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We decided to take
advantage of the exceptional fall weather that we had this year by
doing an overnighter on a Friday night. The Panther Creek Park Cove is
only a couple hrs away by sail and an hour away by engine. We made it
down to the dock late in the afternoon, Don on Mariah has left, Randall
on Serria Hotel had left. We were not sure how far behind that we
were. The wind was light and the temperature was great for the end of
October. We made our way out to the middle of the lake and by chance
saw a mast headed up the lake by Goat Island. The colors of the trees
are just
starting, much later than usual.  Don arrived first and
dropped anchor, Randall arrived just moments
before we did, Randall tied up on the starboard side and we did to the
port side. We settled in and I prepared SilverSwan
for a cozy evening. I found and bought a small catalytic propane heater
accompanied with a carbon monoxide sensor for safety. The heater only
delivered 800 BTU's but it was enough to take the chill off of the
cabin. Don and Randall started a spread of snacks, just as Ken
arrived on Went Crazy. What timing!
 Silver Swan was warm and
comfy, bed made with several layers and
sailing quilt with a quallofill 20 degree sleeping bag on top for good
measure. Anne was settled in for the night with a good book.
We enjoyed the evening fresh air and view of the stars as long as possible. It started to get a little cold so we decided to move inside.
!
 It is truely amaizing the difference in temperature just by getting in out of the wind. We settle down below to continue our conversation.  After several ours of stimulating conversation and consultation with Cuevero, Morgan & Associates, we concluded that we were on track for solving the worlds problems .  At the wee hours of the morning
we decided to have a good nights sleep.
It was not long till we awoke to being consumed by the morning's fog. The dew was thick on the boats deck and this made them a little slick.  Anne had the good fortune of sleeping in late with few responsibilities. The B&B SilverSwan even served breakfast in bed . Yes there is a sleepy head under the quilt and sleeping bag.  The mist started out over 15 feet thick, half way up the mast, but as the morning progressed, the blue sky emerged.  When Don first emerged and looked at SilverSwan, he thought that he saw Otto, the autopilot ( Raymarine ST2000) I guess if you leave your glasses off and squint a little out of one eye, it kinda looks like a silver headed robot at the helm., Must have been that thick fog.   You could see the sun slowly peaking over the ridge at the park and we were finally met by the sun .  As all good things must come to an end, we cast off of the raft and started to follow Randell and Ken. Don raised the anchor and was on his way.  The popularity of the FANTASTIC FALL FREEZE FESTIVAL OVER-NIGHTER created another overnighter the next weekend. With a little planning the food extravaganza was very impressive.
The Mariah Bar & Bistro features "entrees and dishes that are alternately earthy, elegant, and exquisite on what is perhaps Tennessee’s most refined, rarefied bar and restaurant menu," according to a recent review by world traveled and renown food critic. The atmosphere of the restaurant could only be described as "opulent and sophisticated" and the service as "attentive, amiable and very well informed." It is rare that the staff of such a refined restaurant would invite you to tour the kitchen while the many courses were in preparation. Only the best of the best would be willing to do this. We were surprised and pleased that the Master-Chief Randall of the Dry Tortugas Beach and Yacht Club was present to prepare his culinary repertoire for us from the menu normally reserved for the few adventuresome individuals that are willing to brave the high seas for days to reach the secluded Tortugas. Accompanying him was a delightful and well educated host and wine steward Don , very pleasant, accommodating with a quick wit, willing to share the geographical significance of the finest select aged ambrosia that could be found from around the world. The results of this meal, no, adventure almost defies description was we settled in for the best seat in the house, err, boat with the sunset fading on the horizon. As with most experiences, location, location, location. The evening started with the finest appetizers followed by Chicken cordon blue, fresh picked green beans, almond wild rice, hot out-of-the-oven dinner rolls, followed by Amaretto custard chocolate delight and fresh ground coffee. The next morning we were greeted by coffee amaretto, country ham, bacon with scrambled ham and cheese omelets and right out of the oven biscuits with fresh strawberry and blackberry preserves. For those who have declined to enjoy this adventure for the comforts of home, you have done yourself a disservice. The food is great but it doesn’t hold a candle to the enjoyment of the company that we always experience.
Sorry you were under the weather and missed out on the trip to Persimmon
island. We had a delightful sail up the lake and anchored to a tree on the
shoreline, where David’s boys built a warm campfire while David prepared bay
shrimp stir fry with fresh veggies and rice, complemented, of course, by
crème brule’ and crème brule’ cheesecake and hot buttered rum drinks from
Don. We had a billion stars to light the night and had a great time. Maybe
you can make the Christmas overnight. Have a happy thanksgiving.
PS. If you start getting emails from the Moorings about the Carribean, its not my fault. Don
11-16-05 E.R.
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