Welcome to our great adventure!
Week one aboard Bagatelle. It’s been blissful, practical, social. James is far more the “doer” than I. Every day has a plan, even if only to relax, walk, read, play, but also to outline one or two projects and then get on with it. This is not my nature but I’m finding it easy and satisfying to follow along and move in step with his agenda. We’ve accomplished quite a lot in the past week.
When I arrived, the boat was loaded with parts for various projects: large boxes of solar panels, steel frames rolls of fabric, an industrial sewing machine, and several other smaller bits and pieces. First on our list was to install one of the solar panels. This second panel increased our electrical capacity quite a lot, even on overcast days - an important addition as we prepare to move away from the shore for extended periods.
In my first few days here we worked to install a frame for a dodger that we’ll be building from a Sailrite kit, added a third auxiliary solar panel, planned provisions for the next few months, sorted out storage of basic necessities (bikinis, beverages, board games.)
We’ve also been enjoying the active social component of our current address at the Sunset Bay Marina: an outdoor movie, trivia nights, a barbeque... The conversations with other boaters has been fascinating, informational, and entertaining. If there are six sailors at the table there are six different recommendations for travel to the Bahamas and dozens of stories about boats, races, cruises, and other sailors. Absorbing information like a sponge and realizing just how much I’ve yet to learn.
Getting to know some of the storied characters here has been an added bonus to our original plan. The idea has been to take care of some things here that require regular trips to the store, on-land utilities, and access to package deliveries for the first week or so. Then to look for a window of good weather to make the day-long sail across the Strait of Florida to the Bahamas.
The current weather situation, however, has kept us on board for a couple of days. No trips to shore and frequent deck checks in the night as the wind lifts the dinghy or rattles the lines. Winds are gusting up to 22 knots with rain today and severe storm warnings for tonight. These include thunderstorms with the potential for tornadoes - not the kind of excitement I was hoping for - but we’ll follow every precaution and hopefully be safely on our way early in the week - likely Monday afternoon.
For now, we’re finding ways to make the most of our time here and discovering the joys of life together in 150 square feet.