Mon. April 27,2009
Day 43
9:30 PM
Well, after our whirlwind trip back to Palm Coast, we drove back to Fort Lauderdale yesterday and Diesel the junk yard dog greeted us as we arrived around 5:30 PM. We spent our time in Palm Coast doing house chores, vets for Crew who diagnosed with an infection in his eye, chiropractor for Susan to crack a multitude of sins out of her skeletal system, catching up with our neighbors Linda and Harold and Ken and Beth, and a visit from Susan’s mom. We actually ate every meal at home which put us into a eating out withdrawal. Once we arrived back at the boat, we unloaded our bags, threw treats to Diesel, fed Crew, had some adult beverages, then headed out for dinner. Sometimes life is just full of pleasant surprises if you just allow it to follow it’s own course. We headed out with our Garmin directing us to a pub, but could not find it. We decided to keep driving and stumbled upon a German restaurant, the Old Heidelberg or something to that effect. We entered and were immediately transported to Germany complete with a German man singing and playing an accordian – German drinking songs and polkas. Couples were dancing, beer flowing, and everyone smiling. Sometimes a perceived missed opportunity, leads us just to where we were supposed to be and yes – sometimes life does surprise us.
We got up early this AM – not because we had to, but I think we both had a lot of pent up anxiety about the impending cruise 6 miles back down the curvy narrow river on a boat with a single screw that does not steer well under the best of conditions, never mind with winds that were blowing around 30, and a new transmission that we were not sure would actually work. We waited, waited and waited and finally around noon time, the new transmission was in and we were ready to go. The repair folks obviously shared in our anxiety and decided to send a mechanic, Matt, with us – just in case. Well, just in case happened the minute we backed off of the dock, and in a strong current – we had no reverse. Matt engaged in a Superman like leap back onto the dock. I threw him the lines and by the grace of God he was able to pull us back on to the dock. So, he comes back on board, and after about fifteen minutes of adjustments, we try again. This is kind of hard to picture, but somehow the spring line got wedged between the board that was attached to the piling and the piling. Believe me when I tell you this is near impossible to do – Matt confirmed this. SO, off Matt jumped again, this time with a Spiderman type of veracity, unwedged the line, as our stern banged up against another piling and some bothersome little boulders. Once free, he jumped back on board. Jon was able to spin the boat, I do not how he did it, but alas, that is why he is the Captain and I am the Admiral.
We started down the river with the 30 to gust of 40 mph winds, and a 2 knot current pushing us. We turned the bends, narrowly avoided the oncoming mega yachts, cruise and sightseeing boats and did not hit bottom once. I was very quick to point out every little remote possibility of what could go wrong at a rate, that for some reason appeared to be rubbing Jon the wrong way – (read – I think I may have been irritating him a wee bit).
We quickly learned that when you radio for the bridges to be opened, the bridge tenders do not respond to you so you have no idea of #1 – it they heard you or #2 – if they have any intention of opening the bridge. I have decided that I am quite the radio operator, using all of the proper lingo, throwing in the Roger that, standing by, over etc….. so I was a bit insulted that the bridges did not respond to me or even give me the slightest bit of acknowledgment of my mastering of the nautical radio chat.
Anyway, we managed to make it back out to the ICW. I think Matt was very done with me, and did not respond excitedly to my suggestion that he continue cruising with us. He did agree to go to the marina with us, and have his ride pick him up there. I think he may have later regretted that decision as trying to dock next to a 110 foot super yacht, in concrete slip, with our bow about four feet below the dock, in 30 to 40 mph winds is not easy, and I fully included Matt in all of the docking drama and excitement.
Once we were snug, Matt made a speedy get away. We ran into a boat that we had spent time with on our trip down this fall when we got stuck and the infamous Alligator marina. They were one of many boaters who have told us that this year the winds in the Bahamas had been blowing non stop making for terrible tough passages, long waits for a window to make the passage, and then rough seas once in the Bahamas. Made me glad we went to the Keys this year instead to the Bahamas.
The marina we are at, Las Olas, is in a great location and an easy walk to the beach and all of the restaurants and shopping. We had a great diner at the Quarterdeck where we met a nice couple from central MA. We are both winding down now with our beds calling our names. Our plan is to get to Lake Worth tomorrow, but we may hunker down here another day if the winds continue to blow like they did today.
