Thursday, September 18, 2008

We are still waiting!!!!

We visited the land of Mickey Mouse and cringed as we watched a month's cruising budget disintegrate in one week. Very expensive, but it has to be done I am afraid. The kids loved it, but both Garry and I are wishing for the cruising life. Garry is getting very frustrated as we try and get the repairs done so we can move the boat to a live-aboard dock. This is not a cheap option, but certainly cheaper than a hotel!!! We are both very keen to start cleaning and stocking her ready for the cruise south. We both feel a little like we do not belong anywhere and want our new home, "the Bay" to be ready for her new occupants. We look at her longingly and lament her sorry state. It appears as though her intestines or internal working has undergone major surgery. She is a mess, with her engine partially pulled out and her mizzen mast hacked at. The radar cables have been severed as well, much to Garry's horror. Not a pretty sight! Unfortunately the workers appear to operate on Floridian time and there is always the promise that it will be ready tomorrow. Garry is about to "spit it" at the repairers and I am afraid I will be needed to go in and mop up the damage. He is about to sack them all and finish the repairs himself. If the engine was complete we could move her at least. We visited the dock where we may set up home for a while. Very trendy! Amazing position, in the middle of town with a "pub" at our doorstep, nightclubs, beautiful river walks etc. The nearest equivalent I can think of is like East Perth, but with more history. It could be very comfortable for a while. We then plan to hang off the anchor near Miami, lots of nice harbours and bays like Biscayne Bay, of course. We have visited lots of marine stores and have found the cost of things very reasonable. I cannot wait to unpack the suitcases and get the kids started on a routine. I have been pushing them to journal and got them into some puzzles and word games, but we will pick up their distance education books this week and get them started on their schooling. They are going to learn French and have made contact with their French teacher today. I have made a start on my text book as my publisher is breathing down my neck and as soon as it is done I can get paid!!!! We will look back in a few months and think of the funny side of things and wonder how we could have thought it all so difficult. We are getting closer to our original plan every day and for now we must play the waiting game!!

3 comments:

trisnjas said...

Yes, Disney is a must see.. Sounds like a lot of fun being there, i hope that things do go well and that you will be tucked up in your nice dock soon.. How long until you think you will be out there cruising? when does the good season start for the Carrib?

SV Westward II said...

Hey Guy's don't worry to much about the cruising kitty Once your under way the spending slows down and DisneyLand is a once in a life time thing. Will catch you on Skype

The Wombat Warrior said...

Still sounds like a huge adventure and were sure that once everything is 'ship shape' the hard work will become a distant memory and something to have a lugh over with a few quiet beers.. All the best and we look forward to reading about you next adventure