LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long:
24 42 32N
81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Bright sun; high temp in the mid 60s, low temp in the mid 50s; NE win at 20 – 25 knots most of the day, but diminished to 15 – 20 by the early evening
Comment: The crew of SUNSHINE donned foul weather gear to make the trip ashore to see if there was anything useful at the Nautical Flea Market being held at he City Marina. It was a chilly, wet ride. Not only was the air temp in the high 50s at the time, the water temp was only about 5 degrees warmer (63 degrees), Our only purchases was an electrical splitter (50 amp “Y” to two 30 amp outlets). This item in generally not needed as we rarely get assigned to slips with 50 amp service, but it does happen on occasion. Usually the marina will lend the necessary splitter, but on two occasions last year, we were assigned to a slip that had 50 amp service and we were unable to “plug in.” West marine sells the splitter for about $200.00. We paid $50.00 at the flea market. The reasonable price convinced us to but it.
Sunshine almost always makes me high! (John Denver)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Two Days in One? (Day 108)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long:
Engine Hours
24 42 32N
81 05 57W
848.7
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: The day started with bright sunshine; the high temp reached over 80 degrees, the overnight low was in the 60s; the wind was calm. In the early afternoon, a black cloud came over Marathon; the wind immediately picked up to 25-30 knots out of the NE; a rain shower that lasted for about an hour began about 1400 hours. The temperature dropped 15 degrees within the span of a hour; it stayed windy for the rest of the day, evening, night and the next day
Comment: The calm conditions gave us an opportunity to fill up the fresh water tank. In two trips, we added 24 gallons to the tanks which were just about filled.
Our accu-weather forecaster suggested that we were going to have some rain, so we didn’t stray too far from the boat. Tom, (Le’spirit Libre) who gives the weather forecast on the Cruisers’ Net made no mention of rain. As a result, we noticed that plenty of cruisers left their boats with the hatches opened, due to the warm temperatures and bright sunshine. Most hadn’t returned by the time the wind and rain began. Those folks had to deal with wet bedding and mattresses.
Lat/ Long:
Engine Hours
24 42 32N
81 05 57W
848.7
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: The day started with bright sunshine; the high temp reached over 80 degrees, the overnight low was in the 60s; the wind was calm. In the early afternoon, a black cloud came over Marathon; the wind immediately picked up to 25-30 knots out of the NE; a rain shower that lasted for about an hour began about 1400 hours. The temperature dropped 15 degrees within the span of a hour; it stayed windy for the rest of the day, evening, night and the next day
Comment: The calm conditions gave us an opportunity to fill up the fresh water tank. In two trips, we added 24 gallons to the tanks which were just about filled.
Our accu-weather forecaster suggested that we were going to have some rain, so we didn’t stray too far from the boat. Tom, (Le’spirit Libre) who gives the weather forecast on the Cruisers’ Net made no mention of rain. As a result, we noticed that plenty of cruisers left their boats with the hatches opened, due to the warm temperatures and bright sunshine. Most hadn’t returned by the time the wind and rain began. Those folks had to deal with wet bedding and mattresses.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Steel Magnolias (Day 107)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Mostly sunny; high in the low 80s low in the low 70s; mostly calm
Comment: Boat Chores: Today’s task was make a run to Burdine’s to fill up the gas containers that we use for the dinghy motor and the generator. The water was calm and we had an enjoyable ride under and through the Boot Key Harbor bridge to the other side of the harbor. On the way back, we saw an iguana swimming across the channel heading toward a mangrove.
The major boat chore was to replace the “T” fitting on the starboard engine cooling system. The old “T” has sprung a leak, squirting salt water on the engine. This task took a couple of hours because it was difficult to access one of the hoses that connects to the housing under the engine. We dropped a spring clamp and weren’t able to retrieve it. Having none aboard, we used a zip tie to replace it.
At 1600 hours, we rode the dinghy to shore to meet the Funston’s. Our plan was to go to Sparky’s for the 25 cent shrimp and, later in the evening, we had tickets for the Marathon Community Theater production of Steel Magnolias. Between dinner and the play, we had time to visit a couple of stores and have dessert at Burdine’s.
The actors are local talent, whose day jobs include PE teacher, nurse, and Dolphin Research Center employee. A couple of the principles live on boats in the harbor. This was Community Theater at its best. It was clear that the actors were having a lot of fun. The audience did too!
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Mostly sunny; high in the low 80s low in the low 70s; mostly calm
Comment: Boat Chores: Today’s task was make a run to Burdine’s to fill up the gas containers that we use for the dinghy motor and the generator. The water was calm and we had an enjoyable ride under and through the Boot Key Harbor bridge to the other side of the harbor. On the way back, we saw an iguana swimming across the channel heading toward a mangrove.
The major boat chore was to replace the “T” fitting on the starboard engine cooling system. The old “T” has sprung a leak, squirting salt water on the engine. This task took a couple of hours because it was difficult to access one of the hoses that connects to the housing under the engine. We dropped a spring clamp and weren’t able to retrieve it. Having none aboard, we used a zip tie to replace it.
At 1600 hours, we rode the dinghy to shore to meet the Funston’s. Our plan was to go to Sparky’s for the 25 cent shrimp and, later in the evening, we had tickets for the Marathon Community Theater production of Steel Magnolias. Between dinner and the play, we had time to visit a couple of stores and have dessert at Burdine’s.
The actors are local talent, whose day jobs include PE teacher, nurse, and Dolphin Research Center employee. A couple of the principles live on boats in the harbor. This was Community Theater at its best. It was clear that the actors were having a lot of fun. The audience did too!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
In the Routine (Day 106)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Mostly sunny; high 80, low 70; S wind 10 knots, calm at night
Comment: The weather yesterday and again today seems to have provided an opportunity for those cruising to the islands to cross the gulfstream in pretty good conditions.
We are not going to the islands this year for a couple of reasons. Instead, we’ll stay in Marathon for a few more weeks and then, when the weather gets a bit warmer, we’ll head up the west coast of Florida for a couple of weeks.
Today was another typical day. After a few boat chores and lunch, we headed ashore for a short bike ride. We stopped at the Inflatable Boat Store to pick of the “T” fitting for the starboard engine. I’ll do the repair tomorrow.
While biking, we met John and Honey (Hielan’ Lass) and stopped to talk to them for awhile before returning to the boat. It was a most pleasant evening. The wind died down and the water surface was like glass. We sat out in the cockpit enjoying the sights and sounds of the evening before hitting the sack.
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Mostly sunny; high 80, low 70; S wind 10 knots, calm at night
Comment: The weather yesterday and again today seems to have provided an opportunity for those cruising to the islands to cross the gulfstream in pretty good conditions.
We are not going to the islands this year for a couple of reasons. Instead, we’ll stay in Marathon for a few more weeks and then, when the weather gets a bit warmer, we’ll head up the west coast of Florida for a couple of weeks.
