Date: 18 November 2013. Quite the Sight.

© janice142
 

You know the boys give me heck sometimes because, well, because they can however I have to tell you there is something rather wonderful about the freedom that comes with a trolling motor. I passed the half century mark quite some time ago and believe me, I am about as physically phfittt as anyone over 50 can be. And no I do not eat health foods, figuring at this point I need all the preservatives I can get!
 

Specifically, the lack of strength means I do not have the power to pull a cord and start an outboard. And rowing looses its charm after a stroke or two. For me a motor is simply the best/easiest way to get from the boat to shore in comfort and style. Well, maybe not "style" but, well, let's just say I am quite comfortable:

And yes, that's a gimbaled drink holder behind me -- alas, empty but there none the less. The solar panel is across the forward seat and I'm fully loaded with coolers of ice and groceries, plus water. Skipper is no doubt aboard and doing laps under me and around the dink. She likes that -- when she's not at the bow that is.

I moved the Attwood Gimbaled cup holder from my companionway on Seaweed to Algae quite some time ago. I love it in the dink.

With a parasol I can be shaded and cool while exploring rivers and by timing those with changing tides can explore a long way without battery power worries. Yes, there are oars in the dinghy. Still, there is something relaxing about puttering along and looking at the shoreline while the motor quietly takes Skipper and I on long trips to see the natural world.
 

Living aboard a boat is fun and it is great to explore in Seaweed, but those tiny tributaries where draft is an issue (either air because of overhanging trees, or depth of less than 3') well, for that a dinghy works wonderfully. Sure, there are times when I would like a go-fast 9.9hp and one of those rubber marshmallows. Mostly I am grateful to be able to get out here and actually see the birds. You cannot do that with a loud motor!

For instance yesterday I saw three pelicans flying by, and the one in front had half a fish hanging out of his beak. The other two were chasing him along -- they flew fast and furious and I didn't see how it all ended but do know that pelicans can be just as opportunistic as seagulls.
 

And about pictures... there is of course the natural tendency to take pictures so we can share with others the things we have seen. Goodness knows I like to show the places and things I have seen.
 

Here are three of the wild things near my Seaweed:
A solitary coot hung out near Seaweed for several hours.	Several dolphins played near Seaweed one afternoon.	A large flock of pelicans flew in and feasted one morning.

The afternoon of the dolphins I was trying like crazy to take pictures with my cell phone when I realized that I was being stupid! Yes, instead of actually enjoying the moment and simply watching my world, I was so wrapped up in getting photographs that I missed much of the action. From that day forward I take pictures with less attention paid to sharing and more to living and enjoying the show nature is putting on for me.

One dolphin that day swam right toward my window in the galley, ducked under the boat and came up on the other side. No video could have captured the event as well as my mind's eye and I'll treasure the fun the dolphins appeared to have playing near Seaweed. How fortunate I am to enjoy this life -- and you can too. Just remember:
 

You don't need the biggest and best boat on the water.
Start small and enjoy transforming your boat while cruising.

Each of us out here enjoys the same sunrises and sunsets. The "big guys" do have great platforms for life afloat. I have to tell you there is a simple joy in owning a small boat. After the new diesel is installed, my mileage is going to be amazing. I cannott wait! Thursday I shall go to shore and check on the progress.

Side Note regarding new diesel: She has been lubricated and each day (two or three times per) the engine is cranked over. Yes, she has a crank start -- at least until the starter is bought. But the good news is that Jerry at Just Right Marine says we have good compression. This gem will "sip fuel" too, so that's excellent news. My friend Bob has an MD11C and says his uses less than a quart per hour -- can you imagine?!? Plus parts are readily available though when I checked on Friday or Saturday there was a question regarding rather the parts needed could be bought in America or if we would have to order from England. I will find that out the next time I go to shore.
 

Such is life on the waterfront. The evenings are getting cooler and autumn/winter is arriving. Thank goodness for my 12-volt electric blanket and Coleman catalytic heater. They make staying warm easy though I confess that I am anxious to head for the equator. When I get and stay warm, I will stop heading south. 
 

Do you use a standard outboard or a trolling motor?
How big is your rowboat, and do you ever row it? Or, if equipped, sail?
 

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