Monday Jon. 6, 2014 New Smyrna City Marina
First, I am way behind on this blog - have written about Australia and New Zealand, but have not imported all of the photos yet. Still have blog entries to add about our trip to Missouri, then our trip to Savannah, then our family trip to Disney. I figured I will try to keep up with this, then add the others as I kick back in the Keys !
This is our annual trip where we take the boat south to the Keys to Marathon to Banana Bay. We got the boat ready and provisioned with Crew laying on the dock next to the boat for two days. There was no way Jose that he was going to let us leave without him. Little did he know that when his dad asked him if he wanted to go for a car ride (one if his favorite things) his suitcase and bed were packed and hidden in the trunk. Jon drove him to the sitters and dropped him off. Luckily Crew LOVES going to his sitters so I think he got over his upset quickly. In fact by the time Jon pulled out of the sitters drive Crew was giving Jon the tail and commenting "Dad who ?"
So, we were up and off early this AM. We miss our boy but not tag team wrestling him to get him up and down the ladder. Other than lots of wind, our radio not working (we always carry a hand held with us though) our auto helm not working and light showers, it was an uneventful day - can I hear a big AMEN ?!!
When we arrived our friend Ron B. stopped by to try to help Jon tackle the auto helm - but no success.
We passed by a brand new big marina pulling into the New Smyrna City Marina so we walked over there tonight for dinner. I am not much of a foodie but I have to say their fried green tomatoes layered with goat cheese, and flash fried brussel spouts with bacon and balsamic vinaigrette will leave me dreaming for more tonight !!
It is suppose to blow up to gale force tonight and turn freezing cold - we are still planing to head out to Cocoa Village tomorrow but we will see what the weather has in store for us !
First, I am way behind on this blog - have written about Australia and New Zealand, but have not imported all of the photos yet. Still have blog entries to add about our trip to Missouri, then our trip to Savannah, then our family trip to Disney. I figured I will try to keep up with this, then add the others as I kick back in the Keys !
This is our annual trip where we take the boat south to the Keys to Marathon to Banana Bay. We got the boat ready and provisioned with Crew laying on the dock next to the boat for two days. There was no way Jose that he was going to let us leave without him. Little did he know that when his dad asked him if he wanted to go for a car ride (one if his favorite things) his suitcase and bed were packed and hidden in the trunk. Jon drove him to the sitters and dropped him off. Luckily Crew LOVES going to his sitters so I think he got over his upset quickly. In fact by the time Jon pulled out of the sitters drive Crew was giving Jon the tail and commenting "Dad who ?"
So, we were up and off early this AM. We miss our boy but not tag team wrestling him to get him up and down the ladder. Other than lots of wind, our radio not working (we always carry a hand held with us though) our auto helm not working and light showers, it was an uneventful day - can I hear a big AMEN ?!!
When we arrived our friend Ron B. stopped by to try to help Jon tackle the auto helm - but no success.
We passed by a brand new big marina pulling into the New Smyrna City Marina so we walked over there tonight for dinner. I am not much of a foodie but I have to say their fried green tomatoes layered with goat cheese, and flash fried brussel spouts with bacon and balsamic vinaigrette will leave me dreaming for more tonight !!
It is suppose to blow up to gale force tonight and turn freezing cold - we are still planing to head out to Cocoa Village tomorrow but we will see what the weather has in store for us !
Leaving our dock at sun up and ready to ramble….
Leaving our canal
Leave our house, turn right (south) on to the ICW and only 400 miles to go till Marathon
Morning crabbers waving to us
Clear skies behind us
Jon pondering life's mysteries
L.B. Knox bridge
Daytona bridges
Pelican flying north hhmmpphh….
