Junior Ranger

     Tom and Mildred returned to Texas today.  I understood their leaving (it became apparent that two cooks in the kitchen long term just wouldn't work.) Still, I was  disappointed that they couldn't continue the adventure with us.  They have been invaluable in getting Doc's Holiday to Florida and we owe them our heartfelt thanks for their help and the fond memories established during the trip. I am sure their cat "Chewy" was glad to get off the boat so his daily sea-sickness and vomiting would abate.  Our dog "Spencer" told me he would not miss being cornered by Chewey and getting daily swipes from Chewey when he stole the cat food.

                                                  Anchorage at Fort Desota State Park                                         

                                                                              
     Cameron, our Grandson and  his mother Jennifer, arrived late in the evening.  He was all smartly dressed in his new Boy Scout shirt and was anxious to spend a night sleeping on the boat. He was surprised that we had furniture on the boat!  I guess living on a boat is "really cool" to a 9 year old boy. (Hmmm its still really cool to "an elderly" as my kids refer to anybody over the age of 60!)
     Jennifer had to go in to Tampa the next morning since our wi fi connection wasn't fast enough and she was used to using two computers at the same time to do her real estate closures (and foreclosures!)

                                                                           

     Cameron was up and ready to explore Fort Desoto Park, but first he wanted to dingy to the beach for a swim.  He couldn't get past his knees in the water! He changed his mind. "Its freezing. I'm not going in!" he said.
      We returned to the boat than headed in the dingy to the park reception centre.  On arrival we spoke with a park ranger who asked Cameron if he wanted to become a Junior Ranger.  A hearty "YES!" was his answer and he was given a book and a number of tasks to complete while we toured the live encounters.  He learned about the conquistador, Desoto and his march through Florida and Texas and how the Spanish killed and tortured the native Indians.  We walked the three mile nature trail through the mangroves, along the coastal shore, and through the pines taking compass readings at specified locations.  Returning to the welcome centre, Cameron was met by a Park Ranger.  She reviewed the book he had completed and asked questions about  his exploration of the park.  Questions like, "What did you see at different points? What did you smell? What did you learn about the conquistadors armour and weapons?  All questions Cameron answered and with a lengthy "repeat after me" induction oath, finally received his goal...a Junior Rangers Badge.

                                                   Junior Ranger Oath                                                                                

     It was a hot trek around the park and Cameron wanted to jump off the boat for a swim.  I put a line out with a floating cushion tied to it to keep the line up on the water so he would have something to hang on to if he got tired.
 He put his foot in. "Its freezing. I'm not going in!" he squelled.  Finally with lots of coaxing and pretending I was going to jump in, he jumped in and was swimming like a fish (with a life jacket on) and giggling he said, "Its not that cold papa come on in." (lying little rug rat!)

                                                                                  
                                                                               

     All in all, we had a great day barbecuing hot dogs and hamburgers and playing with Cameron.  He had to go with his father for the rest of the weekend so we took him to shore and with hugs and kisses said goodbye. 
     This is cruising.