A Little Get Away

Even though we know we are waiting out hurricane season here in the Keys, we still want a little adventure. So, we left Boot Key Harbor and went on a little backcountry (Gulf side) trip. 

It was so nice to get away. I know, I know~ we are away. But I mean away FROM EVERYTHING; the heat (there was actually a breeze), other boats (we were totally solo), technology (turned off the phone, no Internet), etc... 

We were graced with glorious sunsets and the most perfect full moon. We fished and snorkeled, SUP'd and swam.  Books were read. Cards were played and excellent food was eaten. We took our time and sailed back in.

The only downer of the whole trip was a case of sun posoining. It was in fact highly unpleasant. Thankfully it was me, not the kiddo. Hubs was able to keep her in the water, exactly where she wants to be. Our second day in I opted for shade and a nap followed by some quality reading time. Just now recovering from it, though heat exhaustion is still on the radar. I did mention its been a tad warm here, right? 

Getting There

Everyone, pup included, is finally getting into the groove. 

We are all feeling the love again. We are pacing ourselves with the heat. 

We are getting the boat organized. We are even (gasp) getting off the mooring ball to have an out island weekend. 

It's good to be home. 

Inferno

It's always a great idea to leave the relative moderate temperatures (in a house with air conditioning) of northeast florida in August to live on a boat (made for winter temps). ESPECIALLY if you are relocating to almost Cuba (aka the Florida Keys). There is only a major adjustment period. 

Um, yeah... About that. Hotter than Hades down here and this crew is struggling to adjust, as much as it pains me to admit. But, DAMN, it's hot. I mean, REALLY! I had no idea. 

Our first week in and we ARE flailing. The heat is oppressive. 

Today we kind of got a grasp on how to handle it.  It goes a little like this~ sleep as long as the sun will allow, while moving to reach the fan. SLOWLY, regain consciousness from a sweaty nights sort of sleep. Skip coffee (because its too damn hot to contemplate) and pour warmish (because cold no longer exists in your universe) water over your head. Regain composure and brain functioning. 

About that time you realize it's already noon and you've moved approximately 2 feet from your starting point... But we're doin it!

Seriously though, afternoons involve something IN THE WATER. Otherwise we will be cooked. 

Stay hydrated. Wear tons of sunscreen. Wear as little clothes as possible. You get the gist. 

Am I complaining?  That's not really my intent. Just laying out the facts. ;)

Would I/we go back? Absolutely not. Is it a major overhaul on the senses? Um, yeah!  So, we are doing what we can to assimilate and then pouring more water over our heads. 

Still living the dream. 

Home

I spent my last day in St. Augustine having lunch with a dear friend followed by a concert with my kiddo and another dear friend. Not a bad way to say goodbye to our hometown. There was, of course, a ton of running around finishing things up. That's not what I will remember though. 

I will remember the farewell hugs and dancing my booty off. 

The following 2 photos courtesy of Jana Vallone. 

Friday morning we woke up early and mopped our way out of the house. Someone else lives there now. So strange and I obsessed over it the WHOLE way down to the Keys. Once here though I had other things to focus on, adjust to and obsess about. 

FYI you can pack all of you necessary belongings into a shoebox size car and move. It's not exactly comfortable, but we did it. 

So we are here and plugged in so we can put everything back together. 

We had planned on doing a few things pre-splash.... But the boatyard launched it earlier than they were supposed to. We will see how that effects us moving forward. Probably going to have to beach it, unless Hubs can do the chores underwater. Time will tell. And now we have that in abundance.