Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays from the crew aboard Freedom!
We wish those of you in the cold climates warmth and those in warm climates a cool breeze.
This morning we awoke to calm seas and a balmy 76 degrees temperature. The sky was cloudy but that did not deter us from kayaking. Tut decided to sleep in and store up his energy for tomorrow night. At midnight on December 26th Pet Santa comes with ½ price gifts from Kmart. Tut has been wishing for a Cat Greens Chia Pet. Santa will probably get him a ½ price stocking filled with cat nip toys as well.
We kayaked east around two islands. The first island can only be approached by water. The electric cable runs underwater to a lone house. Boats must pass through an opening in the bay designated by the power company. Kayaks can travel over the area marked, ‘Danger High Voltage’. I didn’t try it because of my near death experience with electrical shock in 1999.
The house is cement covered with stucco. The 2 story building is painted orange with white trim. Orange is not my first choice in colors for an island retreat.
A large dog guards the dock from pelican invasion. He races down the planks barking fiercely then returns to a shaded area to await the arrival of the next bird. Today we learned that the dog barks at kayaks too. Andrew wanted to go closer to see if the animal would jump in the water. I didn’t feel the need to be chased by a large swimming dog.
The second island has 4 structures and a tidal pool. The bayside of the main house has many windows, which from our vantage point, must allow breath taking views. The second building is probably the guest or servant quarters. Not as many windows but the same awesome view.
This compound does not lack space or places for entertaining. Judging from the size of the building, it contains an Olympic size pool. The structure has as many windows as the main house. A patio connects the pool house to the tidal pool area. All the structures are painted white with nautical blue trim and shutters. I would definitely consider this color scheme for my virtual island retreat.
The lanai is in need of repair. We didn’t get to see the inside because the roof is draped with a blue tarp. There must be a leak in the thatched roof.
A dark cloud moved towards us so we paddled back to our island retreat (Freedom). Andrew asked me for the line of my kayak to aide me in get out and into the boat before the rain began. I got out and went inside to feed Tut who was now awake.
LINE RULE (True or False)
If you ask a boater for their line you become morally obligated to tie it off. If you are boater and disagree please let me know.
A light drizzle turned into rain as Andrew and I pondered why covered decks are called lanais in Florida. Good thing thinking makes you thirsty. Andrew got up to get a drink of water and saw my kayak floating into the channel. He yelled “You forgot to tie off your line”! I said nothing, because I love him and it is Christmas Day. I watched as he ran out in the pouring rain and jumped into his kayak to chase mine. Now I ask you, shouldn't every captain worth his weight in salt water now the Line Rule?
