All I had to say was "Yes"

The least expensive marina we could find was a commercial fuel dock north of St. Petersburg.  Having returned from Georgia at the end of January, we found that our latitude had changed significantly, with the end result being we were in the coldest weather in more than 2 years.  With several nights the temperature dropping below freezing, we had concern about freezing water lines on our boat and how to keep a 4 1/2 year old entertained when the wind is howling and 30 degree temps outside.  Though nicely tanned, our skin seemed out of place worn in shorts and T-shirts, our only clothing options on the boat.

The Offer

With cabin fever creeping into our vessel, Amy looked at me and suggested, "We could head back south to Key West or further, to get out of the cold!"

This was my ticket I had prayed for.  I had not verbally asked for it, nor left notes tossed about with hints of Palm Trees and tropical islands, but yet here it was, an official offer to head back south.

Her offer was Key West, but I knew Miami was just two days further and a mere 50 miles off of Miami is Bimini, Bahamas.  In 5 days, we could be out of the country again and buying drinks with umbrellas in them.  All I had to say was yes.

I let the "offer", stay on the boat with us for a few days.  I plotted in my mind the path we would take, distances, fueling stops, trade winds, which shorts to wear and which white t-shirt would be required again for the hot sun.

I thought about the great times we had in Belize and Mexico.  Places where there was not the daily drum beat of how America's economy was heading for the "end of times".  Robert and I thrived in the "live and let live" culture of Central America.  Where if you wanted to go fishing for crocodiles... and could afford the frozen chicken used as bait... then no one was there to tell you not to.

Our transition back to America had not been entirely smooth.  Robert still bristled at why seat belts were in American cars and why you had to wear them.  The courteous officers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Dept. would remind me with a $90 ticket that life jackets were to be worn at all times.  And Amy quietly commented from time to time about how a car was now a necessity for the first time in years.

Gone were the times where our dinghy was the trusted family auto, taking us from anchor to shore.

Gone was the remoteness and isolation of tropical waters.  Now was Home Depot and West Marine within blocks for any parts we might need.  So much for improvising, so much for hoarding food.  Why do that when Publix is just around the corner ?

Sacrifice

With the single syllable word "Yes", so easy to say, in the end I found that I could not.  Amy had sacrificed much to be on this adventure.  She had put friends, family, and all the comforts and trappings of suburban living on hold from me.

I knew that the cold streak in central Florida would quickly thaw.  And while Bimini might be easier, the fastest, shortest path to a happy marriage lay on a bearing headed North.