Springer's

Yep, that's my Cap'n, folding his big self up into the
forepeak of the Vberth, to get a handle on the
bolts in the side of the hull, that were covered up
by the rub rail.  The new bow plate will be bolted
on the sides of the hull, as well as on top of the deck.

My Cap'n worked throughout the morning, perfecting his template/model to take to the machine shop.  He extended the sides a bit deeper, so that the new one will completely cover where the old rub rail used to be.  He then decided which holes will actually be used, and marked them accordingly on the template.  He reconfigured the gusset, where it will weld to the chain plate. He also measured and marked the chain plate, so it will be cut, then bent at the proper angles.  By noon, he found the proper fastener he will need to attach our roller furling to the new chain plate.  He scored a deal on that one, from Jimmy at the used boat parts place.  By the afternoon, he was on the blue piglet, wheelin' and dealin' with several machine shops in town.  The first guy was a jerk and through out a $2600 bid (no, thank-you).  The second guy came in at $500, but needs to gat the stainless steel from up in Miami.  The third guy had already closed up shop for the day, so this decision was tabled until tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Rupert and his friend from Denmark stopped by to get a closer look at Donnie's template.  He has never come aboard Marquesa before today (glad I had spent the morning cleaning 'house' and doing laundry while the Cap'n was busy working).  About that same time, Larry and Len showed up to take us to Springer's in Big Pine Key.  Danny and Penny, and Bryan were also planning to go to play.  Springer's looked familiar to me.  I think we ate there years ago when we stopped in on the motorcycle.  If I'm remembering right, it was when Cap'n was taking a diesel mechanics class at Key West.  We really didn't know what we were getting in to; we thought Springer's was some guy's backyard, where musicians gathered to jam!

As it turned out, there were a dozen musicians that gathered on the patio
of the restaurant.  They sat in a circle, and each one would take a turn.
 

When a person's turn came up, he would choose what song he wanted and
in what key.  From there, the others would join in to support him. 
At times, they took turns taking the lead, or "breaks" in the song.

We heard everything from gospels, to bluegrass, to
blues, to folk songs, to Len singing his fishing song,
"Don't set your drag too tight" :)  Loved it.

My honey sang Josh Turner's "Be Your Man" Really loved that one ;)

Larry lead on "Long Gone" and later on
"Wagon Wheel" :)

The old feller standing up was playing harmonica and lead the group
in "Grand Ole Flag" and "You are my Sunshine".  I told you there
was all kinds of music, lol.  Normally the group plays from 6-9,
but they didn't stop until nearly 10:30pm.  The harmonica player
had to be well into his 80's; and I caught him napping as the
night wore on.  Clearly he was up past his bedtime!

This accordion player also joined in late in the evening.
She was really, really good.  A Jersey girl, go figure!

If we're still here next Monday, and it is likely we will be given the current state of Marquesa, it looks like we'll be heading back again next week.  Good music, good food, good company, good fun- that's a winner in my book.  This girl is pooped, G'nite, y'all!