A Genteel Sport! (Day 168)

From: Brickhill River North Anchorage, Cumberland Island, GA MM696.1
To: Jekyll Harbor Marina, Jekyll Island, GA MM 684.3
L/L: 31 02 76N 81 25 36W
Distance Traveled: 13.2
Hours Underway: 2.5
Hours Motoring: 2.5
Hours Sailing: 0
Elapsed Time: 2.5
Average Speed: 5.3mph

Weather: Overcast; temp range 48 to 63; light wind out of the east clocking to the southeast; showers in the evening

The Jekyll Island Croquet Club on the lawn and in action

Comment: Most of our 13.2 miles was accomplished into a foul current. After fueling and pumping out the holding tank, we tied up to the face dock at the marina. Once secure, we borrowed two marina bikes to ride to the Jekyll Hotel where we watched members of the Jekyll Island Croquet Club (JICC) on the lawn in front of the hotel. The participants were dressed in their sporting whites. There were four teams on the lawn with two matches being contested. After watching for a few minutes, it became apparent to us that they were not playing according to the “California Croquet Rules.”

A good stroke!

The JICC had the lawn reserved for their competition from 12 o’clock noon until 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Anna Marie and I will not be able to get lawn time during this brief stopover.

61 Trips Around the Sun Completed! (Day 167)

From: Palm Cove Marina, Jacksonville Beach, FL MM 747.4
To: Brickhill River North Anchorage, Cumberland Island, GA MM696.1
L/L: 30 53 33N 81 27 14W
Distance Traveled: 53.8
Hours Underway: 9.6
Hours Motoring: 79.6
Hours Sailing: 0
Elapsed Time: 79.6
Average Speed: 5.6mph

Weather: Sunny; the bubble temps were most comfortable, ranging from 50 to 81 degrees; the outside temp ranged from the mid 40s to the low 70s; wind was out of the east @ 10 knots

Warship 28 in dry dock

Comment: We’re on the move again! We left Palm Cove Marina at 0815 hours. Our destination was Cumberland Island, but it was only 1430 hours (about the time we entered GA) when we arrived so we decided to fight the current and push on to the Brickhill River. The wind turned favorable for motorsailing and the current turned in our favor just as we made the lower end of the Brickhill River.

The extra run will give us an easy day tomorrow, as it is only about 12 miles to Jekyll Island. We’ll have our traditional stop for breakfast at the Jekyll Island Club before leaving on Wednesday.

Fernandina Beach, FL - Pulp

We saw two Canada Geese today. We haven’t seen them for months. A couple of days ago, we saw two Willets. Willets are our favorite spring shorebird. They vociferously tells us that warm weather is on the way.

Sub tied to dock in Kings Bay

I reached yet another milestone, as I completed my sixty-first trip around the sun today. It’s great to make the annual trip! All of the kids and grandkids called to wish me a happy birthday. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone during Easter break!

Weather Induced Lay Days (Days 165 & 166)

Saturday & Sunday, March 28 & 29, 2009 Days 165 & 166
Lay Days – Palm Cove Marina MM 747.4

Weather: Overcast and windy on Saturday and Sunday morning, mostly sunny on Sunday afternoon, March 28, with severe thunderstorms in the area on Saturday night into Sunday morning; temp range high 60s to low 80s; wind south gusting to 35 knots

Comment: SUNSHINE’S crew has been busy becoming reacquainted with the Jacksonville Transit Authority (bus service). We took the bus to the beach on Saturday. Bill’s knee has been sore, a problem being caused by the uncomfortable helm seat, so there was no beach walk on this visit. We did manage to visit Joe’s Crab Shack. The Jax Beach Joe’s is our favorite. We had another great time there watching the surfers whilst sipping our beverages and eating our snacks.

In the evening, we went to the Captain’s Lounge in hopes of watching the Villanova/Pitt game. The winner advances to the NCAA’s final four. As luck would have it, the TV was commandeered by a child, Logan, a fellow boater who was watching a series of SpongeBob Square Pants episodes while waiting for the Kid’s Awards show. I had a most enjoyable time chatting with Logan. He and his parents are just returning from the Bahamas. They plan to leave the boat in Deltaville and return home to Ontario by the middle of April.

