What would life be without those we can call friends?

 Anyone who's reading this probably knows how essential relationships are in my life.  The hardest part of this adventure to me was leaving my family and dear friends behind.  So it was especially encouraging to me to find how social this cruising community is.  I've mentioned Kev and Judith before - having met them originally in Jeckyl Island, then we happening upon them on the beach at Cumberland and then further mooring next to them at Fernandina and riding out the storm, then sailing to Lauderdale tandem . . . so, yeah, I've mentioned them.  I don't know if it's possible to express how really GREAT it is to find new friends when embarking on such a new and uncertain adventure - but to me, it's priceless!

Getting to know Kev and Judith over the past week (really, just a week?!) has been a real joy.  Judith and I manage to keep a lively conversation going continually and Rob and Kev could talk engines and sailing without falling behind.  Plus, these two are un-endingly generous and have made our transition into cruising so much easier.  Just relating fears and sharing stories has helped "keep the demons away".





Today began with Kev meeting us at his daughter in law's father's boat in a nearby marina where they arranged for us to have docking privileges as well as showers/laundry and the like.  How great is that?  On top of that, he took us to the new West Marine here which is warehouse sized - and was like a candy store for he and Rob.  Since we had no idea exactly what this life would require, we found ourselves needing a few more necessities (like a dinghy lock) as well as a few repair parts so it was great to be able to check some things off the list.

Of course getting to a West Marine meant that Rob was busy the entire afternoon doing projects - mostly replacing the starter, which he did in fine style!  Never fear the projects will end and Rob will be bored . . . the fuel line appears to need to be replaced and several other projects have been identified in the mean time!  I worked on a few Christmas projects and caught up on finance and other exciting details.

The plan for the evening had us meeting Kev and Judith at their marina down the New River and having dinner in Las Olas before their departure tomorrow for the holidays and points beyond.  We left at 5 and puttered down the ICW to the New River at a casual pace.  What fun it was!  The houses along the canal do an amazing job with Christmas decorations and it was floating entertainment.  Everything from extremely tacky to extravagant elegance were the norm and we couldn't get enough of it all.

We arrived after only 35 minutes and headed out on foot down the boardwalk to Las Olas.  What a beautiful town this is!  The riverfront is so well planned and neatly kept and it seems you could stay occupied easily with all there is to do as you progress down the canal.  Everything from art to museums to great bars and restaurants were everywhere.  

We found our way into downtown Las Olas and had a delicious dinner at Caffe Europa, a quite authentic Italian eatery where I swear every one of the wait staff had to be related!  It was a nice atmosphere with great food and good service - couldn't be beat!  Eggplant Parm always does the trick for me and Judith and I polished off the Fruti de Corsa that was the most delicious treat with some kind of shortbread, custard and fresh currants and berries on top sprinkled with fine sugar.  OOOOHHH!

While at dinner, we saw a pimped out "Santa mobile" parade of sorts head down Las Olas Blvd to the cheers and applause of all in the restaurant.  Then the random Santa sightings began.   Apparently their was a "Santa Mob" being carried out and we were right in the throws of it!  Such fun - Santa, Elves and Helpers were everywhere . . . and I never knew they partied so hard at the North Pole!  Such fun and such spontaneity!  Life is so grand!

Kev and Judith had an early flight in the morning so we didn't take too much time before heading back to their boat.  We took showers at their marina facilities and then exchanged contact info and promised not to lose touch.  Of course you never know when you meet folks along life's journey where the winds will take you.  But I can say that Kev and Judith made our first week of cruising more fun, comfortable, reassuring and pleasant with memories that we'll never forget and we hope it's a friendship that will last for years to come!  Here's to all the friends in my life . . .
I love you all!