Handy Boat had lots of unoccupied
mooring balls. It has been cold here so folks have been slow to launch
their boats. This is not a cruising community as there are few
transients and few boats rigged for cruising. But the people here have
been friendly and kind to the 'boat bums' from Annapolis.
The only problem with HBS is that you have to hike up a
steep hill to go anywhere. The Shaws food store and local restaurants
are a half hour hike. We did notice a few bus stop signs but no one
knew what the schedule was. We did manage to find a bus at Shaw's but
only after a rather rude driver was less than helpful. More on the
buses later.
One of launch drivers is also a commercial lobster
lady so when she is not driving the launch, she is working her traps.
All of the 'launchers' were friendly and skilled so we didn't have to
use our 'rubber bumper things'. During peak season, they have three
launches running. Very short wait.
We saw our second seal of the season in the mooring
field. He was a curious lad who would look around for a minute or so
and then submerge. There were ospreys flying around to start their new
families but no dolphins or other wildlife. During the weekday, life
was calm though the weekends were a bit more bustling.
Today we leave for Marco Island (by plane)
which will involves a bus ride, a bus transfer, and a two leg flight to
Fort Myers FL. We got our 'bad' bus driver from Falmouth to Portland
and a great driver to the airport. Airport was cute and efficient. We
got here really early so we have to time to explore and eat before our
departure.
Been a longtime since we flew!!
Seats are small, you pay for everything, people are annoying. They even
use their carry-on baggage as weapons. Portland airport was nice,
Newark reminded us of the 'stock yards', and Fort Myers was nice (and
empty 'cause it was 0030 [in the morning]). But we are here and we are
with our kids and g-kids (well as least with Chris and his family).
Other kids had to miss it due to Emily's dance contest.
The weather is great; better than our hometown weather in
Wilmington, NC. The family has settled in and pretty much during their
own thing. Collin brought Jamie down with us and she seems to enjoy it
also. For us old fogies, a little pool in the morning, a little beach
in the afternoon, and fun with the family all of the time.
We took a dolphin tour in somebody
else's boat. The dolphin folks have been doing this for decades and
know most of the dolphins on a first name basis. We got lots of great
pictures of them playing in our stern wake. We took passage on the boat
in the morning before the sun was too high in the sky.
We said good night to the family Friday night (Lilli was
pouting) as we had to catch a 0500 plane back to Portland via the 'stock
yards'. We were back at Handy Boat by 1530. We will leave here for Nova
Scotia in about three days, weather permitting.
;
