Anna Marie and I wish all our blog visitors, friends and family a very Happy New Year.
"Happy New Year. Happy New Year. May we all have a vision now and then, for the world where every neighbor is a friend.
Happy New Year. Happy New Year. May we all have our hopes, our will to try. If we don't, we might as well lay down and die. " ABBA
Sunshine almost always makes me high! (John Denver)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Christmas in New Jersey
Baking CookiesWeather: We’re not in Florida anymore! Temps have varied from very cold to warm (60s), but most depressing is the fact that the in the weeks since we’ve been home, we have rarely seen the sun. 
Presents!
On December 28 & 29, we took the four oldest grandchildren (ages 4 – 9) on a road trip. Only the baby (age 2) stayed behind. Our trip took us to Strasberg, PA where we spent a night in the Red Caboose Motel. After enjoying lunch in a real parlor car, we visited the National Toy Train Museum which is adjacent to the Red Caboose complex.
After participating in the Great Train Races at the museum looking at the great collection of toy trains, it was time to go to Dutch Wonderland to do some rides. The kids had a great time and spent three hours riding the various rides. We capped off the day with an ice cream treat and drove back to the Red Caboose.
On the twenty-ninth, we had a later breakfast at Friendly’s and took a ride on the Strasberg Steam Train. We completed our visit to Strasberg with a Pennsylvania Dutch lunch at Millers.
Comment: What a busy time. The grandchildren enjoyed three days of gift opening beginning on December 23 at our house and ending on Christmas morning in their own homes.
On December 28 & 29, we took the four oldest grandchildren (ages 4 – 9) on a road trip. Only the baby (age 2) stayed behind. Our trip took us to Strasberg, PA where we spent a night in the Red Caboose Motel. After enjoying lunch in a real parlor car, we visited the National Toy Train Museum which is adjacent to the Red Caboose complex.
After participating in the Great Train Races at the museum looking at the great collection of toy trains, it was time to go to Dutch Wonderland to do some rides. The kids had a great time and spent three hours riding the various rides. We capped off the day with an ice cream treat and drove back to the Red Caboose.
On the twenty-ninth, we had a later breakfast at Friendly’s and took a ride on the Strasberg Steam Train. We completed our visit to Strasberg with a Pennsylvania Dutch lunch at Millers.
The Red Caboose
Dutch Wonderland
The two and one-half hour ride back to New Jersey was easy as our pass
engers took time for much needed naps.
engers took time for much needed naps.Number 90 is fired up
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Holiday Greetings!
Greetings Everyone!
Anna Marie and I arrived safely in NJ at 2230 hours last evening. Our cruise is on hold for the holidays. We are officialy in holiday mode and are excitedly looking forward to spending time with our children and grandchildren.
We offer the following as our "Holiday Greeting" to you:
Geoffrey, our oldest grandchild (he'll be 10 in mid January) still believes in Santa Claus (as do all of the others). I expect his school friends are challenging his beliefs and wonder when he'll start questioning the existence of the jolly old man. Dealing with the myriad issues presents a difficult parenting challenge.
You may recall the following story:
Virginia O'Hanlon is an American Folk Figure who penned the most famous Christmas letter of the last two centuries. As an eight-year-old girl, Virginia O'Hanlon asked her father Philip whether there was a Santa Claus. His best advice was to write to the "New York Sun" and, if she saw it in print there, she could believe it. The letter was given to the general editor of the "Sun" Francis Pharcellus Church, and hiseditorial response, written September 21, 1897, has become a classic tale of
the Christmas holiday season - "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." Virginia became a career educator and spent 47 years in the classroom and as a principal in the New York City schools. All her life she was asked whether she still believed, and delighted in providing response via printed copies of the Sun editorial. The original letter, once believed destroyed in a house fire, survives in family hands.
Virginia O'Hanlon
Virginia was born on July 20, 1889, in Manhattan, New York County, New York, USA. She died on May 13, 1971.
Click this link to read (and hear) her letter and see the written response:
http://www.macysbelieve.com/?gclid=CLeYmbr7x5cCFQECGgodu3KpRw#/YesVirginia
Reproduced below is a cpoy of the original editorial and a photo of the author:
Newsman Francis Pharcellus Church
According to Wikipedia, Church was a war correspondent during the American Civil War, a time which saw great suffering and a corresponding lack of hope and faith in much of society. Although the paper ran the editorial in the seventh place on the editorial page, below even an editorial on the newly invented "chainless bicycle", its message was very moving to many people who read it. More than a century later it remains the most reprinted editorial ever to run in any newspaper in the English language.[1]
Click the following link for the complete Wikipedia Article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yes,_Virginia,_there_is_a_Santa_Claus
Francis Pharcellus Church seized the opportunity to rise above Virginia's simple question and address the philosophical issues behind it.
But what about the science? If you’re skeptical of Santa’s abilities to deliver presents to millions of homes and children in just one night, North Carolina State University’s Dr. Larry Silverberg, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, can explain the science and engineering principles that allow the Jolly Old Elf to pull off the magical feat year after year.
Rare photo of Santa's high tech sleigh
With his cherubic smile and twinkling eyes, Santa may appear to be merely a jolly old soul, but he and his North Pole elves have a lot going on under the funny-looking hats, Silverberg says. Their advanced knowledge of electromagnetic waves, the space/time continuum, nanotechnology, genetic engineering and computer science easily trumps the know-how of contemporary scientists.
Silverberg says that Santa has a personal pipeline to children’s thoughts – via a listening antenna that combines technologies currently used in cell phones and EKGs – which informs him that Mary in Miami hopes for a surfboard, while Michael from Minneapolis wants a snowboard. A sophisticated signal processing system filters the data, giving Santa clues on who wants what, where children live, and even who’s been bad or good. Later, all this information will be processed in an onboard sleigh guidance system, which will provide Santa with the most efficient delivery route.
Silverberg adds that letters to Santa via snail mail still get the job done, however.
Silverberg is not so naïve as to think that Santa and his reindeer can travel approximately 200 million square miles – making stops in some 80 million homes – in one night. Instead, he posits that Santa uses his knowledge of the space/time continuum to form what Silverberg calls “relativity clouds.”
“Based on his advanced knowledge of the theory of relativity, Santa recognizes that time can be stretched like a rubber band, space can be squeezed like an orange and light can be bent,” Silverberg says. “Relativity clouds are controllable domains – rips in time – that allow him months to deliver presents while only a few minutes pass on Earth. The presents are truly delivered in a wink of an eye.”
With a detailed route prepared and his list checked twice through the onboard computer on the technologically advanced sleigh, Santa is ready to deliver presents. His reindeer – genetically bred to fly, balance on rooftops and see well in the dark – don’t actually pull a sleigh loaded down with toys. Instead, each house becomes Santa’s workshop as he utilizes a nano-toymaker to fabricate toys inside the children’s homes. The presents are grown on the spot, as the nano-toymaker creates – atom by atom – toys out of snow and soot, much like DNA can command the growth of organic material like tissues and body parts.
And there’s really no need for Santa to enter the house via chimney, although Silverberg says he enjoys doing that every so often. Rather, the same relativity cloud that allows Santa to deliver presents in what seems like a wink of an eye is also used to “morph” Santa into people’s homes.
Finally, many people wonder how Santa and the reindeer can eat all the food left out for them. Silverberg says they take just a nibble at each house. The remainder is either left in the house or placed in the sleigh’s built-in food dehydrator, where it is preserved for future consumption. It takes a long time to deliver all those presents, after all.
“This is our vision of Santa’s delivery method, given the human, physical and engineering constraints we face today,” Silverberg says. “Children shouldn’t put too much credence in the opinions of those who say it’s not possible to deliver presents all over the world in one night. It is possible, and it’s based on plausible science.”
Whatever your beliefs, Anna Marie and I hope you enjoy the joy and peace of the holiday season and that you are fortunate enough to share it with family and friends and that you make memories that will last a lifetime.
Have a wonderful Holiday Season!
Bill and Anna Marie
Anna Marie and I arrived safely in NJ at 2230 hours last evening. Our cruise is on hold for the holidays. We are officialy in holiday mode and are excitedly looking forward to spending time with our children and grandchildren.
We offer the following as our "Holiday Greeting" to you:
Geoffrey, our oldest grandchild (he'll be 10 in mid January) still believes in Santa Claus (as do all of the others). I expect his school friends are challenging his beliefs and wonder when he'll start questioning the existence of the jolly old man. Dealing with the myriad issues presents a difficult parenting challenge.
