March and April 2009 boat trip
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Here we go again !
We were supposed to leave last Thursday, March 3, but while Jon was back North for meeting, Susan decided to welcome him back home with a BIG surprise. When Jon arrived back home last Wed., he was greeted by our new crew member, aptly named Crew. After the intital shock, it was pure puppy love. Crew had been living outside with a homeless couple. He needed lots of TLC when Susan rescued him, but he has turned out to be an absolute delight ! He is all black, and the homeless people said the family they got Crew from told them that Crew was part Border Collie, and part Poodle. I gues technically that makes him a Bordoodle - I prefer Bocoodle. Our Vet is not convinced on what Crew really is so it will be fun to watch him grow and try to figure it out. And to all of those enquiry minds - no he is not house trained, no we have no idea what we are doing, and yes we are crazy.
Our original plan was to go to the Bahamas, but long story made short, the insurance issues became more than we cared to deal with at this time - so plan B.
Plan B: We are hoping to go down the east coast of Florida on the Intra-coastal, head to Marathon in the Keys for 2-3 weeks, then up the west coast of Florida, cut across the Okeechobee, then back up to Palm Coast.
We plan to head out tomorrow AM, and get as close to Cape Canaveral as an easy day of travel will allow, so we can see the space shuttle tomorrow. So, if all goes well, the Admiral, the Captain and Crew will head south.......
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Here we go again !
We were supposed to leave last Thursday, March 3, but while Jon was back North for meeting, Susan decided to welcome him back home with a BIG surprise. When Jon arrived back home last Wed., he was greeted by our new crew member, aptly named Crew. After the intital shock, it was pure puppy love. Crew had been living outside with a homeless couple. He needed lots of TLC when Susan rescued him, but he has turned out to be an absolute delight ! He is all black, and the homeless people said the family they got Crew from told them that Crew was part Border Collie, and part Poodle. I gues technically that makes him a Bordoodle - I prefer Bocoodle. Our Vet is not convinced on what Crew really is so it will be fun to watch him grow and try to figure it out. And to all of those enquiry minds - no he is not house trained, no we have no idea what we are doing, and yes we are crazy.
Our original plan was to go to the Bahamas, but long story made short, the insurance issues became more than we cared to deal with at this time - so plan B.
Plan B: We are hoping to go down the east coast of Florida on the Intra-coastal, head to Marathon in the Keys for 2-3 weeks, then up the west coast of Florida, cut across the Okeechobee, then back up to Palm Coast.
We plan to head out tomorrow AM, and get as close to Cape Canaveral as an easy day of travel will allow, so we can see the space shuttle tomorrow. So, if all goes well, the Admiral, the Captain and Crew will head south.......
3-4-9 - Crew about ten weeks old
Wed. March 11,2009 6:30 PM
Day #1
We departed Palm Coast, MM 802, at 9:00 AM and arrived at the New Smryna City Marina, MM 846 at 3:00 PM. It was a beautiful day for cruising, warm and not a cloud in the sky. We saw lots of dolphins, and it was really a very uneventful trip. Crew did fantastic. We got him acquainted with the boat, then brought him to the upper helm for the trip. We showed him the astro turf that we have both on the upper helm and in the stern. He promptly christened both areas without fanfare and it was like he had been doing it his whole (all 11 weeks) life. He was very relaxed the whole trip, slept most of the way, and had some bursts of energy where he engaged in some toy playing and serious tail chasing.
The doggy life vests are great because they have a handle on them and we can pick Crew up and just carry him around. Once we arrived at the marina, we got secured, did our after cruising chores, then discovered that our air conditioning is not working. This is not a big deal now, but will become one once we are in the Keys because we will not be able to leave Crew on the boat if we want to go out without the AC. Jon called our boat mechanic who is both fabulous guy as well as mechanic. He was in Jacksonville but agreed to come to the boat tonight to fix the AC – we are very grateful !!!!
We walked down Canal Street which is the historic district of New Smyrna, and had some adult beverages and appetizers an outside café. Crew just crashed and slept the whole time. We are only about 30 miles away from Cape Canaveral where the space shuttle is scheduled to launch tonight at 9:30 PM. Big plans are to hopefully get the AC fixed, and to watch the space shuttle.
