(8/24/14) Day Two in Naples
I awoke just before sunrise and went out onto the deck to enjoy the early morning serenity and picturesque beauty. I looked up in our spreaders and rigging, and to my surprise, there was a pandemonium of parrots gathered. I was able to snap a couple of quick photos before they flew off. The forty or so birds left ample traces of their presence on the roof of our salon, however.
This was Sunday, so Cindy and I readied ourselves and set out for worship. Today, we chose to visit St. Anne’s, which is about an eight or nine block walk from the City Dock. The service was quite beautiful and our souls were refreshed by being there. One striking feature of the church was the “Corpus,” what looked to be a wire mesh sculpture of Christ suspended in mid-air rather than with a cross behind him. Quite contemplative!
After church we walked a few blocks down to 3rd Street South, a sophisticated shopping and dining area on historic Third Street. We had the most wonderful pulled pork sandwiches with onion crisps and Asian slaw for lunch at Tommy Bahamas. Who knew Tommy did food as well!? After a brief time culinary overindulgence, we made our way back to Beatitude, spending the rest of the day aboard.
Before leaving for church this morning, we accomplished the cumbersome task of dragging our mattress up out of the owner’s hull, through the salon and cockpit, and onto the front deck of the boat. We let it dry in the hot 94° Naples sun and wind for about five hours. I believe that did the trick. We frantically retrieved it from the bow when Cindy yelled, “It’s raining!” We’ve had another afternoon of quick showers accompanied by sunshine. Weird.
I made the wonderful discovery of wifi which can be accessed from Beatitude. We can’t be in the salon or cockpit, but must be up on deck with a clear view of the dock area to get service. It works very well. With wifi, I was able to work on several blog posts this afternoon in between losing a game of chicken foot to Cindy.
We enjoyed a pleasant evening on board while thunder rumbled in the distance. Eventually, around 8 pm, the storm found us and we had a few minutes of wind, rain, thunder, and lightning. It didn’t last long, however. The lingering, cooling effect of the storm, lasting through the night, was most welcome. We ate cheese enchiladas, watched a Teaching Company lecture on The History of European Art, and retired for the evening.
Motorhomes have a covering that fits over the hatch so if rain comes it can not rain in. You might check Camping World to see if one would fit on your boat.
Some are solar powered and offer a fan too. Very handy! We think they are about 14″ x 14″. Don’t know if they would have a size to fit, but they are great!
Also, did you see my note about carrying a cooler to and from the dock for your ice? Save some drips. LOL
Thanks, I did see your note! It’s a good idea and one that we have implemented if we have very far to go with the ice!
We always appreciate comments and any suggestions! Thanks a lot!
I suspect your marine supply store has the same kind of thing. Dawned on me after posting the previous note. 🙂
I’ll check into it. Thanks, again!
Naples looks beautiful! That was really cool about the parrots! Sounds like a wonderful day 🙂 Love you guys!
I will be happy when you can come aboard again and ejoy this with us! 🙂 Love you
The last time I saw parrots like those was in San Francisco at my sisters home. They just swarmed in from ( who knows where) and hung out in her trees…aren’t they beautiful ?!!! Love your posts !!!!
Thanks, Rusty! They really are cool to watch. They always stay together, flying or perched.
I’ll continue to live vicariously through you guys!!! Love the pictures and
hearing about all your adventures!! The parrots were so cool!!
Thanks, Kathy! I’m glad you are following along!