Day 43
9:30 PM
Well, after our whirlwind trip back to Palm Coast, we drove back to Fort Lauderdale yesterday and Diesel the junk yard dog greeted us as we arrived around 5:30 PM. We spent our time in Palm Coast doing house chores, vets for Crew who diagnosed with an infection in his eye, chiropractor for Susan to crack a multitude of sins out of her skeletal system, catching up with our neighbors Linda and Harold and Ken and Beth, and a visit from Susan’s mom. We actually ate every meal at home which put us into a eating out withdrawal. Once we arrived back at the boat, we unloaded our bags, threw treats to Diesel, fed Crew, had some adult beverages, then headed out for dinner. Sometimes life is just full of pleasant surprises if you just allow it to follow it’s own course. We headed out with our Garmin directing us to a pub, but could not find it. We decided to keep driving and stumbled upon a German restaurant, the Old Heidelberg or something to that effect. We entered and were immediately transported to Germany complete with a German man singing and playing an accordian – German drinking songs and polkas. Couples were dancing, beer flowing, and everyone smiling. Sometimes a perceived missed opportunity, leads us just to where we were supposed to be and yes – sometimes life does surprise us.
We got up early this AM – not because we had to, but I think we both had a lot of pent up anxiety about the impending cruise 6 miles back down the curvy narrow river on a boat with a single screw that does not steer well under the best of conditions, never mind with winds that were blowing around 30, and a new transmission that we were not sure would actually work. We waited, waited and waited and finally around noon time, the new transmission was in and we were ready to go. The repair folks obviously shared in our anxiety and decided to send a mechanic, Matt, with us – just in case. Well, just in case happened the minute we backed off of the dock, and in a strong current – we had no reverse. Matt engaged in a Superman like leap back onto the dock. I threw him the lines and by the grace of God he was able to pull us back on to the dock. So, he comes back on board, and after about fifteen minutes of adjustments, we try again. This is kind of hard to picture, but somehow the spring line got wedged between the board that was attached to the piling and the piling. Believe me when I tell you this is near impossible to do – Matt confirmed this. SO, off Matt jumped again, this time with a Spiderman type of veracity, unwedged the line, as our stern banged up against another piling and some bothersome little boulders. Once free, he jumped back on board. Jon was able to spin the boat, I do not how he did it, but alas, that is why he is the Captain and I am the Admiral.
We started down the river with the 30 to gust of 40 mph winds, and a 2 knot current pushing us. We turned the bends, narrowly avoided the oncoming mega yachts, cruise and sightseeing boats and did not hit bottom once. I was very quick to point out every little remote possibility of what could go wrong at a rate, that for some reason appeared to be rubbing Jon the wrong way – (read – I think I may have been irritating him a wee bit).
We quickly learned that when you radio for the bridges to be opened, the bridge tenders do not respond to you so you have no idea of #1 – it they heard you or #2 – if they have any intention of opening the bridge. I have decided that I am quite the radio operator, using all of the proper lingo, throwing in the Roger that, standing by, over etc….. so I was a bit insulted that the bridges did not respond to me or even give me the slightest bit of acknowledgment of my mastering of the nautical radio chat.
Anyway, we managed to make it back out to the ICW. I think Matt was very done with me, and did not respond excitedly to my suggestion that he continue cruising with us. He did agree to go to the marina with us, and have his ride pick him up there. I think he may have later regretted that decision as trying to dock next to a 110 foot super yacht, in concrete slip, with our bow about four feet below the dock, in 30 to 40 mph winds is not easy, and I fully included Matt in all of the docking drama and excitement.
Once we were snug, Matt made a speedy get away. We ran into a boat that we had spent time with on our trip down this fall when we got stuck and the infamous Alligator marina. They were one of many boaters who have told us that this year the winds in the Bahamas had been blowing non stop making for terrible tough passages, long waits for a window to make the passage, and then rough seas once in the Bahamas. Made me glad we went to the Keys this year instead to the Bahamas.
The marina we are at, Las Olas, is in a great location and an easy walk to the beach and all of the restaurants and shopping. We had a great diner at the Quarterdeck where we met a nice couple from central MA. We are both winding down now with our beds calling our names. Our plan is to get to Lake Worth tomorrow, but we may hunker down here another day if the winds continue to blow like they did today.
Matt finishing off with our new transmission
Heading south and approaching one of the many twist and turns on the river
Matt thought he could escape me by heading to the bow - found you Matt - smile !
New river bridge, but the bridge tender did not respond to my skilled radio chat
At the Quaterdeck in Ft Lauderdale, and yes we are still speaking to each other !
Los Olas Marina - we looked like a dinghy next to this super yacht !
Wed. April 29, 2009
Day 45
Port Solerna ? Somewhere up the St Lucie River – I think…..
