Voyage 2020: Chapter 1

21 Jan 2020, Visiting in Ocala and Leesburg (FL), 29 45.966 N/ 082 48.09 W

)We arrived in Ocala and checked into La Quinta (all LQs accept pets), tucked Mattie into her new room, and headed off to see Cori from Green Turtle Cay. Cori was the first one we met in New Plymouth as she fed us breakfast at NP Liquor Store and Cafe. She is in Florida with her two sons, staying at a friends house. They are staying until their house in GTC is habitabile. We took Cori to Harry's, a great local pub in Ocala. We talked a little about the destruction of Green Turtle and heard stories of the heroism of the local residents and the charity of all the volunteers, NGOs, and assistance from the USCG, British Navy, and others. It was great seeing her and we promised we would see her in GTC next January.

Yesterday, we saw Bob and Barbara ,formally of SV Barbobasea at their house in Leesburg. We've known them for nearly 20 years but only cruised with them once. Believe it or not, they are older than us. Medical challenges are forcing them to move up north to live (independently) near their families. We chatted about good old days, aches and pains, the future, and where to eat. We picked a Texas Road house in the Town Center of one of the Villages. On our return to their house, Barb gave us a ton of sea shells and beans that she collected over the years. We told them "we would have to change our future Land Voyages to include upper New York state". And we will.

Today, we got up kinda early as we are to meet with my oldest friend, Harry Strunz and his wife Sheila, in Orlando. Harry and I met at the St. James Catholic school playground in 1959. I believe I was 'getting fussed at' by Sister Someone for something. He wanted to be sailboat captain and I wanted to be a scientist. Guess fate got us mixed up. We arrived at their house at 1030 where we got a tour of his very botanical back yard. After briefing each other on family status, we decided to head for the Columbia (Cuban) restaurant. There we discussed the careers of their two children, Stephanie and Eric. We had to leave after lunch for we had to check into our next La Quinta in Brandon, FL.

24 Jan 2020, More visiting in West Central Florida, 27 56.966 N/ 082 32.09 W

Arrived at La Quinta/Brandon FL yesterday. Unpacked luggage and Mattie found her comfy place. Nice motel with nice staff. Today, we started with a nice hot breakfast in the lobby area, some TV, then Land o' Lakes to visit old colleagues and friends. We arrived at David's home outside of Land o' Lakes and were introduced to Susan, a Canadian friend of David's. Bob's company had its first contract with David's organization. Susan is a neighbor who hails from Ontario Canada. After the normal chit-chat, we headed for lunch at one of the local eateries near his house. Jim joined us for lunch. The three of them are avid golfers. However, we talked a bit about our old work, where we were, and where we were going. I always have admired David even when he fussed about me being late. Needless to say we were not late that day.

It's now a new day, and we are heading for Sunset Beach to visit Joanne and Frank, formally of SV Fantasy Island. We had bumped into them many, many times from 2000-2010 along the ICW. We try to visit them whenever we in the area. Today, we saw their new (to them) home, snuggled on a large pond. We had lunch there fixed by Miss Joanne. Then Frank drove us to see the community, including club houses, swimming pools, hobby shops, and an almost endless crafts. Good seeing them and will see them next year.

It's now a new day again and we are heading for Palm Harbour to visit Al and Linda on MV Alynda. Their home is in Montreal Canada but spend the cold months on their boat. We met them last year in Green Turtle Cay where we were marina mates. They are so likeable and easy to talk to. We took a ferry ride to an exclusive island with a fancy restaurant opened to the public. It was a great feast and they paid. Very nice people. Maybe we will have chance to see them when we are up New Brunswick way. Now we have go. Tomorrow we will head for La Quinta/Fort Pierce.