Tortuga Tour Day 42: New Crew for Journey Home

5/31/21

As we start Tortuga Tour Leg 4–our Journey Home with new crew–our destination today is Long Key to anchor.  The winds are up again, and it’s Miriam and Phoebe’s first time voyaging on Betty Lou.  The Admiral will have to be relaxed even if I’m not.

The Admiral and Captain’s day began early but not so bright [it was still dark].  Matthew and Adriane were ready to leave, and we wanted to say goodbye.  We also needed to get the gate remote back so we could return it to the marina.  We did go back to bed, but sleep was not the best.

We woke Miriam and Phoebe earlier than would be their choice.  We anticipated we might need their assistance getting away from the dock and then moving to the fuel dock for a pump out.  The Captain likes to give instructions to a new crew.  They were sleepy but eager.  The pump out took probably 45 minutes longer than it should have.  The weekend employees did not realize there was a problem with the equipment.  They called another employee who was off for the day, and he fixed it. 

Finally, we got underway.  Phoebe took the helm and followed instructions well as Grampy instructed.  Good job Phoebe!

There was a reef in Hawk Channel out from Marathon, part of a protected area, where boaters could grab and tie up to a mooring ball and snorkel off their boat.  Fred and the ladies (not the Admiral) really wanted to do this.  We got out there but there were no free mooring balls except in 40 feet of water, and the boat was bouncing way too much from the waves.  Oh, the disappointment!  Grampy assured them there would be other opportunities and we continued on our way.

The water was rough today and uncomfortable, but tolerable.  Miriam and Phoebe went out to the cockpit and seemed to enjoy the motion.  Over the course of the trip, they played cards; Miriam helped with lunch, but after awhile the motion gave her a queasy stomach which we remedied with Dramamine.  The earlier rise, first day on the water and the motion finally put both ladies to sleep.

We arrived at long Key in time for the new crew to take a swim off the swim platform on Betty Lou.  They were happy.  Cockpit showers, dinner, sunset pictures, a review of tomorrow’s plan, and then the Admiral and Captain were ready for an all-night nap.  The ladies also retired for the evening.  All was well!