Tropical Storm Erika

We are sailing into peak hurricane season.  We are safe sailors and take all precautions, but living in Florida we cannot avoid all hurricane risks, therefore, we prepare and minimize our risks as best we can. 

Our plan in Marathon is to clear the decks of all canvas and sail, stow the extra fuel cans, lock Fly Away up, put the dinghy and Honda motor on the truck, and drive north to Orlando.  The marina requires we move the boat from the floating dock to the mooring ball field.  We will tie special hurricane lines to several cleats on the boat and to the base of the mast for extra measure of security. 

When we are in the Bahamas we will be alert for weather systems and have our hurricane hole scouted out and within sailing reach.  We will use our inventory of anchors, chain, and rode to secure our boat, and most likely, we will stay with the boat, as the islands probably will not have shelters or hotels, but if they do, we will make prudent use of them! 

   

The good news is that TS Erika is weakening (from 50 to 45 mph) and forecasted to move in a more northwest direction and stay off the coast of Florida.  Yet the National Hurricane Center forecasts her to become a hurricane (75 mph) by Monday morning.  Because of the uncertainty of hurricanes, one must not become lulled by favorable forecasts, so we remain alert and ready to go into evacuation mode. 

We returned the truck to Orlando and planned to ride with our friends, Gordy and Jeannie, back to Marathon, and then head to the Bahamas, distant anchorages and deserted islands, and all that.  TS Erika changed those plans, and here we are with the truck in Marathon.  When TS Erika passes and hopefully, all settles down to normal, Daryl will take the truck back and return next day on the bus. Then with a good weather window, we will head east to the Bahamas. 

Meanwhile, I had a mini-vacation in St. Petersburg.  The first thing I noticed when I entered my little condo was how HUGE it had become in my absence!  The rooms were so large, the counter tops spacious, the sinks huge, and my bed was king size!!  Ok, not really, but comparatively, for sure.  So to make your home larger, try living on a boat for 2 ½ months. 

I completed a list of to-do’s when I was in St. Petersburg and got to catch up with friends.  Candy made spiralized zucchini pasta for Sunday dinner – beautiful, delicious and healthy.  She and I got to do some yoga with Barbara Scion. I walked the beach with Amy and we celebrated her birthday. Visited with Ann and Ralph who are always on the go and doing well.  I ran each morning and pledge to take my running shoes no matter where I go.  I swam some laps in the pool and generally tried to get some good exercise.  I spent leisurely time on the phone with my distant friends, Anne, Laura, and Kay.  I also got a sailor’s haircut from Paul and a much needed facial with Georgette.  Plus Dr. Kasia gave me a clean bill of health!  So all is right in my world.

It’s good to be back on the boat, and we shall see what the next few days will bring.  Stay tuned.