When Anna Marie and I arrived back at the boat, we were able to catch the last few minutes of the Villanova game. If the last five minutes are any indication, it was a great game. ‘Nova won 78 -76 on a last second shot.

On Sunday, after eating breakfast in the Galley Restaurant (on the marina premises), we boarded the inbound (K2) bus. We had heard that the brand new Super West Marine Store was located in or near the new St. John’s Town Center Mall. The bust driver didn’t know anything about West Marine, but he told us where to get off so we could connect with another bus (S1) that would take us to the corner of the Town Center.

We found the West Marine, after a long walk. They had a very comfortable helm seat, so we splurged and made the purchase, hoping that a new seat would help my knee. Anna Marie had her eye on a set of nesting, stainless steel pots and pans. She wanted nesting ones to save on storage space in the galley. These will fit the bill.

Since we were traveling by bus, the manager of the Palm Cove West Marine, John White (who was helping out in the new store for the grand opening), offered to deliver the chair to us after his work day was concluded.

After he delivered the chair, we spent about an hour installing its new pedestal. We’ll do a more permanent installation when we get back home.

Friday, March 27, 2009 Day 164
From: Ft. Matanzas Anchorage, FL MM 792.4
To: Palm Cove Marina, Jacksonville Beach, FL MM 747.4
L/L: 30 17 42N 81 25 83W
Distance Traveled: 48.6
Hours Underway: 7:20
Hours Motoring: 7.3
Hours Sailing: 0
Elapsed Time: 7.3
Average Speed: 6.7

Weather: Mostly cloudy, then overcast; late afternoon shower; temp range mid 60s to high 70s; wind generally out of the SE @ 10 knots, builds to 15 knots by late afternoon and then calm after the shower

Bald Eagle perched atop AIW mark 55 near Crescent Beach Bascule Bridge

Comment: Bummer! The anchor dragged last night, just as the current changed direction. Even though we were in bed, we weren’t yet asleep. We felt and heard the anchor become dislodged.

In a series of quick moves, we managed to lower the engines, get them started and then move away from the shore line. We were in 5 feet of water and perhaps about 10 feet from the shore grasses. We were lucky it was high tide!

Anna Marie was able to untangle the kellet, trip and anchor lines so we could bring them all onboard. It took some time, but we were eventually ready to reanchor. Finally, after three more tries, we felt comfortable with our position. We watched our movement for an hour. After feeling comfortable until the next turn of the tide, we hit the sack (after setting the anchor watch alarm) about three hours after the ordeal began!

We arrived at the Pine Island anchorage at 1230 hours, too early to stop, so we continued on to Palm Cove Marina for a night. We like this marina because it is reasonably priced, has a bus stop right out in front. We could bus to Publix, WalMart or the beach and have in the past. Tonight, we’ll probably just stay onboard!

Paddlewheeler Dock (Palm Valley Canal)

Daytona Beach Ashore (Day 163)

From: Halifax Harbor Marina, Daytona Beach, FL 830.7
To: Ft. Matanzas Anchorage, FL MM 792.4
L/L: 29 3 01N 81 14 40W
Distance Traveled: 40.1
Hours Underway: 6:10
Hours Motoring: 6.8
Hours Sailing: 0
Elapsed Time: 6.8
Average Speed: 6.0

We don't see many houseboats cruising on the waterway

Weather: Mix of clouds and sun; temp range high 60 to high 70s; wind SE Building to 20 knots by evening

Comment: Daytona Ashore (http://daytonabeach.com/whattosee.cfm)

The Airport Area is home of the Embry-Riddle Aeronactical University which specializes in aviation degrees which usually lead to airline careers. I know a fantastic young lady who graduated from Embry-Riddle a few years back. She's already made a name for herself in aviation circles.

On the western edge of town is the Daytona International Speedway. The places goes bonkers for weeks surrounding the Daytona 500. For years, they used to race on the beach. In 1959, they moved the race to the speedway. In the early 1900's Louis Cheverolet and Henry Ford found the hard packed sand, gentle slope and a wide expanse of beach to be the perfect venue

for auto racing.

There is also a noted school for professional baseball umpires. We have a nephew who attended the school and is working his way up to the majors.

