Windy Waterfront

During  the recent spell of prolonged strong winds I got a 911 call from a man who, in a panic filled voice asked to be transferred to the Coast Guard. I stayed on the line in case the Coasties requested help, an ambulance perhaps or an officer depending on what was happening.

 It turned out the would-be sailor was in no danger but was freaked out by the gusts that were pushing water into his dinghy and sinking it. The Coastguard operator did an excellent job of sorting him out and calming him down and I hung up reminded that it's all very well wanting to live like a devil-may-care boater but when the winds blow you still have to be able to cope. Self sufficiency doesn't come easy.

The commercial boats were sensibly secure at the docks. I joked with this guy about reading a paper book and he laughed. I have actually bought some books recently lacking electronic versions but in a life of limited space a pocket sized library is a thing of wonderment to an old man. Especially when you can read in line, in the dark, in the wind with ease.

They say the Coronavirus is emptying out hotels and cruise ships and restaurants and all manner of large gatherings. It has also been said young people are the least affected by the 'flu visiting us all from China, which may explain why Spring Break is keeping much of Key West busy.

While re-evaluating my position in respect of electronic books I am also forced this Spring Break to reconsider my feelings about mobile phones. I love my iPhone with all the features it offers me in the palm of my hand. I have to say though that it may also be too much of a good thing. I get numerous calls from parents who worry that their off spring haven't answered their phones for the past six hours or similar. It seems parents have an extraordinary ability to imagine their little dears don't drink and seek out new friendships, even brief ones, while on Spring Break. I should have hated to be on a cell phone leash when riding around Europe on a motorcycle in my misguided youth..

 For the old timers in Key West who live on the margins of the youthful frenzy of swimsuits and pool parties and indulgence  life goes on on, for him the commercial fisherman, and me the office worker. We stand back and ponder and watch.

In the middle of the chaos an al fresco picnic to celebrate the fact that snow is never seen in Key West, not all winter long.

Entering the harbor it was fortunate the man at the front of the boat was not the driver for he was facing backwards. 

Some visitors appreciate the winter sun more than others. Or perhaps it was  a hang over cure in a quiet spot?

 The couple I saw headed out into the wind and waves looked ready to get  wet:

Wind  driven waves don't get huge around here but there was plenty of spray to make their precautions justified.

I got back on my trusty electric bicycle and rode back to work. Head winds are no problem even with a small 350 watt motor.

The entrance bridge to Key West is supposed to start getting torn up one lane at a time next week. Thats when my bicycle rack and my electric bike will come into their own.