Today was another typical day. After a few boat chores and lunch, we headed ashore for a short bike ride. We stopped at the Inflatable Boat Store to pick of the “T” fitting for the starboard engine. I’ll do the repair tomorrow.
While biking, we met John and Honey (Hielan’ Lass) and stopped to talk to them for awhile before returning to the boat. It was a most pleasant evening. The wind died down and the water surface was like glass. We sat out in the cockpit enjoying the sights and sounds of the evening before hitting the sack.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Road Trip! (Day 105)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: partly cloudy; low in the high 60s high in the mid 70s; E wind @ 12-15 knots
Comment: Road Trip!
The crew of the good ship SUNSHINE was up early and on the road by 0715. The drive to Homestead was leisurely with only one stop (Starbucks) for liquid refreshment. I took care of business while Anna Marie shopped. We were headed back to Marathon by 1130.
We stopped at Lorelei’s in Islamorada for lunch and did a quick pass through the Worldwide Sportsman before heading back to the marina, where I dropped Anna Marie off. She loaded the provisions into the dinghy while I returned the car. Thrifty gave me a ride back to the marina where Anna Marie and I boarded the dinghy for the trip back to SUNSHINE.
We were back aboard by 0400. We did a boat chore, stowed the groceries and watched a movie during dinner. We spent the evening aboard, enjoying the sights and sounds of Boot Key Harbor.
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: partly cloudy; low in the high 60s high in the mid 70s; E wind @ 12-15 knots
Comment: Road Trip!
The crew of the good ship SUNSHINE was up early and on the road by 0715. The drive to Homestead was leisurely with only one stop (Starbucks) for liquid refreshment. I took care of business while Anna Marie shopped. We were headed back to Marathon by 1130.
We stopped at Lorelei’s in Islamorada for lunch and did a quick pass through the Worldwide Sportsman before heading back to the marina, where I dropped Anna Marie off. She loaded the provisions into the dinghy while I returned the car. Thrifty gave me a ride back to the marina where Anna Marie and I boarded the dinghy for the trip back to SUNSHINE.
We were back aboard by 0400. We did a boat chore, stowed the groceries and watched a movie during dinner. We spent the evening aboard, enjoying the sights and sounds of Boot Key Harbor.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Here We Go Again (Day 104)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Bright sun all day, low in the mid 60s, high in the mid 70s; E wind 10 – 15 knots
Comment: Here we go again. Another day in paradise! We did a few boat chores. In the afternoon, I went ashore to rent a car (Thrifty $28.93 including taxes and all fees). We’ll have the car for 24 hours and use it to attend to some business in Homestead.
I made it back to the boat by 1630 hours, in time for Eric’s visit. He still believes he can fix the lock down mechanism. He says a spring is missing. He also found the leak in the cooling system. A “T” fitting is leaking. When throttled up, the leak squirts salt water all over the engine. The water evaporates leaving a thick salt residue on the engine. I’ll replace the ”T” fitting and the problem will be solved.
After Eric’s visit, we rode to the local Publix to provision with meats and refrigerated supplies. Tomorrow, while in Homestead, we’ll do the major provisioning at WalMart.
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Bright sun all day, low in the mid 60s, high in the mid 70s; E wind 10 – 15 knots
Comment: Here we go again. Another day in paradise! We did a few boat chores. In the afternoon, I went ashore to rent a car (Thrifty $28.93 including taxes and all fees). We’ll have the car for 24 hours and use it to attend to some business in Homestead.
I made it back to the boat by 1630 hours, in time for Eric’s visit. He still believes he can fix the lock down mechanism. He says a spring is missing. He also found the leak in the cooling system. A “T” fitting is leaking. When throttled up, the leak squirts salt water all over the engine. The water evaporates leaving a thick salt residue on the engine. I’ll replace the ”T” fitting and the problem will be solved.
After Eric’s visit, we rode to the local Publix to provision with meats and refrigerated supplies. Tomorrow, while in Homestead, we’ll do the major provisioning at WalMart.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Oh, What a Beautiful Morning! (Day 103)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Bright sun all day; High in the mid 70s, low in the mid 60’s; E wind @ 10 knots
Comment: Oh, what a beautiful morning; Oh, what a beautiful day! This is cruising! We took a short walk. The first stop was at the ball field where we watched the over 50 crowd play softball. We stayed for a quick two innings then walked to the Keys Fishery for their Shrimp Cocktail Special. We enjoyed the spectacular view of Florida Bay and watched a couple of sailboats sailing in the 12 knot breeze.
Each day, we do a couple of boat chores and today was no exception. I worked on the backup engine lock down system. It is ready to go. I have one ratchet strap set up for each engine in case both lock downs fail.
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Bright sun all day; High in the mid 70s, low in the mid 60’s; E wind @ 10 knots
Comment: Oh, what a beautiful morning; Oh, what a beautiful day! This is cruising! We took a short walk. The first stop was at the ball field where we watched the over 50 crowd play softball. We stayed for a quick two innings then walked to the Keys Fishery for their Shrimp Cocktail Special. We enjoyed the spectacular view of Florida Bay and watched a couple of sailboats sailing in the 12 knot breeze.
Each day, we do a couple of boat chores and today was no exception. I worked on the backup engine lock down system. It is ready to go. I have one ratchet strap set up for each engine in case both lock downs fail.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Typical! (Day 102)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Some clouds but mostly sun all day; high in the low 70s’ and low in the low 60s; N wind at 15 knots clocked to E wind diminishing to 10 knots
Comment: Typical, just typical! The crew of SUNSHINE enjoyed another typical day. Our routine begins with the cruisers’ net and a few boat chores. Ashore, we went for a bike ride and did some grocery shopping. In the evening, we watched a movie, read and played games before hitting the sack.
The pressure cooker has been getting a lot of use. Last night’s gourmet dinner was Beef Bourguignon. It was great!
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Some clouds but mostly sun all day; high in the low 70s’ and low in the low 60s; N wind at 15 knots clocked to E wind diminishing to 10 knots
Comment: Typical, just typical! The crew of SUNSHINE enjoyed another typical day. Our routine begins with the cruisers’ net and a few boat chores. Ashore, we went for a bike ride and did some grocery shopping. In the evening, we watched a movie, read and played games before hitting the sack.
The pressure cooker has been getting a lot of use. Last night’s gourmet dinner was Beef Bourguignon. It was great!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Another Day in Paradise (Day 101)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Bright sun all day; low in the mid 50s high of 70; wind E @ about 15 knots
Comment: It’s time to fill the fresh water tanks. Using our two six gallon water tanks, we made three trips to the potable water stop at the marina, transporting a total of 36 gallons.
Following the water run, we took a bike ride. The plan was to visit Cynthia at SALT to check on our Waeco portable refrigerator/freezer and then visit Eric at IBFK. As it happened, Cynthia could deliver the freezer to the marina right away, so we turned around and zipped back to the marina to meet her. We returned to the boat and spent the next half hour or so reading.