Nautical Shades of Gray
Wed. Jan. 8, 2014 Cocoa Village Marina
Up early yesterday AM to wind honking and freezing temps so we decided to just hunker down. I was able to catch up on some of my blog and download pics from our trip to Australia, and we did venture out for a walk into town but it really was freezing with the wind chill. We just chilled all day until about 4:00 PM when there was a knock at our door. Mary and Ron came over bearing gifts, a really cool Coca Cola bottle opens to be exact ! Ron was kind enough to even bring his drill and promptly installed our new bottle opener - now that really made our day - we love it !!! Mary and Ron then had to tie us up and drag us off our boat kicking to go hit up some of their local favorite spots for happy hours ! We managed to pay patronage to four different places including Ron and Mary's son's fabulous restaurant - So Napa on New Smyrna Beach. We ended the night at an Irish pub signing along with a live singer and some Irish libations. We had a blast and saw New Smyrna through new eyes !! We were up and out early this AM. We had a very enjoyable run to Cocoa Beach with variable winds 10 - 15, and virtually no boat traffic. We met up with Jim and Kathy our next door neighbors from Palm Coast who are also heading south, and ate dinner in the village tonight. Tomorrow is questionable weather again with 70 % chance of showers, an 20 - 25 winds predicted. We will make the call in the AM whether we hunker down again or make the run to Vero Beach.
Up early yesterday AM to wind honking and freezing temps so we decided to just hunker down. I was able to catch up on some of my blog and download pics from our trip to Australia, and we did venture out for a walk into town but it really was freezing with the wind chill. We just chilled all day until about 4:00 PM when there was a knock at our door. Mary and Ron came over bearing gifts, a really cool Coca Cola bottle opens to be exact ! Ron was kind enough to even bring his drill and promptly installed our new bottle opener - now that really made our day - we love it !!! Mary and Ron then had to tie us up and drag us off our boat kicking to go hit up some of their local favorite spots for happy hours ! We managed to pay patronage to four different places including Ron and Mary's son's fabulous restaurant - So Napa on New Smyrna Beach. We ended the night at an Irish pub signing along with a live singer and some Irish libations. We had a blast and saw New Smyrna through new eyes !! We were up and out early this AM. We had a very enjoyable run to Cocoa Beach with variable winds 10 - 15, and virtually no boat traffic. We met up with Jim and Kathy our next door neighbors from Palm Coast who are also heading south, and ate dinner in the village tonight. Tomorrow is questionable weather again with 70 % chance of showers, an 20 - 25 winds predicted. We will make the call in the AM whether we hunker down again or make the run to Vero Beach.
Bundled up and blogging…...
Historic section of New Smyrna
Now that's a winter sky
Sundance at New Smryna City Marina
Ron installing our new bottle opener - yeah !!
Our new bottle opener - Thanks Ron and Mary !!
Mary, Jon, me and Ron at their son's restaurant - So Napa - it was wonderful !!
Great outdoor bar at Garlics
Ron and Jon at Mahonys
Irish singer at Mahony's
Pulling out of the marina
Sunny - cloudy start to our day
If God is an artist, his canvas and greatest paintings have to be the glorious skies...
Interesting way to leave your sailboat
These birds were all on a sandbar hunkering down - notice the pelicans with their heads tucked down on their chests
This bird was getting ready to feast on big fish he was holding in his claws
Just pretty
Looked like a big fire behind Titusville marina today
These clouds looked like fingers
Dinner with Jim and Kathy at Murdocks in Cocoa village
Thurs. 1-9-14 Cocoa Village - again…..
I don't think that anyone who is a boater will disagree with me on this: weathermen and nautical forecasts are for the birds !! Listen up - if anyone out there wants to be an instant millionaire - figure out how to accurately predict the weather !! We ended up holed up again, four days out - two days hunkered down. The weather was not too bad at all here in Cocoa Beach, but the forecast called for rain and thunderstorms south in the area we were headed to. I actually felt some sense of relief that it was lousy weather south, and our decision to stay put was a good one! So, what did we do today ? Hold on to your hats for this one - we took the city bus to Merritt Island and went to Walmart. We picked up a couple of things including a cribbage board. It is funny how the most mundane task at home, becomes an adventure when away from home. One thing I learned today, if you ever need to be reminded to practice an attitude of gratitude, just travel on a city bus and you will feel overwhelmed by all of your blessings ! We are planning a start at sun up tomorrow because we have 67 miles to travel to Ft. Pierce. Hopefully we will make it in about ten hours. It is crazy to think that we can only cover in one day, what a car will travel in an hour or under. Mixed weather reviews now for tomorrow, so we will see what is in store we we get up !