The Olde Daytona Beach Street, within walking distance of the marina, is totally renovated with pedistrian walkways, riverfront parks, shops and restaurants. There are lots of museums in the area and many free activities.

Daytona boasts a very good public transportation (Votran) system. For a $1.25/person, one can reprovision at the Publix, and have access to malls and shops, all easily accessible by the bus which runs until 2100 hours.

Halifax Harbor Marina http://www.halifaxharbor.net/index.htm) makes a good stop over port.

Northerly Migration (Day 162)

An 18' live aboard vessel in the Titusville, FL anchorage

From: Titusville, FL Anchorage, MM 878.1
To: Halifax Harbor Marina, Daytona Beach, FL 830.7
L/L: 39 12 19N 81 00 78W
Distance Traveled: 48.7
Hours Underway: 8.25
Hours Motoring: 8.25
Hours Sailing: 0

Elapsed Time: 8.25
Average Speed: 6.0

Little Toot and big Toot

Weather: Mix of sun and clouds; temp range mid 60s to 80; wind light to start then builds to 20 knots out of the southeast

Comment: The anchorages in Daytona are exposed to the 20+ known southeasterly we are experiencing today. Since we have some business to attend to on tomorrow, we pulled into Halifax Harbor for the night. Our choice gets us out of the “lumpy” anchorages for the night.


This RR bridge, maintained by NASA, is the best maintained RR bridge on the waterway

We enjoyed an easy day on the waterway. As the wind built, the waterway developed a healthy chop. It wasn’t uncomfortable since it was on our stern most of the day.


We passed Ponce Inlet on our way to Daytona Beach

Amusingly, we were with a cohort of 9 boats today, three trawlers and six sailboats. We’re pretty amazed that the spring migration seems to have started. Several of the group were flying the Maple Leaf and headed for Toronto and Montreal.

A Word about Speed (Day 161)

From: Dragon Point Anchorage, Indian Harbor Beach, FL MM 914.2
To: Titusville, FL Anchorage, MM 878.1
L/L: 28 37 31N 80 48 23W
Distance Traveled: 36.7
Hours Underway: 5.3
Hours Motoring: 5.3
Hours Sailing: 0
Elapsed Time: 5.3
Average Speed: 6.9

Weather: Mix of clouds and sun; temp range mid 60s to high 70s; wind out of the east at 15 knots

Comment: Previously, I mentioned that the trawler “Adios” gave the title of slowest boat underway to “SUNSHINE.” Since we weren’t in a hurry, we graciously accepted the award. The truth is, when powering into a foul current, we do not push the 9.9 HP outboard engines that provide SUNSHINE’s auxiliary power. We are happy to take what the conditions allow so as not to overburden the power plants.

Today was a different day. Much as we did yesterday, we enjoyed motor sailing on a broad reach. We unrolled the genoa as soon as we exited the Banana River and rounded Dragon Point. We paced ourselves against a 40’ monohull who unrolled his genoa at the same time as we did. It became quickly apparent that we were motor sailing faster than him. We set our sights on another monohull about 8 miles in front of us.
"Freyja" from clear ahead to clear behind!

It took four hours and twenty-seven miles, but we dusted by “Freyja” without a problem. Anna Marie called “Freyja” on the VHF to ask for clearance to pass to his starboard. We did so without incident and made our way through the Addison Point Bascule Bridge (NOTE: the east span of the west bound lane was opened for repairs and the span was opened about 90%).

We continued on toward the Titusville Swing Bridge and, by this time, we were sufficiently in front of “Freyja” that we each had separate openings.

On the day, we averaged 6.9 knots, which includes the time it took to haul the anchor in the morning and set it in the evening. Take that, “Adios!”

Dragon Point Anchorage (Day 160)

Monday, March 23, 2009 Day 160
From: Vero Beach Municipal Marina, Mooring Ball 57 AIW 951.7
To: Dragon Point Anchorage, Indian Harbor Beach, FL MM 914.2
L/L: 28 08 61N 80 36 15W
Distance Traveled: 39.5
Hours Underway: 5.8
Hours Motoring: 5.8
Hours Sailing: 0
Elapsed Time: 5.8
Average Speed: 6.8

Weather: Clouds in the morning, sunny in the afternoon; temp range high 60s to mid 70s; East wind @ 15 to 20 knots

Comment: We slipped our lines from the Great Catsby at 0830 hours and motored through the mooring field and into the ICW and pointed the bows to the north. We motored sailed to Dragon Point with little effort and had the anchor down by 1430 hours. The radio log included a Pan-Pan concerning a dismasted sailboat two miles off shore of Sheridan Avenue. The vessel received assistance within an hour of the first broadcast of the Pan-Pan.



