Trawler Fest 2013

Jan.28th- Feb. 3rd

After a relaxing vacation with brother Jeff and sister-in-law Robin in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Dan and I stated the adventure of our life. Trawler Fest 2013 held in Ft Lauderdale Fla, was greeted with excitement then fear then total commitment to know all we can before we start our trip with Some R Lovin' to Lakeside Yacht club in Cleveland , Ohio. We enrolled in Trawler University for two intense days of instruction. I took Women boat handling and Dan took Know your boat systems. After Dans first day I asked "How was it?" his reply was "The boat is on the market " ( just kidding). We both enjoyed our days and viewing several new and used boats for sale when we boarded our new temporary home we were happy with our choice of vessels.

This is the lovely pendant Dan bought me to represent our new lifestyle. It was quite a funny story because I debated for some time between this one and two kissing dolphins with tiny diamonds. As I pondered which one I wanted the owner of the store joined the sales clerk to aid in the sale. I made the comment that I thought the dolphins were too fancy to wear everyday due to the bling on them. His comment was Where are you from ...Johnstown Pa.? We all cracked up. Johnstown is only about 80 miles from DuBois. Of all the cities in the USA! HE was from Johnstown. We all had a good laugh and the deal was closed.

We joined the Vero Beach Power Squadron social hour on Friday night Feb.1 at the recommendation of our harbor master and Captain Elyse who we met in Ft. Lauderdale. The group has more than 300 active members who all love boating. Everyone was anxious to share their experiences and some had lived aboard their vessel up to 10 years. Activities are planned on a regular basis and so we jumped in with both feet. a Kayaking trip to Pelican Island is scheduled for Sat. Feb 9  and a cruise to a nearby harbor for lunch is Feb. 20th.

Once a month the marina has a morning breakfast with other boat owners docked here at Loggerhead. A couple from Quincy Mass. who sold their home to buy a 50ft Jefferson quickly started conversations with us and we are in the same boat (pun intended) as they are new owners since Dec. and have plans to live aboard and do the loop in the future. Karen is fully engaged in the learning process and we have connected. Charlie, her husband has a Captains license however not a lot of helm time. Our plans are to enjoy the next few months with enthusiasm.