Return from Florida

My winter 2019 season ended with a rough ride home to Rhode Island in early May 2020. The ride home had tossed everything in the salon as I fought beam seas.

Back in my slip in early May… I thought the worst was over…

Covid-19 Pandemic

Dad

Now home, the first order of business was to go see Dad. I had flown up to visit once during the winter but now we could spend the next six months together until I had to leave again on Halloween 2020.

I could not do my trip south each winter if it were not for my brother, Eddie and his wife, Doreen. They give so much of themselves to help my Dad live his best life. They become the primary care givers for my Dad when I leave to head south for the winter. Family is a wonderful thing.

My Dad drove trucks all his life. These days his memory is failing. My brother and I thought it would be nice to take him to the Danny Rounds truck show 2020. Dad surprised us with his recall of all things trucks that day. It was a great day to see him get out and smile around the antique trucks.

Projects – Dad’s Home

When I get back every Spring my brother and I make any needed repairs to my Dad’s home. This year was a busy one with lots of repairs and modifications to siding, ceilings, furnace, new privacy fence, etc.

FBM – FaceBook Marketplace – Cash is King

I spent some time using FaceBook Marketplace to sell many items and turn them into cash to purchase others. I am kind of addicted to FBM.

More Anchoring – No Kayaks

This was the year that I finally decided to sell both heavy kayaks and go with twin lightweight, high-pressure inflatable, SUPs (Stand Up Paddleboards). I was able to stow two SUPs in the port kayak hooks and a 12″ high-pressure inflatable dock on the starboard side. I also purchased two 12′ x 18″ rafting fenders so other boaters can raft along side me each weekend.

Dinghy Upgrade

Fishing is big in SW Florida. However, much of the water is very shallow. I have decided to upgrade my dinghy as my old Walker Bay 340 dingy (shown below being hauled away by its new owner). It had several patches and was showing its 8 year age.

I found a 12′ Highfield aluminum hulled hypalon dinghy with a 25HP Yamaha outboard on FBM (shown below).

I then set out to customize it. I added:

1. Tan colored dinghy chaps
2. Motor & seat covers
3. Custom silk-screened state registration panels
4. Garmin GPS/fish finder
5. NMEA 2K network for outboard engine data on Garmin.
6. Lifters trim tabs,
7. Garmin Fusion Stereo
8. Upgraded battery box with cell charger and 12V power.
9. Drink holders
10. Fishing rod holders
11. etc. (see pics below)

I like to trick out the dinghy to have everything that I need for fishing.

Summer Getaways

My brother was nice enough to cover for me while I flew to Florida on a family emergency as well as got in a few boating trips to Martha’s Vineyard, Cuttyhunk, Block Island and Newport.

Saltwater Drone

My old drone got damaged by salt water so I decided to buy a drone that can land directly in the saltwater.

My 4-Legged Kids

Thanks to Kelly for letting me visit our dogs before I left. She’s a great dog Mom and takes the best care of these two. I love these furry kids.

Projects – Simple Life

I worked on several boat projects such as replacing my Khalenberg air compressor, new bottom paint & zincs, waxed hull, LED & party lighting, upgraded to all Gen 3 iPad Pros for navigation, new windlass & deck mount, etc.

I also added a new espresso machine and station complete with everything needed to make some good coffee drinks.

Also a shoutout to Greg and Tracey from MV Reel Fine for giving me their old dinghy davits. I mounted them on the stern just before I left.

I finally mounted a proper first-aid kit, Anti-chocking device and AED – Automated External Defibrillator. I hope I never need these but it’s good to know they are aboard.

While I had the boat on the hard for maintenance, I made sure to pretty her up.

Civic Duty

Soon I was down to a week before departure so I had to run out quick and cast my vote.

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Last Minute Projects

Preppy was supposed to join me for the 1st week on the trip but we needed that week to finish several projects that needed to be done before departure . I can’t thank Preppy enough for his help during this last minute rush to get things fixed and get off the dock. I don’t know how I would have done it without him. Nice to have good friends. Below is a pic of Preppy & I while we took a break and chatted with Heather and Debby who had come by to see me off.

Stay tuned for the next blog post about the first leg of my Winter 2020.