You may recall the following story:
Virginia O'Hanlon is an American Folk Figure who penned the most famous Christmas letter of the last two centuries. As an eight-year-old girl, Virginia O'Hanlon asked her father Philip whether there was a Santa Claus. His best advice was to write to the "New York Sun" and, if she saw it in print there, she could believe it. The letter was given to the general editor of the "Sun" Francis Pharcellus Church, and hiseditorial response, written September 21, 1897, has become a classic tale of
the Christmas holiday season - "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." Virginia became a career educator and spent 47 years in the classroom and as a principal in the New York City schools. All her life she was asked whether she still believed, and delighted in providing response via printed copies of the Sun editorial. The original letter, once believed destroyed in a house fire, survives in family hands.Virginia O'Hanlon
Virginia was born on July 20, 1889, in Manhattan, New York County, New York, USA. She died on May 13, 1971.
Click this link to read (and hear) her letter and see the written response:
http://www.macysbelieve.com/?gclid=CLeYmbr7x5cCFQECGgodu3KpRw#/YesVirginia
Reproduced below is a cpoy of the original editorial and a photo of the author:
Newsman Francis Pharcellus Church
According to Wikipedia, Church was a war correspondent during the American Civil War, a time which saw great suffering and a corresponding lack of hope and faith in much of society. Although the paper ran the editorial in the seventh place on the editorial page, below even an editorial on the newly invented "chainless bicycle", its message was very moving to many people who read it. More than a century later it remains the most reprinted editorial ever to run in any newspaper in the English language.[1]
Click the following link for the complete Wikipedia Article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yes,_Virginia,_there_is_a_Santa_Claus
Francis Pharcellus Church seized the opportunity to rise above Virginia's simple question and address the philosophical issues behind it.
But what about the science? If you’re skeptical of Santa’s abilities to deliver presents to millions of homes and children in just one night, North Carolina State University’s Dr. Larry Silverberg, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, can explain the science and engineering principles that allow the Jolly Old Elf to pull off the magical feat year after year.
Rare photo of Santa's high tech sleigh
With his cherubic smile and twinkling eyes, Santa may appear to be merely a jolly old soul, but he and his North Pole elves have a lot going on under the funny-looking hats, Silverberg says. Their advanced knowledge of electromagnetic waves, the space/time continuum, nanotechnology, genetic engineering and computer science easily trumps the know-how of contemporary scientists.
Silverberg says that Santa has a personal pipeline to children’s thoughts – via a listening antenna that combines technologies currently used in cell phones and EKGs – which informs him that Mary in Miami hopes for a surfboard, while Michael from Minneapolis wants a snowboard. A sophisticated signal processing system filters the data, giving Santa clues on who wants what, where children live, and even who’s been bad or good. Later, all this information will be processed in an onboard sleigh guidance system, which will provide Santa with the most efficient delivery route.
Silverberg adds that letters to Santa via snail mail still get the job done, however.
Silverberg is not so naïve as to think that Santa and his reindeer can travel approximately 200 million square miles – making stops in some 80 million homes – in one night. Instead, he posits that Santa uses his knowledge of the space/time continuum to form what Silverberg calls “relativity clouds.”
“Based on his advanced knowledge of the theory of relativity, Santa recognizes that time can be stretched like a rubber band, space can be squeezed like an orange and light can be bent,” Silverberg says. “Relativity clouds are controllable domains – rips in time – that allow him months to deliver presents while only a few minutes pass on Earth. The presents are truly delivered in a wink of an eye.”
With a detailed route prepared and his list checked twice through the onboard computer on the technologically advanced sleigh, Santa is ready to deliver presents. His reindeer – genetically bred to fly, balance on rooftops and see well in the dark – don’t actually pull a sleigh loaded down with toys. Instead, each house becomes Santa’s workshop as he utilizes a nano-toymaker to fabricate toys inside the children’s homes. The presents are grown on the spot, as the nano-toymaker creates – atom by atom – toys out of snow and soot, much like DNA can command the growth of organic material like tissues and body parts.
And there’s really no need for Santa to enter the house via chimney, although Silverberg says he enjoys doing that every so often. Rather, the same relativity cloud that allows Santa to deliver presents in what seems like a wink of an eye is also used to “morph” Santa into people’s homes.
Finally, many people wonder how Santa and the reindeer can eat all the food left out for them. Silverberg says they take just a nibble at each house. The remainder is either left in the house or placed in the sleigh’s built-in food dehydrator, where it is preserved for future consumption. It takes a long time to deliver all those presents, after all.
“This is our vision of Santa’s delivery method, given the human, physical and engineering constraints we face today,” Silverberg says. “Children shouldn’t put too much credence in the opinions of those who say it’s not possible to deliver presents all over the world in one night. It is possible, and it’s based on plausible science.”
Whatever your beliefs, Anna Marie and I hope you enjoy the joy and peace of the holiday season and that you are fortunate enough to share it with family and friends and that you make memories that will last a lifetime.
Have a wonderful Holiday Season!
Bill and Anna Marie
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Departure Day (Day 084)
Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL MM1195 Mooring Ball # N-9
LAY DAY
Weather: Sunny and Hot! Winds have dropped to the 10 to 12 knot range
Comment: It’s departure day and we have lots to do to get the boat ready for a three week lay up. After a quick breakfast at McDonalds, we set about removing the bow nets. They need re-stitching again! We repaired the dinghy floor board supports, cleaned the refrigerator, and removed the freezer and dinghy motor, both of which will be dropped off for service. By 1300 hours, the tasks were completed, the car was loaded and we were underway for Fort Lauderdale International Airport for of 2000 hour departure for Atlantic City aboard Spirit Air.
Along the way, we stopped for a late lunch at Snook’s in Key Largo. The establishment is frequented by cruisers. The anchorage seems protected for everything but strong north winds.
We arrived at the airport at 1730 and enjoyed our two and one-half hour flight to Atlantic City. As we departed the terminal, we were greeted by rain and a temperature of 36 degrees. It was 83 degrees when we departed Marathon at 1300 hours.
LAY DAY
Weather: Sunny and Hot! Winds have dropped to the 10 to 12 knot range
Comment: It’s departure day and we have lots to do to get the boat ready for a three week lay up. After a quick breakfast at McDonalds, we set about removing the bow nets. They need re-stitching again! We repaired the dinghy floor board supports, cleaned the refrigerator, and removed the freezer and dinghy motor, both of which will be dropped off for service. By 1300 hours, the tasks were completed, the car was loaded and we were underway for Fort Lauderdale International Airport for of 2000 hour departure for Atlantic City aboard Spirit Air.
Along the way, we stopped for a late lunch at Snook’s in Key Largo. The establishment is frequented by cruisers. The anchorage seems protected for everything but strong north winds.
We arrived at the airport at 1730 and enjoyed our two and one-half hour flight to Atlantic City. As we departed the terminal, we were greeted by rain and a temperature of 36 degrees. It was 83 degrees when we departed Marathon at 1300 hours.
Monday, December 15, 2008
It's Moving Day (Day 083)
Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL MM1195 Mooring Ball # N-9
LAY DAY
Weather: Sunny and hot! High temp in the 80s, low temp in the low 70s; still windy @ 15 knots.
Comment: SUNSHINE pulled away from her mooring ball at 0830 for the short run through the Boot Key Harbor Bascule Bridge to Burdine’s fuel dock where we filled the main tank with gas. Following the fuel stop, we passed back into Boot Key Harbor and made a sharp turn to port into the Marathon Boat Yard. We arrived exactly on time at 0900 hours. The crew was there to guide us into the travel lift slip and SUNSHINE was immediately hauled, moved to the side where she was power washed before being blocked.
Anna Marie and I walked to The Inflatable Boats of the Florida Keys store to confirm the engine service arrangements with Eric. Afterward, we met Captain Dave for lunch. Captain Dave hasn’t yet warmed up to Boot Key Harbor and is not sure if he’ll be here when we return in January. If he’s not here, we’ll probably bump into him as we head north in the spring. He may cruise up the west coast of Florida to meet up with friends or he may head up to Fort Pierce for a month or so before heading to the west coast. He has options and none of them are bad! We look forward to traveling with Captain Dave again!