In the evening, we took a long dinghy ride to Marathon Marina where we met John and Honey aboard Hielan’ Lass. After some conversation and a magnificent sunset, we dined at Frosty’s. The dinner special was $13.95 (Tilapia) with beverage, salad and desert. Very reasonable and tasty!
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Bright sun all day; low in the mid 50s high of 70; wind E @ about 15 knots
Comment: It’s time to fill the fresh water tanks. Using our two six gallon water tanks, we made three trips to the potable water stop at the marina, transporting a total of 36 gallons.
Following the water run, we took a bike ride. The plan was to visit Cynthia at SALT to check on our Waeco portable refrigerator/freezer and then visit Eric at IBFK. As it happened, Cynthia could deliver the freezer to the marina right away, so we turned around and zipped back to the marina to meet her. We returned to the boat and spent the next half hour or so reading.
In the evening, we took a long dinghy ride to Marathon Marina where we met John and Honey aboard Hielan’ Lass. After some conversation and a magnificent sunset, we dined at Frosty’s. The dinner special was $13.95 (Tilapia) with beverage, salad and desert. Very reasonable and tasty!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The 100th Day Aboard SUNSHINE! (Day 100)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Bright sunshine, still cold, low in the low 50s high 60; N wind at 15 knots, diminishing to 5 – 10 knots in the afternoon before picking up back to 15 in the wee hours of the morning.
Comment: Happy 100th day! Special 100th day celebration events included Pizza at the Upper Crust (our first visit this year) with John and Honey (Hielan’ Lass) and Capt’n Dave (Canvasback Too). The pizza was very good, perhaps the best pizza in Marathon. Following dinner, we piled into John and Honey’s chariot (yes, they have a car in Marathon) for a ride to the local cinema, where we watched Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman in “Australia.” The movie was long and the chairs in the theater are not that comfortable, but we enjoyed the film. The music and the sound of thunder and stampeding cattle was so loud, it was imposible to take a nap!
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Bright sunshine, still cold, low in the low 50s high 60; N wind at 15 knots, diminishing to 5 – 10 knots in the afternoon before picking up back to 15 in the wee hours of the morning.
Comment: Happy 100th day! Special 100th day celebration events included Pizza at the Upper Crust (our first visit this year) with John and Honey (Hielan’ Lass) and Capt’n Dave (Canvasback Too). The pizza was very good, perhaps the best pizza in Marathon. Following dinner, we piled into John and Honey’s chariot (yes, they have a car in Marathon) for a ride to the local cinema, where we watched Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman in “Australia.” The movie was long and the chairs in the theater are not that comfortable, but we enjoyed the film. The music and the sound of thunder and stampeding cattle was so loud, it was imposible to take a nap!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Laundry Day (Day 099)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Bright sun all day; cold – low in the mid 50s, high in the low 60s; N wind @ 20 – 25 knots
Comment: It’s laundry day. Anna Marie got a late start as she waited for the conclusion of the net before gathering the clothes. We made it to the dinghy dock by 1300 hours after a slow dinghy ride in the windy conditions.
I returned to the boat and, instead of doing boat chores, I used the time to read. I’m working on my fourth Cornwell book in the Richard Sharpe series. Cornwell fancies Richard Sharpe to be the equivalent of Forester’s naval hero, Horatio Hornblower. I’ve been unable to find any of the Hornblower books new or used.
I picked Anna Marie up at the dinghy dock at about 1715 and we were back aboard at 1745. It was so cold that rather than go back ashore to the movies, we decided to stay aboard for the evening.
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Bright sun all day; cold – low in the mid 50s, high in the low 60s; N wind @ 20 – 25 knots
Comment: It’s laundry day. Anna Marie got a late start as she waited for the conclusion of the net before gathering the clothes. We made it to the dinghy dock by 1300 hours after a slow dinghy ride in the windy conditions.
I returned to the boat and, instead of doing boat chores, I used the time to read. I’m working on my fourth Cornwell book in the Richard Sharpe series. Cornwell fancies Richard Sharpe to be the equivalent of Forester’s naval hero, Horatio Hornblower. I’ve been unable to find any of the Hornblower books new or used.
I picked Anna Marie up at the dinghy dock at about 1715 and we were back aboard at 1745. It was so cold that rather than go back ashore to the movies, we decided to stay aboard for the evening.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Baking 101 (Day 098)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Overcast, high in the mid 70s, low in the mid 60s, it’s going down to 55 tonight and the high tomorrow is predicted to be 60; NW wind @ 25 to 30 gusts to 40
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Overcast, high in the mid 70s, low in the mid 60s, it’s going down to 55 tonight and the high tomorrow is predicted to be 60; NW wind @ 25 to 30 gusts to 40
The Heat Pal and Bean Pot Oven
Comment: Baking 101: We have been using an electric convection oven for the limited baking we do. To use it we must be plugged in at a dock or have the generator running. We have been looking for a way to bake on the stove top. One article we found described how to bake a pineapple upside down cake using a Heat Pal heater and a bean pot. We decided to give it a try.
We set up the oven on the floor of the cockpit, followed the directions for the equipment and the recipe and although not as pretty as we might like, the cake was perfectly baked. After taking it out of the makeshift oven we put in a loaf of bread. While the bread was baking, we tasted the cake. It was great! An unqualified success!
The first and only loaf baked in the Bean Pot Oven
We set up the oven on the floor of the cockpit, followed the directions for the equipment and the recipe and although not as pretty as we might like, the cake was perfectly baked. After taking it out of the makeshift oven we put in a loaf of bread. While the bread was baking, we tasted the cake. It was great! An unqualified success!
The first and only loaf baked in the Bean Pot Oven
We turned our attention to the bread and removed it from the oven after about thirty minutes. It was a beautiful golden brown on the top, but the bottom was a bit singed. I turned off the heat pal oven and went back inside the cabin. After a few minutes, we smelled something and looked at the oven which was supposedly cooling in the cockpit. There was a flame still present and the paint had blistered off the side of the heat pal. I checked to see that it was properly "off" and found that it was. Clearly this was a malfunction. We were able to extinguish the flame and decided that this was our first and last experiment using the heat pal and bean pot as an oven.
Both the cake and the loaf of bread were quite good, but we're going back to the electric oven.
Both the cake and the loaf of bread were quite good, but we're going back to the electric oven.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Happy Birthday, Geoffrey! (Day 097)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Early sun gives way to clouds and overcast; Low in the low 60s and high at 70; calm wind gives way to blustery w wind @ 30 knots which laid down to 20 by late evening
Comment: Happy 10th Birthday Geoffrey! Our big fun for the day was to call Geoffrey to wish him Happy Birthday. We had a long talk with him and his sisters and Cousin Josh who was there for the family birthday party.
While motoring through the harbor on the dink, we stopped to talk to Midori and then to Fitzcat who just arrived in the harbor from Indian Rocks Beach. They told us about a free dock in Venice and also said that Caladesi State Park would be a great place to stop. It is about four hours north of IRB.