Day #1
We departed Palm Coast, MM 802, at 9:00 AM and arrived at the New Smryna City Marina, MM 846 at 3:00 PM. It was a beautiful day for cruising, warm and not a cloud in the sky. We saw lots of dolphins, and it was really a very uneventful trip. Crew did fantastic. We got him acquainted with the boat, then brought him to the upper helm for the trip. We showed him the astro turf that we have both on the upper helm and in the stern. He promptly christened both areas without fanfare and it was like he had been doing it his whole (all 11 weeks) life. He was very relaxed the whole trip, slept most of the way, and had some bursts of energy where he engaged in some toy playing and serious tail chasing.
The doggy life vests are great because they have a handle on them and we can pick Crew up and just carry him around. Once we arrived at the marina, we got secured, did our after cruising chores, then discovered that our air conditioning is not working. This is not a big deal now, but will become one once we are in the Keys because we will not be able to leave Crew on the boat if we want to go out without the AC. Jon called our boat mechanic who is both fabulous guy as well as mechanic. He was in Jacksonville but agreed to come to the boat tonight to fix the AC – we are very grateful !!!!
We walked down Canal Street which is the historic district of New Smyrna, and had some adult beverages and appetizers an outside café. Crew just crashed and slept the whole time. We are only about 30 miles away from Cape Canaveral where the space shuttle is scheduled to launch tonight at 9:30 PM. Big plans are to hopefully get the AC fixed, and to watch the space shuttle.
Crew sporting his canine life jacket and reporting for duty 3-11-09
Ponce Inlet
Day 2 Thurs. March 12, 2008
3:30 PM
Cocoa Village Marina MM 897
Well the good news is that Al came and was able to fix the AC. The bad news is that the shuttle has been delayed until Sun. Not ones to miss an event, even if it does not really happen, we still sat out at the upper helm, drank wine, ate popcorn and marveled at the great big full moon.
We were off the AM at 8:00 AM and arrived at Cocoa Beach around 3:00 PM. We saw lots of dolphins, and manatees today. The manatees make me a bit nervous because I do not want to hit one so you really have to keep your eyes open for them. The canal to the Indian river was a beautiful little excursion with lots of folks fishing and kayaking, and Mosquito bay was beautiful.
We are going to finish our after cruising chores, shower both ourselves and the boat, and then walk into to the historic Cocoa village for dinner tonight hopefully someplace outside so Crew can join us.
Plans for tomorrow are to head to Vero Beach. We had hoped to be able to anchor on this trip down and although Crew has managed part of his toileting, he still has not mastered both parts yet on the boat. Until he does, we do not feel comfortable keeping him on the boat without being able to go.
3:30 PM
Cocoa Village Marina MM 897
Well the good news is that Al came and was able to fix the AC. The bad news is that the shuttle has been delayed until Sun. Not ones to miss an event, even if it does not really happen, we still sat out at the upper helm, drank wine, ate popcorn and marveled at the great big full moon.
We were off the AM at 8:00 AM and arrived at Cocoa Beach around 3:00 PM. We saw lots of dolphins, and manatees today. The manatees make me a bit nervous because I do not want to hit one so you really have to keep your eyes open for them. The canal to the Indian river was a beautiful little excursion with lots of folks fishing and kayaking, and Mosquito bay was beautiful.
We are going to finish our after cruising chores, shower both ourselves and the boat, and then walk into to the historic Cocoa village for dinner tonight hopefully someplace outside so Crew can join us.
Plans for tomorrow are to head to Vero Beach. We had hoped to be able to anchor on this trip down and although Crew has managed part of his toileting, he still has not mastered both parts yet on the boat. Until he does, we do not feel comfortable keeping him on the boat without being able to go.
Crew thinking about what he should be doing, but not actually up to the task yet....
Passing by a Manatee
Leaving Cocoa Beach
Friday the 13th, March 2009
Day 3
8:30 PM
Vero Beach Marina MM 953
Yesterday afternoon we walked to the historic district of Cocoa with Crew – what a great town – we can not wait to stop on our way back north. We stopped at the Dog and Bone pub with Crew and had an adult beverage, walked around, then returned to Sundance. Once on board we showered, got organized then crated Crew and went back to town. We had a fabulous dinner at Bankers. They warned us the burgers were huge, so we split one and got an order of onion rings. The french fries and onion rings were both fresh cut and delish. We topped dinner off with fried Oreos – I now feel my life is much more complete.
Our alarm clock, Crew, woke us up at 7:30 AM, and we were off at 8:00 AM. A great run from Cocoa down to Vero Beach. We arrived at the marina, and needed fuel so the marina said we could have the slip adjacent to the fuel dock. This is a fun overnight because all of the activity on the fuel dock and it is interesting watching all the boats come and go, and all the “love spats” that occur as couples maneuver their boats onto the dock.
