We planned it pretty carefully, and hopefully we’ve thought of most everything. Our friends Jerry and Wendy Taylor, who are professional delivery captains, took Growler a week ago and headed south to Stuart, Florida. I needed to stay in town to get the March issue done, as well as other timely commitments that kept us engaged in Annapolis. It's funny how hard it is to get away from the demands of everyday life. But no matter, when we turn around and begin our leisurely way north back to Annapolis, Laurene will get to see the ICW in all its glory and shallowness.
I was quite surprised how much stuff we were able to get aboard Growler in the weeks before she left. Laurene put most of three months worth of dog food under the V-berth, including 30 pounds of dog treats. (Our rescued 12-year-old golden retriever, Katie, has a sensitive stomach, so she needs special treats that Laurene has figured out. Dried duck breast, sweet potato fries, and pigs’ ears seem to be among her favorites. We doubt we’ll see those in any marina stores in Florida!)
We tried to hold back on how much clothing we took on this trip, how many pairs of shoes, trying hard to figure out how we’ll live while enjoying life in Marathon during February. The plan calls for lots of long walks, water activities as much as we can, and my continued efforts to write, shoot pictures and video, and blog along on a regular basis. Folks have already invited us to share their stories and boats, and I figure being embedded in the cruising community will be an awesome experience, perhaps even more than I can imagine now.
Our plan is to head down to Marathon after Trawler Fest then cruise around the Keys and slowly work north over the course of March and April. The only commitment on my schedule is Natalie’s wedding. Our managing editor ties the knot on April 12th, and I can’t possibly miss that event. So that date is our deadline for returning to Annapolis.
While in the ICW, I plan to spend quality time in Charleston, Beaufort, and many other points along the way that demand some time ashore. Cruising guide writer and lecturer, Claiborne Young, has offered to help sort out the many possibilities for us to visit, and he’ll no doubt figure heavily in our northern journey.
But all this is yet to occur, still out in front of me, and it is enough for now to know that we are prepared for many new and interesting twists and turns. Stepping into a life with no specific goal is a big change for me. But that makes it even more exciting.
In a matter of days, it begins. See you along the way!