A Long Awaited Dream

Our retirement dream of having a boat for cruising has become a reality!

Finally, in March 2009, after a great deal of searching, Richard and I found a 1999 39ft Mainship trawler we have named TADPOLE.  She is very comfortable and we are anxiously looking ahead to many boating adventures.

Our first trip was bringing her home from Melbourne, which took us south to Stuart and across the Okechobee Waterway and the locks along the route, then up the west coast through the Sunshine Skyway to our backyard in Tampa.  My coworker and our friend, Tony, came along as  first mate and helped ease our nerves.

After passing the Coast Guard Course and completing several local trips, we headed out on our first major voyage to Key West for two weeks in July. We practiced our boating and navigational skills; traversing thru the locks of the Okeechobee Waterway, docking, anchoring, tying up to mooring balls, and boating during a thunderstorm "white out". We also made an attempt at snorkeling and diving at several reefs in the beautiful clear waters, watching the numerous colorful fish swimming all around us.  It was an awesome experience and a definite repeat!

Bear and Barbie, our children (Persians), went with us and travelled quite well for their first cruise.  They will be with us on all our adventures.