One of our main objectives was to get fuel. The challenge of Sundance is that we have no fuel guage. We have two tanks, that Jon fashioned a wooden stick with marks on it. He dips the stick in the tanks then we guess about how much fuel we have. Then one person operates the gas pump, while the other eye balls to the best of their ability the opening of each tank and when it looks like the gas is near the top – you yell – stop. So, that is the crazy system for monitoring and filling fuel on the boat.
Another point of interest is the actual slip we are in. It is exactly 12.6 inches, and we are 12 feet wide. I knew it would be a challenge when we started to come into the slip and the dock hand told me to remove the fenders I had put out because there would not be enough room – he was right, but Jon sild the boat in with several people gathered on the dock watching with amazement.
After we settled, we headed up to the main area for a “gathering.” As we approached I saw a head of red hair and told Jon that it looked like our neighbor Jill – sure enough it was !!! We had planned to rendez vous with Jill and David during the trip but thought they were much further south – so it was a blast to spend the evening with them. It was Crew’s first social gathering and he made many new friends. We will also be rendez vousing soon with our friends Kathy and Jim, so it will be fun to all get together.
We came back to the boat and grilled chicken and had potato salad for dinner. We are now trying to decide whether to hang out here for another day to try to avoid some of the the insane weekend boat traffic on the ICW – or forge ahead. We have decided to make the call in the AM after we see how we sleep tonight.
Day 3
8:30 PM
Vero Beach Marina MM 953
Yesterday afternoon we walked to the historic district of Cocoa with Crew – what a great town – we can not wait to stop on our way back north. We stopped at the Dog and Bone pub with Crew and had an adult beverage, walked around, then returned to Sundance. Once on board we showered, got organized then crated Crew and went back to town. We had a fabulous dinner at Bankers. They warned us the burgers were huge, so we split one and got an order of onion rings. The french fries and onion rings were both fresh cut and delish. We topped dinner off with fried Oreos – I now feel my life is much more complete.
Our alarm clock, Crew, woke us up at 7:30 AM, and we were off at 8:00 AM. A great run from Cocoa down to Vero Beach. We arrived at the marina, and needed fuel so the marina said we could have the slip adjacent to the fuel dock. This is a fun overnight because all of the activity on the fuel dock and it is interesting watching all the boats come and go, and all the “love spats” that occur as couples maneuver their boats onto the dock.
One of our main objectives was to get fuel. The challenge of Sundance is that we have no fuel guage. We have two tanks, that Jon fashioned a wooden stick with marks on it. He dips the stick in the tanks then we guess about how much fuel we have. Then one person operates the gas pump, while the other eye balls to the best of their ability the opening of each tank and when it looks like the gas is near the top – you yell – stop. So, that is the crazy system for monitoring and filling fuel on the boat.
Another point of interest is the actual slip we are in. It is exactly 12.6 inches, and we are 12 feet wide. I knew it would be a challenge when we started to come into the slip and the dock hand told me to remove the fenders I had put out because there would not be enough room – he was right, but Jon sild the boat in with several people gathered on the dock watching with amazement.
After we settled, we headed up to the main area for a “gathering.” As we approached I saw a head of red hair and told Jon that it looked like our neighbor Jill – sure enough it was !!! We had planned to rendez vous with Jill and David during the trip but thought they were much further south – so it was a blast to spend the evening with them. It was Crew’s first social gathering and he made many new friends. We will also be rendez vousing soon with our friends Kathy and Jim, so it will be fun to all get together.
We came back to the boat and grilled chicken and had potato salad for dinner. We are now trying to decide whether to hang out here for another day to try to avoid some of the the insane weekend boat traffic on the ICW – or forge ahead. We have decided to make the call in the AM after we see how we sleep tonight.
Jill, David and Jon at Vero Beach
What Sundance, a 12 foot wide boat, looks like in a 12 1/2 foot wide slip - Vero Beach
Day 4, Sat. March 14, 2008
Jonathan’s Landing Marina - Jupiter
5:45 PM MM 1006
We were up early so decided to forge ahead. We left Vero beach around 7:30 AM. Up until about 12:30 – there was hardly any boat traffic because it was off and on with squalls. You could see the rain coming, the winds would howl, then it would pass. We saw a beautiful rainbow along the way. It then started to clear up and the sun came out and so did the boats – en masse ! Every size, every make you name it. Along with the Route 95 like traffic, the winds increased to a steady 25 with gust up to the 30’s. Our peaceful morning turned into Boston like rush hour traffic. We could not wait to get to the Marina. We passed two inlets, St Lucie and the Jupiter inlets which each had a good current, then finally arrived at the Marina.
