Nov 2 - more firsts

First ride in a boat; first time on the beach ... Cassie is racking up more firsts.

This was a quick one; no lunch involved.  It will be a while before we'd be able to leave her in the boat and have lunch.  We didn't bring lunch either.

It was also hot.  The water temperature was 78.5F and the air over 90.  The motor was a little reluctant to start and I can tell that the battery is also on its last legs.  No surprise.  Once running, however, it purred.  I did a litte more running around in the non-manatee zone to give it a chance to burn off some of the old gas, even though it was mixed with new.  We went out to the ocean but didn't stay out there long, just checking things out.

On the island, the tide was high.  We pulled up, kept the motor running, anchored the stern and then the bow.  Sandy then shut off the engine and handed Cassie to me.  There was only one other boat on the island; someone else giving their dogs a run.

Cassie trotted along beside us but was skittish about getting her feet wet.  That didn't last long and she was plowing along almost chest high.  Of course that's only six inches of water !

She's very clingy.  I don't remember Abby or Vickie being that clingy.  After a little walking she wanted to be picked up, just like a kid.  Up for a bit and then down for a bit, she got some good exercise.  I ran a little and she ran along with me; not real running, you understand, just play.

She chased her ball a little on the beach as well, into the water ... more training.  She's got to be prepped for games with Chili and Noodles up north  !

Back at the marina, Al got the boat out of the water with the forklift and I did my usual cleanup.  He'd given it a surface washdown before we arrived but all in all, it keeps nice and clean because it's inside.  It was probably a little dusty.

Once home, we had lunch, cleaned up and then went to pick up the X5.  It was ready and I was out of there quickly (Sandy left immediately) and then headed back home, stopping at Home Depot on the way.  I picked up some sections of 1" galvanized steel pipe, couplers, end caps, t's and replaced Sandy's clothesline with something that should out-live me.  Galvanized will still rust in the salt air but this stuff won't rust through !  I should probably put some anti-rust paint on it as well, I suppose.  I pounded a 2' section into the ground and have 6' above ground.  It's also tied with braces from the tops. 

Today ... my plan is to ride.  Sandy has started going to the gym, doing cardio on the off days and working out with Jessica on Wednesday and Friday.  I'll be leaving while she's at the gym so that means putting Cassie in her kennel for a short time.  She has no problem with that; has gotten quite used to it being in the bedroom.  Eventually we'll move it out but this is the best solution for now.

I finally bought a new watch.  It was supposed to be delivered yesterday, Fedex, direct signature required.  Would we be home when the Fedex man came ?  I highly doubted it as he comes mid day.  On the way to the marina we passed a Fedex truck going the opposite way.  What is the chance of that being the one ?  I reversed course and followed him to the SYC, he checked his truck and yay !  he had the package !  I now have to get the band sized, of course.

What else ... that's about it.

Onward !