Both Cathy and I slept without dreaming or moving from 9pm until 7am, when the call of nature stirred us both. As Cat organized the interior of the boat for departure, I took the shower key back to the dockmaster, where I was greeted with a complementary cup of hot/black coffee. The coffee was not especially good, but it was hot and fresh. I savored it as I strolled back to the slip. Upon arrival, I disconnected the electrical service, coiled the cords and secured them in their place. I untied the two bow lines and stern line, adjusting the forward and aft spring lines to keep the boat centered in the slip. Without wind or current, this was no problem. Before departing, I finished my coffee and asked Cathy to stand on the starboard rail to remove the spring lines. Placing Angel in reverse at idle engine speed, we backed slowly from the slip, into the Lighthouse Point channel, pulling the tiller hard to port pointed her nose for the exit and we were able to easily make our way past waiting sport fishing boats at the fuel dock and re-enter the ICW headed south. From Boca Raton to Ft. Lauderdale is only about 10 miles, but with 4 bridges, this took 3 hours. The weather is warm, in the mid-70’s overnight, with a high of mid-80’s by early afternoon. We called ahead and got a slip at the Bahia Mar marina, arriving around noon. As I re-connected the electrical service and set fenders, Cathy organized laundry. We took the laundry, including sheets and towels, and started all loads (sheets, darks, lights). Upstairs in the same building is a second story pool and outside snack bar, where we had Caesar salads with chicken and a Cobb salad with jerk chicken. I left Cathy to cycle the clothes, while I walked over to the dockmaster to register. Part of the registration is a welcome package with upscale magazines including “Show Boats”, exhibiting the benefits of the mega-yachts we have been observing on our trip. I then returned to the boat to do some repairs before our crossing to the Bahamas tomorrow. The bow light (up the mast) has not been functional. I got out my mast mate steps, a nylon webbing ladder that attaches with sail slides, so it can be hoisted up the mast. Attaching the spinnaker halyard as a safety, along with a bosun’s chair, I ascended the mast, finding the light housing and bulb missing. I replaced both and checked the light for function. To secure the light housing, I drilled a pilot hole through the base into the housing and added a sheet metal screw. It may break off, but it won’t come undone. Descending, I was glad to be down as the wind was whipping me back and forth as the mast rolled 2-3 feet port, then starboard. It took a while to re-roll the mast steps, and store it all in its proper spot. Cathy got back to the boat in time to document me up the mast. We are meeting Harvey and Nanette Gordon for dinner. Tomorrow is the crossing. Jim & Cathy
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