Fly Preparations

Day #40: We've been warned, we're heading into biting fly country. It's not like we haven't seen it before. The last time through northern Florida and Georgia at this time of year we felt sorry for ourselves but even sorrier for the sailboaters. They'd sit in their cockpits, swarmed in flies, arms flailing, and without hope of escape. We at least can close the windows to keep them out. It was because of this experience that Bicki made screens for the pilothouse and salon windows. Now I'm making screens for the bedroom, shower and head ports.

We visited with John and Sue Mackie today. They own a tug just like ours, John William (hull #72). They're good friends and I know no one more knowledgable on boats than John. In fact, one of the reasons we decided to overhaul Nellie's injection pump here is because John had just done the very same job on his tug. Another thing we have in common is house building. John and Sue are completely gutting and finishing a house here on Merritt Island. Having been working on a house of our own we can certainly commiserate on the trials and tribulations of their undertaking.

Today's picture is of a well varnished bowsprit here in the Harbortown Marina. I certainly appreciate all the labor it takes to get a result like this, and doubly so in the Florida sun. Holding at 580nm but look for us to get moving again tomorrow. DBH