By the end of the day, the boat was ready for our departure and we had a rental car. We’ll do a couple of chores early tomorrow and load up the car for our trip home. We need to drop off the dinghy engine to Eric’s and the Waeco freezer to the SALT store for service. On the plane, we have our winter coats and two walk on bags. We should be in Atlantic City, NJ by 2330 hours.
LAY DAY
Weather: Sunny and hot! High temp in the 80s, low temp in the low 70s; still windy @ 15 knots.
Comment: SUNSHINE pulled away from her mooring ball at 0830 for the short run through the Boot Key Harbor Bascule Bridge to Burdine’s fuel dock where we filled the main tank with gas. Following the fuel stop, we passed back into Boot Key Harbor and made a sharp turn to port into the Marathon Boat Yard. We arrived exactly on time at 0900 hours. The crew was there to guide us into the travel lift slip and SUNSHINE was immediately hauled, moved to the side where she was power washed before being blocked.
Anna Marie and I walked to The Inflatable Boats of the Florida Keys store to confirm the engine service arrangements with Eric. Afterward, we met Captain Dave for lunch. Captain Dave hasn’t yet warmed up to Boot Key Harbor and is not sure if he’ll be here when we return in January. If he’s not here, we’ll probably bump into him as we head north in the spring. He may cruise up the west coast of Florida to meet up with friends or he may head up to Fort Pierce for a month or so before heading to the west coast. He has options and none of them are bad! We look forward to traveling with Captain Dave again!
By the end of the day, the boat was ready for our departure and we had a rental car. We’ll do a couple of chores early tomorrow and load up the car for our trip home. We need to drop off the dinghy engine to Eric’s and the Waeco freezer to the SALT store for service. On the plane, we have our winter coats and two walk on bags. We should be in Atlantic City, NJ by 2330 hours.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Chores (Day 082)
Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL MM1195 Mooring Ball # N-9
LAY DAY
Weather: Still windy, partly cloudy, temp high 70s & high 60’s
Comment: It’s chore and more day! Today is the day to get the ship ready for our departure (we’re heading home to NJ for a couple of weeks) on Tuesday. Laundry was the big task, but we also need to put the ship back in to travelling mode. When we arrived in Boot Key Harbor, we set up the cockpit for comfort and entertaining. The captains’ chairs have been stowed and will replace the two cocktail tables that were put up in their place. The grill, which has been on its mounting for most of the trip, must be stowed away. The three sides of the bubble have to be stowed until we return in January. By the end of the day, everything was shipshape for our departure from the mooring field. Tomorrow, we’ll go to the fuel dock to fill the main tank and then go to Marathon Boat Yard where SUNSHINE will be put on the hard until we return.
The day was not spent on chores alone. The Conch Cup soccer tournament was in progress, so we watched a game between the fourteen year olds. A rock concert was being held in the amphitheater. So we stayed around to hear some music for an hour or so and then we watched the boaters’ softball game for twenty minutes or so. Back on the boat, we even had time to watch a movie before hitting the sack.
Arial view of our location in Boot Key Harbor
View Larger Map
LAY DAY
Weather: Still windy, partly cloudy, temp high 70s & high 60’s
Comment: It’s chore and more day! Today is the day to get the ship ready for our departure (we’re heading home to NJ for a couple of weeks) on Tuesday. Laundry was the big task, but we also need to put the ship back in to travelling mode. When we arrived in Boot Key Harbor, we set up the cockpit for comfort and entertaining. The captains’ chairs have been stowed and will replace the two cocktail tables that were put up in their place. The grill, which has been on its mounting for most of the trip, must be stowed away. The three sides of the bubble have to be stowed until we return in January. By the end of the day, everything was shipshape for our departure from the mooring field. Tomorrow, we’ll go to the fuel dock to fill the main tank and then go to Marathon Boat Yard where SUNSHINE will be put on the hard until we return.
The day was not spent on chores alone. The Conch Cup soccer tournament was in progress, so we watched a game between the fourteen year olds. A rock concert was being held in the amphitheater. So we stayed around to hear some music for an hour or so and then we watched the boaters’ softball game for twenty minutes or so. Back on the boat, we even had time to watch a movie before hitting the sack.
Arial view of our location in Boot Key Harbor
View Larger Map
Saturday, December 13, 2008
What Do You Do All Day? (Day 081)
Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL MM1195 Mooring Ball # N-9
LAY DAY
Weather: Cool, high 70, low 57; still windy, partly cloudy
Comment: It’s Saturday… time to go to the Big Pine Flea Market. We rode the bus to Big Pine where we disembarked, crossed the street, and strolled through the flea market. It took about two hours to see the offerings and purchase some fishing supplies, “T” shirts and Golf shirts after which we walked to NAPA in search of distilled water. Having none, we boarded the bus back to Marathon.
Our plan was to attend the Bahama’s Cruisers Seminar, but before that, we enjoyed lunch at Annette’s Lobster and Steak House. This is one of the restaurants that features a $5.00 lunch special. Anna Marie and I both ordered the Mojo Pork. It wasn’t what either of us expected, but it was good. Annette’s looks a bit cleaner that most of the other restaurants; we may try it again.
After lunch, we met the crowd in the new Tiki Hut at the City Marina. Captain Marty discussed weather reports and the equipment one needs to get accurate weather reports. There was a lot of discussion about Single Side Band and Ham radios in particular.
Amusingly, there was some discussion about a third year of a malaria outbreak on Great Exuma Island. The CDC recommends cruisers to the area begin taking Chloroquinine (a prescription medication) two weeks before entering the area, once a week while there, and for four weeks after leaving.
After about 1 ½ hours of small talk, with little hope of getting to the major topic soon, we, along with several other folks, decided to leave. Back aboard SUNSHINE, we chilled, read, did a few boat chores and watched a movie while having dinner.
The evening was to feature a gathering of musicians at the TIKI Hut. We arrived at 1800 hours to find one guitar player tuning up. Another showed up announcing the he had only been playing for two weeks and he knows four chords and one song. These guys were waiting for Randy to arrive with his twelve string guitar. We waited for 45 minutes. No one else showed up so we took our leave. We headed to the local cinema where we watched the new James Bond flick, Quantum of Solace. It was a typical 007 movie with three big chase scenes and some spectacular stunts. It was moderately entertaining, but not among the best of the genre.
After walking back to the marina and riding the dinghy back to the mothership, we discussed our day’s activities and planned tomorrow’s events which include doing the laundry, working on the logs, preparing the boat for departure from the mooring field, and an afternoon game of Balderdash with the Mill’s (Dick and Libby), Captain Dave, and Jim and Loretta from Plan Sea.
Life is good in Boot Key Harbor!
Arial view of our location in Boot Key Harbor
View Larger Map
LAY DAY
Weather: Cool, high 70, low 57; still windy, partly cloudy
Comment: It’s Saturday… time to go to the Big Pine Flea Market. We rode the bus to Big Pine where we disembarked, crossed the street, and strolled through the flea market. It took about two hours to see the offerings and purchase some fishing supplies, “T” shirts and Golf shirts after which we walked to NAPA in search of distilled water. Having none, we boarded the bus back to Marathon.
Our plan was to attend the Bahama’s Cruisers Seminar, but before that, we enjoyed lunch at Annette’s Lobster and Steak House. This is one of the restaurants that features a $5.00 lunch special. Anna Marie and I both ordered the Mojo Pork. It wasn’t what either of us expected, but it was good. Annette’s looks a bit cleaner that most of the other restaurants; we may try it again.
After lunch, we met the crowd in the new Tiki Hut at the City Marina. Captain Marty discussed weather reports and the equipment one needs to get accurate weather reports. There was a lot of discussion about Single Side Band and Ham radios in particular.
Amusingly, there was some discussion about a third year of a malaria outbreak on Great Exuma Island. The CDC recommends cruisers to the area begin taking Chloroquinine (a prescription medication) two weeks before entering the area, once a week while there, and for four weeks after leaving.
After about 1 ½ hours of small talk, with little hope of getting to the major topic soon, we, along with several other folks, decided to leave. Back aboard SUNSHINE, we chilled, read, did a few boat chores and watched a movie while having dinner.
The evening was to feature a gathering of musicians at the TIKI Hut. We arrived at 1800 hours to find one guitar player tuning up. Another showed up announcing the he had only been playing for two weeks and he knows four chords and one song. These guys were waiting for Randy to arrive with his twelve string guitar. We waited for 45 minutes. No one else showed up so we took our leave. We headed to the local cinema where we watched the new James Bond flick, Quantum of Solace. It was a typical 007 movie with three big chase scenes and some spectacular stunts. It was moderately entertaining, but not among the best of the genre.
