2024 July in Daytona

     The weather continues to be hot. Ocean breezes cause storms to develop in this area, but usually intensify west of 95. The Chesapeake weather (temps, humidity and storms) is very similar to Orlando, but the sun is so much more intense than up on the Chesapeake. Here, hats are a must! The awnings are really helping keep the boat cooler and the AC cycling as it should rather than being on 24/7.   

 

Comparing the weather ~ Daytona Beach, FL vs Kent Island, MD

     Recently, we had a heavy and almost spontaneous thunderstorm that formed over us. It was the loudest & closest in years! The drainage area that Tillie loves to do her zoomies when out for a walk, was flooded. She was very concerned. She kept running up to the water’s edge, checked it out, than ran to another area and kept repeating the actions in total disbelief that water dared to interfere with her fun!

 

 
Storms forming over Daytona

     We searched for any firework displays over the ICW in this area. There were none. The triple-A baseball team, the Daytona Tortugas, play at the Jackie Robinson Ballpark, here in downtown Daytona. They had a small display after their game on the 3rd. Since they are only about 2000 feet north of us, it was very convenient to watch them from the boat.

 

Fireworks!

 
     As for the 4th, during the day, it was relatively quiet.  There was a lot of boat activity, especially with the smaller Freedom Boats, but darkness brought on private fireworks all around us for a couple of hours. Tillie wasn’t sure or very comfortable with the sounds and lights, probably due to the unpredictable locations.

     While I was up north last month, Pete researched the Wi-Fi here. Though 5-G is offered, there is a lot of usage of the 2G for Ring cameras and security on boats throughout the marina as well as Wi-Fi for phones. Our TV is older technology and can only use 2G for internet shows. That meant that we were seldom successful in watching much on the TV. We could download programs to our phones, but couldn’t cast it to the TV. After speaking with the really helpful OnSpot techs, Pete bought the router they suggested to boost the signal. With their help, he was able to install it and program the TV. WOW!! Did it make a difference, not only to the TV but also with our phones. YEA!!! Now, when we want, we can watch many of series and movies that everyone talks about! I can even enjoy Pandora or Amazon music, casting from my phone to the sound bar.

The Full Moon

     Things here have been quiet. With the heat, we have spent more time down below. Reading for both of us, photo processing, posting the blog for June, and more of the photography course for me. I am learning and enjoying my editing course for iPhone photos. I am constantly amazed by this compact camera that just happens to have an attached phone and computer. I have concerns with evolving AI, but the apps that use it, really do some amazing things with photography.

     I have had a SmugMug account for about 10 years. I originally hoped to transfer most of our photos on it for storage. I found that I could share photos for occasions like birthdays, weddings, family special occasions, special events, etc. I worked great, but over the years the price climbed substantially. So instead, I have transferred the files to my iCloud account, so I have it on my phone and computer. I still the option to share a folder of photos with family and friends, so it’s a Win-Win!

     Pete has groomed Tillie at least 5 times. It does take two of us, me to hold while Pete grooms. We don’t have a way to hold her head with a leash, but she allows me to hold her face and paws when necessary. I can place her belly-up in my lap and she stays still as her face, legs and paws are trimmed. We don’t have a grooming drier (my hair drier is not strong or cool enough, so she is bathed the day before and air dried, then fully brushed before the grooming begins. The grooming process minus the bath takes close to 2 hours and, did I mention, there is a lot of hair? We need to trim her every 4 to 5 weeks. In that time her hair grows almost 1 1/2 inches!

 

 
Tillie after her bath                                  & her attempts at interior design

     Tillie developed another ear yeast infection. After some research, we picked up Zymox. She was so good, allowing me to flush the area and clean/dry it out with cotton on a hemostat. Her reward was a Kong hard ball with a squeaker that is highly protected and has already lasted almost 4 weeks! She usually destroys the toy to get at the squeaker in an hour or two at most!

     We took a ride though Smyrna Beach. Like Daytona, parking on the beach is permitted. Smyrna itself seems a bit newer and homes, though smaller, are well tended. The shops are a bit more upscale, clustered, and limited to only a few areas. We were surprised to find a cute DQ that was built in the 1950s. I found this Facebook posting a few days later. Their prices were very reasonable and offer a number of outdoor picnic tables for dining under the trees. Tillie enjoys her cone minus the ice cream. She is lactose intolerant. We have found that out the hard way!

     Pete has found a way to settle Tillie when she encounters something she has never seen before. While taking Tillie for a walk one afternoon, the marina crew was cleaning dock boxes. The dockhands looked in confusion, then amusement as Tillie shied away and would not pass the large orange bucket with the long handle of the scrub brush sticking out. Pete then proceeded to walk up to it and pet the brush handle, saying, “nice brush.” Once he explained, Tillie forgave the bucket and brush and got her quality time with her new people.

