Wednesday, February 23, 2011

On Monday we ate breakfast at a litle place in Clearwater Marina.  While drinking my coffee, decided to ck. my e-mail.  My phone was totally DEAD.  I just got this Motorola from Verizon and was lauding the service we received along the rivers, so was a little dejected when I didn't connect.  Along the route to Mobile, we spotted a Verizon store and stopped to have the phone evaluated.  Couldn't believe the battery was definitely DEAD.  OK...

When we returned to Mobile, we discovered the window on the car that was broken was on the passenger's side of the vehicle.  This made the situation much easier as John was able to drive to the airport when I returned the rental car.  If the windshielf had been shatterted, he would not have been able to legally drive. 

We sat on the bench in front of Quality Glass in Mobile while they replaced the window.  My rear is really getting tired of sitting while all these repairs on the boat, car, etc. are being done. 

Back in WV after 3 days of agonizing travel by car.  Which is worse, 9 mph on a boat for 13 1/2 hours or sitting in a car for 1500 or whatever miles?  Anyway, we're overjoyed to be in our home and looking forward to seeing friends we've missed while away for 7 weeks.  And, I might add, I'm especially looking forward to seeing my hairdresser on Monday!!!

Winston is elated to be back in his own yard, racing around with a grin on his face. As for me, umm, back to the old routine, time to make dinner.  Laundry is also waiting!!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Finally able to get back to my impressions of the adventures on our trip south.  John has kept a rather detailed log, so you can get more information from his report.

We did have a few nice dinners along the way, one at Lulu's in the Gulf Shores and two others at Caroline's in Appacholia Marine.  Lulu's establishment is owned by Jimmy Buffett's sister and was relaxing with good food and a 3 pc. combo. Highly recommended.

I won't go into detail about crossing the Gulf and finally running aground, or Winston almost drowning in the Panama City Marna with John jumping into the Bay to rescue him, or learning our car windshield in the marina in Mobile, AL is shattered...

We're presently tied up in the Clearwater, FL marina which has access to nice restaurants and shops.  We had breakfast yesterday in a neat little cafe where Winston was welcome as well.  We were going to rent a car for the weekend but the price was so outlandish that we decided to wait until Monday when we'll get a car to drive to Mobile where we'll pick up our car. From there we'll return to Charleston, pay our dues to Uncle Sam and take care of any other business like my HAIR!!!  I got it cut once but no color. A good thing we won't run into anyone I know. Can't wait to get back home to get a tune-up. 

Clearwater is lovely: sunny, green, and warm!  This is the Florida we were looking forward to. The boat will remain here for a month.  We'll then continue south, taking our time as we tie up in new ports.  We're especially looking forward to Sarasota.