The Dragon Point Estate



We anchored directly across from the old Dragon Point Estate. Several years ago the house was wrecked by a hurricane. It is for sale at about $1.5 million as a knock down.

Sunset from the Banana River

More on Vero Beach (Days 158 & 159)

Our stay in Vero Beach included the usual rides on the free busses. Anna Marie took several trips to the Publix while I went to West Marine and Panera Bread. We mamaged to walk the beachside town and do a little window shopping. Unfortunately, we weren't able to attend the theater and there is no longer baseball at Dodgertown. The highlight of this stopover was joining the Henkels for the weekly session of the Whispering Jammers, not to mention dining with them in the Shack on the Track and on SUNSHINE! It was indeed great fun.

A hoot of a Hootenany! (Day 157)

Lay Day: Vero Beach, FL MM 966.2

Weather: Mostly sunny, temp range high 60s to 80; wind began light and built to about 20 knots

Comment: It was a great day for a beach walk, which we did. We also walked around the beach town for a bit and took the bus back to the marina. We met George who took us to his campground for the hootenanny. We had great fun singing along with the musicians. The show lasted for two hours, after which we went to the Henkel’s “Shack on the Track.” The Shack is a neat place. It looks like George and Pat will have fun there for years. They have a great crowd of friends and everyone is very friendly.

Dinner was great (as usual)! We had a great visit and made it back to the boat before boaters’ midnight. Thanks George and Pat!

Back in Vero Beach (Day 156)

Thursday, March 19, 2009 Day 156
From: Faber Cove, Ft. Pierce, FL AIW MM 966.2
To: Vero Beach Municipal Marina, Mooring Ball 57 AIW 951.7
L/L: 27 39 84N 80 22139W
Distance Traveled: 16.9
Hours Underway: 3.5
Hours Motoring: 3.5
Hours Sailing: 0
Elapsed Time: 3.5
Average Speed:

How did we get to Maine?

Weather: Mix of showers, clouds and sun; temp range high 60s to 80; wind generally light and out of the NE, clocking to the E

Comment: Vero Beach is our destination. With less than 20 miles to travel, we expected and experienced an easy travel day. Fully one-half of the time we were underway, we traveled in a foul current. The trawler “Adios” radioed to tell us that they were turning over their “slowest traveling boat” award to us. I told them we are always the slowest boat (especially when bucking a strong foul current).

We made it to Vero by 1230 hours and expect to be here until Monday. We will visit our long time friends the Henkels and have invited them to dinner aboard on Sunday. I hope it is good barbequing weather.

After securing SUNSHINE to Rich and Carol’s "The Great Catsby," we took care of some business in town, did a bit of grocery shopping and bought a few boat supplies. We had a light dinner on board. Tomorrow, we’ll meet the Henkel’s who have invited us to one of George’s famous Hootenanys. We’ll also check out the theater to see if any shows are playing, and, as usual, we’ll do an early morning beach walk, weather permitting!

Mile 0 (Day 155)

Okeechobee Waterway Mile 0 (aka the Crossroads)

From: Riverwatch Marina, Stuart, FL Okeechobee Waterway MM 9.5
To: Faber Cove, Ft. Pierce, FL AIW MM 966.2
L/L: 27 27 95N 80 17 75W
Distance Traveled: 35.1
Hours Underway: 5.5
Hours Motoring: 5.5
Hours Sailing: 0
Elapsed Time: 5.5
Average Speed:

Weather: Morning showers then cloudy all day; temp range mid 60s to low 80s; wind range 10 – 12 knots East

The defective part (a CDI)

Comment: “Sunshine” was repaired in the late morning and by 1250 hours we were underway. We motored back down the St. Lucie River, past Sunset Bay Anchorage and to the Crossroads and the AIW. The weather was warm and overcast with generally light wind. The foul current turned favorable as we rode the flood tide toward Faber Cove.