We decided that since tomorrow is Sunday – the boat traffic will probably be terrible again and since we have entered the land of bridges, we decided to stay here tomorrow and just do relaxing things like read the Sunday paper, walk, hang out at the pool, and eat at the great restaurant they have here. Monday we will set back out on the water highway. We have also decided to stick on the intracoastal instead of heading out to the ocean. More for the experience than anything else. It will slow us down because of all of the bridges, but the fun is in the journey – not only the destination.
The whole boating life is actually a bit surreal. Yesterday when we underway, I was online making airlines reservations for a vacation to Bermuda this June. It was just weird being on a boat, on line, making reservations – ten years ago you would never have dreamed that that was possible !
Tonight we are dining in – grilled filets, baked potatoes and salad. We are also opening a nice pinot noir – life is good………….
Jonathan’s Landing Marina - Jupiter
5:45 PM MM 1006
We were up early so decided to forge ahead. We left Vero beach around 7:30 AM. Up until about 12:30 – there was hardly any boat traffic because it was off and on with squalls. You could see the rain coming, the winds would howl, then it would pass. We saw a beautiful rainbow along the way. It then started to clear up and the sun came out and so did the boats – en masse ! Every size, every make you name it. Along with the Route 95 like traffic, the winds increased to a steady 25 with gust up to the 30’s. Our peaceful morning turned into Boston like rush hour traffic. We could not wait to get to the Marina. We passed two inlets, St Lucie and the Jupiter inlets which each had a good current, then finally arrived at the Marina.
We decided that since tomorrow is Sunday – the boat traffic will probably be terrible again and since we have entered the land of bridges, we decided to stay here tomorrow and just do relaxing things like read the Sunday paper, walk, hang out at the pool, and eat at the great restaurant they have here. Monday we will set back out on the water highway. We have also decided to stick on the intracoastal instead of heading out to the ocean. More for the experience than anything else. It will slow us down because of all of the bridges, but the fun is in the journey – not only the destination.
The whole boating life is actually a bit surreal. Yesterday when we underway, I was online making airlines reservations for a vacation to Bermuda this June. It was just weird being on a boat, on line, making reservations – ten years ago you would never have dreamed that that was possible !
Tonight we are dining in – grilled filets, baked potatoes and salad. We are also opening a nice pinot noir – life is good………….
Sunrise - Leaving Vero Beach
Opties waiting for the start of the race
Cruising down the ICW
Space Shuttle viewed from Jonathan's landing
Day 5 – Sunday – March 15, 2009
9:30 PM
We ended last night by sitting at out on the “poop” deck. The boat next to us has underwater lighting, so watched all of the fish swimming toward the light. If you have never done this – I highly recommend it for an evening full of fun and adventure.
Today was an excellent, relaxing day. Our alarm clock slept until 7:00 AM. We had a leisurely morning of drinking coffee, reading the Sunday paper, and watching the weekend boat traffic. In the afternoon, we walked around the Landing, then went swimming. There was no one else at the pool, so we brought Crew in to start to get him use to the water. We did not send him swimming independently, but did move him around in the water and he seemed to enjoy it. We spent the rest of the afternoon filling up on R and R. We ate an early dinner at the Marina Club which was fantastic, and finished in just enough time to get back to the boat and watch the shuttle. Our boat is right at the restaurant, so there was fun gathering of people, and we all oohhed and awed. We then headed down to the Intracoastal and sat waterfront and watched the evening’s last round of boats go by.
We returned to the boat and spent a second wild night of watching the fish swim toward the underwater lighting. At Crew’s suggestion, the only thing more exciting and enjoyable than watching the fish, is chasing your tail around in circles.
We do not have a destination tomorrow as we have no idea with the beginning of the bridge brigade, how far we will make. So, tune in tomorrow !
Day 6, March 16, 2009 5:00 PM
Pompano beach MM 1056
We shoved off at 7:30 AM and began bridge running. We made our usual 50 miles, arrived at about our usual time of 3:00 PM. We lucked out with the bridges and had no real delays so we made great time.
It was a beautiful trip passed 100’s of modest yachts and mansions – there was minimal boat traffic and we are glad we did not attempt the run on the weekend.
We are planning to grab a burger at the waterfront bar here at the Marina – then an early night.