 

 
Sights from Tillie's walks

     All systems require periodic maintenance, be in for a home, car, or boat. Well. . . within a 2-week period, the AC for the car AND boat demanded some attention.
     It was gradual, but we finally noticed that the AC on the car is not cooling quickly or completely. We kept our fingers crossed as we took it in for the diagnostics. Elite Services here in Daytona specializes in Mercedes. They diagnosed the problem as low Freon, which was an easy fix. Had it been more involved, it would have been 3 weeks for the next available appointment. Their great reputation puts them in high demand.
     Unfortunately, the boat’s AC was a bit more complicated. After a visit to the dog park, Tillie always needs a bath. Her white paws and face always come back grey. The bath went quickly and easily, but it was hot in the cockpit. While still icky, Pete wanted to use the shop-vac on the internal filter of the AC as it is time, as he cooled down in the AC. He needed to battle with and partially unpack the lazarette to retrieve the shop-vac from the bottom, where it had fallen. Forty minutes later, he headed into the salon to find that the AC was now stopped with a message for “high pressure.” Vacuuming alone will not make it better. So now, another 20 minutes to remove the bumper boards, the extra fenders, and the bucket with the oil extraction unit from the sugar spoon before he could retrieve the special rig he created, to flush the AC system with Barnicle Buster. One of the fittings on the pipe needed 5 attempts to stop leaking! What should have taken about an hour took the better part of 4, once everything was cleaned and put away. He was not a happy camper, especially since he ran out of the Barnicle Buster before the job was finished. He was not only frustrated, but also very sore from the stretching and lifting, as well as muscle cramping due to working at odd angles. The good news: we had air conditioning working perfectly by the time we finally ate dinner much later than usual.
     Another couple of days passed before he could finish the job. Everything went perfectly until he needed to reattach the final hose clamp. The nut on the end screw broke off. After trying various ways to try to unscrew it, he finally grabbed the hacksaw and, over the next 40 minutes, finally cut through the stainless band of the hose clamp. He now had a whole 15 minutes to shower and prepare for his business conference at noon. He made it and the AC feels wonderful!

     The end of July is usually busier due to appointments. Traveling from Daytona, my visit to the cardiologist in Miami made for a very long day. We had to drop Tillie off for doggie day care in Delray Beach before continuing to the appointment. As a result, we left at 4 am to be at boarding by 7:30, then another 2 hours to Miami. It is 5 hours each way, but my doc is super and why I won’t find someone more convenient. Thankfully, it is only 2 hours from Ft Pierce for my other quarterly visits.

     One of our dock mates showed up about 2 weeks ago. He lives in Tennessee, but keeps the 40-foot SeaRay here for the past few years. Since he hasn’t been down in over a year, he felt it was time to take it back home so he could use it. Pete and he spoke for a bit. Pete was concerned when he returned. The systems haven’t been checked other than starting the engine and AC, and yet he plans to depart the following day. He will meet friends and a captain in Ft. Pierce, then continue home. He has to be home within the month. Pete tried to reinforce the need to NOT have a schedule, but the gentleman didn’t seem concerned. Within a few days, Steve, another dock mate, reported that he made it to Ft. Pierce, but is coming back. The hired captain and the friend that was to accompany him had to bail. Steve went down and helped him bring it back to Daytona. Steve was concerned with a strong odor onboard, possibly CO2 and slept above. The owner refused to leave the cabin while underway. He became overheated and withdrawn. Unfortunately, once back here at the dock, the paramedics were called. The good news - he’s ok.

     The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics began on July 27th. The opening ceremony was staged along and on the Seine River. Performances were on the banks of the river and filmed inside many of Paris’ major attractions. Lady Gaga opened the performances and Celine Dion, in her first appearance in years, sang at the final vignette. The athletes arrived via boats, 85 boats ranging in all sizes. Unfortunately, most of the athletes and the audience bailed for the actual swearing in of the athletes and dignitaries’ speeches due to the unending rains. Strangely, the Olympic flame is not visible during the games. Instead, the organizers have decided to use a hot air balloon that rises in the evening and is illuminated from within by lights looking like flame complete with fake smoke. There had been no mention of where the Olympic Flame is housed until the closing ceremony. They did put on a great fireworks and drone display around the Eiffel Tower, but most of it was not broadcast. We caught it on Facebook the following day. We enjoy overloading on sports during this 2-week period, every 2 years between the summer and winter games. It is sad that we and most of the world missed the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Due to the pandemic, only the athletes were permitted to attend. I feel so sorry for those participants who could not share their excitement and moments of glory with family, friends and the world.

An old, Live Oak Tree

     We celebrated my birthday by grabbing dinner at Aunt Catfish’s On The River. My Pecan-Crusted Catfish and Pete’s Fried Salt and Pepper Catfish was excellent. He also enjoyed their New England Clam Chowder. The Fish Camp Fixins & Bakery buffet includes baked beans, stewed cinnamon apples, cheese grits, corn bread, cole slaw, broccoli salad, potato salad, pickled beets, and cinnamon rolls. We tried and enjoyed all but the grits and beets. This is definitely a place worth revisiting.

     July 2024 is officially gone. I can’t believe it is already August. However, with its arrival comes the reports of a tropical disturbance #4 that should affect weather over Florida within the coming week. Hopefully, it will not be too much trouble. We continue to monitor weather reports.

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P