The radio log included notations about the Lady Michelle on fire in Port Everglades inlet. Apparently a cruise ship was treading water near the inlet, waiting for permission to enter and proceed to her dock. Two fire boats were discharged and Coast Guard Sector Miami was in close communication with them as they were made their way to the scene. Later in the day, we heard the cruise ship received permission to enter the inlet, but never heard the disposition of the Lady Michelle.

Bring in the Calvary! (Day 154)

From: Southpoint Anchorage, Stuart FL Okeechobee Waterway MM 7.9
To: Riverwatch Marina, Stuart, FL Okeechobee Waterway MM 9.5
L/L: 27 1 0 10N 80 15 20W
Distance Traveled: 1.4
Hours Underway: 0.75
Hours Motoring: 0.75
Hours Sailing:
Elapsed Time: 0.75
Average Speed: 3.8

Weather: The day begins in calm and a clear sky with temps range from the mid 60s to the mid 80s; rain in the PM; wind from calm to 15 knots out of the south in the PM

Comment: We have backtracked a couple of miles to Riverwatch Marina where we need to have the starboard engine repaired. My modest attempts at repair (replaced plugs, filter, fuel connector and bulb) proved inadequate. The mechanic investigated and said the problem was the CDI. That part rarely malfunctions, but it appears this one has!

The part was ordered and should arrive mid morning tomorrow. In the meantime, we enjoyed the surroundings and the facility.

Stuart, FL (Day 153)

Lay Day: Southpoint Anchorage, Stuart FL Okeechobee Waterway MM 7.9

Weather: Mostly sunny; temps from mid 60s to mid 80s; light wind build to about 10 knots in the afternoon.


From the Stuart, FL Riverwalk

Comment: Howard, the boater we met yesterday, offered to take us to the Yamaha store so we could get parts. We picked up a fuel assembly hose and installed the bulb and fuel connector when we arrived back at the boat. Sadly, the repair was ineffective, although those parts needed to be replaced.

After thanking Howard for his kindness, we made arrangements to take SUNSHINE to Riverwatch Marina, about two miles back up the Okeechobee Waterway. around downtown Stuart, which has a fine tourist area with interesting shops and restaurants. We stopped at Duffy’s for a burger, which was excellent. Anna Marie declared that it was the equal of Myrtle Beach’s Margaritaville Cheeseburger in Paradise!

PING! PING! PNG! (Day 152)

The 49' RR Lift Bridge looms ahead

FROM: Tied to Dlophins @ the east end of the Port Mayaca Lock, Okeechobee Waterway, FL
TO: Southpoint Anchorage, Stuart FL Okeechobee Waterway MM 7.9

Distance Traveled: 31.2 Hours Underway: 6.0 Average Speed: 5.2

Weather: Cloudy and partly sunny; ½ hour of thick fog; light S wind in the morning built to 15+ in the afternoon; temp range 63 to 81


PING! PING! PING!


Comment: PING! PING! PING! The sound of the VHF antenna perched atop of the mast as it struck the bottom of the railroad lift bridge, some 49’ above the water. We made it under the bridge without losing the antennae or any of the wind instruments that live at the mast head. Relieved with our success, we motored along the waterway in thick fog for about ½ hour before visibility improved.

A few alligators made their presence known, but we didn’t see nearly the number we saw yesterday.

A serene day on the waterway

Several boats passed us, but we were lucky enough to catch them at the St. Lucie Lock. They must have been waiting to lock through for almost an hour. I’m not sure why the lock was so slow, but we didn’t have time to rest. No sooner had we arrived then we were told to prepare for a port side tie. Fortunately, our fenders were already set up on the port side, having been left there yesterday when we transited the More Haven Lock. During our eastward travel on the waterway, the Franklin, Ortona and More Haven Locks raised us about 12 ½ feet above sea level. Only the Port Mayaca Lock had both sets of doors oen. The St. Lucie Lock dropped us back down to sea level.

