DaVinci the Mariner

Day 122

Miles today:  0    Total miles: 2,537.5

Hours today:    0

Locks today: 0.    Total locks: 34

Today, among other things, we walked across the street to see the DaVinci/Michelangelo exhibit at the local auditorium. This was not a collection of priceless paintings and sculptures, but rather an assortment of machines that DaVinci designed and a group of copies of the most famous art works of both men. We were primarily interested in the machine models that were constructed using DaVinci's designs from over 500 years ago. He drew plans for war machines, flying machines, building machines, and other useful devices. Unfortunately he was ahead of his time, and very few people could understand the brilliance of his ideas. I had no idea he was into boating!

Mark demonstrates a whatchamacallit

DaVinci's idea for a paddleboat

A flotation ring

Underwater breathing apparatus

Today's activity was a lot more enjoyable than yesterday's- we spent most of the day compounding, buffing, washing and waxing parts of Mara Beel. We even took the dinghy off and lowered the mast to clean those hard to reach places. Not fun, but necessary. I saw this comment on Facebook today, and thought it very accurate:

 A boat owner was asked,"Is there ever a time when you have this zen moment when everything is working perfectly on the boat?" and the answer was, "You have to understand that the natural state of all the systems on the boat is BROKEN. Anything else is just temporary."

The hubbub around downtown Bradenton continues to build as the town prepares for Saturday's big event- the first ever Riverwalk Regatta. The day includes everything from a 5K run to 120 mph speed boat races on the Manatee River; live music; food vendors; kids' activities, etc. etc. topped off with a huge fireworks display. 50-75,000 people are expected to take part in the festivities. I can't even imagine how it will all work. I wonder if city officials have it figured out. Where will they all park?? It will be interesting!