Capt. Little is busy updating to his resume to include his new rank. He is now licensed to be a captain of any vessel up to 1600 tons or about 300 feet. We really would prefer something just a tad smaller. Tomorrow, we will start visiting agencies and signing up for interviews. Meanwhile, Alan continues to work at Shadow Marine, last photo. I'm not sure what I'm doing.  Now that I have plenty of time, I don't want to spend money. Bummer, isn't that just how it always is?

Thought you might enjoy seeing how some of the people live here in F.L. My favorite is the blue "African Queen" looking boat.

I'm having technical difficulties. I am not sure why my babbling isn't with the photos, however, I will continue fiddling around.

So, this is our temporary home. Water ways and canals are very common here. They keep surprising me. I don't expect them miles from the the ocean. But, when you build a city in the middle of the everglades, I guess there's bound to be lots of water. Lots of water with sunshine equates to lots of boats.

Pablo, the parrot, is also one of our housemates. He is probably the first bird I actually like - especially when he is in his cage, When around, Drew usually has Pablo sitting on his shoulder. Every once in awhile, Pablo makes a run for it. There is a household debate whether or not Pablo can fly; they do trim his wings at times I guess.

Home Sweet Home

Hollywood, FL

The evenings are really beautiful this time of year.  The sunset is on the wrong side of this place, but the color gets reflected onto the clouds.

Hollywood is a quaint little town just south of Ft. Lauderdale. They have preserved much of what was built in the 40's and 50's - unlike Ft. L.

I loved the little tiki bars, but I'm afraid they were full of regulars.

Monday, Oct. 13, 2008

We have arrived. Our first 3 - 4 days have been better than I could have expected. It's hot. It's hot and humid. Not that I didn't expect that, I just forget as I'm walking out the door, first step and I am reminded.

Alan is going to take the captain's test here in a few days. He bought 2 hideously boring books and has been studying. I am encouraging his studying by leaving the house and scouting around Ft. Lauderdale. (Love the iphone GPS/maps.)

We had a room in a house already reserved before we got here. So far, we haven't had any roommates. It's a tiny house fairly close to everything going on here. It has worked out OK. The wifi is spotty, so a bit disconcerting. I'm sitting in a French cafe taking advantage of their wifi.

Friday, Alan and I checked in with some of his old contacts. Shadow Marine, his first job, welcomed him back and offered him work. (He's there right now. It's nice to know there is a little incoming money.) We also visited 2 crew agencies, both of whom remembered Alan. That seems like a decent sign.

Yes, the economy has hit yachting. We thought that we would aim for the 80' to 120' foot yachts. They are a little less glamorous and fewer crew. Changing our minds - they seem to be the ones that are more effected right now. The megayachts (120' and up) do seem to be far less effected. Alan would qualify as a mate, not captain, on these boats. Honestly, I don't really care. On the bigger boats I would be working with other stews and get to learn from them. I might also have a chance to help in the galley.

We also had dinner with several of Alan's friends Friday night. By the end of it, we had a free place to stay for the next 3 - 4 weeks. Supposedly, we would actually being helping out Safari and Drew, our gracious hosts,  because they will be traveling and need someone to feed pets. The house is much nicer than where we are. It has lots of light and a pool and is on a waterway and comes with a car. We move tonight!

So for right now, this is how I am going to try to communicate. I know I can add photos which I will learn. There is a way for you to respond using this site, but I'm not sure how yet. You can always reach us at sailinglittles@gmail.com.