Let’s start with yesterday. We awoke at 6:00 AM to winds blowing an easy 30. Jon went back to bed, Susan got up with Crew clock who decided he did not care if the winds were blowing - it was time to start his day. After the usual AM routine, Jon got up around 8:00 AM and because the winds seemed to have calmed down to around 25, we decided to leave. We had a great day of cruising, strong winds from the east – some north east, but the sun was shining and there was light boat traffic. We ended up at Lake Worth at the Lake Park Marina – which is a very nice marina. We walked to the main road in search for dinner. We met a police officer who told us not to go toward Riviera beach so we headed north and ended up the Brass Ring – had great burgers and beer there !
So all is well, until …………….
We got up this AM at 6:15 and were on our way at 6:40 AM. It was a beautiful morning and I got great pics of the sunrise over Singer Island. We continued on our peaceful journey commenting on what a wonderful start to the day we had, until about 8:30 AM……
We were heading toward Jupiter just south of the Jupiter inlet. Not to say this is a bad inlet – but they do have t-shirts that read “ I survived the Jupiter Inlet.” We were approaching a bridge when the boat almost stalled – Jon commented words to the effect – that was weird – maybe I hit something. We regained our normal speed and just as we hit the bridge – Jon bellowed out an “oh ****!” As we were clearing the bridge Jon told me the temperature was off the gauge and we were in big trouble.
Good news: we cleared the bridge. Bad news: Jon told me to get the anchor ready to drop, and as I approached – I saw smoke bellowing our of the chain locker and the sides of the boat. Good news: Jon remained very calm. Bad news: Susan was screaming at the top of her lungs that the anchor was jammed. Jon ran to the bow and confirmed that our brand new windlass had in fact jammed and despite our efforts, we could not get the anchor to release. Good news: Jon then grabbed the fire extinguisher, and after opening the floor hatch assured me that the “smoke” pouring out of the boat was steam and we were not on fire. Bad news: We were in a strong current, no power, unable to anchor, and quickly dragging backward in a collision course with the Indiantown Bridge. Good news: Jon flagged down a passing small Grady White boat who agreed to tow us away from the bridge that we were about 15 feet away from crashing in to. Bad news: The Grady White towed us toward a public boat ramp and dock, but let us loose before we were at the dock. Good news – Jon was able to use the bow thruster to push us onto the dock, and some guys who were launching their fishing boat responded to Susan’s panicked shrieks for mercy and help and ran over to help us and secured our lines. We were able to get a hold of Tow BoatUS (Again) who arrived an about an hour later. Bad News: There was some confusion in my communication skills with tow boat – how was I to know I was saying we were in Vero Beach when I meant Jupiter – stress does funny things to a person. Good news: Tow boat arrived and towed us several hours and as the driver chatted on his cell phone, we only the bottom twice. Bad News: As we got near to our destination, the tow boat had to tie off to our side which rendered him unable to see our starboard side. I think we all coded when we saw the recommended dock which was on a narrow canal between two restaurants, with only a 4 x 2 dock, and two large pilings. Good news: there was a guy from the marina who managed to keep his balance as he caught our lines and was able to pull us in and secure us. Bad news: NO water power etc…… Good news: Our jovial mechanic, Willie, arrived about an hour later. Bad news: We know we need a new water pump which we are over nighting, however there is a loud and repetitive knock when the engine is on and Willie is not sure what it is.
So, our best case scenario is that the knocking turns out to be nothing, the water pump arrives and is installed tomorrow and we are on way Fri. AM. However, there is also a good chance this involves the pistons – whatever they are, and we will need to have the boat hauled and the engine taken out. I did learn the order you have to do to check injector valves(there are 6 of these). 15 for a female is too young, 36 too old and 24 just right – so you check your valves #1, #5, #3, #6, #2, then last #4. Hey – I can not make this stuff up. So, I do not know if there is more good news or bad news, but tonight all is well, we are safe, we have small reserve of humor left, although Jon is tired of me singing Ho, Ho, Ho, Ho, the boating life for me………… and my reassuring statements like, Oh honey -it’s only money – you can t take it with you – or, look at the bright side – things could be worse…….. And did I mention – the antibiotics that Crew is taking for his eye infection are not agreeing with him and have resulted in diarrhea, but Jon once again, is not reveling in the my positive spin that at least we have water so we can wash the bow off.
Day 45
Port Solerna ? Somewhere up the St Lucie River – I think…..