I don't think that anyone who is a boater will disagree with me on this: weathermen and nautical forecasts are for the birds !! Listen up - if anyone out there wants to be an instant millionaire - figure out how to accurately predict the weather !! We ended up holed up again, four days out - two days hunkered down. The weather was not too bad at all here in Cocoa Beach, but the forecast called for rain and thunderstorms south in the area we were headed to. I actually felt some sense of relief that it was lousy weather south, and our decision to stay put was a good one! So, what did we do today ? Hold on to your hats for this one - we took the city bus to Merritt Island and went to Walmart. We picked up a couple of things including a cribbage board. It is funny how the most mundane task at home, becomes an adventure when away from home. One thing I learned today, if you ever need to be reminded to practice an attitude of gratitude, just travel on a city bus and you will feel overwhelmed by all of your blessings ! We are planning a start at sun up tomorrow because we have 67 miles to travel to Ft. Pierce. Hopefully we will make it in about ten hours. It is crazy to think that we can only cover in one day, what a car will travel in an hour or under. Mixed weather reviews now for tomorrow, so we will see what is in store we we get up !
Cocoa Village Marina
Kathy capturing the second view of the marina
An itty bitty pizza, but two for one bevies so all is well here in Cocoa !!!!
Kathy and Jim
Look at the size of the pizza slices - one slice takes up the whole plate
Friday Jan10 2014 Harbortown marina – Ft. Pierce
Thank goodness we stayed at Cocoa yesterday, they had record breaking flooding yesterday here in Ft. Pierce. Just a bit south of here, a front with through with 80 mile per hour winds ! We headed out and were on the ICW by 7:00 AM. It was a long day for us today – 67 miles – about nine hours. There were dolphins everywhere today and we had them run with us about 6 different times. This is unusual because our boat does not go fast enough for it to be any fun for them so today they must have been pretty bored. We had some concerns about some cells that were developing, but had a smooth trip down. It rained briefly just as we approached the marina, but it passed quickly and we were treated to a beautiful rainbow. We docked and were ready to kick back by 4:30 PM. We visited with our friends Stu and Claudia who were also in the marina. We then met up with Jim and Kathy for bevvies and dinner at the marina. We met some “interesting” people, and had fun listening to the music and solving the problems of the world.
Thank goodness we stayed at Cocoa yesterday, they had record breaking flooding yesterday here in Ft. Pierce. Just a bit south of here, a front with through with 80 mile per hour winds ! We headed out and were on the ICW by 7:00 AM. It was a long day for us today – 67 miles – about nine hours. There were dolphins everywhere today and we had them run with us about 6 different times. This is unusual because our boat does not go fast enough for it to be any fun for them so today they must have been pretty bored. We had some concerns about some cells that were developing, but had a smooth trip down. It rained briefly just as we approached the marina, but it passed quickly and we were treated to a beautiful rainbow. We docked and were ready to kick back by 4:30 PM. We visited with our friends Stu and Claudia who were also in the marina. We then met up with Jim and Kathy for bevvies and dinner at the marina. We met some “interesting” people, and had fun listening to the music and solving the problems of the world.
Jim and Kathy heading out on Moondance
Sundance on the move
Sundance chugging along
A foggy start to the AM
Light shimmering on our wake
A typical crabber out
Jon looking down at dolphins
Sky got pretty menacing looking
We got light showers then this beautiful rainbow when we pulled into the marina
Just as it started to get dark, the bush was completely empty, then flocks of birds all flew in at the same time and nested onto the bush
Looks like the pelican is ruling the roost
There are no words except "You go Kathy !"
