Ready to Sail

A week in a small town, any small town is a long time when one is not a local. We have been here almost a week yet there are still things to see and do, mostly see. For instance; we have noticed something about the continuous parade of dinks from the mooring field. There a lot of dogs living aboard. Those guys are the most patient creatures on the planet. Unlike humans, they are on a body schedule which depends on the dink and the other creature with thumbs to take them to shore. Having been here at the dock this long, we are starting to see dogs we recognize. They sit patiently up front in the dink and wait for that moment when the dock, hence the dirt, is close enough to jump upon. They do not immediately charge to land but wait for the creature with thumbs to grasp the leash and allow them to find the perfect spot. Maybe they get to run a bit but most do not have that chance. There is a white Lab on the dock opposite of us that is teathered to the boat, but stays on the dock all day long. Land is but a few yards away yet he can't get there until the creature with thumbs "uncleats" him from the boat. Dog's life is tough.

Today is our last full day tied up to this dock and it's power and water. Since Bear's back is much better, we will set sail tomorrow for some anchorage yet to be determined. There are many in this area and since the water here is so clear, we will not rush to leave it. After all, from here north, the waters start to change back to more like that in Port A.

Last evening, just before retireing, a fellow made a bee line to our boat from the dinghy dock. He walked up and said he did not mean to bother us but had to say hello. He was a long time resident of Port A many years ago and noticed our hailing port on the stern of WK. He spoke of restaurants long since gone or changed. We run into Texans everywhere how are eager to let us know that. The waitperson yesterday at lunch said she was from Odessa, as if we couldn't tell that from her speech. Said she was in the first freshman class a Permian. She also said that she did not miss the sand storms but did miss Odessa. She told us of the cold weather last winter that killed many manatee and other fish once so abundant here. She said that about the only good thing about the cold was that it offed many Iguanas which have taken over the area. Locals do not care much for them since they eat many of the plants that are so pretty here. She said that some of the Iguanas reached six feet or so in length. No offense Dan and Beery.

Another observation is that there are a dozen or so young children here. We are not sure if they are home schooled or attend the local facilities but they are present during the day and their parents land them ashore to play with each other. Their numbers are low so they don't split up according to age. They all play together and we guess that ages from about nine to say twelve. The mangroves are their playground. So goes life in the water world.

Looking out the portlight, we just noticed a large Boxer just convinced three creatures with thumbs to take him ashore. We leave this place tomorrow--- or not.