After walking back to the marina and riding the dinghy back to the mothership, we discussed our day’s activities and planned tomorrow’s events which include doing the laundry, working on the logs, preparing the boat for departure from the mooring field, and an afternoon game of Balderdash with the Mill’s (Dick and Libby), Captain Dave, and Jim and Loretta from Plan Sea.
Life is good in Boot Key Harbor!
Arial view of our location in Boot Key Harbor
View Larger Map
Friday, December 12, 2008
Another Day in Marathon (Day 080)
Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL MM1195 Mooring Ball # N-9
LAY DAY
Weather: Windy; the high temp was in the high 70’s, and low in the high 60s; partly cloudy
Comment: Yes, Virginia, we’re still in Marathon and that means we’re going to do another two mile walk! We seem to walk at least two miles every day. As we were heading back to the city marina, we decided to stop for the $5.00 lunch special at the Hurricane. There are several restaurants in town that feature a $5.00 lunch special. The Hurricane is one of them. We dined on the outside patio and enjoyed the cool breeze and we ate.
On the boat, we did a few boat chores, took naps and watched a couple of movies before hitting the sack.
Arial view of our location in Boot Key Harbor
View Larger Map
LAY DAY
Weather: Windy; the high temp was in the high 70’s, and low in the high 60s; partly cloudy
Comment: Yes, Virginia, we’re still in Marathon and that means we’re going to do another two mile walk! We seem to walk at least two miles every day. As we were heading back to the city marina, we decided to stop for the $5.00 lunch special at the Hurricane. There are several restaurants in town that feature a $5.00 lunch special. The Hurricane is one of them. We dined on the outside patio and enjoyed the cool breeze and we ate.
On the boat, we did a few boat chores, took naps and watched a couple of movies before hitting the sack.
Arial view of our location in Boot Key Harbor
View Larger Map
Thursday, December 11, 2008
A Few Hours of Rain (Day 079)
Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL MM1195 Mooring Ball # N-9
LAY DAY
Weather: A cold front has moved through. It brought overnight showers, but left a fairly nice, although hot and muggy, morning. A major cold front pushed through in the afternoon, bringing very dark skies, heavy rain, thunder and wind. The storm lasted about five hours before giving way to a cooler, calm evening.
The high temp was 80 before the storm and in the mid 70s after. Winds ranged from calm the 20 knots and back to calm. The direction clocked from the SE to the NW.
Comment: After working on the logs and listening to the Cruisers’ Net, Anna Marie and I rode the dinghy to Marathon Boat Yard where we talked to Bruce and Fontaine regarding SUNSHINE’s haul out on at 0900 Monday morning. We then rode back to the dinghy dock and then walked to Inflatable Boats of the Florida Keys (Eric and Fran) where we discussed our change in venue. Eric is to work on the engines and hydraulic steering. On the way, we stopped at the Green Energy (formerly Sea, Air, and Land Technologies (SALT) to inquire about a wind generator. They’ll check it out while on the hard at the Boart Yard. It so happens that Green Energy is a dealer for the WAECO portable refrigerator/freezer that we have on board. They’re going to check our unit out to see why it seems to run constantly.
Rather than walk to K Mart, we decided to return to the boat to wait for the storm. We didn’t want to get caught in the coming downpour. We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening watching movies, reading and doing a few minor chores.
Arial view of our location in Boot Key Harbor
View Larger Map
LAY DAY
Weather: A cold front has moved through. It brought overnight showers, but left a fairly nice, although hot and muggy, morning. A major cold front pushed through in the afternoon, bringing very dark skies, heavy rain, thunder and wind. The storm lasted about five hours before giving way to a cooler, calm evening.
The high temp was 80 before the storm and in the mid 70s after. Winds ranged from calm the 20 knots and back to calm. The direction clocked from the SE to the NW.
Comment: After working on the logs and listening to the Cruisers’ Net, Anna Marie and I rode the dinghy to Marathon Boat Yard where we talked to Bruce and Fontaine regarding SUNSHINE’s haul out on at 0900 Monday morning. We then rode back to the dinghy dock and then walked to Inflatable Boats of the Florida Keys (Eric and Fran) where we discussed our change in venue. Eric is to work on the engines and hydraulic steering. On the way, we stopped at the Green Energy (formerly Sea, Air, and Land Technologies (SALT) to inquire about a wind generator. They’ll check it out while on the hard at the Boart Yard. It so happens that Green Energy is a dealer for the WAECO portable refrigerator/freezer that we have on board. They’re going to check our unit out to see why it seems to run constantly.
Rather than walk to K Mart, we decided to return to the boat to wait for the storm. We didn’t want to get caught in the coming downpour. We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening watching movies, reading and doing a few minor chores.
Arial view of our location in Boot Key Harbor
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Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Boot Key Harbor & Marathon (Day 078)
Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL MM1195 Mooring Ball # N-9
LAY DAY
Weather: Overnight low 75 high 83; mostly sunny; NE wind @ 10 knots
Comment: Marathon News!
LAY DAY
Weather: Overnight low 75 high 83; mostly sunny; NE wind @ 10 knots
Comment: Marathon News!
The new laundry and shower facility
The City Marina has made (is making) some vast improvements to the services it provides to the boaters. A new bath house has been constructed. It is solidly built and will be much appreciated, when it opens. The final sewer connections must be made before that happens. It could be any day now.
The new Tiki Hut
Also in the marina complex is a new, large Tiki Hut complete with picnic tables and chairs. It is a most inviting structure that sits on the land adjacent to the harbor and offers a great view of the mooring field. On Saturday night, we have been informed, there will be a hootenanny of sorts. There’ll be a drummer, about five guitars, and perhaps other instruments. It sounds like it may be the “open mike” gang from the Overseas.We expect that tonight’s “Eat and Greet” will be held at the Tiki Hut as well.
The former Overseas Sports Bar and Grill
Speaking of the Overseas, the building look pretty much the same as it did when we departed Marathon last year. Mamajoe’s motorcycle shop has moved out leaving the building completely vacant.
While in the harbor last year, development of an upscale a single family marina development, Marlin Bay, was nearing completion. The multimillion dollar homes, situated on Florida Bay in a area where fishermen store their smelly crab pots, was being heavily advertised. Anna Marie attended an open house that featured a tour complete with drinks and Hors d’ Oeuvres. Interestingly, she found that each homeowner would be required to pay a $2700/month maintenance fee.
While in the harbor last year, development of an upscale a single family marina development, Marlin Bay, was nearing completion. The multimillion dollar homes, situated on Florida Bay in a area where fishermen store their smelly crab pots, was being heavily advertised. Anna Marie attended an open house that featured a tour complete with drinks and Hors d’ Oeuvres. Interestingly, she found that each homeowner would be required to pay a $2700/month maintenance fee.
It was predictable that the venture would not meet with success. No units have been sold and the developers have gone bankrupt. The place was in a state of neglect until, as we were told, a buyer paid $35 million for the entire development. Since then, the lawns have been cut and the landscape is more presentable, although no nearly as impressive as when hope for big profits ran high. 
A Roach Motel!
A Roach Motel!
Annette's Lobster and Steak House, completely covered in a tent, is being fumigated for... roaches! Yesterday, the Upper Crust Pizza and the Thai Restaurants and the World Class Angler (all three share the same building) were covered in the same tent and fumigated. It takes a few hours for the tent to be built. Then, it takes a whole day for the fumigation. On the third day, the building is uncovered and the establishments are open for business. Anna Marie and I think we'll not go for pizza until after the new year.
Today’s chores: ferry water to the mothership; cancel the haulout reservation at the Keys Boat Works; ask Eric to repair the engines at the Boat Yard.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
HOT! HOT! HOT! (Day 077)
Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL MM1195 Mooring Ball # N-9
LAY DAY
Weather: HOT! High 85, low in the low 70s; mostly sunny; wind NE # 15 knots
Comment: Yes friends, we have finally found the hot weather! We are enjoying temps in the 80’s and, when we go into a store, the air conditioning feels good!
Our first order of business was to find a home for SUNSHINE while we are back in New Jersey. She will stay at the boat yard where “Fodder’s Cat” was on our Catboat Adventure. Their rate, when compared to the Keys Boat Works, where we stayed for a week last year, is much more reasonable. The price swing is funny. Last year, Keys Boat Works was more reasonable by far. This year, it is quite the opposite.
