We made our way to New Smyrna Beach and were very happy to reunite with our friends Ward and Laura whom we had met at 2 previous MTOA (Marine Trawlers Owners Association) Southern Rendevous. They took time out of their very busy lives to treat us to a fabulous home cooked meal at their beautiful river front home. Last night they came over to take the Southern Trawl home tour, since I wouldn’t let them on board when we first got to town due to the untidy conditions of the vessel at the time. Today they are generously loaning us their car, so we can finish up some shopping and errands, before continuing our southbound journey. That’s one of the most fantastic things I’ve learned about Boat People. You make intimate binding friendships in a moment, and we all take care of each other . ” If I’ve got it and you need it, it’s usually offered, even before you have time to ask!”
Thank you Ward & Laura
Friday evening , we were thrilled to have my former Charleston Bunkette Sistah Beth, and her husband John, drive 45 min to have dinner with us at a wonderful restaurant which also had a fabulous wine store attached. After sampling many of the offerings, John and Beth kidnapped us and took us to stay over night on their beautiful boat on Lake Monroe. 
Every boat is a compromise of one kind of another. The common factors one considers when deciding to purchase their boat, is that they all have a certain length, draw a certain amount of water, burn a certain number of gallons/hour, number of staterooms, number of heads…. eventually everyone buys the PERFECT BOAT for them. That is why you should never try to compare one boat to another. That being said, I think living on Southern Trawl is a lot like hangin out at a terrific State Park. The Elzabeth Anne, on the other hand, is a lot like staying at the Ritz Carlton. We were spoiled rotten!
The St John’s is pristine fresh water river, but has the brown tannin color of Grandmas sweet tea. We saw at least one large fat alligator sunning himself along the banks and the heavily moss draped cypress swamps seemed to be the perfect habitat for water moccasins. The peaceful waters were just too inviting for Tom and John in spite of the possible predators who could be lurking just under the surface!
What an incredible weekend we have had, and thanks to the generosity and hospitality of our friends. We are fortified, restocked and ready for the next leg of our journey.
Can’t you just imagine the good times that have been had with this rope swing out over the water
Wood Stork standing sentinel.
Beautiful water bird walking on the Hyacinth
southerntrawl 
Love your blog. Does Tom grin constantly? I know you are both loving your adventure. I visited with Nell this morning – she was very alert and in good spirits. Always look forward to your blog. Have fun and be safe – watch out for aligators!
LikeLike
Hey Sandra,
Thank you so much for holding down the fort. Hope Nell isn’t missing Tom too badly. If she asks if he’s on the boat, be sure to tell her we don’t go out very deep! Hugs to you all. We are anchored out tonight where we were warned not to go swimming, as it is where the Bull Sharks come to give birth. Fortunately neither of us had a desire to put a toe overboard!
LikeLike
The tarpon will be stacked up like cord wood in the Keys soon…Jus’ Sayin’
LikeLike
Then you best be making plans to come aboard and bring in a load of wood!!! Hopefully a few will be coming over to the Bahamas since we’re planning to bypass the keys! I’m sure the Abocos will have a few be getting their share.
LikeLike
Hey guys – just wanted to let you know that I am following your blogs. I am living the adventure thru you – wish I was there !!
Stan
LikeLike
Hey Stan
Glad to have you virtually on board. If you get on that bike and hurry on down to Lake Worth , we know we have room for you and we’ll figure out how to strap the bike on somehow. If not this trip, hope to see you soon !
LikeLike
Thanks Robin and Tom for giving us an excuse to get over to New Smyrna Beach and then go for a cruise this weekend. Without ya’ll we would have stayed at the dock and worked on the boat. Instead we had a great adventure with you both. I think the wine was the most expensive part of the weekend. We’ll be watching your blog from now on, so keep on cruising and well be following in your wake soon.
LikeLike
We were so glad we could be your excuse for a wonderful fun weekend It was truly our pleasure! We’ll be looking for you down island soon !
LikeLike
Hi Robin,
Just wanted to let you know that Jett and I are reading your blog and quite envious of your adventures! You are living our dream! Also wanted you to know that my dear friend Sherry Chalmers Koban (from Walhalla) said we have you in common!
Give Tommy our best, and have a Kaliks for us in the Bahamas!
LikeLike