Waiting for Weather

Day 73 January 16, 2008

We arrived at Jacksonville Naval Air Station late Saturday night. Sunday morning we met Ed Hart for breakfast at the Golf Club. He was going to do the offshore leg to Miami with us until his physician scheduled another appointment for him later this week.

The remainder of Sunday and all day Monday were spent preparing to leave. I provisioned the boat and prepared meals for offshore sailing while Bob took the Honda outboard to a service center to have the recall work done on the motor. He stayed busy researching the Sojourners Pass and then preparing the documents exempting us from paying Florida sales tax on the boat after being in state more than 90 days.

Our friends Bob and Lynn from “Second Spree,” who are staying at the Brunswick Landing Marina in Georgia for the winter, drove down Monday. We spent an enjoyable afternoon and evening with them. Lynn gave me a haircut, for which I was very grateful since the one I had last month at the base was a disaster! It was really great to see them again.

While walking yesterday, we found a butterfly garden on base with some interesting facts. Did you know: butterfly blood is green; they smell with their feet when they land on plants; and they see only red, yellow, and green?

One thing I've learned – plans on a boat are always subject to change. We are waiting out rain, thunderstorms, and a small craft advisory; hoping to leave on Friday.