THE LIFE OF A FIRST MATE – Agent 09
Along with line throwing, fender bending, drink making, and driving during the captain’s nap time, the duties of First Mate also include such things as fashion advice, carrying the sunglasses, finding the laundry facilities, and re-organizing the kitchen drawers. On the charting front, the First Mate is expected to agree with all the captain’s plans and ideas as well. For instance, this week I have dutifully agreed that we should leave Key West Sunday morning, cruise up to Fat Deer Key, anchor out for the night, leave Monday morning for Tarpon Basin and anchor out there too, then Tuesday morning cruise to Boco Chita, and stay at the marina there for a few days. After that it’s on to Fort Lauderdale around the 26th or so, depending on weather forecasts. Then sadly my shift as First Mate Extraordinaire comes to an end, when I fly back to CO. (NB: Applications for the position are now being accepted.)
This will be our first time anchoring out, which means not staying in a marina. Camping on a boat, in other words. Preparations are in progress, with bilges pumped out, water pumped in, generators tested, laundry done, groceries bought, floors vacuumed, etc. It’s a lot of work to anchor out apparently. No wifi available, so blogs must also be updated, trash dumped, etc. But I am looking forward to it, as we will be on our own. I have high hopes of star gazing, fab sunsets, being gently rocked to sleep, all that good stuff. Will keep you posted.
Okay, I want to officially apply for Marie’s job. Probably the only duty she mentioned that I excel at is mixing drinks, but I’m trainable!