Warning to all Would Be Visitors
Now that there is only one pooch on board you'd think things would of gotten easier and...you'd be wrong. Not only do we have the same space issues as with two dogs, Thor has now decided that he is doubling as a "speed bump" in the middle of the salon and usually extends his body all the way to the top of the stairs. THIS takes up alot of floor space. Apparently, he's acquiring Zeus' previously allotted space. Again, we pretty much give him free rein with regard to space issues. If you thought he was spoiled on land or before Zeus left, I can guarantee you it's gotten worse. Particularly after his summer spent being pampered by "Daddy" and "Auntie Pat".
Also, there is still alot of dog hair EVERYWHERE. There is no getting around this. I vacuum every
other day, but it doesn't begin to combat the hair. You'll have it on your
clothes, in your bags, in your face and probably in your food. Live with it, or
forget it....we do. If you're a neat freak, this is not the place for you.
If you want to help out, grab Thor's brush and give him a good brushing.
He'll still shed, but it does help cut down on what gets inside the boat.
If you want to get in good with him, you'll have to provide the massage after
the brushing like Auntie Pat did.
You need to pack very lightly as there is not much space onboard. I have a
washer/dryer on board so I can always wash clothes if necessary. Also, bring
soft sided luggage, nothing big or that doesn't fold down. I have supplies of
things like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, soap, shaving gel...all that kind
of stuff so if you don't want to you don't need to pack any of it. DO pack
deodorant (got that Adam and Heather??) and a toothbrush and your own razor. I
do have a blow dryer, curling iron and hot rollers on the boat as well.
These items are completely useless in hot, humid climates, so don't even think
about taking an hour everyday to "groom". There's simply no point.
I have no idea what I was thinking when I packed them onboard.
Also, with anymore than two people on board, it
makes more sense to shower at the yacht club showers, so bring along a pair of
shower flip flops. It's also nicer to not have to take "boat showers".
At the club you can stand with the water running for as long as you want or turn
around in the shower and not smack your face with the shower head, which is not
something you can do onboard.
Be advised I WILL be taking pictures during your visit. I don't want to get any
goofy faces or "I don't want my picture taken" crap..got it??? Since we're
providing room and board the least you can do is sit nice for me while I snap a
few photos to remember you by. You just never know when we'll see each other
again. If your visit does not go well, it could be a very long while.
This rule is also applicable to those who stay in a hotel and are not being
hosted on the boat. Doesn't matter, I'll take the pictures anyway (see how
I am) so be
sure to brush up those pearly whites and be ready to say "cheese". I've
got to have something to put up on the website after you leave.
Be warned, the guest stateroom is small..very
small. We have done our best to make it comfortable, i.e, Novaform
padding, 400 thread count sheets, a fan for circulation. If you're 6ft and
over like our sons, you're going have to probably bend your legs to fit into the
bunks, sorry, it's a design flaw in our opinion. There is also almost no
floor space if the bottom bunk is pulled out, which if I were you, I'd want to
do to sleep, so there ya go. It's bed space or floor space. Advice,
stay out of the room unless you're ready to call it a night.
You can drink whatever or whenever you want, however, be cautioned, getting
drunk while the boat is moving or having a hangover when you have to get up
early to
go fishing is NOT the best way to enjoy the boating experience.
All barfing must be done outside, over the side of the boat, not in the head.
Speaking of the head, we have one. One and only one, so if you're looking for privacy, book the hotel room. Also, it's a pump head, so there's no nice little flush handles or buttons to push. You have to fill it with water and pump the contents out. You also need to minimize your use of toilet paper. If you're one of those that think a half roll of TP is just about right for the job, don't even think about using the head on the boat. All these issues can be combated while in a marina by using the facilities at the yacht clubs while we're at dock. We do.
There is NO SMOKING on the boat ANYWHERE. Not in the head, not in the bed, not in the dingy or even the cockpit thingy. None. Nowhere. Bring a patch and consider your visit your introduction to a smoke free world.
If you feel that you are not compatible with these conditions but still want to visit, we'd advise you to make reservations at any of the lovely accommodations near whatever marina we're currently located. We totally understand that this lifestyle is not suited for everyone and that even less are suited to spend their vacation this way. We just want you to know what to expect before you decide to stay with us so that your trip is enjoyable for everyone.
Updated 9/29/05