Anna Marie did a run to Kmart and Publix while I did a trip to Home Depot. We met back at the marina for the dinghy ride back to the boat.
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Early sun gives way to clouds and overcast; Low in the low 60s and high at 70; calm wind gives way to blustery w wind @ 30 knots which laid down to 20 by late evening
Comment: Happy 10th Birthday Geoffrey! Our big fun for the day was to call Geoffrey to wish him Happy Birthday. We had a long talk with him and his sisters and Cousin Josh who was there for the family birthday party.
While motoring through the harbor on the dink, we stopped to talk to Midori and then to Fitzcat who just arrived in the harbor from Indian Rocks Beach. They told us about a free dock in Venice and also said that Caladesi State Park would be a great place to stop. It is about four hours north of IRB.
Anna Marie did a run to Kmart and Publix while I did a trip to Home Depot. We met back at the marina for the dinghy ride back to the boat.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Champions! (Day 096)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Clouds give way to brilliant sunshine; low in the low 60s, high in the mid 70s; N wind 10 knots and less
Comment: The day started in the usual manner, with a bowl of cereal, a cup of joe/tea, and the cruisers’ net in the cockpit so we could watch the comings and goings of the dinghies while listening. It was a long net, it ended close to 1000 hours, this morning, as was followed by some organizational work in one of the cockpit locker. Back inside, we updated to logs and blog and checked out the news on the internet.
Following lunch, we made our way to shore where we hung out around the marina for a few minutes before meeting Capt’n Dave. The three of us headed to the Hurricane so we could watch the Iggles play the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburg Stillers play the Baltimore Ravens. We were disappointed in the results of the Iggles game but Capt’n Dave was ecstatic to see his Stillers win. During the games we enjoyed 25 cent wings and a $5.00 ½ rack of ribs. It was a good time, even though the Iggles lost.
The last game (Steelers) was long. We got back to the boat just before 2300 hours where we chilled for a few minutes before hitting the sack.
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Clouds give way to brilliant sunshine; low in the low 60s, high in the mid 70s; N wind 10 knots and less
Comment: The day started in the usual manner, with a bowl of cereal, a cup of joe/tea, and the cruisers’ net in the cockpit so we could watch the comings and goings of the dinghies while listening. It was a long net, it ended close to 1000 hours, this morning, as was followed by some organizational work in one of the cockpit locker. Back inside, we updated to logs and blog and checked out the news on the internet.
Following lunch, we made our way to shore where we hung out around the marina for a few minutes before meeting Capt’n Dave. The three of us headed to the Hurricane so we could watch the Iggles play the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburg Stillers play the Baltimore Ravens. We were disappointed in the results of the Iggles game but Capt’n Dave was ecstatic to see his Stillers win. During the games we enjoyed 25 cent wings and a $5.00 ½ rack of ribs. It was a good time, even though the Iggles lost.
The last game (Steelers) was long. We got back to the boat just before 2300 hours where we chilled for a few minutes before hitting the sack.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The Big Pine Nautical Flea Market (Day 095)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Still cool, low in the low 60s and high near 70; partly cloudy, windy N wind @ 25 knots
Comment: We skipped listening to the cruisers’ net this morning so we could catch the 0820 bus to Big Pine. We met Capt. Dave at the marina and walked to the bus stop which was already filled with boaters. We were all headed to the Big Pine Nautical Flea Market.
The flea market featured more fishing gear than nautical items. We walked through, looking at the offerings, but found few items of interest to us. After purchasing a couple of small cleats for two dollars, Anna Marie and Capt. Dave walked up to the Big Pine Flea Market while I caught the next bus back to the marina. I picked up a package in the mail and watched the inaugural train procession beginning ceremony in Philadelphia while waiting for the shoppers to return.
Back on the boat, we read and played games. In the evening, we watched a couple of movies on board and enjoyed “Coq au Vin” for dinner. It was delicious. Anna Marie is becoming a master chef with the pressure cooker!
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click "Position Reports” in the right hand column. You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Still cool, low in the low 60s and high near 70; partly cloudy, windy N wind @ 25 knots
Comment: We skipped listening to the cruisers’ net this morning so we could catch the 0820 bus to Big Pine. We met Capt. Dave at the marina and walked to the bus stop which was already filled with boaters. We were all headed to the Big Pine Nautical Flea Market.
The flea market featured more fishing gear than nautical items. We walked through, looking at the offerings, but found few items of interest to us. After purchasing a couple of small cleats for two dollars, Anna Marie and Capt. Dave walked up to the Big Pine Flea Market while I caught the next bus back to the marina. I picked up a package in the mail and watched the inaugural train procession beginning ceremony in Philadelphia while waiting for the shoppers to return.
Back on the boat, we read and played games. In the evening, we watched a couple of movies on board and enjoyed “Coq au Vin” for dinner. It was delicious. Anna Marie is becoming a master chef with the pressure cooker!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Cat Rescue (Day 094)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click (on the right hand column) "Position Reports.” You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Partly cloudy; low mid 60s high 70; N wind 20+ knots although it dropped to 12 to 15 for two hours in the early afternoon; light chop in the harbor
Comment: It was another one of those lazy days. The crew of SUNSHINE spent most of the time aboard although we did go to shore for an hour or so, just to walk around. Luckily, the wind had calmed a bit so we didn’t get splashed while going to or coming back from shore.
It was a cool, windy morning. The wind was screaming through the rigging. I was in the cockpit sipping a cup of brew and Anna Marie was in the cabin. The radio was on and I was having a good time listening to the music and watching the comings and goings of the myriad dinghies that were going to and fro.
I began working on a project when I thought I heard voices. It sounded like shouting and it was odd I thought that I would hear people above the sounds of the wind in the rigging. I dismissed the idea, thinking that it was the wind playing tricks on my ears. But the shouts continued. After about a minute or two, I poked my head up to see people on two neighboring boats (one directly off our bow and the other on our port side) apparently shouting at each other. The person on the boat off our bow grabbed a boat hook and tried poking it into the water. The person on the boat to our port side jumped into his dinghy.
Anna Marie came to see what the commotion was and brought the binoculars so we could get a better view. Apparently something was in the water. With the binocs, I could see that it was a cat and the person on the boat off our bow was trying to reach it with a boat hook. He could just barely do so, but there was no way he could get it out of the water. The guy to our port was underway in the dinghy. With a large fishing net in hand, he motored over to the cat and scooped it up.
It seems that the cat did not belong to the folks on the boat off our bow. It had apparently fallen off a boat further in front of us and was drifting toward us. The guy in the dinghy went from boat to boat trying to find the cat’s owner. Many boaters had already gone ashore, making his task that much more difficult. Finally, he gave the cat to people on a boat that was two boats in front of the spot where the cat was rescued.
