The Float

I know what you're thinking. Just how did we get that thing in the water? Great question. Keep in mind that this is a 40-foot float with a custom-built garage/house on top of it so logistically, getting it into the water was something of a project. I wasn't there for the move but I hear it was a little dicey. Once the lift picked the float up there was some swaying and everything inside the house slid around a bit... but no major damage.

Hopefully that gives you some idea of the process. Personally, I found it fascinating.

So, now, we're at home on the water. As I mentioned, there are challenges. I arrived on Thursday morning expecting my crew to be hanging around waiting for me. After 20 minutes, I realized I'd literally missed the boat. I called Berg and sure enough, he had to shuttle back over to get me. I either need to get there before they do or be prepared to wait for a ride.

I also need to get used to that swaying feeling that stays with me for hours after reaching land. It never goes away. I'm actually swaying right now while I type this. Do I get seasick? Guess we'll find out.

And, yes, being a woman has finally caught up with me. Sadly, I can't (by that, I mean won't) pee off the side of the float. If I'm going to feel totally comfortable out there all day long, I need to learn how to drive the boat. Good motivator, right? Not a big deal but it'll probably take some practice.

On the up side, doing all of our work on the float is a breeze. I love being on the water all day, especially on days like yesterday where we were skimming 70 degrees and the wind was nill. I was out there in a tank top catching some sun when Greg Morris, a super-energetic grower and total grinder, and Christian Horne, another grower who's taught me some valuable tricks for being out on the water (keep your cell phone inside a spare sneaker), cruised past us. Morris jumped on the bow, his arms wide open and shouted, "Where's your tie-dye??"

At the moment, things are pretty quiet out there. We've got our battery powered, industrial-strength Dewalt radio but other than that, I can't hear anything but the water lapping against us and the occasional boat cruising past.

I hear the mantra all day long: "Just wait until the summer...Just wait till all the boats arrive...Just wait until it gets busy." Well, to be honest, I'm pretty content with where we're at right now. I imagine that once the warm weather starts to stick around, this quiet, empty piece of the harbor is going to get crazy. Between the moored boats and oyster floats, we'll be in the middle of a summer-long party. So for now, I'll soak up the silence. And practice driving the boat... without any obstacles.