Carry On

Carry On "Standing Tall" at Ortega Landing

It's hard to believe that we've been here for two and a half weeks already, but we've been preoccupied by a few things—Paul's surgery, his recuperation and preparing the boat for a showing after two weeks in a dirty boatyard and a salty offshore passage. Paul's surgery went well and he's well on the road to recovery, and the boat looked beautiful for its showing. I worked very hard, cleaning for quite a few days, and was starting to complain about my daily drudge. The showing went well and our prospects commented that it was the cleanest boat they had ever seen. I think they meant that as a compliment, but I wasn't quite sure whether to feel proud or embarrassed!

Living Aboard, Miami River

We've started poking around Jacksonville's attractions again, but more on that next time as we have a guided tour of downtown planned for next week, as well as the art museum and gardens. For a while now, I've been saving photos of boats that catch our attention for some reason other beyond the usual "that's a nice boat"—sometimes because they are so huge and over the top, sometimes because they are so derelict. Most I've taken in Florida waters.

It's kind of a rainy day file and since today seems to be full of passing showers, it seems like a good day to share these pics. 

The Miami River, where Spencer Boat is located, is lined with funky crab and lobster (of the spiny variety) shacks, as well as a some kind of charming hippy looking houses set on the river. This boat had that same look—though it didn't exactly look seaworthy, it had a certain Bohemian appeal. 

Just Open the Hull

Here's a huge boat that we saw somewhere in the Palm Beach area on the ICW. It's so big that the tender is stored in the hull—and we're sure it was at least a 30 ft high speed motor boat. 

We wonder how many days a year a year it's used!

Helipad on Top

Here's another favorite. We've seen this boat a few times as we make our way up and down the ICW. Check out the helicopter on the aft upper deck—great for a quick getaway!

That's all for now, but one of the joys of traveling the waterway is the sight seeing!