Safety is at the forefront of our minds as we get ready to set sail on our adventure, especially as we’ve spent two full weekends at “Sea School” in St. Pete. As we worked toward obtaining our captains’ licenses, took the test, completed a first aid/CPR course, and worked through the paperwork, it gave us a lot to think about.
During our sessions there, we watched a short movie where a sailboat sank, and most of its crew didn’t make it. (Not a top pick for Friday night Movie Night). It made us ask ourselves questions about our own safety plan: what drills could we run? How can we be as prepared as possible? We’ve packed a ‘ditch bag’, which has everything we’ll need in case of an emergency, and we checked to make sure our 6-person lifeboat is prepped and ready to go.
Our time at Sea School was incredibly important—and exhausting. So one day, we took a much-needed break from studying and headed out to Emerson Point Preserve, a 365-acre wildlife refuge situated where the Manatee River meets Tampa Bay. With a new camera lens, fresh air, and our dog Dixie by our side, we snapped pictures of birds and fish and gorgeous water, and we just—breathed.
We also stumbled upon one of Florida’s most ancient temple mounds, the Portavant Mound. Being in such a unique and incredible place, plus seeing the abundance of wildlife and Florida’s natural beauty, was a little foretaste of what’s to come.
With only a few days left before we set sail on this big adventure, we headed to Chiefland, FL to say goodbye to loved ones. Check out the video to meet Cole’s family and to hear life advice from some of the more senior members.
Next time, we head to Tennessee for a few more bittersweet goodbyes. Stay tuned!
