Problem-Ohs!

Scrambled Egg:  Mixed up, stirred up, then put in a hot pan.  Pretty much describes our day.  Hard lessons learned today:  (1) Make sure we go through the ENTIRE checklist BEFORE getting underway.  (2) We are fully capable of setting an anchor in extremely short order in an emergency.  (3) Our tempers can be controlled even amid docking for the first time a 40-footer in a tight space without any of the necessary preparations.  (4) And never, EVER turn off the breakers for the inverter or the battery charger!

The past 24 hours has been one exercise after another on “problem-solving.”  And the problem-solver?  Mike, of course!   Electricity “blips”.  Waking up at 2:30 a.m. to alarms beeping and flashing.   Having to emergency anchor in the busy ICW in windy conditions as (a hot) engine and carbon monoxide (low batteries) alarms are sounding.  Making one attempt after another to bring onshore power to the boat, to eventually discover it was a faulty breaker with the marina’s electrical hookup.   It was a long day.... and not yet noon.

Today, we cruised just 3 miles from our anchoring spot near Clearwater Beach to the Dunedin Marina, where we will spend the night. (Dunedin is a Scottish community with a Scottish name.  It is pronounced “Dun-EE-din”—like “Done Eatin’.”  A proud local boasted of its outstanding marching band.)  Scuttling for ropes and with the guidance of Harbor-helper Tom, we were able to get Velsignet’s stern backed into slip 8.  We tied her up securely, eventually got her hooked up to power, washed her down to get the salt water off, and tried out the on-board built-in grill. 

As many problems as we faced today, we were able to tackle new systems and different procedures through the help of people around us.  Dunedin Marina Harbormaster Bill advised us about the “skinny” path into the marina and suggested we arrive on a high tide.  Harbor-helper Tom showed us how to tie our ropes securely such we could adjust them easily as the tide changes.  At our wits end about getting onshore power to the boat, we were able to call Daniel, the former owner of this Mainship, for his knowledge and expertise.  This was our third call to Daniel when we couldn’t figure out a situation on our own.  This time-- like the two previous phone calls--Daniel gladly helped us.  Everyone so generously offered us help when we needed it.

The temperature high is 89 degrees today. The wind is out of the west at 8 mph.  High tide was at 12:00 pm.  Clouds  and isolated thunderstorms are forecasted throughout the day.  We reviewed our resources again for a good weather window to cross the Gulf and our tentative ETD is tomorrow, Friday, at 6 pm.



Velsignet in Slip 8 at the Dunedin Marina

A mother and child statue at the Dunedin Train Station

Dunedin is a quaint, very nice town with a park, live music at night, and funky stuff too!

This Funky Buddha Beer was a maple bacon coffee porter.  Now who wouldn't like THAT?

Just off Main Street in Dunedin.

A shot of the Dunedin Marina facing an adjacent park.


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