I have actually decided to postpone graduate school one semester because I am juggling way too many things right now to add the extra pressure, time commitment, and funds. The marina I was at only allowed overnight stays 14 days out of the month so I had to find a new location to reside full time. I was really hesitant because I love, love, love the park and the trails. It really reminds me of the farm in more ways than one and I wanted to stay. Unfortunately, this wasn’t practical as I found the cost for a hotel was $450 per week in the offseason (for my own cardiac health I didn’t inquire about during the season)! I explored some options for private docks, marinas, part time residences, off season apartments and I kept coming back to the fact I didn’t want to be anywhere other than the water.
Through several contacts I found a nice marina which will allow us to stay until the dogs become a nuisance – so I really have no idea whether this will be one week, one month, or one year. The engine of course decided not to cooperate with my plans and the person that had offered to help in this arena really dropped the ball. Plan B was to have her towed to the new location but out of courtesy to the workers I decided to wait until after New Year’s Day.
Speaking of New Year’s, I know this is a boat blog but I can’t go any further without sharing this year’s magic. Having been through recent emotional whiplash, some very dear friends included me in their New Year’s Eve plans. I could go on forever on the magic of this evening but let’s skip to the juiciest part. For reasons we won’t go into, we made it to the local club at 11:30 ish. I immediately noticed a very handsome gentleman dancing and, because I was nursing the recent emotional whiplash, tried my best not to make eye contact or interact with him. All was working well and the midnight countdown began. The whole place was watching the screens above the bar counting down the seconds and when it hit zero I looked down from the screen to see this incredibly handsome man, by himself (how is this even possible?), and he was looking right at me. You could almost see the thoughts run through his head: “should I, shouldn’t I, should I, shouldn’t I?” then with passion and determination he made his way directly to me and planted the most electric, incredible kiss that stopped all space and time….and the only thing that touched was our lips! Yet, somehow it was like we were the only two people in the building and time just stood still. Nicholas Sparks and Hollywood could not have written a more moving series of events. Now, I have to tell you every girl deserves to be kissed like this at least once in her life (but preferably every day). I was lucky enough to have had a fiancé that spoiled me in this way before he passed away and I was obviously shocked at the development of events on this evening. So shocked my response was “thank you” – yeah, you can see how smooth I am. Poor guy is probably going to be laughing about that for a while.
So New Year’s Day after a few hours sleep I decided to tackle some engine troubleshooting. The engine won this match but I was able to contact a local charter company who gladly arranged to relocate us safely. It was in preparations for the towing that I realized a very important issue – it took way too long to put items of everyday living away in preparation of the journey. Added to the never ending to do list is to figure out a storage system that is useful to avert wasting a day putting things away and another day unpacking again. With the help of some close friends we were able to safely relocate her to her new home. The furry crew was sequestered in the v-berth and while underway I peeked into the hatch a few times to see terrified canine statues. My friends, the tow crew, and all the passing boats had people bundled up from head to toe like they were hitting the slopes. I got quite a few passing stares in my bare feet, shorts, and tee shirt (it was at least long-sleeved). Moving on the water again sure felt amazing and I must get the engine situation squared away soon. One of the tow crew offered a few suggestions and once the weather warms this weekend I am ready to tackle it again.
Meanwhile I have been “nesting” and making new friends. I successfully wired an LED light strip into a 12V plug and figured out a comfortable interim solution to turn the galley into a double bed. I finally got the fenders re-inflated; the man at the hardware store said I was the fourth person to get the needles this week - I told him I was willing to bet I was the only one inflating them with a bike pump! I am nestled between two large power boats and they block the uncomfortable beam winds. We have been visited by a few of the locals – human and animal alike and made many new friends. Today, we got our first visit from the dolphins! This may not be the park but it certainly has its own set of perks! This little town may just be growing on me. The weather is supposed to get in the 20s this week – sure hope our new neighbors don’t judge my Alvin and the Chipmunk pajamas!!!