$#!* Happens Storm Damage In Tarpon Springs

After a long day of flying, we returned to the Anclote Harbor Marina in Tarpon Springs where Mystic is docked. It was so good to be back, we opened the hatch and let out the hot stale air that had been trapped for 30 days, opened all the windows and turned on the fans. We'd stored the folding bikes in our main cabin before we left so we moved them back to their resting spot on the stern, then took a look around. One of our dock neighbors mentioned that there had been a big storm while we were away. We'd heard about the 50 mph winds but not the super tide that raised the water over the top of the docks.

Photo from Farmer's Almanac
When you add wind to this, the effect is greater!

We were starving so we decided to grab something to eat. Tarpon Springs is very busy during the Memorial Day weekend so we headed west, away from town, toward Miss Vickie's Restaurant at Anclote Village Marina. Miss Vickie's was busy with folks enjoying a band playing classic rock songs on a colorful stage. The bartender told us we had 10 minutes to get our food order in. Dave ordered a blue crab sandwich and I had a blackened shrimp wrap. The beer was cold and cheap at $3.50 a glass. We met a couple who told us they were "Naturists". I thought it meant they liked the outdoors...turns out it's a nice way to say they are NUDISTS! 

It's really hot here! The daytime temps are in the 90's and it's difficult to move around without becoming drenched in sweat. There is a breeze that cools us a bit but doesn't quite make it inside the cabin so sleeping is a challenge. It is not uncommon for us to drink several bottles of water overnight! Just before the lights go out, Dave positions the fans directly on us and we try to lay still. In the middle of the night I woke to the sensation of something crawling in the bed. I yell "BUG"., waking Dave. I jumped to turn on the light and Dave saw a "Palmetto" bug scurry away. He was able to capture the little bugger but there is no way I will be able to sleep. Usually, these pests bring all their relatives when they come to visit. Turns out, it is common for one single bug to stop by in search of a new place to call home. In the morning we checked all our hatches and were pleased to see that we do not have an infestation!

Photo by Turner Pest
Palmetto (AKA Cockroach)

I'm not really sure how we first discovered the damage that Mystic sustained from the storm that visited while we were away but I think the tide was high, putting the hull at eye level. Dave was first to notice the chaffed "ding" on the starboard side, next to the Mediterranean dock. After inspecting the location and looking for the cause he noticed that the steps nailed to the dock also had damage. It appears that the tide raised Mystic above the dock and the wind slammed her into those steps. Disheartened, we start planning the repair. Dave has most of the supplies he will need but is missing epoxy to fill the ding. After some cosmetic work and some elbow grease we'll have the worst of the damage covered and buffed out. Had we been aboard Mystic during the storm we would have been able to adjust our lines and avoid the damage. But we have been fully indoctrinated in the imperfections of how life unfolds! $#!* happens...

Mystic's latest "Ding" closeup

Mystic next to dock with steps our fenders on steps

Toe rail teak damage

Damaged steps

Mediterranean dock with steps attached

Our AGLCA burgee has seen better days as well. Torn and tattered, I need to stitch her up and reinforce her tips. We'll have her flying before we leave here but will be mindful of lowering her each day from now on!

Our shredded burgee - She's seen a few storms!

When we complete our journey, Mystic will get a new coat of paint and some serious TLC. It's hard to see her beat up but we know battle scars are part of being on this awesome journey! We'd rather deal with dings than never venture away from the dock. Tomorrow we leave Tarpon Springs on our final push of the season, a run to Lake Okeechobee! We plan to spend the summer in Minnesota. It's the best time of year to be in the Midwest!