Let’s start with yesterday. We awoke at 6:00 AM to winds blowing an easy 30. Jon went back to bed, Susan got up with Crew clock who decided he did not care if the winds were blowing - it was time to start his day. After the usual AM routine, Jon got up around 8:00 AM and because the winds seemed to have calmed down to around 25, we decided to leave. We had a great day of cruising, strong winds from the east – some north east, but the sun was shining and there was light boat traffic. We ended up at Lake Worth at the Lake Park Marina – which is a very nice marina. We walked to the main road in search for dinner. We met a police officer who told us not to go toward Riviera beach so we headed north and ended up the Brass Ring – had great burgers and beer there !
So all is well, until …………….
We got up this AM at 6:15 and were on our way at 6:40 AM. It was a beautiful morning and I got great pics of the sunrise over Singer Island. We continued on our peaceful journey commenting on what a wonderful start to the day we had, until about 8:30 AM……
We were heading toward Jupiter just south of the Jupiter inlet. Not to say this is a bad inlet – but they do have t-shirts that read “ I survived the Jupiter Inlet.” We were approaching a bridge when the boat almost stalled – Jon commented words to the effect – that was weird – maybe I hit something. We regained our normal speed and just as we hit the bridge – Jon bellowed out an “oh ****!” As we were clearing the bridge Jon told me the temperature was off the gauge and we were in big trouble.
Good news: we cleared the bridge. Bad news: Jon told me to get the anchor ready to drop, and as I approached – I saw smoke bellowing our of the chain locker and the sides of the boat. Good news: Jon remained very calm. Bad news: Susan was screaming at the top of her lungs that the anchor was jammed. Jon ran to the bow and confirmed that our brand new windlass had in fact jammed and despite our efforts, we could not get the anchor to release. Good news: Jon then grabbed the fire extinguisher, and after opening the floor hatch assured me that the “smoke” pouring out of the boat was steam and we were not on fire. Bad news: We were in a strong current, no power, unable to anchor, and quickly dragging backward in a collision course with the Indiantown Bridge. Good news: Jon flagged down a passing small Grady White boat who agreed to tow us away from the bridge that we were about 15 feet away from crashing in to. Bad news: The Grady White towed us toward a public boat ramp and dock, but let us loose before we were at the dock. Good news – Jon was able to use the bow thruster to push us onto the dock, and some guys who were launching their fishing boat responded to Susan’s panicked shrieks for mercy and help and ran over to help us and secured our lines. We were able to get a hold of Tow BoatUS (Again) who arrived an about an hour later. Bad News: There was some confusion in my communication skills with tow boat – how was I to know I was saying we were in Vero Beach when I meant Jupiter – stress does funny things to a person. Good news: Tow boat arrived and towed us several hours and as the driver chatted on his cell phone, we only the bottom twice. Bad News: As we got near to our destination, the tow boat had to tie off to our side which rendered him unable to see our starboard side. I think we all coded when we saw the recommended dock which was on a narrow canal between two restaurants, with only a 4 x 2 dock, and two large pilings. Good news: there was a guy from the marina who managed to keep his balance as he caught our lines and was able to pull us in and secure us. Bad news: NO water power etc…… Good news: Our jovial mechanic, Willie, arrived about an hour later. Bad news: We know we need a new water pump which we are over nighting, however there is a loud and repetitive knock when the engine is on and Willie is not sure what it is.
So, our best case scenario is that the knocking turns out to be nothing, the water pump arrives and is installed tomorrow and we are on way Fri. AM. However, there is also a good chance this involves the pistons – whatever they are, and we will need to have the boat hauled and the engine taken out. I did learn the order you have to do to check injector valves(there are 6 of these). 15 for a female is too young, 36 too old and 24 just right – so you check your valves #1, #5, #3, #6, #2, then last #4. Hey – I can not make this stuff up. So, I do not know if there is more good news or bad news, but tonight all is well, we are safe, we have small reserve of humor left, although Jon is tired of me singing Ho, Ho, Ho, Ho, the boating life for me………… and my reassuring statements like, Oh honey -it’s only money – you can t take it with you – or, look at the bright side – things could be worse…….. And did I mention – the antibiotics that Crew is taking for his eye infection are not agreeing with him and have resulted in diarrhea, but Jon once again, is not reveling in the my positive spin that at least we have water so we can wash the bow off.
Kids playing on the ICW banks
Our next boat
Tues. night at the Brass Ring Pub in Lake Fort Worth
The start of the day looked promising with a beautiful sunrise
Crew doing a double take at the statues
Getting towed again....
Jon's facial expression says it all...
Chatting on the cell phone as we hit bottom twice !
Nothing to do but sit back and enjoy the ride
Susan amusing herself
Our new luxury dock - thank goodness for fenders
Friday, May 1, 2009
9:30 PM
Happy May Day !
