Leaving our newly beloved Dry Tortugas for the west coast meant our first overnight run aboard Chickadee. We had light but steady winds to sail by day, and calm seas by sunset that had us firing up the engine for the night.
The girls were happy to be experiencing their first truly offshore night, and despite the frustrating pot-dodging maneuvers that Andy dealt with in his pre-dawn watch (Susan=zzzzz after her pre-pre-dawn stint), it was a great trip.
Just before dinner in the cockpit at sunset we were awarded front row seats at an incredible dolphin performance, complete with bow wake-riding, tail slaps and full aerial flips, which went on for 20 minutes. It was a treat, as if ordered especially for our entertainment. During the night watch I loved hearing the random “phhh” of breath breaking the surface, and a blip of a cresting dolphin every now and then. While I find complete comfort in the vastness of the endless sea offshore, especially at night, it’s nice to have company every once in a while.
Another fun show was a fighter jet fly-by, seemingly out of nowhere and boom, upon us in a flash. We all happened to be in the cockpit, and as Andy and I grinned and waved like idiots and Lily cleverly covered her ears to shield them from the insane accompanying noise (and out of fear, more likely), we saw the two pilots clearly as they swooped down toward us (heart: stopped), tipped onto their side for a show, and zoomed off into the ether. It was so, SO crazy. And amazing. And I want it to happen every time I sail. (Minus the noise, which was deafening. Lily’s the smart one in the family.)
We arrived on Marco Island in the early morning, and treated ourselves with a marina chosen for its pool. De-salt the boat, re-chlorinate the bodies. Probably makes sense in some universe?
A full day of swimming later, and we’ve since moved up the coast to Naples, where we sit, waiting out a frontal system before creeping northward still. I’m in denial that our time is wrapping up; I think they’ll have to take me kicking and screaming. However, we’re enjoying our days right to the end; today was a day at the Naples Zoo, and it was a keeper. THIS happened:
Also tigers fighting, black bear feeding, lemurs (Lily’s favorite, thanks to Borat),
and Violet’s cherished cheetahs.
We’ve visited family, family friends, yarn crafted ourselves to death, walked in town and West Marine-d ourselves up.
After a beachy morning, we’ll hope the wind shifts by afternoon and make our way to Fort Myers Beach.
Until then!
Wow!! Hard to believe your magical “we four Allens together on and off the sea with our special Chickadee” adventure has come to an end. For me it has been an escape from New Hampshire’s winter days and a vicarious look into life for us back on our special island come May.
While Chickadee awaits your return next year, Panache will be slipping onto Mt. Desert Island’s waters before long. Perhaps you Allens will come aboard for sailing adventures where no one really wants to dive off the bow to sample swimming in our Maine waters.
So “Thank you” Susan, Andy, Lily and Violet for sharing your southern sailing and life adventures with all of us! It has been so much fun!
Indeed Frank, the Maine season will be upon us in no time! We look forward to seeing you two, on or off the water!