Every day since we have arrived, beginning around 4:30, a new parade of sailboats has arrived to anchor off in the protective cove just outside our Marina. By the time the sun goes down, there are usually about fifteen boats bobbing up and down, hunkering in for the night and preparing their evening meal.
Today, instead of watching their morning departure, we will plunge in and join this school of cold water fish that will be swimming down the Intracoastal in search of warmer waters.
From reading accounts such as 'Sailing Away From Winter', we know that this cluster of vessels will become our constant companions and neighbours on the journey. And even if we do little more than wave a hand or toss a line, the names of their boats will become familiar and we will develop a personal interest in their progress.
Moving away from the imagery and back to the cold reality of the morning for just a moment, I need to remember that Argo was having engine problems yesterday and wouldn't even start when we took her out for a 'test run' around the cove. Even after the mechanics replaced the Starter, she continued to be tempermental. We will be doing a lot of motoring and negotiating in tight quarters; although this is a sailboat, for this trip, it is imperative that we have a functioning engine. Chas is off to talk to the mechanics once again. Hopefully we don't have the same Gremlins that plagued "Sailing Away From Winter'.
Today, instead of watching their morning departure, we will plunge in and join this school of cold water fish that will be swimming down the Intracoastal in search of warmer waters.
From reading accounts such as 'Sailing Away From Winter', we know that this cluster of vessels will become our constant companions and neighbours on the journey. And even if we do little more than wave a hand or toss a line, the names of their boats will become familiar and we will develop a personal interest in their progress.
Moving away from the imagery and back to the cold reality of the morning for just a moment, I need to remember that Argo was having engine problems yesterday and wouldn't even start when we took her out for a 'test run' around the cove. Even after the mechanics replaced the Starter, she continued to be tempermental. We will be doing a lot of motoring and negotiating in tight quarters; although this is a sailboat, for this trip, it is imperative that we have a functioning engine. Chas is off to talk to the mechanics once again. Hopefully we don't have the same Gremlins that plagued "Sailing Away From Winter'.
As you can see from the photos above, we are underway and heading for Norfolk. It is sunny but cold.
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