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click (on the right hand column) "Position Reports.” You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Partly cloudy; low mid 60s high 70; N wind 20+ knots although it dropped to 12 to 15 for two hours in the early afternoon; light chop in the harbor
Comment: It was another one of those lazy days. The crew of SUNSHINE spent most of the time aboard although we did go to shore for an hour or so, just to walk around. Luckily, the wind had calmed a bit so we didn’t get splashed while going to or coming back from shore.
It was a cool, windy morning. The wind was screaming through the rigging. I was in the cockpit sipping a cup of brew and Anna Marie was in the cabin. The radio was on and I was having a good time listening to the music and watching the comings and goings of the myriad dinghies that were going to and fro.
I began working on a project when I thought I heard voices. It sounded like shouting and it was odd I thought that I would hear people above the sounds of the wind in the rigging. I dismissed the idea, thinking that it was the wind playing tricks on my ears. But the shouts continued. After about a minute or two, I poked my head up to see people on two neighboring boats (one directly off our bow and the other on our port side) apparently shouting at each other. The person on the boat off our bow grabbed a boat hook and tried poking it into the water. The person on the boat to our port side jumped into his dinghy.
Anna Marie came to see what the commotion was and brought the binoculars so we could get a better view. Apparently something was in the water. With the binocs, I could see that it was a cat and the person on the boat off our bow was trying to reach it with a boat hook. He could just barely do so, but there was no way he could get it out of the water. The guy to our port was underway in the dinghy. With a large fishing net in hand, he motored over to the cat and scooped it up.
It seems that the cat did not belong to the folks on the boat off our bow. It had apparently fallen off a boat further in front of us and was drifting toward us. The guy in the dinghy went from boat to boat trying to find the cat’s owner. Many boaters had already gone ashore, making his task that much more difficult. Finally, he gave the cat to people on a boat that was two boats in front of the spot where the cat was rescued.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
What a Comfortable Boat (Day 093)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click (on the right hand column) "Position Reports.” You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Overcast all day; windy (20 knots out of the north); low in the high 50s and high in the high 60s, evening showers
Comment: It must be a comfortable boat, we spent the entire day aboard and didn't even lower the dinghy into the water. We did a lot of computer work (logs and expense reports, checking news and sports, and researching anchorages on the west coast of Florida). Our lone accomplishment was to plan a trip up the west coast of Florida. We’re not sure when we’ll leave Marathon, but after we do we’ll spend four or five days exploring the Everglades. Then we’ll sail up the coast to the beginning of the Florida West Coast ICW near Ft. Meyers Beach. From there we’ll go to Cayo Costa where we’ll spend four or five nights and then to Indian Rocks Beach (where we hope to visit friends). Connecting the major ports of call will be stops at several anchorages along the way. Of course, besides determining our departure date from Marathon, the weather will influence our actual schedule.
When we leave Indian Rocks Beach, we’ll back track south to mile 0 of the West Coast ICW and cut across Florida to the Okeechobee Waterway. We’ll take our time crossing the waterway, stopping at several of the small towns along the way. We may spend a night or two in Stuart and then head up to Vero Beach for another extended stay. After that, we’ll start to think about beginning the trip home, probably around April 1.
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click (on the right hand column) "Position Reports.” You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Overcast all day; windy (20 knots out of the north); low in the high 50s and high in the high 60s, evening showers
Comment: It must be a comfortable boat, we spent the entire day aboard and didn't even lower the dinghy into the water. We did a lot of computer work (logs and expense reports, checking news and sports, and researching anchorages on the west coast of Florida). Our lone accomplishment was to plan a trip up the west coast of Florida. We’re not sure when we’ll leave Marathon, but after we do we’ll spend four or five days exploring the Everglades. Then we’ll sail up the coast to the beginning of the Florida West Coast ICW near Ft. Meyers Beach. From there we’ll go to Cayo Costa where we’ll spend four or five nights and then to Indian Rocks Beach (where we hope to visit friends). Connecting the major ports of call will be stops at several anchorages along the way. Of course, besides determining our departure date from Marathon, the weather will influence our actual schedule.
When we leave Indian Rocks Beach, we’ll back track south to mile 0 of the West Coast ICW and cut across Florida to the Okeechobee Waterway. We’ll take our time crossing the waterway, stopping at several of the small towns along the way. We may spend a night or two in Stuart and then head up to Vero Beach for another extended stay. After that, we’ll start to think about beginning the trip home, probably around April 1.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Just Chillin' (day 092)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click (on the right hand column) "Position Reports.” You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: The 20+ knot wind which began yesterday, dropped down to 12 – 15 knots by wake up time; After early clouds, it was mostly sunny until it clouded over by the evening; the low temp was in the low 60s and the high was in the low 70s.
Comment: Today’s activities included a walk, participation in conversation at the marina, relaxing aboard and dinner and a movie (Valkyrie) at the local theater.
It is predicted that the wind will be strong (in the 30 knot range) for the next two or three days. Traveling to shore in the dinghy in those kinds of winds can make for a wet ride. Of course, we can suit up in foul weather gear, but we’ll typically stay on board and do boat chores. Right now, the boat interior needs dusting and on the outside, the stainless steel needs cleaning. Options… we have several!
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click (on the right hand column) "Position Reports.” You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: The 20+ knot wind which began yesterday, dropped down to 12 – 15 knots by wake up time; After early clouds, it was mostly sunny until it clouded over by the evening; the low temp was in the low 60s and the high was in the low 70s.
Comment: Today’s activities included a walk, participation in conversation at the marina, relaxing aboard and dinner and a movie (Valkyrie) at the local theater.
It is predicted that the wind will be strong (in the 30 knot range) for the next two or three days. Traveling to shore in the dinghy in those kinds of winds can make for a wet ride. Of course, we can suit up in foul weather gear, but we’ll typically stay on board and do boat chores. Right now, the boat interior needs dusting and on the outside, the stainless steel needs cleaning. Options… we have several!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Miscellaneous (Day 091)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click (on the right hand column) "Position Reports.” You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: The day started partly cloudy and became overcast by late afternoon; low temp 70 degrees & high 80 degrees; N wind at 10 to 15 building to 20+ by early evening; rain showers in the early evening; after night fall, the wind was steady at 20+ knots, and was singing through the rigging. Stormy conditions are with us.
Comment: Today started with computer work and the cruisers’ net and was followed by a six mile bike ride. We returned to SUNSHINE in the early afternoon to prepare for the weather that is coming at us. The wind is predicted to build to 20 knots today and to 30 for the next two days. We’ll be bouncing around on the mooring a bit.
Eric (Inflatable Boats of the Florida Keys and Yamaha OB repair guy) was a no show, probably because of the weather. The folks at SALT (Sea, Air, & Land Technologies) who were supposed to fix the freezer told us that it would take three months for the part to arrive from China. Of course, prior to this news, the part was to have arrived… before Christmas (no, they really didn’t say which Christmas), … in a day or two, … tomorrow for sure.