We made an appointment to be hauled at the Keys Boat Works but after getting the price at the other yard, we made arrangements to be hauled there. We’ll cancel out with the Keys Boat Works tomorrow. We also made arrangements for Eric to repair the lifting mechanisms at the Keys Boat Works, so we’ll have to see if he’ll do the work at the Boat Yard. That’ll be a task for tomorrow too.
Would anyone care for a Lobster Ruben at the Keys Fishery? “Sure,” piped Anna Marie. With that, lunch plans were settled. Following lunch, we strolled down US 1 to visit K Mart. We stopped in a few shops along the way but made no purchases.
At around 1600 hours, we returned to SUNSHINE for some R&R. We did a lot of walking today so just relaxing aboard was very enjoyable. Jim and Loretta from Plan Sea stopped by to say hello. They’re on an adjacent mooring ball. They asked why the NJ boats are assigned to outer edges of the mooring field. We laughed. They’re from Laurelton, just outside of Mays Landing. We had a nice chat with them before they rode off to see the sunset at Burdines.
Our day concluded with grilled steaks, the movie Captains Courageous, and a game of gin rummy.
LAY DAY
Weather: HOT! High 85, low in the low 70s; mostly sunny; wind NE # 15 knots
Comment: Yes friends, we have finally found the hot weather! We are enjoying temps in the 80’s and, when we go into a store, the air conditioning feels good!
Our first order of business was to find a home for SUNSHINE while we are back in New Jersey. She will stay at the boat yard where “Fodder’s Cat” was on our Catboat Adventure. Their rate, when compared to the Keys Boat Works, where we stayed for a week last year, is much more reasonable. The price swing is funny. Last year, Keys Boat Works was more reasonable by far. This year, it is quite the opposite.
We made an appointment to be hauled at the Keys Boat Works but after getting the price at the other yard, we made arrangements to be hauled there. We’ll cancel out with the Keys Boat Works tomorrow. We also made arrangements for Eric to repair the lifting mechanisms at the Keys Boat Works, so we’ll have to see if he’ll do the work at the Boat Yard. That’ll be a task for tomorrow too.
Would anyone care for a Lobster Ruben at the Keys Fishery? “Sure,” piped Anna Marie. With that, lunch plans were settled. Following lunch, we strolled down US 1 to visit K Mart. We stopped in a few shops along the way but made no purchases.
At around 1600 hours, we returned to SUNSHINE for some R&R. We did a lot of walking today so just relaxing aboard was very enjoyable. Jim and Loretta from Plan Sea stopped by to say hello. They’re on an adjacent mooring ball. They asked why the NJ boats are assigned to outer edges of the mooring field. We laughed. They’re from Laurelton, just outside of Mays Landing. We had a nice chat with them before they rode off to see the sunset at Burdines.
Our day concluded with grilled steaks, the movie Captains Courageous, and a game of gin rummy.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Routine (Day 076)
Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL MM1195 Mooring Ball # N-9
LAY DAY
Weather: Mostly sunny; high in the high 70s, low in the low 70s; 10 – 12 knots of wind
Comment: It’s our first full day in Boot Key Harbor and we’ve already established a routine of sorts. BY 0730 we are up. While Anna Marie prepares the morning beverages and breakfast, I work on the logs. The Sirius radio has been tuned to a Christmas music station since we left Vero Beach. We enjoy the music while eating breakfast and discussing the day’s activities. We also activate the refrigeration cooling water pump since the solar panels have no problem keeping up with the refrigeration demands. We turn the pump off at sunset.
It is time for the Cruisers’ Net at 0900. We get the weather report, are introduced to boats new to the harbor and bid farewell to those leaving for other destinations, discuss problems that others may be having and hear what people have to buy, trade or sell. There is also a trivia question or two and sometimes a joke.
Chris, who operates the SmorgasBoat, is no longer running the water taxi service. Apparently he had some trouble with support from the marina and some of the boaters. He also suggested that people were not honest when they put money into the till. Boaters are dependant on their dinghies as the only way to get off their boats. The SmorgasBoat continues to deliver welcome packets other items and still runs harbor tours.
After the net, we cleaned the boat, took a dinghy ride and returned to the boat for lunch, after which we went ashore to make an appointment with Eric (Inflatable Boats) to repair the motor lifting mechanisms. He’s also going to take care of the vent cover on the Nissan dinghy motor as a warranty issue.
Later in the afternoon, we did some more cleaning, read and took a nap before welcoming the crew of Canvasback Too, Tarwathie and Maribelle to happy hour. As usual, there were so many good things to eat, we skipped dinner!
After everyone left and clean up detail was completed, we played a game of gin rummy, made some phone calls and hit the sack just after boaters midnight.
LAY DAY
Weather: Mostly sunny; high in the high 70s, low in the low 70s; 10 – 12 knots of wind
Comment: It’s our first full day in Boot Key Harbor and we’ve already established a routine of sorts. BY 0730 we are up. While Anna Marie prepares the morning beverages and breakfast, I work on the logs. The Sirius radio has been tuned to a Christmas music station since we left Vero Beach. We enjoy the music while eating breakfast and discussing the day’s activities. We also activate the refrigeration cooling water pump since the solar panels have no problem keeping up with the refrigeration demands. We turn the pump off at sunset.
It is time for the Cruisers’ Net at 0900. We get the weather report, are introduced to boats new to the harbor and bid farewell to those leaving for other destinations, discuss problems that others may be having and hear what people have to buy, trade or sell. There is also a trivia question or two and sometimes a joke.
Chris, who operates the SmorgasBoat, is no longer running the water taxi service. Apparently he had some trouble with support from the marina and some of the boaters. He also suggested that people were not honest when they put money into the till. Boaters are dependant on their dinghies as the only way to get off their boats. The SmorgasBoat continues to deliver welcome packets other items and still runs harbor tours.
After the net, we cleaned the boat, took a dinghy ride and returned to the boat for lunch, after which we went ashore to make an appointment with Eric (Inflatable Boats) to repair the motor lifting mechanisms. He’s also going to take care of the vent cover on the Nissan dinghy motor as a warranty issue.
Later in the afternoon, we did some more cleaning, read and took a nap before welcoming the crew of Canvasback Too, Tarwathie and Maribelle to happy hour. As usual, there were so many good things to eat, we skipped dinner!
After everyone left and clean up detail was completed, we played a game of gin rummy, made some phone calls and hit the sack just after boaters midnight.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Another Crab Pot (Day 075)
Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL MM1195 Mooring Ball #
Distance Traveled: 57.2 Hours Underway: 9.1 Average Speed: 6.3
Weather: mix of sun and clouds; high mid 70’s, low high 60’s; NW wind light until noon, wind freshened to 12 to 15 knots for the trip in Hawk Channel; boat speed average for the last four hours was 8 mph
Comment: Underway at 0700, after releasing Canvasback Too from our port side. Today’s task is to motor through skinny water. We hope Captain Dave makes it. Our literature suggests that vessels that exceed a draft of 4.5 feet should use Hawk Channel. We were concerned for Maribelle as well, but later heard that they have a 4.5 foot draft. We expect things to be close for them, but they should be okay.
Along the way, the port engine suddenly jerked o a stop. Odd, because there was nothing visible to suggest that there should be a problem. A quick check showed that there was no cooling water stream. That alone could not have caused the sudden stoppage. I got out a pipe cleaner and cleaned out the exit hole. Evidently a grain of sand blocked the stream. After reaming it with the pipe cleaner, the flow was restored. Further investigation showed that we were dragging a heavy, wooden crab pot. The engine release mechanism would not operate, so there was no way to raise the engine. It was time for a swim. I jumped into the 70 degree water with my trust knife, cut the line and freed SUNSHINE from this unusual anchor. After climbing back on board, we were underway, good as new.
The captains of our three vessels decided that it would be advantageous to duck out into Hawk Channel via Channel Five. We made the passage at about 1200 noon and spent the next four hours in Hawk Channel motor-sailing at speeds in excess of 8 mph. Today’s travel was ended when navigated Sister’s Creek, entered the Boot Key Harbor mooring field and attached SUNSHINE to mooring ball N-9. This will be home for about a week, when we’ll move the boat to the Keys Boat Works where we’ll have the engine lifting mechanisms repaired.