Our only problem for the day occurred when the starboard engine stalled twice while we were waiting for permission to enter the St. Lucie Lock. The engine refused to start. We made it to Stuart, where we picked up a mooring ball at the Southpoint Anchorage, on one engine. After settling in, I changed both spark plugs and the fuel filter. Still, the engine would not start. I believe there is a fuel problem and will purchase a new fuel connector and squeeze ball. If that doesn’t work, I’ll have to call in some help.

ACross the Lake (Day 151)

Masts on display from the cow pasture at Glades Boat Storeage on the Waterway

FROM: Tied to Dlophins @ the east end of the Port Mayaca Lock Lock, Okeechobee Waterway, FL
TO: Tied to Dlophins @ the east end of the Port Mayaca Lock, Okeechobee Waterway, FL

Distance Traveled: 53.7 Hours Underway: 9.6 Average Speed: 5.6

Weather: Varying amounts of sun and clouds; temp range 63 – 84; wind variable mostly less than ten knots out of the east, but we had some sustained gusts of 15 knots

Burning the Sugarcane Fields

Comment: We had no problem disconnecting from the dolphins. It’s nice to add another option to our docking/anchoring repertoire.

Gator!

The word for the day is GATORS! That’s right, GATORS!! We saw lots and lots of them. So many that we actually lost count. We believe we saw over 75 of the creatures. Most of the gators were about four feet long, but we saw larger (much larger) ones and some that appeared to be perhaps two feet long. Besides gators, the waterway is filled with bird life. It is a bird watchers dream. There were many species we could not identify, particularly some of the smaller waders.

Entering the Lake

We crossed the 25 mile Lake Okeechobee in fours hours. The wind strength and direction allowed us to motor sail a bit, but not all the way across. At time we experienced gust of 15 knots when the boat speed reached 7 ½ mph. More often than not, we were cruising at about 6 mph in about 10 knots of wind.

On the east side of the lake, the Port Mayaca Lock was opened. It is usually open when the lake water level is high. We motored through and tied up to the dolphins on the east side of the lock. Tomorrow we will hold our breath as we pass under the 49’ RR lift bridge. We have not had any issues with the depth of the water on the waterway. We have read that if the lake level is high, the clearance for the RR Bridge is less. We’d like to have more (not less) clearance at the RR bridge.

Tied to Dolphins (Day 150)

The W. P. Franklin Lockmaster

Friday, March 13, 2009 Day 150
FROM: Ft. Meyers Yacht Basin Mooring Field Ft. Meyers, FL
TO: Tied to Dlophins @ the east end of the Ortona Lock, Okeechobee Waterway, FL
Distance Traveled: 42.9 Hours Underway: 10:19 Average Speed: 4.6

Weather: Partly sunny; temp range 63 – 84; E wind 10 knots or less

Comment: Today was an easy day on the waterway. We passed through Franklin Lock without a problem. The lockmaster reported a malfunction at the Ortona Lock. It seems that the port door is stuck shut. With the starboard door open, we will have a clearance of 25 feet from which to exit the lock.

The Fort Denaud Swing Bridge Operator

Once we arrived at the Ortona Lock, we had to tread water while waiting for the signal to enter the lock. After about an hour, the lockmaster reported that the repairs would take significantly longer. We set the anchor. After a three hour wait, we were locked through with a trawler and seven "ass" boats, all with guys and fine young bikini clad lasses aboard. The music was blaring from at least two of the boats and the young crew were parting hardy. After getting clearance to clear the lock so they could be on their way to their motel rooms in Clewiston, one young lady was so relieved that she decided it appropriate to show her “TaTa’s” to all who would look. This, according to Anna Marie. I saw nothing as I was diligently holding SUNSHINE to the lock’s port wall.

Rather than find a place to anchor, we tied to the dolphins on the east side of the lock. This was a first for us. After studying our position with reference to the dolphins and the shoreline and becoming comfortable that our position was secure, we spent a pleasant evening.