Sat. Jan 11 2014 Old Cove Port – North Palm Beach
Up early again and off to North Palm Beach. I forgot how much I hated weekend boating traffic and little fishing gnats. We had a long narrow black cloud that hung over for us part of the trip producing on and off again light rain. It was weird because it was bright blue on both sides of the strip of cloud. We arrived at the marina but had to circle because the marina had no help to assist us in. Of course the wind gusts kicked up to 30. We were happy to get in and snugged up. We met Jim and Kathy again for dinner. Jon wants to stay up and watch the Patriots tonight, so we will probably stay here tomorrow, then head back out on Monday. The next section of the trip from here to Miami is my least favorite part of the trip, lots bridges and boat traffic – not very relaxing. We were hoping to be to Banana Bay by Tuesday for Jon’s birthday, but it looks like we will celebrating at the Anchorage in Key Largo, then arriving Wed. to Marathon.
Up early again and off to North Palm Beach. I forgot how much I hated weekend boating traffic and little fishing gnats. We had a long narrow black cloud that hung over for us part of the trip producing on and off again light rain. It was weird because it was bright blue on both sides of the strip of cloud. We arrived at the marina but had to circle because the marina had no help to assist us in. Of course the wind gusts kicked up to 30. We were happy to get in and snugged up. We met Jim and Kathy again for dinner. Jon wants to stay up and watch the Patriots tonight, so we will probably stay here tomorrow, then head back out on Monday. The next section of the trip from here to Miami is my least favorite part of the trip, lots bridges and boat traffic – not very relaxing. We were hoping to be to Banana Bay by Tuesday for Jon’s birthday, but it looks like we will celebrating at the Anchorage in Key Largo, then arriving Wed. to Marathon.
It was a beautiful start to our trip, literally half light and still half dark
No idea what this dredge compound was doing at Peck lake which is very popular anchorage - there were no boats there anchored today.
Sand bar party
Here comes the rain and the strip of cloud over us that was right above the ICW, but sunny on either side
Jupiter Inlet lighthouse
Monday Jan 13 2014 Palm Beach marine service - marina
Oh, the best laid plans…….
We decided to stay at Old Port Cove in North Palm yesterday to avoid the weekend wahoos. Spent the Am on a long walk with Jon and Jim, then early afternoon brunch. I took a great nap and read in the afternoon, then Jim and Kathy came over for bevvies and chat. We were up early and on the water at 6:45 AM because we had to make a bridge that only opened once an hour. We actually were about a half hour early, but better to wait a half hour vs. one hour ! We were chugging along quite nicely until about 11:00 AM when Jon noted that our RPM meter stopped working, then our voltage started rapidly dropping. Jon rna down and opened the engine room to discover oil everywhere. We had to shut the boat down and at about he same time lost all power. We were right at the George Blvd. Bridge - of course, we are always at a bridge when we break down. We were able to get the anchor set, and our tow arrived about 45 minutes later. We ended up going back north about 7 miles to a marine service center that is familiar with the Ford Lehman diesel engines. It was a night mare getting into the slip, even with the skill of the tow boat captain, once in, took a deep breath and were grateful to be safe and secure. They were able to get to our boat about 2:30. Seems our mechanical oil pressure line got cut which resulted in both our alternators getting drenched in oil. This could potentially lead to a fire so both alternators were removed and sent out to be checked and cleaned, and the mechanical oil gauge was removed and will be replaced, Also are going to get belts replaced. We are in a marina near nothing, and we are getting the daylights waked out of us. I hope they stop by tonight or we will get rolled right out of our bunks - we can not even walk without swaying from side to side. The up side is that we did not go the Okeechobee route and get in trouble while anchoring in the Shark river, and we are glad this did not occur on the weekend with no mechanic on duty and the weekend wahoos out everywhere ! So we are stuck here at least tonight. We will get scrambled brains from all of this waking but will make every effort to get out of here tomorrow so we can celebrate Jon's birthday somewhere fun - hopefully Ft. Lauderdale ! We can not wait to get to Marathon and do nothing for a couple of months !!
