JANUARY 10 TO 26 : ONWARD TO PUNTA GORDA AND LOTS OF BOAT CHORES

January 10:  We left Palm Island on what looked like a relatively calm day to head down to Punta Gorda.  The waters were pretty decent until we hit Charlotte Harbor.  As we made our way up the bay, the waves were on the beam and it made for a rather uncomfortable ride.  We were pleased to arrive in Fishermen's Village Marina which will be our base for about two weeks.

Just in case anyone thought that our days are filled with house hunting and going to the beach...here is some photographic evidence to the contrary.

 The Captain engaged in a big electrical project-changing our existing light fixtures from inefficient wattage to energy saving LEDs.

 The finished product...

The Captain also tackled a much bigger project:  removing and installing a new water pump.  The old one was leaking so a major overhaul was needed.  He is pretty handy to have around so I think that I will keep him on.

 The Admiral, meanwhile, was demoted to waxing the upper hull.

 Fortunately, our arduous boat projects were pleasantly interrupted by a visit from Rhode Island friends, Avi and Laura Nevel.  Avi is an avid boater and we had to check that he had not stowed away in the forward cabin...

 The marina at Punta Gorda is a total change from our previous one at Palm Island.  Palm Island was very quiet with only a few boats. This marina has dozens of visiting boaters and hosts a mini shopping mall, several restaurants and lots of tourists.