Ok then - lets review some of the projects completed this winter on Broulee. 1st it was necessary to ready the boat for Izzy. Netting was installed to help keep her on the boat - so far so good.

Cap rail covers also became a necessity because of her constant need to checkout people, other dogs, noises in the water and just about everything going on.

Then we had this old speaker box on the back deck which we forgot to remove when the super structure was repainted so Rick converted it into a storage bin for the propane bottles needed for our gas grill - two bottles fit perfectly.

The captain also decided it would be nice to have a freshwater washdown on the bow - so he killed three birds with one stone and installed a freshwater spigot a check valve and also a water pressure regulator - nice job on replacing all that old cheap plastic plumbing!

We also have discussed for quite some time the possibility of getting a new bigger dinghy - but in order to do so the stands to support the dinghy would have to be relocated to the aft of the flybridge instead of on the port side where they were. Rick drew up some plans - and located a welder to do the job. Twenty some new holes in the boat deck later (that's always scary) the dinghy has been relocated. Decided to raise it up so we can see you crazy Carver's coming up behind us.

Of course, projects come with some downsides - there is the need to turn the pilot house into a workshop and hardhat area and no girls allowed.

And these people are going to probably go out of business once we leave.

Well we hired batman to go into the murky waters under our boat to scrape the barnacles off and to cut loose the tentacle's that seem to have us stuck in this slip for the last two months and we hope to head out possibly Saturday or Sunday.

Not looking good for Saturday - 45 mph winds - guess we will hope for Sunday.

Sunday not looking good either - rain and thunderstorms.

Well one goodthing has come out of weather delay - we found the pilot house. Keeping our fingers crossed for Monday.

Our friends from White Bear Lake, Gene & Kathy Johnson, and another couple we only know as Kim and Jim invited us along on a dinghy excursion up to the power plant where it is reported the Manatees hang out. Hey great, lets go!

Gene & Kathy Johnson

We entered a small creek just before the power plant and Kim showed us the area to start looking 

We looked and looked and looked, but no luck today - water temps have moved up and the Manatees have moved out - darn missed another Kodak moment.

So, hey let's go up to Telegraph river and go as far up as we can go. Great idea! Immediately upon entering you felt like you had just entered the Disney World Wild River Ride and that Elephants, Monkeys, Tigers & Lions where just around the next bend.

You actually had to lean under the branches to make it through some spots and then there it was around the next bend - a camel.

Then a llama spotted us and started running for the bank.

Oh, my gosh - it wants to escape - Kim is freaking out at this point.

Hot news flash - there's a llama in the water next to my dinghy - I'm serious (Gene owns the local newspaper back home).

Afterall, I guess he just wanted to go for a swim.

So we wound our way back out - it was so beautiful - and called it another good day in paradise.

The end.

Finally got the dinghy down (mostly for maintenance and relocating) and went out for a wild ride on the waterway. It is a little intimidating being such a small vessel in such a large river, but we held our own. Also took the opportunity to reintroduce Izzy to her life jacket and riding in the dink.

 

How the heck am I going to get in there?

I'm not sure this is such a good idea - whatdaya think?

You want me to do what?

Help me mom!!

Deb made another trip out to visit her parents at the wrinkle ranch in Queen Valley, AZ. It just so happened while she was there Queen Valley's Academy Award Winning performers, technicians and director had their annual show. I think this year was one of their best! Here are a few highlights of the show.

Bev Manderville (Lighting), Jan Blair (Writer, Producer, Director) Mom (Stage Manager)

They had dancing girls.

Singing cowboys.

The floozie.

The rapper.

Oh yes, Elvis was in the building.

and don't ask!

Fun, was had by all - these are great people to spend some down time with. Always nice to stay at mom & dads, no meals to make, no dishes to do and NO HOUSE/BOAT CLEANING kinda like a real vacation.

Well we ventured away from the dock a while ago and found a hidden gem of a spot on the Okeechobee Waterway and thought we would share it with you. It's a campground/marina managed by the Army Corp. of Engineers just above the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam. Because it is a national park Rick's "Old Age Pass" aka "Golden Age Pass" came in handy slicing the $24.00 a night fee in half to $12.00 including water and electric - WAHOO!!! Broulee at W.P. Franklin Campground

Hey people 62 and over - don't forget to get your Golden Age Pass! We've even used it in the U.S. Virgin Islands for 1/2 price on mooring balls.

Another good day in paradise!