Tied to the dolphins at the Ortons Lock on the Okeechobee Waterway

Ft. Meyers on the Okeechobee Waterway (Days 148 & 149)

Ft. Meyers, FL on the Okeechobee Waterway (March 11 and 12)
Distance Traveled: 49.0 Hours Underway: 8.38 Average Speed: 5.7

Weather: Sunny to Partly Sunny; temp range 70 – 84; NE wind @ 3.0 to 6.0 knots


The western terminus of the Okeechobee Waterway

Comment: Light chop on the gulf gives way to glassy calm;
Easy traveling day, although no sailing;
Met up with Capt. Dave (Canvasback Too) who has been in Fort Myers for almost a month; Had dinner with him and Bill and Betty (Inspiration) another boat and crew we met in Marathon, FL Keys
Walked around Ft. Meyers. It is a ghost town! Vacant store fronts, lots of bars and lawyers offices, not much else!


PDQ "Catatude"

Oh! What a Day! (Day 147)

Anchored in Champfrey Bay, Naples, FL
Distance Traveled: 38.0 Hours Underway: 9.75 Average Speed: 4.0

Weather: Sunny; temp range 67 – 81; light wind

Comment: The day started out with a problem we haven't encountered too often (if at all). It was difficult and time consuming to get our anchor up at the Dismal Key. After finally getting underway, we followed the "deeper" water to cross the spit of land and shoals at the lower end of Marco Island. Strangely, we ran aground in water that was charted to be 10 feet deep at mean low water! It took two hours to clear the shoals and get back to deep water. The charts show 10 feet in the area and there are no shallow depths charted anywhere near our position. I marked the spot as a new shoal on our GPS.

While trying to extricate ourselves from the bottom, the port engine began reving. I found it low on oil and immediately gave it a quart. The reving problem stopped.

Moments later, the port engine stops spitting, and was running noticably warmer than starboard engine. I poked the lines with a pipe cleaner and all was well, although the port motor was still running a bit hotter than the starboard engine.

Thinking that our problems were behind us, we raised the main sail and unfurled the genoa and proceeded to motor sail. Just before I was going to turn off the engines, I lost steerage. A quick check of the steering system showed that the recently installed hydraulic steering ram had disconnected from steering quadrant! We rolled up the jib while I reconnected the bolt and washers. I connected it a bit differently than the mechanic had, thinking that using a more outward position on the steering tab would make steering easier. That proved to be true as the autopilot had no further difficulities in keeping the boat under control.


Champfrey Bay Anchorage, Naples, FL


Because of the problems, it became clear that we would not be able to make San Carlos Bay and Ft. Meyers Beach. We decide to stop at Champfrey Bay in Naples, a spot we have used on a previous trip. Just before anchoring, Anna Marie noticed that an anchor swivel screw was loose. Had she not noticed this and it backed out completely while holding the boat to the bottom, we would have lost the anchor and who knows where we would have drifted...

I was able to secure the screw and we spent a peaceful night after such a trying day!

Next Anchorage, Dismal Key in the Everglades (Day 146)

Dismal Key, one of the Ten Thousand Islands, Everglades National Forest, FL
Distance Traveled: 50.8 Hours Underway: 8.75 Average Speed: 6.0

Weather: Sunny; SE wind 10 or less then out of the west in the afternoon; low mid 60s, high in the low 80’s

Comment: It was a good day to be on the Gulf of Mexico. Although we did not enjoy sailing winds as we did yesterday, we motor sailed for 8 and three-quarter hours at 6 knots. We endured only light chop in the Gulf under a mostly sunny sky. We saw several boats at a distance. A couple of sailboats were heading in our direction while two or three others were heading toward the Keys, probably Key West, judging from their course.

Along the way, we saw about 1/2 dozen rays break the water's surface to get airbourne, some as high as six feet. It reminded us of the sad story of the 6+ foot Eagle Ray that killed a lady standing at the rear of a small power boat that was reportedly underway at 25 mph.

The scene from our anchorage

We decided to spend the night at anchor behind Dismal Key in the Ten Thousand Island region of the Everglades. Fortunately, we can report that the temperature was mild and the bugs, vicious by all accounts, were few indeed and did not pose any problem to us.

Tents were set on the beach of a neighboring key and we envisioned those folks were having a great holiday.

The engines ran well today but both stalled when throttled back in preparation for anchoring. They fired right up and then idled, albeit roughly as we set the anchor. We’ll have to keep an eye on them. Perhaps we’ll change plugs and fuel filters when we get to Vero Beach.

As was true last night, we are once again amazed at how quiet it is here in the Everglades!

