Nov 18, 2000

Left Frenchman's Marina on Nov 1 and anchored out in Lake Worth (North Palm Beach) for 2 wks enjoying the cheap seat in front of Jack Nicholas house. Summer was very productive but busy with complete tearing out and rebuild of the refrigeration. It now runs on a cycle of five minutes on and fifteen minutes off and freezes ice cubes for our evening libations. Previously it ran full time and did not make ice. Also, while at anchor completed brightwork revarnishing -five coats!- so CONQUEST is ready and pretty!

Left Lake Worth Nov 15 for a delightful offshore sail to Ft Lauderdale with a following 10/15 knot North breeze, one of the first winter cold fronts to make it this far south. We have taken a slip at Cooleys Landing on the New River where we plan to stay through Thanksgiving. Turkey dinner in the cockpit will cap our stay here! Thereafter, plan is Miami and then Florida Keys spending Christmas and New Years at Key West.

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!

- Jane and Ken

PS A much different year from last so far. Shipped Ken's car North by truck - filled with tools, air conditioner, small fridge (he used while replacing boat refrigeration). Now docked about two miles up New River next to a draw bridge. After a couple of days, you hardly hear the traffic. It's actually a relief to hear the bridge going up for a short respite from traffic noise. The New River continues for another few miles with many large boatyards. Consequently, power and sail vessels up to 150 feet are constantly passing by. It's amazing to see so many of them registered out of the country. Not sure if its a tax dodge or they're really from out of the US. It's been quite an experience living in Palm Beach County for the last few weeks. If you think that's all the news you're getting, imagine it being nothing else on local news also, in even more detail. However, the outcome for President is nothing compared to my experience last night. Ken allowed a cockroach on the boat. Surely I never would have allowed it!! Together, we "got it" and there better not be any more!! Along with the cat that walks on deck every night, piddling along the way and the barking Doberman on the next boat.

Again, I say, retirement is not easy. But it sure beats working for a living!!!

- Jane