Archive for February, 2011
Sailing on Island Dreamer is a blast, but it never hurts to be prepared. Below are 10 things you’ll need to bring with you on your sailing adventure.
- A Good Book. Ideally, a book that has nothing to do with your real life. Seduction of the Minotaur or Like Water for Chocolate are two excellent choices, or, on the other end of the spectrum, anything by Carl Hiaasen.
- Sunscreen. Normally, I’m anti-sunscreen, but no one is getting any younger and with the reflection from the water, the sun is stronger than your realize.
- Moisturizer. See above. Stock up on After Sun Lotion and Baby Oil.
- Music. This is key. You will need a good soundtrack for your vacation. Take the time to create a “Vacation Playlist”. Think soulful, rhythmic, and jazzy.
- Bathing Suits. As a general rule, you’ll want at least one per day.
- Sarong or Sundress. Make your life easy and buy something simple, colorful, and comfortable.
- A Cute Hat or Scarf. Unless you like the frizzy wind-blown look, you’ll need something to tame your tresses.
- Wine. Who are we kidding? Wine is good! A couple of bottles of your favourite Chardonnay or Pinot will be sufficient.
- Sunglasses. Don’t bring your best pair, and be sure to bring back-up.
- Conditioner. The sun and saltwater will dry out your hair. Leave-in conditioner can be a life saver.
NOTE: One thing NOT TO BRING is jewelry. You do not want your emerald cut solitaire going overboard. Leave your irreplaceable jewels at home.
Nestled in an out-of-the way area in the heart of Marathon is a small marina and mooring village along Boot Key Harbor. It is the home of Sombrero Marina and the world famous Docksides Bar.
The locals gather around the grand wooden bar at all hours, from breakfast until last call, listening to the radio and watching the weather reports on TV. The marina is always buzzing with activity. And when the sun finally sets, you can hear the call of Conch shells celebrating the end of the day and the promise of the night to come.
But late at night, strange things have been know to happen in the harbor, I’ve actually seen a man tow a dinghy — swimming across the harbor holding the rope between his teeth because the motor had broken down.
Late at night, it’s eerily quiet crossing the harbor over to the sail boat. It’s easy to get lost in your thoughts. The sky and water are the same shiny black ink. It’s at those moments that I often wonder where the name ‘Boot Key Harbor’ came from.
According to legend, a stylish young woman, visiting from up north, her feet tired from dancing all night at the Brass Monkey, took off her very expensive boots with 4-inch heels and tossed them one by one into the harbor during a 3am crossing. According to the story, somewhere, at the bottom of the harbor is a size 6 pair of Valentino black suede stiletto ankle boots mysteriously still in pristine condition.
Every once in a while, I think about those Valentino boots and what they must have meant to her and how she could have let them go so easily.
…at least for a week, see how it goes. Hop a flight to Miami, board Island Dreamer, and head to the Keys.
The first thing you’ll notice is how the sound of water gently lapping against the side of a sailboat will put you to sleep. Even as the sun is glistening in shards of light off the ocean, as far as you can see, it only acts as more incentive for you to close your eyes. Sounds become muted and the moments before you arrived are now a faint memory.
What you are feeling now is “Keysey”. The stress you used to feel, that panic in the pit of your stomach has dissipated and evaporated into a miasma of sunlight and ocean breeze
What’s that you hear? Steel drums or is it Steely Dan? How long has that rum drink been in your hand? (and, does anybody really care?). The warm air tickles your bare feet as you reach for that Travis McGee novel (no judgment here, it’s cool).
Dolphins are free associating with the water over to the port-side; seagulls are flying close by, laughing at them. You could get used to this.
By the time this week is up, you are a not the same person who boarded the boat. Your batteries have been recharged and nothing is a big deal.
Decision time: Can you adopt a stress-free lifestyle?
I want to welcome my sister Jodi as a contributer to our blog. I have been very busy this season doing couples sailing classes, I have not not had much time to post. Jodi has agreed to give some of her perspectives about sailing and the Florida Keys. Enjoy!