Palm Coast – yes Palm Coast and not by boat……..
We spent yesterday AM walking around Port Salerno, after five minutes when we were done with that, back to the boat and Jon started to try to un-do some of the damage from our adventure yesterday. I had failed to mention that Jon had to cut the float wire to the bilge yesterday because it would not shut off and it would have burned up. So, his first job was to turn into a contortionist, squeeze himself into a space about the size of his left thigh, and put a new float into the bilge. He was enjoying his position so much, (read: he was stuck) he also replaced the overflow hose that had melted. It only took him two minutes to get into his position , but about thirty to get back out. Next – on to the new windlass. He discovered that the internal gear that raises and lowers the anchor had spun off – after a trip back to the marine store for a purchase of “lock tight red”, he repaired the windless. You may wonder what Crew and I were doing during this time – well we were supervising Jon while eating coffee cake and drinking iced tea of course.
Our new water pump arrived around noon, so Willie came over and got to work. About 3:30, the news was not good – the engine still had a knock in #1 cylinder, that we thought actually sounder louder than the day before. SO, now we have to have the boat hauled, and remove the head from the engine to look at the cylinders to see what is going on. Let me sum up for you what this means - $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ! Willie gave Jon a ride to pick up a rental car, and once again we planned to drive back home, leaving this AM. Now there was an upside to this. We were able to move the boat up to dock at the restaurant called Finz, and it just so happened yesterday was their annual customer appreciation day. As we needed to feel appreciated, we joined in with the festivities and were able to forget about our new found poverty for 27 seconds.
This morning we had to pack up a 36 foot boat’s “stuff” into a two door compact car. As Crew and his crate took up the back seat, we had to be selective about what we took. Jon declared only the essentials. Jon packed up all of his tools, and I packed up all of my shoes and clothes. After we had a philosophical discussion about what qualified as essential, several hours later we departed with Jon driving with his knees against the dash board, and Susan riding with her knees up to her chest, and a plant on her head trying to convince passer bys that Yes – I did think I was Carmen Miranda.
So we are back in Palm Coast, waiting to hear the news, and chanting that we love you Sundance oh yes we do – you are worth a boat three times your size !!!!!!
9:30 PM
Happy May Day !
Palm Coast – yes Palm Coast and not by boat……..
We spent yesterday AM walking around Port Salerno, after five minutes when we were done with that, back to the boat and Jon started to try to un-do some of the damage from our adventure yesterday. I had failed to mention that Jon had to cut the float wire to the bilge yesterday because it would not shut off and it would have burned up. So, his first job was to turn into a contortionist, squeeze himself into a space about the size of his left thigh, and put a new float into the bilge. He was enjoying his position so much, (read: he was stuck) he also replaced the overflow hose that had melted. It only took him two minutes to get into his position , but about thirty to get back out. Next – on to the new windlass. He discovered that the internal gear that raises and lowers the anchor had spun off – after a trip back to the marine store for a purchase of “lock tight red”, he repaired the windless. You may wonder what Crew and I were doing during this time – well we were supervising Jon while eating coffee cake and drinking iced tea of course.
Our new water pump arrived around noon, so Willie came over and got to work. About 3:30, the news was not good – the engine still had a knock in #1 cylinder, that we thought actually sounder louder than the day before. SO, now we have to have the boat hauled, and remove the head from the engine to look at the cylinders to see what is going on. Let me sum up for you what this means - $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ! Willie gave Jon a ride to pick up a rental car, and once again we planned to drive back home, leaving this AM. Now there was an upside to this. We were able to move the boat up to dock at the restaurant called Finz, and it just so happened yesterday was their annual customer appreciation day. As we needed to feel appreciated, we joined in with the festivities and were able to forget about our new found poverty for 27 seconds.
This morning we had to pack up a 36 foot boat’s “stuff” into a two door compact car. As Crew and his crate took up the back seat, we had to be selective about what we took. Jon declared only the essentials. Jon packed up all of his tools, and I packed up all of my shoes and clothes. After we had a philosophical discussion about what qualified as essential, several hours later we departed with Jon driving with his knees against the dash board, and Susan riding with her knees up to her chest, and a plant on her head trying to convince passer bys that Yes – I did think I was Carmen Miranda.
So we are back in Palm Coast, waiting to hear the news, and chanting that we love you Sundance oh yes we do – you are worth a boat three times your size !!!!!!
The marina office at Port Salerno
Jon and Crew with AM coffee - downtown Port Salerno
We luckily were able to move thr boat up to the dock at Finz restaurant