We're Outta Here! (Day 145)

Sunday, March 8, 2009 Day 145
From Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL Keys
To Little Shark River, in the Everglades on the West Coast of Florida
Distance Traveled: 50.8 Hours Underway: 8.17 Average Speed: 6.3

Weather: Mix of clouds and sun; east wind @ 15 knots clocks to SE in afternoon increasing to 20 knots; low mid 60s, high of 80 degrees

Comment: Good Bye Marathon!

Slipped mooring ball L-10 at 0820 bound for the Little Shark River in the Everglades on the West Coast of Florida. Bid farewell to Howard, the bridge captain at 0830. After exchanging pleasantries, we set sail for our next destination.

We motor sailed for 3 hours and finally stopped the engines at 1200 hours. We were sailing at between 7 and 9 knots for the next four hours before we took in sail, lowered the engines and motored into the Little Shark River. The wind was out of the east and clocked to the southeast in the afternoon. There was a moderate chop in the Florida Bay and in the Gulf. Steering was a bit difficult as conditions overpowered the autohelm. This was unusual, and I attributed the problem to the new steering ram that was installed while we were at the Marathon Boatyard.

The anchor was down at 1610 hours. We took quick showers and settled in for the evening. Tom and Debbie, on board Catrina, a PDQ 32, joined us for cocktail hour. They looked Sunshine over to compare the 34 with their 32. Differences were noted, but PDQ quality is similar, they reported.

We finished the day with an old pirate movie and an episode of Cheers before attending to the log and hitting the sack.

Quiet! The evening and night are so quiet that we are both amazed. We thought that we hear all sorts of creatures screeching, howling, calling and otherwise making noise, but nothing was heard; not even any insect noise. It was quiet and still all night.

Sunset from the Little Shark River, in the Everglades

Our Final Days in Marathon (for this Season (Days 142 - 144)

Thursday - Saturday, March 5 - 7, 2009 Days 142 - 144
LAY DAY: Boot Key Harbor, Mooring Ball L-10 MM1195

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 and sunny; low in the mid 60s, high in the mid 70s; Wind E @ 20+ knots

Comment: Our final days in Marathon for this season anyway, were spent in usual fashion. we attended to some boat chores and readied SUNSHINE for moving on. In short, we had to stow gear we left our for comfort while tied to the mooring ball and we set up for sailing and motoring. Anna Marie made afinal trip to the ity Marina laundryroom to find three brand new washers and an equal number of brand new dryers. There were new clothes sorting tables and a new accounting system. One pays for time on a credit card and the machines are set up with readers to charge you time. It seems that everything is coming together for when they open the new bathroon/shower and laundry facility. We saw a couple of machines digging holes supposedly for the water and sewer connections, but the new facilities did not open while we were still in the harbor. Our chores also included trips to Home Depot and Publix. We took a long dinghy ride to fill up the gas jugs at Burdines and took a bus ride to the Flea Market to exchange a spring with the boat parts guy.

Anna Marie and I did manage some fun activities before leaving Marathon. We met the Funston's for Upper Crust Pizza and then movie. Our final treat in Marathon was a Saturday night dinner at the Upper Crust.

A Visit to Naples! (Days 138 - 141)

Sunday, March 1 through Wednesday, March 04, 2009 Days 138 - 141

Marathon to Naples via Car

Weather: Windy and cold!

Comment: We’re off to attend the SCYC SW Florida Mid-winter gathering. The Hodder’s were gracious in letting us drive with them to Naples. The Berry’s offered to put us up for the two nights we were in Naples. The Kulik’s provided a lovely lunch and dinner when we arrived on Monday. On Tuesday some of the guys went on a tour of Naples, Marco Island and Goodland, where we had lunch. The ladies did their own thing, which included shopping at the “Best of Everything” store.

The gathering was great. Fifty-one members of the SCYC were there! Dinner at the Cedar Hammocks Country Club was fantastic! On Wednesday, the Hodder’s drove us back to Marathon before returning to their vacation abode in Tavernier. We had a great time and are very appreciative of the friends who provided transportation, sustenance and shelter so that we could participate in the gathering.

Thanks, Al, Jean, Gloria, Bob, Carol and Ron. We had a most wonderful time and appreciate everything your hospitality and kindness!