A Book and A Carrot Cake

An inquiring mind wants to know, “What is the connection?” Hint: the book is not a cookbook! So, with that said, here’s the story.

During my cruise to Panama and return, one of the northbound stops after leaving the Las Perlas Islands was Isla Coiba. It was a convenient stop which a single-hander eagerly anticipates after an overnight passage. The anchorage was at the north tip of the island in a cove on the west side of Playa Rosario. Isla Coiba is a national park and nature reserve, so it was no surprise that I was most definitely alone.

Books can be a single-hander’s best friend. Whether one buys them or swaps them, they fulfill the same purpose – a distraction from “alone time.” After a good night’s sleep and attention to any boat projects following a passage, kicking-back and reading a book is a great way to pass the time in an entertaining way. This is true if you like the book. If you don’t, put it down (to swap later) and get another one!

Now, on the other hand, the cake – unlike the book -- requires some effort. One must be actively engaged in the baking process. Thanks to pre-packaged cake mixes, only a few other ingredients are required. Since I am not a cook by any stretch of imagination, I read the instructions, rounded up the few missing ingredients, and proceeded with my “chemistry experiment.”

As you see in the photo, I had a modicum of success. It tasted great and even better – stayed “down.” I’m sure if my high school chemistry teacher (Mr. Butler) were to try it, he’d give me a “thumbs-up.”

Advice to anyone contemplating single-handing: don’t leave without books and cake mix!