We raced into Everglades City Friday afternoon to get to the Post Office. We zoomed up to a nearby kayak dock and met the great guys at Calusa Kayaks, who helped us out a couple of times over the next day. But we reached the Post Office after it closed (at 3pm) and saw that it was closed on Saturday and Sunday. That's a problem since we mailed water containers and charts required for this section!Pat spotted the Postmaster working late in the back and got her attention and explained our predicament. Viola! We had our boxes! People in small towns are so helpful.
We allotted a zero day due to the permitting process and to allow for laundry and such before we head into the Everglades. That provided a great opportunity for equipment maintenance. Fran's leaky skeg box got another layer of 4200 adhesive, both boats got gel coat scratches repaired, the bow and stern keels got some extra gel coat reinforcement, my gloves got some needed stitches and a leaky water jug got a silicon patch. We set up a repair for Pat's skeg when we get to the Keys. We are noticing wear on lots of the gear. The salt water has etched the copper bottom on the cook pan, the rain fly has some mildew, Fran's sponge is disintegrating, and my watch strap is broken.
In the afternoon we walked around town, visited the Rod and Gun Club, enjoyed the day and ate a pint of Ben & Jerry's. Pat and Roger spent time visiting the guys at Calusa Kayak.
Our boats will be more heavily packed leaving here than at any other time. We have 60 pounds of water each (Roger has over 100), and more than two weeks of food. My packed boat will weigh about 300 pounds including me.
The trip begins again. We live in the moment and each day is new.
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