Oh, the best laid plans…….
We decided to stay at Old Port Cove in North Palm yesterday to avoid the weekend wahoos. Spent the Am on a long walk with Jon and Jim, then early afternoon brunch. I took a great nap and read in the afternoon, then Jim and Kathy came over for bevvies and chat. We were up early and on the water at 6:45 AM because we had to make a bridge that only opened once an hour. We actually were about a half hour early, but better to wait a half hour vs. one hour ! We were chugging along quite nicely until about 11:00 AM when Jon noted that our RPM meter stopped working, then our voltage started rapidly dropping. Jon rna down and opened the engine room to discover oil everywhere. We had to shut the boat down and at about he same time lost all power. We were right at the George Blvd. Bridge - of course, we are always at a bridge when we break down. We were able to get the anchor set, and our tow arrived about 45 minutes later. We ended up going back north about 7 miles to a marine service center that is familiar with the Ford Lehman diesel engines. It was a night mare getting into the slip, even with the skill of the tow boat captain, once in, took a deep breath and were grateful to be safe and secure. They were able to get to our boat about 2:30. Seems our mechanical oil pressure line got cut which resulted in both our alternators getting drenched in oil. This could potentially lead to a fire so both alternators were removed and sent out to be checked and cleaned, and the mechanical oil gauge was removed and will be replaced, Also are going to get belts replaced. We are in a marina near nothing, and we are getting the daylights waked out of us. I hope they stop by tonight or we will get rolled right out of our bunks - we can not even walk without swaying from side to side. The up side is that we did not go the Okeechobee route and get in trouble while anchoring in the Shark river, and we are glad this did not occur on the weekend with no mechanic on duty and the weekend wahoos out everywhere ! So we are stuck here at least tonight. We will get scrambled brains from all of this waking but will make every effort to get out of here tomorrow so we can celebrate Jon's birthday somewhere fun - hopefully Ft. Lauderdale ! We can not wait to get to Marathon and do nothing for a couple of months !!
Sunday Brunch in North Palm Beach
We left with Jim and Kathy but they headed out to the ocean to head south. We thought about going out, thank goodness we did not go out considering our problems.
Another beautiful start to the day.
Rybovich seems to be doing well - look at all of those new boats !
The day was going well until……...
Jon taking it all in stride
Three minds assessing the damage/problem
We are totally unprotected from the ICW - this is the view from the stern of our boat - hence all of the wakes
Sun setting, high hopes for a better day tomorrow and a great birthday for Jon !
Tues. Jan 14 Yacht Club of Delray Beach
Happy Birthday Jon ! We rocked and rolled all night with waves slapping our hull, but surprisingly, we both slept well. Jon stalked the office all day to make sure that they were on top of trying to get us out of here today. During his brief absences, I got busy wrapping his presents an decorating the boat trying to make the most of the situation so he could have some birthday fun. Finally they came to the boat at about 1:30, alternators and new belts in tow. At 2:45 we finally pulled away from the slip. We went back and forth on about how far we should try to go, it was either about 6 miles to Delray beach, or 23 miles to Light house point. Once under way, we determined the tide was against us, the wind was gusty, so we decided to pull in at the Yacht Club at Delray Beach. We got settled in quickly then got down to celebrating. We had bevvies and present opening on the boat, then walked across the Atlantic Blvd. bridge to a fun restaurant on the water called Deck 82. We listened to live music, enjoyed sitting on the water, and had a great meal. It was not the birthday celebration I planned for Jon, but it was the celebration we got, and Jon enjoyed it so all is well. We have another early morning tomorrow, and a long tough day so hoping for a good night’s sleep under this big full moon !