Shortly after settling onto mooring ball N-9, we hurriedly launched the dinghy so we could motor over to help Canvasback Too pick up his mooring line. He is three boats away from us on ball Q-3. Captain Dave joined us on our tender and we went ashore for a quick look around and to register.
We were back aboard SHUNSHIE by 1730 where we enjoyed a relaxing dinner, watched old episodes of Friends, read and then hit the sack just after boater’s midnight.
Arial view of our mooring in Boot Key Harbor
Distance Traveled: 57.2 Hours Underway: 9.1 Average Speed: 6.3
Weather: mix of sun and clouds; high mid 70’s, low high 60’s; NW wind light until noon, wind freshened to 12 to 15 knots for the trip in Hawk Channel; boat speed average for the last four hours was 8 mph
Comment: Underway at 0700, after releasing Canvasback Too from our port side. Today’s task is to motor through skinny water. We hope Captain Dave makes it. Our literature suggests that vessels that exceed a draft of 4.5 feet should use Hawk Channel. We were concerned for Maribelle as well, but later heard that they have a 4.5 foot draft. We expect things to be close for them, but they should be okay.
Along the way, the port engine suddenly jerked o a stop. Odd, because there was nothing visible to suggest that there should be a problem. A quick check showed that there was no cooling water stream. That alone could not have caused the sudden stoppage. I got out a pipe cleaner and cleaned out the exit hole. Evidently a grain of sand blocked the stream. After reaming it with the pipe cleaner, the flow was restored. Further investigation showed that we were dragging a heavy, wooden crab pot. The engine release mechanism would not operate, so there was no way to raise the engine. It was time for a swim. I jumped into the 70 degree water with my trust knife, cut the line and freed SUNSHINE from this unusual anchor. After climbing back on board, we were underway, good as new.
The captains of our three vessels decided that it would be advantageous to duck out into Hawk Channel via Channel Five. We made the passage at about 1200 noon and spent the next four hours in Hawk Channel motor-sailing at speeds in excess of 8 mph. Today’s travel was ended when navigated Sister’s Creek, entered the Boot Key Harbor mooring field and attached SUNSHINE to mooring ball N-9. This will be home for about a week, when we’ll move the boat to the Keys Boat Works where we’ll have the engine lifting mechanisms repaired.
Shortly after settling onto mooring ball N-9, we hurriedly launched the dinghy so we could motor over to help Canvasback Too pick up his mooring line. He is three boats away from us on ball Q-3. Captain Dave joined us on our tender and we went ashore for a quick look around and to register.
We were back aboard SHUNSHIE by 1730 where we enjoyed a relaxing dinner, watched old episodes of Friends, read and then hit the sack just after boater’s midnight.
Arial view of our mooring in Boot Key Harbor
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Key Biscayne and Points South & West! (Day 074)
Tarpon Basin, Key Largo, FL MM 1140.0
Distance Traveled: 45.3 Hours Underway: 8.3 Average Speed: 5.5
Weather: Sunny in the morning, cloudy in the afternoon; wind 5 – 10 knots backing from NW to W to SW throughout the day; low 66 degrees; high 81 degrees
Comment: The appointed departure time of 0700 was rapidly approaching. Maribelle had just returned from shore and raised the dinghy up on the davits. SUNSHINE’s engines were running and all systems were go. Great was stowed and only the hook had to be brought on deck before we could make our exit from No Name Harbor. At 0659 Captain Dave radioed that his engine wouldn’t start. He asked me to flag down Archie aboard Maribelle. Archie launched the dinghy, rode orver to Canvasback Too and in less than two minutes, he returned to Maribelle. All was set for departure.
The three vessels exited No Name Harbor to find a beautiful and very calm Biscayne Bay. We headed south enjoying the sights and marveled at the very clear, emerald green water. We could easily see the sea life on the bottom, twelve feet down.
Following Biscayne Bay, we navigated Card Sound and Barnes Sound. We read that the new high rise span over Jewfish Creek was open but were surprised to see that the bascule bridge had been completely removed. The heavy machinery at the site of the former bridge suggested that the area would be restored to its natural state. We expect that there will eventually be no visible evidence that the bascule bridge had ever been there.
Following Jewfish Creek, we navigated Blackwater Sound before dropping the hook in six and a half feet of water in Tarpon Basin. Captain Dave rafted to SUNSHINE and, while discussing the day’s journey, we were treated to a fireworks display that featured red, green, white and gold colors. It was a nice end to another great day afloat.
Arial view of our anchorage in Tarpon Basin, Key Largo
Distance Traveled: 45.3 Hours Underway: 8.3 Average Speed: 5.5
Weather: Sunny in the morning, cloudy in the afternoon; wind 5 – 10 knots backing from NW to W to SW throughout the day; low 66 degrees; high 81 degrees
Comment: The appointed departure time of 0700 was rapidly approaching. Maribelle had just returned from shore and raised the dinghy up on the davits. SUNSHINE’s engines were running and all systems were go. Great was stowed and only the hook had to be brought on deck before we could make our exit from No Name Harbor. At 0659 Captain Dave radioed that his engine wouldn’t start. He asked me to flag down Archie aboard Maribelle. Archie launched the dinghy, rode orver to Canvasback Too and in less than two minutes, he returned to Maribelle. All was set for departure.
The three vessels exited No Name Harbor to find a beautiful and very calm Biscayne Bay. We headed south enjoying the sights and marveled at the very clear, emerald green water. We could easily see the sea life on the bottom, twelve feet down.
Following Biscayne Bay, we navigated Card Sound and Barnes Sound. We read that the new high rise span over Jewfish Creek was open but were surprised to see that the bascule bridge had been completely removed. The heavy machinery at the site of the former bridge suggested that the area would be restored to its natural state. We expect that there will eventually be no visible evidence that the bascule bridge had ever been there.
Following Jewfish Creek, we navigated Blackwater Sound before dropping the hook in six and a half feet of water in Tarpon Basin. Captain Dave rafted to SUNSHINE and, while discussing the day’s journey, we were treated to a fireworks display that featured red, green, white and gold colors. It was a nice end to another great day afloat.
Arial view of our anchorage in Tarpon Basin, Key Largo
Friday, December 5, 2008
No Coffee for Capt. Dave (Day 073)
Sunrise in Fort Lauderdale
No Name Harbor, Key Biscayne, FL MM 1096.0
Distance Traveled: 42.2 Hours Underway: 7.4 Average Speed: 5.7
Weather: Warm (hot!) again! Low in the mid 60s and 80 for the high; winds generally 5 to 10 knots from the south east; calm on the waterway; the day started out mostly cloudy and became mostly sunny by the afternoon
Comment: Canvasback Too and SUNSHINE negotiated twelve bridges today. We only had to wait for one. For the others, we steamed through mostly under full steam as we were just able to make them. The bridge tenders were most kind. One northbound boater had some difficulty with the Venetian Causeway Bridge and reported her to the Coast Guard. We’re not sure what the trouble was.
Our planned 0615 separation from Canvasback Too was delayed as, of all things, Captain Dave overslept! Egad, we have a bridge two and one-half miles distant and we need twenty-five minutes to get there. No coffee for Captain Dave! Canvasback Too took the lead and made the bridge on schedule with SUNSHINE close at hand.
Distance Traveled: 42.2 Hours Underway: 7.4 Average Speed: 5.7
Weather: Warm (hot!) again! Low in the mid 60s and 80 for the high; winds generally 5 to 10 knots from the south east; calm on the waterway; the day started out mostly cloudy and became mostly sunny by the afternoon
Comment: Canvasback Too and SUNSHINE negotiated twelve bridges today. We only had to wait for one. For the others, we steamed through mostly under full steam as we were just able to make them. The bridge tenders were most kind. One northbound boater had some difficulty with the Venetian Causeway Bridge and reported her to the Coast Guard. We’re not sure what the trouble was.
Our planned 0615 separation from Canvasback Too was delayed as, of all things, Captain Dave overslept! Egad, we have a bridge two and one-half miles distant and we need twenty-five minutes to get there. No coffee for Captain Dave! Canvasback Too took the lead and made the bridge on schedule with SUNSHINE close at hand.
The Super Servant is being loaded with yachts bound for the Caribbean
As we motored through Port Everglades, we noticed a half-dozen boats milling about. We wondered what was going on until I saw the Super Servant. The boats were waiting for their turn to get in place on the SS. The Super Servant sinks down so boats can enter. Once all are in place and blocked for travel, the ballast is ejected and the boat rises out of the water. She’s probably headed for the Caribbean. Several of the vessels were mega-yachts and one was a thirty foot sail boat.