Cynthia promises to e-mail all of her correspondence with Dometic (manufacturer of Waeco – Adler Barbour) Refrigeration so we can follow up with the company. This is disappointing news. Since we unplugged the freezer, which ran constantly (that was its problem) the solar panels are able to keep up with our daily electrical demands, as long as it is sunny. We have gone several days without firing up the generator. Today, because it became overcast, we had to run it to top off the batteries and so we could watch a movie.
Lat/ Long 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click (on the right hand column) "Position Reports.” You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: The day started partly cloudy and became overcast by late afternoon; low temp 70 degrees & high 80 degrees; N wind at 10 to 15 building to 20+ by early evening; rain showers in the early evening; after night fall, the wind was steady at 20+ knots, and was singing through the rigging. Stormy conditions are with us.
Comment: Today started with computer work and the cruisers’ net and was followed by a six mile bike ride. We returned to SUNSHINE in the early afternoon to prepare for the weather that is coming at us. The wind is predicted to build to 20 knots today and to 30 for the next two days. We’ll be bouncing around on the mooring a bit.
Eric (Inflatable Boats of the Florida Keys and Yamaha OB repair guy) was a no show, probably because of the weather. The folks at SALT (Sea, Air, & Land Technologies) who were supposed to fix the freezer told us that it would take three months for the part to arrive from China. Of course, prior to this news, the part was to have arrived… before Christmas (no, they really didn’t say which Christmas), … in a day or two, … tomorrow for sure.
Cynthia promises to e-mail all of her correspondence with Dometic (manufacturer of Waeco – Adler Barbour) Refrigeration so we can follow up with the company. This is disappointing news. Since we unplugged the freezer, which ran constantly (that was its problem) the solar panels are able to keep up with our daily electrical demands, as long as it is sunny. We have gone several days without firing up the generator. Today, because it became overcast, we had to run it to top off the batteries and so we could watch a movie.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Another Day in Boot Key Harbor (Day 090)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click (on the right hand column) "Position Reports.” You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: N wind @ 10 knots; Low temp = 70 & high temp =80; partly cloudy
Comment: Ordered “C-Cushions” cockpit cushions in gray with a Persian green pinstripe today. Delivery is expected within 6 weeks. We’ll probably be exploring the West Coast of Florida from the Everglades up to the Tampa area beginning sometime after the first week in February.
We measured the mast height off the water today. Our air draft is 47 feet as the literature suggested. We’ll be able to clear the RR Bridge on the Okeechobee Waterway. Being able to clear that bridge makes the west coast trip possible without coming all the way back to Marathon. It also means that we’ll skip all of the bascule bridges south of Stuart, FL.
Of course, nothing is set in stone yet. But we have options!
Eric stopped by to work on the lock down mechanism yesterday. We weren’t home. He needs to come back as he didn’t have a tool that he needs. He also found out that the starboard engine’s choke is sticking. He’s going to take the carburetor to the shop to clean it out.
Besides some shipboard activities, we took a long dinghy ride to take pictures of some of the more interesting boats in the neighborhood. Anna Marie snapped a dozen or so, and I wondered why the camera was beeping with each snap of the shutter. When I went to download the photos, I found that I had neglected to put the SD (memory) card back into the camera after the last download. Now we have the opportunity to tour the harbor again so we can get some photos of the interesting boats in this community.
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32N 81 05 57W
NOTE: To view our position, click (on the right hand column) "Position Reports.” You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: N wind @ 10 knots; Low temp = 70 & high temp =80; partly cloudy
Comment: Ordered “C-Cushions” cockpit cushions in gray with a Persian green pinstripe today. Delivery is expected within 6 weeks. We’ll probably be exploring the West Coast of Florida from the Everglades up to the Tampa area beginning sometime after the first week in February.
We measured the mast height off the water today. Our air draft is 47 feet as the literature suggested. We’ll be able to clear the RR Bridge on the Okeechobee Waterway. Being able to clear that bridge makes the west coast trip possible without coming all the way back to Marathon. It also means that we’ll skip all of the bascule bridges south of Stuart, FL.
Of course, nothing is set in stone yet. But we have options!
Eric stopped by to work on the lock down mechanism yesterday. We weren’t home. He needs to come back as he didn’t have a tool that he needs. He also found out that the starboard engine’s choke is sticking. He’s going to take the carburetor to the shop to clean it out.
Besides some shipboard activities, we took a long dinghy ride to take pictures of some of the more interesting boats in the neighborhood. Anna Marie snapped a dozen or so, and I wondered why the camera was beeping with each snap of the shutter. When I went to download the photos, I found that I had neglected to put the SD (memory) card back into the camera after the last download. Now we have the opportunity to tour the harbor again so we can get some photos of the interesting boats in this community.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Bike Riding on a Beautiful Day (Day 089)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
NOTE: To view our position, click (on the right hand column) "Position Reports.” You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Another gorgeous day in Paradise; temps from the low to high 70s; wind – light and variable, calm in the evening and overnight; some clouds but mostly sunny
Comment: The crew of SUNSHINE did an 8 mile bike ride in beautiful riding conditions. The route took us north to the Vaca Cut. This milestone means that we have biked from one end of Vaca Key to the other.
After the ride, we went to the marina to watch the Iggles beat the Giants 23 – 11. Next up is the NFC conference championship against the Arizona Cardinals.
Anna Marie has been making good use of the pressure cooker and new recipes we printed. Last night’s linguine and chicken cacciatore was great!!
We capped the night off with a movie before hitting the sack.
NOTE: To view our position, click (on the right hand column) "Position Reports.” You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Weather: Another gorgeous day in Paradise; temps from the low to high 70s; wind – light and variable, calm in the evening and overnight; some clouds but mostly sunny
Comment: The crew of SUNSHINE did an 8 mile bike ride in beautiful riding conditions. The route took us north to the Vaca Cut. This milestone means that we have biked from one end of Vaca Key to the other.
After the ride, we went to the marina to watch the Iggles beat the Giants 23 – 11. Next up is the NFC conference championship against the Arizona Cardinals.
Anna Marie has been making good use of the pressure cooker and new recipes we printed. Last night’s linguine and chicken cacciatore was great!!
We capped the night off with a movie before hitting the sack.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
BIg Pine Flea Market (Day 088)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32 81 05 57
Weather: A repeat of yesterday! Bright sunshine some clouds in the pm; temp in the mid to high 70’s; N to NE winds @ 10 to 15 knots to calm in the evening
Comment: Following breakfast, we listened to the net then boarded a bus for the Big Pine Flea Market. The plan is to buy parts for my improvised lock down system from the marine supplier. With mission accomplished, we returned to the boat where we hung out and watched the sights. Capt. Dave stopped by to see if we wanted to go to the Dockside for the Prime Rib special. “Of course,” says she.
That we did and the meal was great! Dave arrived first and selected a table right on the water but within view of the stage and a TV. After dinner, we watched the final minutes of the Tennessee (10)/Baltimore (13) playoff game. The “Stone Crabs,” a trio (bass, drums and keyboard/guitar), began their first set. We listened a bit and then headed back to the boat.