We are hoping to get through Fort Lauderdale and to south of Miami tomorrow. Call me crazy, but I think there are Irish people and bars in Miami – I’ve got my shamrock jewelry ready to go………
9:30 PM
We ended last night by sitting at out on the “poop” deck. The boat next to us has underwater lighting, so watched all of the fish swimming toward the light. If you have never done this – I highly recommend it for an evening full of fun and adventure.
Today was an excellent, relaxing day. Our alarm clock slept until 7:00 AM. We had a leisurely morning of drinking coffee, reading the Sunday paper, and watching the weekend boat traffic. In the afternoon, we walked around the Landing, then went swimming. There was no one else at the pool, so we brought Crew in to start to get him use to the water. We did not send him swimming independently, but did move him around in the water and he seemed to enjoy it. We spent the rest of the afternoon filling up on R and R. We ate an early dinner at the Marina Club which was fantastic, and finished in just enough time to get back to the boat and watch the shuttle. Our boat is right at the restaurant, so there was fun gathering of people, and we all oohhed and awed. We then headed down to the Intracoastal and sat waterfront and watched the evening’s last round of boats go by.
We returned to the boat and spent a second wild night of watching the fish swim toward the underwater lighting. At Crew’s suggestion, the only thing more exciting and enjoyable than watching the fish, is chasing your tail around in circles.
We do not have a destination tomorrow as we have no idea with the beginning of the bridge brigade, how far we will make. So, tune in tomorrow !
Day 6, March 16, 2009 5:00 PM
Pompano beach MM 1056
We shoved off at 7:30 AM and began bridge running. We made our usual 50 miles, arrived at about our usual time of 3:00 PM. We lucked out with the bridges and had no real delays so we made great time.
It was a beautiful trip passed 100’s of modest yachts and mansions – there was minimal boat traffic and we are glad we did not attempt the run on the weekend.
We are planning to grab a burger at the waterfront bar here at the Marina – then an early night.
We are hoping to get through Fort Lauderdale and to south of Miami tomorrow. Call me crazy, but I think there are Irish people and bars in Miami – I’ve got my shamrock jewelry ready to go………
Approaching downtown Miami
May your heart beat true to the red, white and blue
Day 7, Tues. March 17, 2008
Crandon Park Marina MM1093
3:15 PM
Last night was really fun – we ate at an outside bar right on the ICW – great Happy Hour
We decided to plan a shorter mileage day today thinking that the bridges may pose a problem. It was no problem and our timing was spot on and we only had to wait at one bridge for about 20 minutes. For those not familiar with the ICW, this southern run is bridge after bridge, all on scheduled openings every half hour. If you are just five minutes late – you wait till the next half hour. Once we got down to around Miami, the water took on a beautiful turqoise color and we began to feel like we were are actually near the Keys. It was hot and sunny today, light breeze – perfect for cruising. I had hoped to get into a marina with some St. Patty’s celebrating – but alas, we are in the middle of nowhere – north end of Key Biscayne. There are no restaurants, and only cold outdoor showers. It is beautiful here though so I am putting my shamrock gear on, and we are taking Crew to the picnic area on the Bay, to run around. Hot dogs for us tonight – It is Sundance’s version of Corned Beef !!! We have one more stop tomorrow night, then Thurs we will arrive at our destination – Marathon !
Crandon Park Marina MM1093
3:15 PM
Last night was really fun – we ate at an outside bar right on the ICW – great Happy Hour
We decided to plan a shorter mileage day today thinking that the bridges may pose a problem. It was no problem and our timing was spot on and we only had to wait at one bridge for about 20 minutes. For those not familiar with the ICW, this southern run is bridge after bridge, all on scheduled openings every half hour. If you are just five minutes late – you wait till the next half hour. Once we got down to around Miami, the water took on a beautiful turqoise color and we began to feel like we were are actually near the Keys. It was hot and sunny today, light breeze – perfect for cruising. I had hoped to get into a marina with some St. Patty’s celebrating – but alas, we are in the middle of nowhere – north end of Key Biscayne. There are no restaurants, and only cold outdoor showers. It is beautiful here though so I am putting my shamrock gear on, and we are taking Crew to the picnic area on the Bay, to run around. Hot dogs for us tonight – It is Sundance’s version of Corned Beef !!! We have one more stop tomorrow night, then Thurs we will arrive at our destination – Marathon !
Jon and Crew celebrating St Patty's Day - Island style
Crew and someone in the Foster Grants