We fueled up at the Rickenbacker Marina. This marks the first time we have stopped here for fuel. Our usual stop is Crandon Park Marina. The stop at Rickenbacker saved several miles and probably at least an hour.
In no time, we rejoined Canvasback Too and motored the final few miles to No Name Harbor. We arrived at 1400 hours, before the expected crowd. Still, there were 14 boats lying at anchor when we entered.
Capt. Dave was reluctant to disembark as he was concerned about being so close to his neighbors. Having done this before, we felt that anchoring on a short leash in this protected harbor with light winds predicted shouldn’t pose a problem. Unfortunately, being on a short leash means no rafting. Canvasback Too would be using her own anchor tonight.
Anna Marie and I went ashore and were treated to some amazing sights. Just after stepping off the dinghy, a few dolphins entered the harbor. They were jumping and splashing around. Many think this behavior is their way of playing. Not true in this case. They were fishing. The water in No Name Harbor is so clear, one can see the bottom. We saw a dolphin speed by. In a few seconds there was a big splash as the dolphin surfaced and rolled onto his back, showing off a fish clasped in his mouth. Moments later, we saw a large fish (probably about two feet long) lazily swimming by. Suddenly, it raced off. A nano-second later, a dolphin, swimming at the speed of a bullet, shot past, not tow feet from our location on the bulkhead. Clearly it was after that fish. In only two seconds, both were out of sight. The sight aroused the patrons and workers in the Boaters grill. All were at the railing to watch the feeding frenzy. For about five minutes, the dolphin were jumping and splashing as they corralled their afternoon snack.
After the display, we walked off to see some of the park. No Name Harbor is in Bill Baggs State Park in Key Biscayne. Along the path, we saw half a dozen iguanas in the grass, feeding on bugs and whatever else suited their fancy.
SUNSHINE lies at anchor in No Name HarborWe stopped by Canvasback Too to talk to Capt. Dave and then went back to SUNSHINE for some R&R. As we were lounging in the cockpit, Maribelle entered the harbor and anchored next to us. Archie took the dog ashore and probably stopped to see Capt. Dave. We were surprised to see Maribelle. The last we heard was that she was headed for the anchorage at Elliot Key.
We didn’t get to meet her crew again, but we’re looking forward to some cocktail parties with them and Captn. Dave.
After dinner, we played a few games and hit the sack just a few minutes past boaters’ midnight.
Arial view of our anchorage in No Name Harbor
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Some Excitement! (Day 072)
Lake Santa Barbara, Pompano Beach, FL MM 1056.8
Distance Traveled: 44.6 Hours Underway: 9.2 Average Speed: 4.8
Weather: Hey we finally got a HOT day! The temp was in the low 80’s and all of the windows in the bubble were open. We had a mix of clouds and sun; e & SE wind in the 10 - 15 range.
Comment: SUNSHINE was underway by 0700, as were Canvasback Too and Maribelle. We motored out of the north Lake Worth anchorage, headed south and looking forward to passing through 16 bascule bridges. Perhaps looking forward to the bridges is a bit of over understatement as there were a few VHF conversations about running off shore. The catamaran Hairball reported that it was lumpy outside and the current was foul. She wasn’t making good time at all. This edition of the Flock was slowed by the bridges. It seems that one must gun the engines to make the scheduled bridges. This not only causes strain on the engines, but on the crew as well. It’s better if one just takes the time to view the sights and pass through the bridges when they appear, rather than racing against the schedule. For some reason, we seemed to be racing the schedule. This caused today’s trip in the “canyon” to be more stressful than any we have taken. We won’t make that mistake again. Tomorrow we’ll take the thirteen bridges as they come, with no hurry at all mates.
We had other stresses on the day as well. It all started when I observed (out loud) that since changing the spark plugs and secondary fuel filter on the port engine, way back in the Solomons Islands, the motors have been running great! Within minutes, the port engine started to cut out. It would lose power and then start again. It did this on three occasions. Hmm, would could be the problem? Anna Marie opened the port motor compartment and saw nothing amiss, but I heard an unusual metallic sound. I shut the engine down, and while waiting for one of the bridges, I checked to see that the oil level was low. I quickly added some, changed the oil filter and had the engine back and running within minutes. It ran fine for the rest of the day and had a full compliment of oil when I check it at the end of the day.
It also happened that the starboard engine, which has been no problem at all, began to stall while at idle. It happened intermittently and wasn’t serious as it always started and kept running when revved up. I suspect the secondary fuel filter might be the problem and perhaps the spark plugs. Since the lifting mechanism has malfunctioned, it will be next to impossible to change the spark plugs. I’ll do that when we get to Marathon. In the meantime, I changed the fuel filter and trust that all will be fine tomorrow.
That’s wasn’t the end to the problems, however. In my hast to add oil and replaced the filter in the port engine, I neglected to lock the motor down. When one bridge captain called to say the bridge was going up and the boats should straighten themselves out, I put the starboard engine in forward gear and the port engine in reverse, goosing both to about 3,000 rpm’s. The port engine, being in reverse and not locked down, kicked up with a thud and stopped running. Of course, the lifting line wrapped around the prop. Running under one engine, I was able to free the lifting line and get the engine locked down. It started and ran beautifully for the rest of the day. I’ll need to check to see that the prop hasn’t been damaged, but, there was no vibration and everything seemed in order. We’ll check it out in more detail later.
It must be noted that the start of these problems occurred within a few miles of the first problem we had with “Fodder’s Cat.” That problem led to a transmission failure and the replacement of the old diesel. I believe today’s problems were relatively minor and have been adequately addressed. I am concerned about the low oil in that neither engine leaks or burns oil. We can’t imagine what happened to the oil. We know it was full when recently checked in Vero Beach.
The day’s travel ended when we set the hook in Lake Santa Barbara. Capt. Dave guided Canvasback Too to our port side where he rafted for the evening. Maribelle peeled off in Hillsboro to spend the evening at a cousin’s dock.
Arial view of our anchorage at Lake Santa Barbara.
Distance Traveled: 44.6 Hours Underway: 9.2 Average Speed: 4.8
Weather: Hey we finally got a HOT day! The temp was in the low 80’s and all of the windows in the bubble were open. We had a mix of clouds and sun; e & SE wind in the 10 - 15 range.
Comment: SUNSHINE was underway by 0700, as were Canvasback Too and Maribelle. We motored out of the north Lake Worth anchorage, headed south and looking forward to passing through 16 bascule bridges. Perhaps looking forward to the bridges is a bit of over understatement as there were a few VHF conversations about running off shore. The catamaran Hairball reported that it was lumpy outside and the current was foul. She wasn’t making good time at all. This edition of the Flock was slowed by the bridges. It seems that one must gun the engines to make the scheduled bridges. This not only causes strain on the engines, but on the crew as well. It’s better if one just takes the time to view the sights and pass through the bridges when they appear, rather than racing against the schedule. For some reason, we seemed to be racing the schedule. This caused today’s trip in the “canyon” to be more stressful than any we have taken. We won’t make that mistake again. Tomorrow we’ll take the thirteen bridges as they come, with no hurry at all mates.
We had other stresses on the day as well. It all started when I observed (out loud) that since changing the spark plugs and secondary fuel filter on the port engine, way back in the Solomons Islands, the motors have been running great! Within minutes, the port engine started to cut out. It would lose power and then start again. It did this on three occasions. Hmm, would could be the problem? Anna Marie opened the port motor compartment and saw nothing amiss, but I heard an unusual metallic sound. I shut the engine down, and while waiting for one of the bridges, I checked to see that the oil level was low. I quickly added some, changed the oil filter and had the engine back and running within minutes. It ran fine for the rest of the day and had a full compliment of oil when I check it at the end of the day.
It also happened that the starboard engine, which has been no problem at all, began to stall while at idle. It happened intermittently and wasn’t serious as it always started and kept running when revved up. I suspect the secondary fuel filter might be the problem and perhaps the spark plugs. Since the lifting mechanism has malfunctioned, it will be next to impossible to change the spark plugs. I’ll do that when we get to Marathon. In the meantime, I changed the fuel filter and trust that all will be fine tomorrow.
