What a visit! March 6-11

Since September 15 the 3 of us have been cosily living on Tiffany Rose. We have had others on board to visit, have cocktails and all that but not to stay over. So we were very curious what it would be like to have someone live on board with us. Could we handle it well? Could they? What would they think about the lack of privacy close quarters affords? And how does that toilet thing work anyway?? This week my sister Patti courageously ventured down this way on her own arriving at a hard-to-find-in-the-dark marina at around midnight. It didn't take long at all for her to settle in and before we knew it we were all getting up in the morning for bacon and eggs and to plan the day. Now it feels like we are on holidays too. So with a slathering of sun screen off to the beach we went. The winds of the last few weeks are still here but the sun came out enough to allow us to lounge around doing beach stuff. And then, since Patti had a car it was off to a water side seafood restaurant and a treat for Christopher - mini golf!

Next morning we released the mooring ball and headed out to Bahia Honda Key. With gravol ingested we hoisted the sails and Patti was plunged into her first ocean sail. The wind was at our backs and the waves pushed us along - as well as up and down a lot. By the time we were heading in to the anchorage the wind was really howling and I was getting great views as the helm rode over the large swells. The anchorage was fairly calm and we were able to put the motor on the dinghy and head to shore for some exploring and beaching and snorkeling. Christopher is in charge of all tours and he upheld this duty in fine form all the while taking 300 or so pictures. The weather was very kind to us and after a fun time on the key we headed back to the boat to get the BBQ going and pour a few sundowner drinks. Patti is adapting well to these sea going rituals! The nights this week have been almost as beautiful as the days. The beautiful bright moon has been dancing on the water while the stars display their ancient patterns.

The next day we head back out onto the ocean with the wind on our nose. On our way back we decide to check out the reef a few miles out, mistakenly thinking the seas will have calmed down a bit. After struggling with the mooring ball and having the line wrap around the keel in a threatening way we finally get moored out there. What fun! After taking the mainsail down and losing the stability it provides we are rocking violently from side to side and up and down. One of those sick Wonderland rides designed to release you of your lunch. Patti is surpassing all tests now! She sat there like this was normal for her while I felt like my insides and outsides were not agreeing on how to handle this ride. A plunge into the water for a quick snorkel and a careful re-boarding helped my body get back into kilter. The sail back was Patti's time to take the helm (see video below). And as with everything else she did so flawlessly. Woo-hoo! We got to eat lunch while she held our course!

Back on land for the final day of the keys adventure - off to Key West! This city was very lively with Spring Break party people in various states of dress and drink. A bit of a contrast to the folks off the cruise ships in various states of hair and drink. We had lunch at Dante's which has a great pool for patrons which Christopher and I took advantage of while the lady folk went cruising the town. Christopher loved the security of swimming in a pool for the first time on this trip. We'll have to seek out more of these! The rest of the day was wandering with cameras in hand to see a few requisite attractions and then to end up at Mallory Square for the sunset spectacle. As the sun set I got to try out my new present that Patti picked up in the afternoon - a conch shell to blow to salute the setting sun. The sun hit the horizon and now was my chance, while a 1000 or so people watched from the square. Raised it to my lips, gave a mighty blow and "Pflipfff!" Hmm, more to this than meets the eye. A few heads turned, but likely not in adulation. After a few more tries the trumpeting we were wating for sounded from the conch and all was good again. Christopher, though, was just as impressed with the first ones, at least he smiled a lot.

A drive back to Marathon and a late night dinghy back to Tiffany Rose and Patti's visit was winding up. The 5:30 rise to get to the airport was given more significance as Christopher was not to be satisfied with a kiss goodbye. He briskly popped out of bed and put his life jacket on over his pajamas to assume his customary role as dinghy driver. And he did so in splendid fashion. A fitting send off to end a fabulous visit. Thanks for coming Patti!!