Anniversary: 100 Days of Misadventure and Masterfulness

We launched Echo II from Holiday Hill Marina in Edgewater, Maryland, on October 24. A few days ago, we commemorated the 100^th day.

We have endured/enjoyed: 

- Diesel leak, oil leak, and coolant leak—the respective fluids distributed throughout the boat, complete with attendant odors, by incessant rocking and rolling.

- Three days of water pump repairs by Sea Pupp, Inc. at North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; three days of repairs and maintenance by St. Augustine Marine Center; and three weeks of rebuilding engine and electrical system by Albert’s Marine of Nassau. All the mechanics were wonderfully helpful and friendly.

- Scenic Dismal Swamp canal and bike rides in historic towns on the Intracoastal Waterway.

- Sunrises and sunsets in two countries.

- Good times with good friends from Washington, DC: Cindy and Dave, now in Charleston, and Bobby in St. Augustine; also with Pope’s cousins Susan, Laura, Elliot, and Charlie.

-New friends Karl and Sam delivering Barong; Bruce and Gayleen living on Pearl; Judy and Dave cruising on Wren—all sailboats; also Vic and Gigi on trawler Salty Turtle; Gabe and Gail on trawler Sea Wolf.

- Thorough acquaintance with Nassau, while living at a gas station and visiting marine repair and supply shops. Downtown shops, cruise ship docks, restaurants, fish markets, rum cake bakery, McDonalds (for wifi), beaches, gardens, yoga center and Toastmasters club (the latter two Amber only).

Where else can you get such a rich, exciting adventure for such a rich, extravagant price? Roughly $40,000 to date, or an average of $400 per day.

We learned that charter boats are available in Nassau for cruising to the Exumas--$2,500 for 10 days. (A new company, not available when we researched our trip.) We could have done 10 charters! Easy and cheap.

Of course, our adventure wins, hands-down, if you measure stimulating the senses, testing our resourcefulness, and mastering our fate. Fortunately, we are “wealthy” enough to ignore the cash flow and enjoy the singular experience of owning and maintaining our own waterborne residence.

Happy 100^th!