That’s wasn’t the end to the problems, however. In my hast to add oil and replaced the filter in the port engine, I neglected to lock the motor down. When one bridge captain called to say the bridge was going up and the boats should straighten themselves out, I put the starboard engine in forward gear and the port engine in reverse, goosing both to about 3,000 rpm’s. The port engine, being in reverse and not locked down, kicked up with a thud and stopped running. Of course, the lifting line wrapped around the prop. Running under one engine, I was able to free the lifting line and get the engine locked down. It started and ran beautifully for the rest of the day. I’ll need to check to see that the prop hasn’t been damaged, but, there was no vibration and everything seemed in order. We’ll check it out in more detail later.
It must be noted that the start of these problems occurred within a few miles of the first problem we had with “Fodder’s Cat.” That problem led to a transmission failure and the replacement of the old diesel. I believe today’s problems were relatively minor and have been adequately addressed. I am concerned about the low oil in that neither engine leaks or burns oil. We can’t imagine what happened to the oil. We know it was full when recently checked in Vero Beach.
The day’s travel ended when we set the hook in Lake Santa Barbara. Capt. Dave guided Canvasback Too to our port side where he rafted for the evening. Maribelle peeled off in Hillsboro to spend the evening at a cousin’s dock.
On the plus side, we saw about one dozen manatees today. They were all over the waterway and we suppose they are making their way south. The water temperature is 67 degrees. Another small pluss is that we attended to the depth sounder, which had stopped working on two or three occasions. Yesterday, it didn't work at all. I suspected that the resivour in which the depth sounder sits, was low on fluid. This sounded is not "through the hull" as I didn't want any other holes put on the boat. This unit shoots "through the hull." Sure enough, I added fluid and presto, the depth sounder is working again!
Tomorrow, we’ll be in Miami. We might pass through and tie up in Boca Chita Key. We’ve never been there before. The alternative is No Name Harbor, but that is very crowded on the weekends and we don’t expect that there’d be any room since we’ll be arriving late in the afternoon.Arial view of our anchorage at Lake Santa Barbara.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
46 Degrees (Day 071)
North Lake Worth, FL MM 1014.2
Distance Traveled: 51.8 Hours Underway: 9.6 Average Speed: 5.4
Weather: Cool (overnight low of 46 daytime high 68 (but it made 82 in the bubble), mostly sunny, winds clocked from NW to E at 10 to 15 knots; the waterway had a light chop
Comment: Underway at 0730. Canvasback Too and SUNSHINE motored down the waterway for over fifty miles. It felt particularly long since we haven’t covered this much ground since we arrived in Vero Beach over two weeks ago. The temperature reminds us again that we need to get to the Keys where we are expecting temps to be at least ten degrees higher.
Along the way, we saw Osprey, dolphins and several manatees. Unfortunately, we didn’t get really good looks at the Manatee.
Another highlight was the succession (7) of bascule bridges that we passed through. We timed them pretty well. There was only one that we missed. We waited for about 20 minutes for it to open. A lot of cruisers don’t like the bridges, but they don’t bother us. Given good weather conditions, we wouldn’t mid going outside either.
We met up with Capt. Dave’s friends aboard Marabelle in Lake Worth. Dave rafted with them for the night.
Arial view of our anchorage in North Lake Worth, FL
Distance Traveled: 51.8 Hours Underway: 9.6 Average Speed: 5.4
Weather: Cool (overnight low of 46 daytime high 68 (but it made 82 in the bubble), mostly sunny, winds clocked from NW to E at 10 to 15 knots; the waterway had a light chop
Comment: Underway at 0730. Canvasback Too and SUNSHINE motored down the waterway for over fifty miles. It felt particularly long since we haven’t covered this much ground since we arrived in Vero Beach over two weeks ago. The temperature reminds us again that we need to get to the Keys where we are expecting temps to be at least ten degrees higher.
Along the way, we saw Osprey, dolphins and several manatees. Unfortunately, we didn’t get really good looks at the Manatee.
Another highlight was the succession (7) of bascule bridges that we passed through. We timed them pretty well. There was only one that we missed. We waited for about 20 minutes for it to open. A lot of cruisers don’t like the bridges, but they don’t bother us. Given good weather conditions, we wouldn’t mid going outside either.
We met up with Capt. Dave’s friends aboard Marabelle in Lake Worth. Dave rafted with them for the night.
Arial view of our anchorage in North Lake Worth, FL
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Underway Again! (Day 070)
Faber Cove, Ft. Pierce, FL MM 966.2
Distance Traveled: 17.0 Hours Underway: 3.0 Average Speed: 5.7
Weather: Early morning showers gave way to a sunny day by 1100 hours. The temp was cool (high near 60); NNW wind 15 to 20 knots
Comment: Departure is set for today. Anna Marie and I were up at 0700 and made the 0800 bus to the Miracle Mile where I was supposed to get another quart of steering fluid and Anna Marie went to Panera’s Bread for a supply of bagels.
Sadly, the West Marine wasn’t open when I arrived, so I met the Admiral at Panera’s for a bagel and coffee, after which I returned to the West Marine. I should mention that the Asiago Cheese Bagel is excellent and Anna Marie liked her Cinnamon Crunch Bagel as well.
While at the West Marine, I bought a few fishing lures, just in case we do the ocean route in the next couple of days.
Once back at the boat, we prepared for departure. We let Canvasback Too loose at 1115 hours and shortly thereafter, SUNSHINE was free of mooring ball #31. We sallied up to the fuel dock where we purchased a container of gas, pumped out the holding tank, filled the water tanks and settled our bill. We were underway at 1200.
Along the way, Capt. Dave made radio contact with his friends Archie and Kathy. They are about an hour ahead of us, and are stopping at Manatee Pocket tonight. We’ll stop at Faber Cove, and meet them in Peck Lake tomorrow.
The crew of Canvasback Too and SUNSHINE enjoyed a special turkey dinner this evening.
Arial view of our anchorage in Faber Cove.
View Larger Map
Distance Traveled: 17.0 Hours Underway: 3.0 Average Speed: 5.7
Weather: Early morning showers gave way to a sunny day by 1100 hours. The temp was cool (high near 60); NNW wind 15 to 20 knots
Comment: Departure is set for today. Anna Marie and I were up at 0700 and made the 0800 bus to the Miracle Mile where I was supposed to get another quart of steering fluid and Anna Marie went to Panera’s Bread for a supply of bagels.
Sadly, the West Marine wasn’t open when I arrived, so I met the Admiral at Panera’s for a bagel and coffee, after which I returned to the West Marine. I should mention that the Asiago Cheese Bagel is excellent and Anna Marie liked her Cinnamon Crunch Bagel as well.
While at the West Marine, I bought a few fishing lures, just in case we do the ocean route in the next couple of days.
Once back at the boat, we prepared for departure. We let Canvasback Too loose at 1115 hours and shortly thereafter, SUNSHINE was free of mooring ball #31. We sallied up to the fuel dock where we purchased a container of gas, pumped out the holding tank, filled the water tanks and settled our bill. We were underway at 1200.
Along the way, Capt. Dave made radio contact with his friends Archie and Kathy. They are about an hour ahead of us, and are stopping at Manatee Pocket tonight. We’ll stop at Faber Cove, and meet them in Peck Lake tomorrow.
The crew of Canvasback Too and SUNSHINE enjoyed a special turkey dinner this evening.
Arial view of our anchorage in Faber Cove.
View Larger Map
Monday, December 1, 2008
Another Day in Vero Beach! (Day 069)
Vero Beach Municipal Marina, Vero Beach, FL Mooring Ball 31 MM 951.7
Lay Day
Weather: Sunny, warm, light wind out of the north
Comment: Another bus trip to WalMart and Lowes for Anna Marie. She purchased a few more “things” although I’m not sure what the need is!
When she returned, we had lunch at the Riverside Café, when we used the remaining dollars on our gift card (remember the Riverside Theater deal?). After lunch, Anna Marie mailed some holiday greetings and met me in the lounge.
We returned to the boat where we watched a movie and then hit the sack.
Lay Day
Weather: Sunny, warm, light wind out of the north
Comment: Another bus trip to WalMart and Lowes for Anna Marie. She purchased a few more “things” although I’m not sure what the need is!
When she returned, we had lunch at the Riverside Café, when we used the remaining dollars on our gift card (remember the Riverside Theater deal?). After lunch, Anna Marie mailed some holiday greetings and met me in the lounge.
We returned to the boat where we watched a movie and then hit the sack.
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