Check our position by clicking the Position Reports" tab in the right hand column.
Lat/ Long: 24 42 32 81 05 57
Weather: A repeat of yesterday! Bright sunshine some clouds in the pm; temp in the mid to high 70’s; N to NE winds @ 10 to 15 knots to calm in the evening
Comment: Following breakfast, we listened to the net then boarded a bus for the Big Pine Flea Market. The plan is to buy parts for my improvised lock down system from the marine supplier. With mission accomplished, we returned to the boat where we hung out and watched the sights. Capt. Dave stopped by to see if we wanted to go to the Dockside for the Prime Rib special. “Of course,” says she.
That we did and the meal was great! Dave arrived first and selected a table right on the water but within view of the stage and a TV. After dinner, we watched the final minutes of the Tennessee (10)/Baltimore (13) playoff game. The “Stone Crabs,” a trio (bass, drums and keyboard/guitar), began their first set. We listened a bit and then headed back to the boat.
Check our position by clicking the Position Reports" tab in the right hand column.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Entertainment Options (Day 087)
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Lat/ Long 24 42 32 81 05 57
Weather: Bright sunshine all day; temp in the high 70’s; N to NE winds @ 12 to 17 knots;
Comment: New Entertainment Gadgets Aboard SUNSHINE
While in Vero Beach, we installed a new 19 inch flat panel TV/DVD player to replace the little 9 inch one we were usning. The 19 inch unit is mounted on the main bulkhead, easily viewable from the salon. Over the holidays, Anna Marie and I exchanged gifts from the $5.00 DVD bins at various K-Marts and WalMarts we visited over the holidays. Son-in-law Greg made DVDs of the John Adams HBO series for us. So we have quite a few new DVD’s to enjoy on the new TV. We added two Oil Lamps flanking the TV. They provide a warm glo
w to the cabin.
The Christmas holidays were kind to us. We received a DS Lite Nintendo hand held game system. It provides a ton of gaming opportunities. We currently have about one-half dozen different games packs for it. Until now, we had one electronic solitaire game that we shared. We also received an electronic book reader (eBookwise). We loaded about a dozen books into it. It is very easy to read and to use. The battery lasts about 10 hours between charges.
SUNSHINE boasts a new addition to her crew too. Squawks McCaw came to live aboard with us. He’s a welcome addition to our crew. What good sailboat doesn’t have its own parrot? “Squawks” has a vocabulary of about 50 words and phrases. The grandkids had a lot of fun talking to him while we were home. He even knows their names!
Lat/ Long 24 42 32 81 05 57
Weather: Bright sunshine all day; temp in the high 70’s; N to NE winds @ 12 to 17 knots;
Comment: New Entertainment Gadgets Aboard SUNSHINE
While in Vero Beach, we installed a new 19 inch flat panel TV/DVD player to replace the little 9 inch one we were usning. The 19 inch unit is mounted on the main bulkhead, easily viewable from the salon. Over the holidays, Anna Marie and I exchanged gifts from the $5.00 DVD bins at various K-Marts and WalMarts we visited over the holidays. Son-in-law Greg made DVDs of the John Adams HBO series for us. So we have quite a few new DVD’s to enjoy on the new TV. We added two Oil Lamps flanking the TV. They provide a warm glo
w to the cabin.The Christmas holidays were kind to us. We received a DS Lite Nintendo hand held game system. It provides a ton of gaming opportunities. We currently have about one-half dozen different games packs for it. Until now, we had one electronic solitaire game that we shared. We also received an electronic book reader (eBookwise). We loaded about a dozen books into it. It is very easy to read and to use. The battery lasts about 10 hours between charges.
SUNSHINE boasts a new addition to her crew too. Squawks McCaw came to live aboard with us. He’s a welcome addition to our crew. What good sailboat doesn’t have its own parrot? “Squawks” has a vocabulary of about 50 words and phrases. The grandkids had a lot of fun talking to him while we were home. He even knows their names!
Finally, I should mention that the boat repairs are minor. Eric will be out this weekend to fix the problem with the lock down mechanism. He fixed it so it would lift up while we were away. He never checked to see if it would lock down. It doesn't.
The lock down mechanisms on these engines are notorious for being unoperative. Several owners have devised other simple systems for locking them down. I used one of them last year when we first had the problem. I have since thought about an even simpler version that will be even easier to use than the current mechanism. I'll install it on both engines after Eric had completed his work.
NOTE: To view our position, click (on the right hand column) "To see where wer are and where we have been." You can zoom in for a detailed view or zoom out to see out bread crumbs.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
SPLASH!! (Day 086)
From: Marathon Boat Yard
To: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Weather: Although the day began partly cloudy, it eventually became mostly sunny. The temperature was supposed to be in the mid 70’s but our thermometer showed a temp of 84 degrees. The wind was out of the northeast at about 10 knots. After nightfall, it blew to about 15 knots.
Comment: Before SUNSHINE was launched, I filled up the hydraulic steering reservoir and checked to see that the engine locking mechanisms were working. Eric (Inflatable Boats) serviced them and repaired the mechanisms. Unfortunately, the starboard engine wouldn’t lock down. It would be virtually useless for reversing.
Both engines started without difficulty and we slowly motored from the marina to the mooring field, a distance of about ½ mile. We were assigned to ball L-10, the same ball we tied to last year. We are back home!
After registering at the marina and returning our FedEx package to the boat, we trudged off to tell Eric the bad news about the lockdown problem on the starboard engine, Eric will come out this weekend to fix it.
Our walk continued to the Boat Yard from whence we came. Before being launched, we set up our folding bikes and chained then to the fence. We retrieved them and rode, in the opposite direction, past the Boot Key Harbor Marina and on to the Home Depot where purchased some clean burning fuel for our new oil lamps (from the FedEx package referenced earlier).
We can report that the folding bikes are the cats’ meow! They almost go by themselves! We expect to ride around town doing some four and five mile rides to get our butts accustomed to the saddles. Eventually, we’re looking to do some more aggressive rides in the 20 to 25 mile range. There is a great bike path that heads east for miles. We’d like to see how far we can ride it. Heading west is a bit more difficult. We have ridden the to 7-mile bridge in the past, but have never crossed it on bicycle. Although we have seen bikers cross the bridge, it has a very narrow shoulder, too narrow for us to attempt. We’ll opt for the safety of the bike trail in the other direction.
Before returning to SUNSHINE, we visited Capt Dave. Fortuitously, he was just about to visit us. We lead the way back to SUNSHINE and Dave arrived carrying his pack of cigs, three beers and a sausage. Anna Marie broke out the cheese and crackers and we were back in cocktail mode. That didn’t take long!
Dave left just before sundown so he could turn his anchor light on. Anna Marie had dinner and watched a movie before hitting the sack; we’ll be up and at ‘em tomorrow.
