Mon, Jan 11, 2010 - Ft Myers Beach, FL

When Maureen got up at 7 am it was 31°F outside. The thermometer on the boat showed 32°F in the cockpit (with the isinglass) and 35°F inside the cabin. She started the oven for some heat and then turned on the engine for more heat. The generator provided power for the coffee pot and the little space heater (more heat!). It didn’t take too long to thaw out.

The day was sunny with a light north wind – a good day to be outside again. We called the Animal Clinic and made an appointment for 1 pm to get Lucy a rabies shot and to start the paperwork needed in preparation for our entry into the Bahamas with a pet. We called a taxi to take us to the clinic and since we were early, we walked to Target to grab a sandwich. The staff at the veterinarian clinic was very helpful and said they would handle everything with the Bahamas for us. We can check back in a week or so to see if the paperwork is back. After Lucy’s appointment, we walked to the hardware store and to West Marine. Instead of walking home as we had originally planned, we called the taxi for a lift back. Gale still wanted to stop by the Westerbeke dealer’s place of business and make a trip to shore for water.

Gale stopped by the Matanzas Inn office to re-register for a few more days. While there he ran into a lady we’d met at Port St. Joe Marina who had just arrived with her husband on their trawler. He also visited with Diane and Trace, s/v Faith, who gave him specific information about anchorages between here and Cayo Costa. They especially love to go to Boca Grande where the rich and famous gather. She does her clothes shopping at the thrift store in Boca Grande where she finds wonderful barely-used clothing.

Tonight’s dinner consisted of leftovers. After reading for awhile, the three of us cozied in under the comforter for another cold night.