In the Wizard of Oz, Judy Garland said “I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore. We must be over the rainbow.”

As I continue to adapt to life aboard Free Spirit, I have a feeling we’re not in St. Pete anymore. We must be liveaboards!

Here are some examples:

*On a recent morning net (the daily Boot Key Harbor VHF radio get together every morning), a man announced that he was getting married on the bow of his boat that evening at 5 and everyone in the Harbor was invited to attend (in their dinghies). We went, and witnessed a beautful wedding ceremony from the comfort and safety of our dinghy.

*Yesterday, a diver came to our boat to clean our bottom! I realize that sounds strange…boat bottoms must be kept free of barnacles and other living organisms to maintain the paint and protect the vessel, so once a month a diver shows up to scrape off anything that is growing down below.

*We visited a “Turtle Hospital,” where sick or injured sea turtles are taken for surgery and rehab. We saw dozens of sea turtles recovering from cancer surgery and injuries. There is a fully equipped operating room for turtles undergoing surgery. We also visited the Dolphin Research Center, where dolphins are rescued and cared for in natural Gulf of Mexico lagoons. They are free to leave, but generally stay because they like being pampered and they get attached to the other dolphins at the Center.

*People climb masts here! It’s not uncommon to see someone at the very top of a mast, doing a repair.

*Yesterday, we went snorkeling to Sombrero Reef, about 5 miles offshore in the ocean. It was amazing; like swimming in an aquarium. We opened a can of tuna and fed the fish and we were swarmed – one fish even nipped my finger!

And lastly, cruisers come – and we get to know them a bit – and the next day, they are gone. They have moved on to another destination. This reminds me of the impermanence of everything in life; here today, gone tomorrow.