Planning….

This post was written prior to our leaving home on Tuesday the 28th. However, some technical difficulties with a new iPad prohibited us from using the WordPress App until our technician (Joe) had time to investigate. We also were not able to post any pics. We will resume our regular broadcasts very soon. Thanks for checking in!

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We did not think we would be hauling a U-Haul – yet again! However, in order for us to actually bring the things we might need (tools) along with the new freezer/fridge, it is necessary. God knows we can’t pack too much in the back seat or we get the sad face from Miss Coconut. She is such an excellent traveler that we allow her lots of stretching out room. I swear she can be yard long if she wants to be. Love is blind.

A few weeks back, we drove to Red Wing, MN to pick up the new NovaKool side-by-side freezer refrigerator unit. It has a smaller freezer than the current Sub Zero on the boat and has the ability to run on shore power or batteries, giving us the ability to anchor along the way. Yes, shocking, but the last freezer was just too big.

The old fridge was original equipment, rusting a bit and we were afraid it would die at an inopportune moment. We are pleased with this purchase, even though it took a lot of planning. Hey, thats what this boating life involves. Planning and planning to not have a plan.

We are bringing the NovaKool unit with us rather than having it shipped to avoid the chance of it not getting to us in time. We want to arrive at the yard where our boat is stored, have the marina lift it onboard and get it hooked up. They have already removed the old one. The other issue is the MN dealer gave us a fabulous “tax free” price (only 2 boat bucks) as we are from out of State and he was so knowledgable about it that any issues that arise, he will help us out. Renting the UHaul is actually cheaper than shipping fees, plus the truck isn’t as crowded.

We are allowing three days to get the new fridge in and then we will splash the boat. We may stay in Surf City a few more days as being 2 blocks from the Ocean is very desirable. Seems like we have seen a few too many below zero wind chills this winter and a chance to walk this beach again cannot be passed up. While the work is being done on Pursuit, we have an AirBnb to stay which is also close to the beach. We are certainly hoping the weather is better than when we left Surf City last fall but rain is in the forecast for the first two days. 😕

Our very loose plan is to visit Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Hilton Head and Savannah, to start. Also, many smaller lessor known spots. We really want to see the wild ponies.

We were married in Charleston–25 years ago! Hah, they said it wouldn’t last. We are hoping to visit Battery Park, where we married, the lovely Elliott Inn where we stayed and had a memorable dinner and again find the Irish Pub Joe’s mom insisted we find 25 years ago.

We will not be there on April 19 our actual anniversary, but I think we just may celebrate early. So many wonderful memories with all of our parents who are all gone now and Joe’s brother Bob, wife Donna and their two girls. Going through some old pics a few days ago, I found some pics of this young military family–they were so young and had done so much. So special now that they were there with us!

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We get a lot of questions about living on a small boat for extended periods of time. Well, even though we are trying to go without a plan, it takes a lot of planning.

We already own the boat but didn’t pay the sales tax to the State of Maryland where she was purchased as we were leaving there within 90 days. We now needed to license the boat which opened a huge can of worms on registration, paying the sales tax and different legalities in coastal states. It took awhile to get this all figured out in a manner most advantageous to us. As they say, you cannot avoid death or taxes.

Then there is planning routes, with tides, currents, water depth, bridge openings and locks. You need to know how far you can go on your fuel, where to buy fuel and where the best marinas are in the towns you want to visit. There is general maintenance, which also includes trying to wash down the boat at each stop to keep the salt from destroying it. You need to provision and know where shopping can occur. You are hopeful the marina has a nice laundry facility available or off you go to a laundrymat!!

Then there is “The Weather” which really put an end to our Fall season. You have to trust the information out there and go with the flow if the wonderful marina, restaurant or town is not your cup of tea!

Many people think once you buy the boat, you have a “cheap” place to stay. It is nice to travel with all your stuff and in your own bed but it certainly isn’t free. There is the off-season storage, regular maintenance, insurance and fuel fees. Marinas average about $70 per night (for a 32′ boat) if you don’t get a weekly rate. We do hope to be “on the hook” more now with the recent upgrades to the boat. We liken it to traveling in a motorhome or camping trailer.

Then there is leaving town for over 8 weeks. You need someone to check on your house, water your plants and remove the snow. Paying bills for the next 3 months takes a bit of time too. The truck needed new tires and maintenance as well. More planning.

Another saying boaters know all too well is B-O-A-T or “Break out another Thousand”. That’s right, we pay in “boat units” every unit representing $1,000 and we always want something! Ouch is all I can say about that….

Whew….. its a lot and reading back what I just wrote doesn’t sound too appealing! But then we are out there exploring new places and seeing new things by land and water. Spying dolphins, the palm trees and abundance of flowers, very blue skies overhead and water beneath, a gorgeous beach, relaxing in the cockpit with a cocktail, having a fabulous dinner on board or at a wonderful waterside restaurant and watching the sun set are all so magnificent. Then there are the wonderful people we have met and friends we have made even in the short time we have been out and we think this is why we do this–let’s keep going while we can … One perfect moment is worth all the planning.