July 29: Herman’s Hermits

 

The tiny speck in the middle is Cattitude as viewed from the bar at the Golden Nugget.

Saturday was a rare lay day and it was only because it was blowing like hell. The flags were standing straight out which mean the ocean would be rough. So we got a day off! 

Sort of.

Debbie checked the engine rooms and I started making a fabulous breakfast. Then we took leisurely showers. But the showers are about a half of a mile away. It is as if they are intentionally forcing me to get in my jogging routine by placing our slip as far away as freaking possible. And Debbie’s damn legs are longer than mine so she has to pause periodically in the shade to wait for me. By the time I get back to the boat, I need another shower!

Then Debbie asks me to participate in the trip decision making. This is usually a trap. I tell her what I want to do so we do anything BUT that! Just kidding. That is only at home.

In all seriousness, forecasting the weather and finding slips and scouring charts for deep enough water is a pain the the ass. And Debbie has spent months doing it. It is hard work and I am not opposed to hard work as long as it is someone else doing it. 

But we are at a critical juncture of either going offshore and risking exposure to giant waves or heading inside and take a couple of extra days. 

One thing we share is a lack of patience. When we are heading for the barn, we want the fastest route! But according to the myriad of weather sites she consults DAILY, offshore is a bad idea. We both agreed the winds should subside throughout the day on Sunday so we will run 44 miles offshore to Cape May then cut in and reverse our route through the C&D canal.

That decision made, we were free for the rest of the day except for Debbie trying to book slips. At 4 we headed to the flybridge with beers to enjoy the breeze and the extremely loud band on the deck of the hotel. For once I was happy to have a slip so far away!

At 8 PM, yes, at night, we put on slacks for the first time during the trip and headed to the Golden Nugget to see that rock legend band Herman’s Hermits. Who said we don’t appreciate local culture?!?!

It was a refreshing change from Provincetown where now WE were the young whippersnappers. Practically everyone in the audience was older than we are by a decade or more. Except for the caregivers.

 Herman’s Hermits made their US debut when I was 3 but I still remembered many of their songs. And obviously the audience did because everyone sung along. Peter Noone, the lead, still has a remarkable voice and a great sense of humor. Because he was only 15 when he became a Pop legend, he appears to have never matured mentally beyond that. What a frigging blast . I think the audience would have been bigger if not for the 9 PM start!

Speaking of starts, we are about to head out. Later!