Happy Birthday Jon ! We rocked and rolled all night with waves slapping our hull, but surprisingly, we both slept well. Jon stalked the office all day to make sure that they were on top of trying to get us out of here today. During his brief absences, I got busy wrapping his presents an decorating the boat trying to make the most of the situation so he could have some birthday fun. Finally they came to the boat at about 1:30, alternators and new belts in tow. At 2:45 we finally pulled away from the slip. We went back and forth on about how far we should try to go, it was either about 6 miles to Delray beach, or 23 miles to Light house point. Once under way, we determined the tide was against us, the wind was gusty, so we decided to pull in at the Yacht Club at Delray Beach. We got settled in quickly then got down to celebrating. We had bevvies and present opening on the boat, then walked across the Atlantic Blvd. bridge to a fun restaurant on the water called Deck 82. We listened to live music, enjoyed sitting on the water, and had a great meal. It was not the birthday celebration I planned for Jon, but it was the celebration we got, and Jon enjoyed it so all is well. We have another early morning tomorrow, and a long tough day so hoping for a good night’s sleep under this big full moon !
This actually was a red afternoon
Birthday decorating
Just in case we did not get out for dinner I had stocked up with cupcakes and candles so Jon could still make his birthday wish !
the Birthday Boy opening his presents
Walking over the Atlantic bridge to dinner
Birthday Cheers
A happy girl - on our way again…..
And a Happy Birthday Boy with one big candle !
Wed. Jan 15 6:20 AM Yacht Club of Delray Beach
Did you ever feel like there is just a black cloud stalking you no matter wherever you go ? We went to bed last night with a forecast today for 20 % chance of rain, and a cold front coming through. No problem, we can deal with cold. We got up at 6:00 AM with a targeted 6:30 AM departure. We ran around getting everything ready to go, and then checked the weather on TV. Top story – “it’s pouring buckets from West Palm Beach all the way to Miami” Really ?! What ?! Are you kidding ?! We have really had a rough trip this year – unprecedented cold, followed by rain that produced flooding – they had 20 inches here, our boat broke down, and today which is our most difficult day due to 24 bridges, of which we have to wait for openings on 8 , and 58 miles to travel to get to our next planned stop of Dinner Key in Biscayne .Boy, if we get out of here, we probably will not make Dinner Key. The only place it is raining is our entire route for today – no rain anywhere else. Waa Waaa Waaa……. The sermon I listened to Sunday AM related that the biggest lessons come in time of trouble and hardship, not when things are going to plan. Ok – I am looking for the lesson – hmpphhh – should have bought more beer, at least Crew is enjoying his vacation, at least our boat breakdown did not drain our entire boating budget for the year – the lessons are endless………
OK – 8:00 PM – Dinner Key Marina
We finally shoved off about 8:30 AM and arrived to Dinner Key about 5:00 PM. All in all, the day did improve from this AM. After we got snugged in, we walked into Coconut Grove tonight to have dinner and bevvies at the Sand Bar. We enjoyed our walk and the scenery as much as the dinner. We have another early AM tomorrow – 60 miles to go to Plantation Key. There is supposed to be a second cold front coming through with increasing winds about 20 from the north. We will see what we wake up to. The winds already starting to honk out there now…..
I must say, I debated deleting all of my whining from this AM, but truth be told, as glamorous as boating and cruising seem to many, it really is not all fun and games. After I finsined writng the AM I checked my emails and received a message from our friend Don – he wrote “I am keeping up with your adventure on face book and it sounds like all is going as NORMAL !!! Really put a big smile on my face because this really is our normal, and for our normal, it is alright with me !!
