets and began driving home a little after 2200. We found a bunch of Captain Josh’s mustards and sauces in the gift shop, but didn’t buy any because they were all hot!

Saturday, January 26, 2019 - Jammin!

After a breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast, we walked to the weekly farmers market near Crane Point. Along the way, we stopped at the flea market at the Marathon Garden Club. We didn’t make any purchases, but the place was hopping. I’m sure there were buyers in the crowd.

It’s windy and cool again today and a few sprinkles are headed our way. In the evening, we joined Tom and Jackie at Jim and Terry’s room for a jam. We played for a few hours and exchanged a bunch of stories. Before we knew it, it was 2330, way past their bedtime. Not ours though. We went back to SUNSHINE where we watched a couple shows before hitting the sack.