Night shots from the boat

Paying respects

Everyday seems to be better than the last in Key West. We spent the weekend searching for jobs at different restaurants and charter boats and have gained some insight about the tourism season and job availability. The tourist season should pick up during the last week of October when Fantasy Fest begins. There should be an increase in the number of job openings in the restaurant and bar industry from this event, but the charter industry will not experience a heavy influx in tourist until February or March. This is disheartening because I have found a great eco tourism charter company that takes guest out on sailing trips while offering events that range from guided snorkel trips, kayaking through the mangroves, and sunset cruises. I have spoken with a few of the crew members and a captain and was told they have one too many people training for the job, but that if I should continue checking back and that a spot will eventually open. The captain told me to contact them next week to ride aboard a sailing tour to see what the mates do and to get a feel of the work environment, I can't wait. This job is my top choice by far, and if I wind up landing the gig I will be down here through August. In the mean time, Max and  I were offered a temporary job to watch over someone's house for a couple of days next week.

To make things easier on the island, I picked up an old fixed gear beach cruiser to get around. It has made everything so much more accessible and has given my feet a much needed rest. During a ride yesterday I decided to stop at the Key West cemetery and do a small photo documentary. It was a different topic than I am use to, I typically focus on landscape photography and it was difficult to balance the shots with the sun reflecting off the tombstones. It was a great learning experience. Now I am off to begin learning how to play the keyboard.

Syonara,

JDB

Life is a blast when you know what you're doin...

Props to Mr. Del, I have not heard truer lines in quite some time, at least one's that I can identify with. When we sailed out of Destin, we did not fully understand what we were doing and wound up getting in some dicey situations. Seven days at sea with a blown main sail, no motor and a fried electrical system will teach you many lessons in a short period of time, lessons that have exposed weaknesses and made us sharper. One thing that came from our tribulations at sea was the magnitude of our journey. The plan was to sail to Belize and island hop from one small island town to another, but we came to the conclusion that the boat is not in the best shape for crossing the Gulf Stream in the middle of hurricane season. If the wind is not blowing in the right direction, the Albatross will make little to no headway, and the last thing we want is to be sailing in circles waiting for a tropical depression to ride. So..... given the lessons learned, we have decided to post up in Key West and look for jobs starting today.

We made great time on our cruise from Anna Maria Island with the help of consistent 15-25 mph winds from the north. We arrived in Key West yesterday and once we made it downtown, it was a no brainer; this will be an exciting place to post up for a few months. The tourism season is about to pick up, and there are plenty of bars and weekly events to keep us entertained for quite some time. The Albatross is anchored just off Key West on the leeward side of Christmas Island, and we put the outboard motor on the dingy for easy transport to dry land. Life is good and I am ready to seep through the walls into the Key West culture, there is a lot to learn from here.

I'm sure there is more to share, but I cannot put my finger on the thoughts. Now that we know what we're doin, all is well

Signing out from the Kleen Wash,

JDB

At home on the Albatross

The Albatross is a 28 Colvic searover, an English boat with a triple bilge keel that was made in the 70s.   It is a true sailboat, equipped with only a 6 hp outboard motor used for navigation in tight spots, typically when we enter a harbor or bay to anchor. The Albatross is a cruising sailboat that averages around 3 knots and will get up to 7 knots if the conditions are ideal. The conditions are looking good for the next few days as we look to sail from Anna Maria to Key West, with our trip beginning tomorrow at the latest. The Albatross is a cozy and humble abode that fits three comfortably, three would be a squeeze. There are two benches used for sleeping with a table in the middle, a navigation station across from the dual burner propane stove, a head and a shower (we use it as a pantry and take showers when we anchor). There is also a v berth towards the bow that we are using to store everything else; clothing, snorkeling gear, weights, etc. Above are some photos of the Albatross.

I have had a great time the past week and a half in Anna Maria. We recently infused with the local youth scene and got to experience a new flavor of the island with some fun people. It was nice to switch it up and be around people who are on our wavelength. Being around people all about good music, artistic expression and getting out is how we spent the past few days, none of them being regrettable. As was the case in my last post, the hospitality shown on this island is one of its greatest assets. Thanks to those who took us in and provided a spot to crash, I cannot tell you how nice it is every time I have the opportunity to take a hot shower or sleep on solid ground. Life is super and we are ready to move on to the next destination, Key West. Until then...

Adieu, JDB

Locked down in Bubbletown

Anna Maria is an island on the southern end of Tampa Bay with a true beach town vibe. The population is roughly 1,800 people, there is a free trolly service on the island, and there are a handful of low key restaurants and beach bars that offer cheap drinks and great burgers. We have spent some time out during the day, but I particularly enjoy going out  at night and meshing with the locals. Decoys Ducks hosted a great reggae band that created a lively environment full of dancing and flirting. It was a loose, carefree environment with little to no judgement or prejudice in the air, which seems to be common in this small island town. I guess you could say there is a positive energy here, a lifestyle with no regrets or reservations. I am grateful to the locals who have given us late night rides from the bar to the marina where we are anchored, they made life a lot easier.

Today is for getting supplies, continuing basic maintenance on the Albatross, and setting up appointments for sail repair and electrical work. We figure the boat should be in good shape to depart for the Keys by the end of the week, weather permitting. Will check in later.

                                                Mahalo, JDB

Almost forgot...

The Albatross with the Tampa Bay Bridge in the background along with a few random pohtos. Enjoy.

Anna Maria Island, Fl

Last night we arrived on land after a long week at sea. The nights were long. The days were hot. The food was great and the moral was high, and we managed to weather two storms. We had our first beer and burgers on Anna Maria Island at this tiny beach bar named Skinnys, it was fantastic. We plan on heading there tomorrow to catch a football game during happy hour, I think it is a well deserved break. We are currently at the library making a list, checking the weather, and seeing what all needs to be done on the boat before we hear down to Key West. We will be on the island for the next few days working on the boat and waiting for a window in the weather. I would recommend visiting this island, it is beautiful. Mahalo, JDB

One more thing...

We will be carrying a spot satellite messenger to track our progress on the sea. To find out our location, click on the following link: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0r3qGQlk2BvaqtIFi4HaCXuo7OWjr7GuR