Back In Black

Back In Black

Yes, I am back, back in black. New bottom paint for the Muspa. It was time for a change of color. Grinding and sanding is always no fun. However it gives me time to think. There is nothing more thought inspiring for a water person than laying underneath his or her craft and grinding. Thinking of each scratch on the bottom and knowing where each one came from. I guess it was the long scratch on the bottom two summers ago in June in the Ten Thousand Islands that got me thinking. Maybe it was the dust of the paint. Whatever it was, I have been researching Cape Sable and the plants that were planted there ever since I took my first break grinding. The first Mango recorded  in Florida was in 1883. ( That statement alone sends shivers to my tongue.) To think of this going on in a place that is extremely remote even today makes me wonder.  Could there be a lone tree that is still there?  Some may say no.  I like to think otherwise. (The glass is always half full)  I look forward to exploring that area by boat later this year.  Grinding underneath your boat can lead to many things mostly being sore and very dusty, however this grinding time under my boat led to new possibilities  and adventures in a place I love, The Ten Thousand Islands. And yes I will be glad to be back.

Brian Holaway
relaxandexplore@gmail.com

I have been a Shelling Guide to Cayo Costa State Park since 1995. Many people know me as the Shelling Guide and Captain with Captiva Cruises over the past 20 years. In 2016 I began solely offering private small boat charters to the islands of Pine Island Sound including Cayo Costa State Park, Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Pine Island and North Captiva. I am a certified Florida Master Naturalist, licensed USCG Captain, avocational photographer, seashell enthusiast and passionate about the history, people and culture of Southwest Florida, especially Cayo Costa. I volunteer as a member of Friends of Cayo Costa State Park and have great respect for the heritage of Cayo Costa. My goal is to provide guests with an overall experience and appreciation for the waters, islands, shells, plants, marine life, wildlife, history and people of this unique area of Southwest Florida.

3 Comments
  • Kim@Snug Harbor
    Posted at 14:54h, 18 September

    Is it a lot of work to pull your boat out and get it up on jacks like that? I can't even imagine how you do that.

    I think it must be a labor of love altho it looks like a lot of work.

  • Capt. Brian Holaway
    Posted at 22:58h, 18 September

    Kim, It is always a little tricky getting the boat set just right. It is a lot of work and a labor of love as well.

  • Nancy
    Posted at 17:06h, 19 September

    Very nice, Captain! I am exhausted just thinking of how much work it was to paint it. Can't wait to ride in the black bottom Muspa!