All Blog Posts (10)

Why did I ever varnish this boat? It looks great, but so much work and it's time to do it again. Continue

Hey, Bubba, find a new hobby!!! NOW! I'd lay some of the language y'all taught me on you, but the airways might not like it...best to you both...Hal Continue

For many years now, I have wanted to get my Captain's license from the U.S. Coast Guard....not because I want to become a commercial captain but just thought it would be nice to have. Well, I am leaving this Friday to take a 10-day preparatory class before taking the exam on the 11th day. I am a little nervous because I am not sure I am ready for this task, but I figure I am not getting any younger. I will let you know in a couple of weeks if I was successful. Continue

Okay....after much input from many friends, it was determined that the best solution was to wait after sunset (when the all the wasps supposably enter the nest) and then spray the nest with a wasp/hornet poison. I did have one person tell me that if you leave a bucket of amonia in the cabin over night, the fumes would also kill all of the wasps. So over the weekend, during a rain storm (thought the rain might keep them from flying after me) I sprayed the nests....without any stings… Continue

I finally got my boat in the water last week. And last weekend, being a long holiday weekend, I had all kind of plans to clean up the boat and then spending some quality time on the water. However, during the clean up phase, I discovered 2 wasp/hornet (not sure which) nests....one in the gas tank locker and the other inside the main cabin. Not being overly brave when it comes to dealing with wildlife....I have been getting many suggestions on how to remove these critters. So far, the leading sug… Continue

Ahoy Looking for info on a trip from Tampa to Marathon. Does anyone have a blog on the sailing trip? BobL Continue

First let me say "Once a sailor always a sailor". One of my best friends has sold his boat and after many years of cruising and marina life has decided to hang it up and move ashore. Though I doubt his sanity (and always have) I respect his decision. I realize it will be a difficult transition so I have a few suggestions on what he can do to make the change go smoother. First, locate a public bathroom at least 100 yards away from your apartment. Try to schedule your visits for the busy time to… Continue

I'm a cruiser...I'm a cruiser. That's my mantra. We left our home in Port Aransas, Texas in 2004 and sailed for points south and have not yet returned. That makes me a cruiser, right? If so, why do I wonder? Don't answer that...I already know. The reason I wonder is because we are in Key West and are coming up on our second anniversary being here. That's right, two years in one place without leaving. At what point does your cruising end and residency begin? Since we have been out we have alwa… Continue

Just got word from Debo, one of my good friends from high school, that we will be having our 35th high school reunion this year. What the hell happened??? I don't remember all those years passing. I really don't feel any different. Well, maybe when I run...or jump...or drink too much. Then I can feel the difference. Other than those things I feel the same as I did when I was 25, except I'm like 1000 times smarter. That doesn't mean I'm smart right now, it just means I was really stupid when I… Continue

I will attempt to keep up a blog to let my friends and family know what's going on while Tami, Mango, Sydney and I spend some time in beautiful Key West, Florida. For you folks that don't know, we have been here since April of 2007. I am driving a taxi and Tami is working in the marina store while we get our boat "Heart of Gold" ready to sell. Once we sell her we will purchase a larger boat, rename her "Heart of Gold" and head back out. We hope to get down to the Panama, Columbia area in the n… Continue