Time passes quickly.
Since returning to Port St. Joe, Fl Beth has remodeled a beach town house which has direct access to the "Guff" (the way locals pronounce it!) of Mexico, and I began updates and preparation for my plan to take Docs Holiday to the Bahamas, when I retire (again!) However, like the best laid plans of mice and men, the gods thwarted our plans and our lives changed suddenly when our boat broker called to say" we have an offer on the boat!"
"What!" I exclaimed, " The contract to sell the boat expired months ago. Were going to the Bahamas. She's not for sale."
"It's a pretty good offer." he responded. "You might want to take a look at it."
It was a reasonable offer and considering that Beth and I had been talking about downsizing to a two state room boat that would be easier to maintain with two less bedrooms bathrooms and showers to keep clean, we tentatively accepted the offer.
After 15 years of living, traveling and pouring our time and money into keeping Doc's Holiday up to date and well maintained, Beth and I agreed, we were not going to pass along the care of our boat to someone who was likely to abuse her. I know "Money is money! Just take your money and run!" but a boat that you have loved and cared for is more like a partner than an inanimate object. At times you get frustrated because they won't behave the way you think they should ; you cajole them trying to get them to perform the way you think they should; and yes, at times curse them because they didn't, but you love and care for them just the same!
No we weren't going to hand our baby over to just anybody!
Dustin Kidd, is a handsome young man with an endearing personality who won our hearts when he was touring the boat and exuberantly proclaimed., "This is way better than the pictures! I couldn't figure exactly how it was laid out, but I love it!" It turned out that he had been viewing and fantasizing about being able to own a motor yacht like this for over two years!
"I didn't think I would ever be able to afford it but I desperately needed a change in my life and this is it!" he exclaimed. When pressed about this comment he solemnly told us that he had just sold his 44 foot Hatteras because he needed a change. He bought his Hatteras and spent several years with his girlfriend enjoying many good times traveling around Louisville, Kentucky. When they parted company he became somewhat morose and after a couple of years decided to break out and move on with his life. This boat would be the start of a new adventure for him and his best friend....his dog.
As we sat in the lounge, sharing a cold beer. He looked over at me and said, "Where is the good stereo." I responded, "Oh, this stereo is good. See we have large speakers built into the cabinet and the bar. We have surround sound."
"No" he smiled, "I mean the stereo where you can hear the saliva dripping from the french horns."
My mouth fell agape. "How do you know about that!" I sputtered. "That was a comment made to me by my now deceased best friend, Jay Hinson. Fighting to keep my eyes from tearing up, I softly repeated, "How do you know about that!"
Dustin smiled and said, " I read it in your book. I have read your book cover to cover and truly hope that I can have the same thrilling adventures on Doc's Holiday that you have had."
Deal sealed. The boat is now being lived on and cared for by Dustin in Louisville, Kentucky.
We have kept in touch with Dustin, who kindly sent us text messages and pictures of his journey back to Kentucky and an invite to come and spend time with him on the boat during the Kentucky derby. Thanks Dustin. We may take you up on that.
As we watched Dustin and his crew (including his Mother) navigate the boat out by the Panama City fuel dock, I turned around to see Beth standing behind me with tears in her eyes. I held her hand as we walked silently back down the dock .