To: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195
Weather: Although the day began partly cloudy, it eventually became mostly sunny. The temperature was supposed to be in the mid 70’s but our thermometer showed a temp of 84 degrees. The wind was out of the northeast at about 10 knots. After nightfall, it blew to about 15 knots.
Comment: Before SUNSHINE was launched, I filled up the hydraulic steering reservoir and checked to see that the engine locking mechanisms were working. Eric (Inflatable Boats) serviced them and repaired the mechanisms. Unfortunately, the starboard engine wouldn’t lock down. It would be virtually useless for reversing.
Both engines started without difficulty and we slowly motored from the marina to the mooring field, a distance of about ½ mile. We were assigned to ball L-10, the same ball we tied to last year. We are back home!
After registering at the marina and returning our FedEx package to the boat, we trudged off to tell Eric the bad news about the lockdown problem on the starboard engine, Eric will come out this weekend to fix it.
Our walk continued to the Boat Yard from whence we came. Before being launched, we set up our folding bikes and chained then to the fence. We retrieved them and rode, in the opposite direction, past the Boot Key Harbor Marina and on to the Home Depot where purchased some clean burning fuel for our new oil lamps (from the FedEx package referenced earlier).
We can report that the folding bikes are the cats’ meow! They almost go by themselves! We expect to ride around town doing some four and five mile rides to get our butts accustomed to the saddles. Eventually, we’re looking to do some more aggressive rides in the 20 to 25 mile range. There is a great bike path that heads east for miles. We’d like to see how far we can ride it. Heading west is a bit more difficult. We have ridden the to 7-mile bridge in the past, but have never crossed it on bicycle. Although we have seen bikers cross the bridge, it has a very narrow shoulder, too narrow for us to attempt. We’ll opt for the safety of the bike trail in the other direction.
Before returning to SUNSHINE, we visited Capt Dave. Fortuitously, he was just about to visit us. We lead the way back to SUNSHINE and Dave arrived carrying his pack of cigs, three beers and a sausage. Anna Marie broke out the cheese and crackers and we were back in cocktail mode. That didn’t take long!
Dave left just before sundown so he could turn his anchor light on. Anna Marie had dinner and watched a movie before hitting the sack; we’ll be up and at ‘em tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Flying to SUNSHINE (Day 085)
From: West Creek, NJ
To: Boot Marathon Boat Yard, Marathon, FL MM1195
Weather: We departed our home at 0415 in 30 degree weather and rain, heavy at times. By the time we reached the Atlantic City Airport, the rain stopped, but it was still cold and windy. It could be a bumpy plane ride.
Comment: The flight departed on time but, due to head winds the whole way, we arrived in Ft, Lauderdale about five minutes late. We flew at 38,000 feet, above two layers of clouds to get out of the “bumpy” air. The entire eastern seaboard was thickly blanketed by clouds. I’ve never seen the entire coast covered by clouds. We didn’t see any “ground” until a few minutes before Ft. Lauderdale.
The landing was sooth, Hertz had our car ready to go and at about 1015 hours, began the driving portion of our trip back to SUNSHINE, we stopped at the Homestead WalMart to provision. Besides that stop, we made a 45 minute pit stop for lunch at Alabama Jacks, a local restaurant with lots of color, just before the Card Sound Bridge.
On the way to Marathon, we made one other stop for cold beverages. At 1600, our long day of traveling was over. We pulled into the Marathon Boat Yard to see SUNSHINE resting comfortably right next to the travel lift well.
After off loading the provisions, we visited the local establishments that did work on SUNSHINE while we were away. After the chores, we did dinner at the Island Tiki Bar. While dining, a severe storm blew through causing customers, who were enjoying their repast near the water to scurry for cover. The rain came quickly and the wind blew to 45 knots. I took about twenty minutes for things to settle down. The restaurant staff was very gracious to those who had to move quickly, offering free desert or a free beer to the patrons.
We made it back to the boat and began to prep for tomorrow’s launch.
To: Boot Marathon Boat Yard, Marathon, FL MM1195
Weather: We departed our home at 0415 in 30 degree weather and rain, heavy at times. By the time we reached the Atlantic City Airport, the rain stopped, but it was still cold and windy. It could be a bumpy plane ride.
Comment: The flight departed on time but, due to head winds the whole way, we arrived in Ft, Lauderdale about five minutes late. We flew at 38,000 feet, above two layers of clouds to get out of the “bumpy” air. The entire eastern seaboard was thickly blanketed by clouds. I’ve never seen the entire coast covered by clouds. We didn’t see any “ground” until a few minutes before Ft. Lauderdale.
The landing was sooth, Hertz had our car ready to go and at about 1015 hours, began the driving portion of our trip back to SUNSHINE, we stopped at the Homestead WalMart to provision. Besides that stop, we made a 45 minute pit stop for lunch at Alabama Jacks, a local restaurant with lots of color, just before the Card Sound Bridge.
On the way to Marathon, we made one other stop for cold beverages. At 1600, our long day of traveling was over. We pulled into the Marathon Boat Yard to see SUNSHINE resting comfortably right next to the travel lift well.
After off loading the provisions, we visited the local establishments that did work on SUNSHINE while we were away. After the chores, we did dinner at the Island Tiki Bar. While dining, a severe storm blew through causing customers, who were enjoying their repast near the water to scurry for cover. The rain came quickly and the wind blew to 45 knots. I took about twenty minutes for things to settle down. The restaurant staff was very gracious to those who had to move quickly, offering free desert or a free beer to the patrons.
We made it back to the boat and began to prep for tomorrow’s launch.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Old Barney Guides the Way, Again!
BARNEGAT LIGHT — For the first time since 1927, Old Barney, the quintessential symbol of the Jersey Shore, was back at work as a functioning lighthouse tonight on this the 150th anniversary of its first date of service.
Braving freezing temperatures and a windchill factor that put the temperature below zero, several thousand bundled-up people crowded onto the northern tip of Long Beach Island from all over the tri-state area to see Barnegat Lighthouse relit shortly after 5 p.m.
Angelo Rinaldi, president of the Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, the organization responsible for raising the money to purchase a new Coast Guard-approved lens from New Zealand, had to manually override the light sensor on the 172-foot high beacon to accommodate the crowds present. Starting tomorrow, the rotating light will be triggered on an automatic basis.
Luce and Willis Gray and Anna Marie and I made the trip to the relighting ceremony of this LBI (Long Beach Island) icon out of a sense of history and to start the New Year in the shadow of it's new guiding light. Our sense of history and hope was overridden by the cold temperature. We decided to go to a local eatery and see the light after the large crowd dissipated.
We have climbed its 217-step spiral staircase on several occasions, most recently with grandchildren Geoffrey and Josh.
P.S. We're looking forward to several more sleep overs with our grandchildren. But, the cold, wind and lack of sunshine have conspired to get us to think about our return to SUNSHINE. She has been enjoying daily sunshine and 80 degree temps in our absence.
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