Admiral's Log, Sunday, August 9
Weekly Reflection:  Slow Boat to China

Photo 16 - So Long, Key Largo

One week ago the crew (Rob, Michael, and Shelley) assembled on “Now We’re Ready” to lay out final discussions and review the navigation charts for the journey that lay in front of them.  Upon reflection, I am reminded of my great-grandfather and his bride of one month, as they laid out a boat journey that was to take them from the US to China to begin medical missionary work.  Their journey was approximately six months and perhaps is where the expression a ‘slow boat to China’ was to emerge. Well, the way I figure, THAT boat may have been slow, but ‘Now We’re Ready’ has taken even a more leisurely pace, although not by plan.  Since departing Key Largo, FL on Tuesday, we have covered about 200 miles…with 1000 miles still to go. (Photo #16)

Photo 98 - Sick Generator

So this might raise the question, WHY take a journey like this rather than hire a land transport of this houseboat and minimize time and frustrations? The journey has not gone as smoothly as we had hoped and no member of the crew can afford to simply take whatever time is necessary to traverse up the intracoastal waterway (ICW) from FL to DC.  The fact is that the pace and challenges have been wearing on each member of the crew in different ways. Time is the nagging dark cloud that continues to hang over this trip. Managing and juggling the expectations of each member for this trip has been trying at times, as we grapple with the differences between the reality and the romantic side of the trip. Each member of this crew has a full-time job and responsibilities that also need to be managed.  This too is liken to a brewing storm that is off in the distance, but is seen approaching from the horizon as we sit under repair and know that there are still 10-12 days of required ‘paddlin’ in front of us. 

We continue to hold ou the hope that in these early stages of this journey, we are uncovering  the Achilles heels and weak points in engines and controls that crop up in running the boat on 13-hour days. On Monday, we are hoping that a final lingering issue will be figured out and will not require yet another part to be ordered while we wait for delivery and service, delaying us still another day or two. (Photo #98)

Photo 21 - Angelfish Creek (channel)

So, again, I raise the question of WHY this journey?  The answer is not a simple one to express and may not seem rational to the more logical-minded person, but to the Admiral and Captain, it is a journey that is a MUST in our minds, and is a reflection of the sort of possibilities and experiences that we embrace as a couple.  Logically, this journey offers several important experiences, beginning with learning how to handle a houseboat this size, understanding the inner workings of this vessel, and learning how to read and following navigation charts.  In this past week, all of that has been experienced to different degrees! (PHOTO #21)

Photo 94 - Sunrise at Riverside Marina

Furthermore, this journey holds unimagined possibilities.  Embracing and living for the moment…breathing in deeply the sights and sounds as we traverse up through the ICW and experience this, together.  The trials, tribulations, and triumphs are shared and make us stronger as one and as a couple.  We are creating impressions and memories that will be firmly rooted in our memories and stories.  It is likely that this long trip will be a once in lifetime experience.  This is the silver lining that is seen through those dark clouds mentioned above and is what I hope will bring forth the sunshine to enable safe and successful passageway for this crew up the ICW. (PHOTO #94)

Photo 124 - Supply Run

Putting aside for the moment the reflection, there were tasks to be accomplished on Sunday as we looked forward to the coming week and, hopefully, the continuation of our journey in the early part of the week.  Sunday meant cleaning ourselves up so we did not look like bedraggled gypsies as we walked to town with a bag pack to load up with supplies.  We put shoes on our feet, replaced bathing suits for clothes, and put watches on our wrists!  Three main stops…breakfast with the locals at a restaurant that is known for its biscuits and gravy…a stop at what is becoming the Captain’s favorite ‘toy’ store, West Marine (boat supply store)…and picking up food and other essentials at the grocery store.  Thank goodness the Captain was willing to bear the load of this trip to town! (PHOTO #124)

Photo 115 - Admiral Swabs the Deck (After Bird-Barrage)

Unexpected cleaning up on Sunday included the top deck – 68 feet.  This was the result of the barrage of a bird that had loose bowels as it passed overhead.  YIKES.  The Admiral was impacted in three ways – first to be hit on the arm and then second had to clean up self and THEN the deck.  Where IS that First Mate when you need him! Dang…now a SECOND bath for the day is necessary.  (Photo #115)

Photo 95 - Moon Setting at Riverside Marina

As the sun sets and the moon rises here in Fort Pierce, prayers and thoughts are lifted up to our family and friends.  Embrace the moment and each other.  What tomorrow holds is unknown, but with each other and the Lord, anything is possible and good shall prevail.  Good night to all. (Photo #95)