Sitting here at a free dock next to the Miami basketball arena. The “shakedown” continues. After being on the hook for two more nights we discovered the batteries are just not delivering the power we need for the fridge, lights, water pressure and keeping two phones, a computer and an iPad charged. So unless we want no tv or movies for T the entire trip ( translation: complete hell) we need some more juice,

Lawson found a mechanic who met us at the rickenbocker marina store to take a look but the “natzi” marina dude said no mechanic can set foot on our boat there unless we paid $150. I said, ” Seriously? We just spent like $300 at your marina.” He explained that those are the rules, yadda, yadda, yadda. Then I went to the store and bought a bag of ice and a 12-pack for like $30. Desperate times…..

So the mechanics were nice enough to tell us about this free place to dock and they took a look and now are getting a new battery and wiring and will be back to fix our problems. Lawson took a cab to buy a generator for extra juice as well. We’re going to be on the hook a lot and we need our juice!

The good news is I’m now enjoying an ice cold beer and Tristan is watching a movie – because our juice problems will soon be over. The other good news is the weather window is holding for Monday and the rest of the week is even better, so if we get out there Monday and it’s too much waves we can wait for Tuesday or Wednesday for even calmer waters and the southern wind that is even better for crossing than eastern wind. But I think we’re ready to get the hell outta dodge. The rickenbocker marina was a disappointment ( over priced, no laundry facilities, not really close enough to walk to anything, two overpriced restaurants – we stopped after the first one – and the natzi patrol. ). The anchorage right next to them has been much better. Lots of activity to watch and we got some good practice in on setting the anchor. Since we’ve spent so much money on getting Curlew ready, we will probably be on the hook as much as possible from here on out.

This is a  picture of the massive boat across from us – not on a free dock. Think it’s flying a Greek flag. It’s the Jackie O boat. We’re the Jackie Oh-no!