Did you ever feel like there is just a black cloud stalking you no matter wherever you go ? We went to bed last night with a forecast today for 20 % chance of rain, and a cold front coming through. No problem, we can deal with cold. We got up at 6:00 AM with a targeted 6:30 AM departure. We ran around getting everything ready to go, and then checked the weather on TV. Top story – “it’s pouring buckets from West Palm Beach all the way to Miami” Really ?! What ?! Are you kidding ?! We have really had a rough trip this year – unprecedented cold, followed by rain that produced flooding – they had 20 inches here, our boat broke down, and today which is our most difficult day due to 24 bridges, of which we have to wait for openings on 8 , and 58 miles to travel to get to our next planned stop of Dinner Key in Biscayne .Boy, if we get out of here, we probably will not make Dinner Key. The only place it is raining is our entire route for today – no rain anywhere else. Waa Waaa Waaa……. The sermon I listened to Sunday AM related that the biggest lessons come in time of trouble and hardship, not when things are going to plan. Ok – I am looking for the lesson – hmpphhh – should have bought more beer, at least Crew is enjoying his vacation, at least our boat breakdown did not drain our entire boating budget for the year – the lessons are endless………
OK – 8:00 PM – Dinner Key Marina
We finally shoved off about 8:30 AM and arrived to Dinner Key about 5:00 PM. All in all, the day did improve from this AM. After we got snugged in, we walked into Coconut Grove tonight to have dinner and bevvies at the Sand Bar. We enjoyed our walk and the scenery as much as the dinner. We have another early AM tomorrow – 60 miles to go to Plantation Key. There is supposed to be a second cold front coming through with increasing winds about 20 from the north. We will see what we wake up to. The winds already starting to honk out there now…..
I must say, I debated deleting all of my whining from this AM, but truth be told, as glamorous as boating and cruising seem to many, it really is not all fun and games. After I finsined writng the AM I checked my emails and received a message from our friend Don – he wrote “I am keeping up with your adventure on face book and it sounds like all is going as NORMAL !!! Really put a big smile on my face because this really is our normal, and for our normal, it is alright with me !!
Jon checking out the bridge
At Ft. Lauderdale - today was the start of the Ft. Lauderdale - Key West race - these boats were waiting for the bridge opening then heading out the Ft. Lauderdale outlet
Not sure what the filming was at this house but here were police boats in front of it on the ICW, and there were lights and cameras everywhere
Hmmpphh - don't recognize anyone
A good day for kite flying
Kind of cool - the plane between the buildings
Heading to the last bridge today, and no more bridges to open - yahoo !
Friday, January 17, 2014 – Banana Bay Marathon – Hip Hip Hooray !!!
Yesterday AM we started out - really against our better judgement – it was windy, well gusty – blowing a steady 20 2-5 with gusts over 30 ugggghhhhh……. Especially not what you want on an open body of water like the Biscayne Bay. There were waves with white caps hitting us stern to beam, so we were rocking and rolling - did I mention it was freezing ? I was reading our “Southern Waterway Guide” which indicated the following about the bay route to Marathon, “Because of numerous shoal depth areas and the possibility that a strong northerly can literally blow the water out, pay strict attention to navigational aids and the chartered magenta line. Better yet, pay more attention to the weather you expect to encounter.” Guess I should have read that before we left – did I mention the wind was from the North? We plodded along rocking from side to side which left me just a slight shade of gray from getting seasick. We were headed to Plantation Bay in Islamorada at MM 1154 but made the call and pulled in at the Anchorage in Key Largo at MM 1134. We got in early so it was a relaxing afternoon. Jon called Jim who is already in Key Large to see if Jim could help us get a new splitter because ours was not working. Jim tracked one down at a consignment shop, brought it to us, only to discover it did not work. Jon decided to try our splitter again, and low and behold it did work ! Good thing Jim is a thoughtful and good friend and not one to get upset about someone wasting his whole afternoon (I hope you read this Jim !) Next on the busy agenda was dinner at the marina, but we learned the restaurant was closed for renovations. So Susie Chef whipped up some Prego and pasta – voila - instant delish ! We were off to bed early with a first light departure planned for today.
We were off the dock on our way at 6:40 AM. It was a spectacularly beautiful morning with a full moon to the west setting, and the sun rising to the east. Passing through the mangroves is one of my favorite parts of the trip and today did not disappoint. We hit 6000 nautical miles on our trip indicator this AM which is about 7000 miles. Just think, you can read about everyone of them right here on this blog ! I quickly pointed out to Jon how it hardly seem like we had travelled 7,000 miles, and how wonderful it had been, which he agreed with. I then seized the opportunity to point out that a mere 6,000 miles to do the great loop really did not seem too bad – he did not agree on that point. I can usually wear Jon down to get him to do about anything I want. The Great Loop trip has been about five years and counting of me trying to wear him down and he still has not 100 % caved. However, no fear, I will keep working on him.
