Miami

Or as Uncle Bob says it, " Miama".

WE've been here two days longer than we wanted. I obtained the name of a highly regarded diesel mechanic but he couldn't get here till Tuesday, so we've made the most of our time here in this very pretty place.

We have strolled through the Coconut Grove area---very nice--lots of bars, restauraants, shops, etc in a very picturesque setting. Walked the other way--toward Miama----and checked out the mansions and parks of this part of what I believe is referred to as northeast Boca Raton.

We had a wonderful time with Anne Sheldon and Randy and Judy McKeen. We had dinner together on Sunday evening. Anne seems to be doing quite well despite the circumstances and we had a great time catching up and reminiscing about Marvin. (I used to be a very good speller)

I'm sure Anne benefits from just getting out with people and trying to be " normal". We truly had a wonderful time with her and look fiorward to seeing her and the McKeens again this summer in Vail.

Last night we walked to the Grove and caught a taxi from there to a fabulous Cuban restaurant--Habana Vieja-- where Diane had the classic flank streak, I had a lamb shank osso buco type dish, with plenty of sangria , fried plantains and Cuban coffee. It was incredible --and cheap!!

The mechanic is working as I write and we're hopeful we'll be able to get underway this afternoon and get at least part way down the coast. (If it wasn't so expensive in this marina I could stay a few more days just to enjoy the area) We're thinking about just anchoring off of Key Biscayne tonight and then sailing down to Rodriguez Key tomorrow with arrival into Marathon on Thursday. That would put us underway up the west coast by Friday and into Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor by early next week.

WE have the usual mixed feelings right now. We're sad the trip is essentially over, or at least days away from being over, but we're anxious to get back to our home and friends in Kingwood and, hopefully, to our loved ones in Colorado soon. We have decided to leave the boat in Punta Gorda until we have time to come fetch her and take her home to Kemah. It may be that it will stay temporarily until we return to go exploring again next winter, but I can't see living in Houston without her on any permanent basis. Meantime--Charlotte Harbor is a pretty nice place to have her stuck.