We had a bit of a rolly ride today but nothing to complain after yesterday. We pulled into Banana Bay at about 2:00 PM. We got the boat all snugged up, got to say hello to a lot of our old friends. We then took a taxi tp pick p the rental car so Jon can drive home tomorrow to get Crew and our car. Did a quick grocery store run, then did our first dinner at Hurricanes like we do every year – I am sooooooo happy to be here !!
Yesterday AM we started out - really against our better judgement – it was windy, well gusty – blowing a steady 20 2-5 with gusts over 30 ugggghhhhh……. Especially not what you want on an open body of water like the Biscayne Bay. There were waves with white caps hitting us stern to beam, so we were rocking and rolling - did I mention it was freezing ? I was reading our “Southern Waterway Guide” which indicated the following about the bay route to Marathon, “Because of numerous shoal depth areas and the possibility that a strong northerly can literally blow the water out, pay strict attention to navigational aids and the chartered magenta line. Better yet, pay more attention to the weather you expect to encounter.” Guess I should have read that before we left – did I mention the wind was from the North? We plodded along rocking from side to side which left me just a slight shade of gray from getting seasick. We were headed to Plantation Bay in Islamorada at MM 1154 but made the call and pulled in at the Anchorage in Key Largo at MM 1134. We got in early so it was a relaxing afternoon. Jon called Jim who is already in Key Large to see if Jim could help us get a new splitter because ours was not working. Jim tracked one down at a consignment shop, brought it to us, only to discover it did not work. Jon decided to try our splitter again, and low and behold it did work ! Good thing Jim is a thoughtful and good friend and not one to get upset about someone wasting his whole afternoon (I hope you read this Jim !) Next on the busy agenda was dinner at the marina, but we learned the restaurant was closed for renovations. So Susie Chef whipped up some Prego and pasta – voila - instant delish ! We were off to bed early with a first light departure planned for today.
We were off the dock on our way at 6:40 AM. It was a spectacularly beautiful morning with a full moon to the west setting, and the sun rising to the east. Passing through the mangroves is one of my favorite parts of the trip and today did not disappoint. We hit 6000 nautical miles on our trip indicator this AM which is about 7000 miles. Just think, you can read about everyone of them right here on this blog ! I quickly pointed out to Jon how it hardly seem like we had travelled 7,000 miles, and how wonderful it had been, which he agreed with. I then seized the opportunity to point out that a mere 6,000 miles to do the great loop really did not seem too bad – he did not agree on that point. I can usually wear Jon down to get him to do about anything I want. The Great Loop trip has been about five years and counting of me trying to wear him down and he still has not 100 % caved. However, no fear, I will keep working on him.
We had a bit of a rolly ride today but nothing to complain after yesterday. We pulled into Banana Bay at about 2:00 PM. We got the boat all snugged up, got to say hello to a lot of our old friends. We then took a taxi tp pick p the rental car so Jon can drive home tomorrow to get Crew and our car. Did a quick grocery store run, then did our first dinner at Hurricanes like we do every year – I am sooooooo happy to be here !!
Full moon lighting the way as we leave Coconut Grove
Jon attempting to wash all of the salt off of the boat at the Anchorage
Jim and Jon attempting to fix the splitter
Night time shot
AM departure - Gliberts on left, Anchorage on the right
Still beautiful full moon
Sun rising
Heading west we have the setting moon on our bow
Full moon off of our bow
While the full moon was setting in the west off of our bow, the sun rising was rising to the east off of our stern
We hit 6000 nautical miles this AM which is about 7,000 miles - that's allot of miles travelled on Sundance !
Narrow channels
Beautiful skies !