An iPod Entry Experiment

OK, I did an entry using Sandi's iPad. That inspired me to try a post using my iPod. So here it is... an iPod post. The iPod's touch pad is much smaller than that of the iPad. Still, an entry can be made fairly quickly.

As with the iPad, I don't see a way to attach a photo, although there is a way to put in an hyperlink.

Just Checking!

Here's a first. I'm using Sandi's iPad to see if it's possible to update the blog using this very cool device. As you can see, it can be done, and very easily, I might add. I can actually type fairly quickly using the touch key pad, using only one hand. With a little practice, I could probably become fast and accurate.

It appears that One cannot upload photos, but Ill have to look into that when I have more time. I do see that I can add a hyperlink.

Way cool!

Keys Music 2010

This is a compilation of some short video clips and pictures taken at various music events while we were in Marathon during the 2009 - 2010 cruise of S/V SUNSHINE.

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Anybody interested in some pretty pictures? I've been experimenting with some of the capabilities of my iMac. This is a video compilation of some of the sunrise and sunset photos we've taken over the past few years.

Enjoy!

Cruise 2009 - 2010 Statistical Information

“SUNSHINE”

ICW Cruise 2009 - 2010
Statistical Information

LIVING ABOARD:

Number of Days aboard SUNSHINE = 162 (79%)
Number of Days Home = 42 (21%)

Number of days underway = 41 (20%)
Number of “Lay Days” = 121 (59%)

ANCHORING, DOCKING, MOORING, AND ON-THE-HARD:

Number of days anchored = 30 (15%)
Number of days docked = 63(31%)
Number of days on a mooring ball = 108 (53%)
Number of days on hard = 0 (0%)
Highest dockage fee = $68.50

FUEL INFORMATION:

Total engine hours = 322.2
Total gallons of fuel consumed = 254.2
Average price of fuel (gas) = $3.11/g
Total cost of fuel = $790.34
Fuel consumption = 0.77 gallon per hour

RECORDS FOR LONGEST DAY:

Longest day (hours traveling): April 16, 2010 Hollywood to North Palm Waterway 13.8 hours
Longest day (mileage): November 6, 2009 New Smyrna Beach to Dragon Point 68.7 statute miles

DISTANCE:

Total Miles = 1784.1
Average miles per day when moving boat = 43.5

CREW:

Terry and Emma

The Last Days of Cruise 2009 - 2010

The Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center as seen from our anchorage.

The last sunset of cruise 2009 - 2010.

Another shot of the last sunset of cruise 2009 - 2010

We left Vero Beach on Thursday, April 22, 2010. The trip up the Indian River was uneventful. The weather was great. We even got to motor sail for several hours. That's a big deal for us. When we unroll the jib, our speed usually increase by about 1.5 mph. On this day, we were motoring at 5.0 mph. After the wind clocked to the east, we unrolled the jib and averaged 6.8 mph. It enabled us to make it all the way to the NASA Causeway some 67.3 miles up river.

We entered the Indian River after exiting Hobe Sound last Saturday (April 17). The Indian River is broad and shallow and 153 miles long. It is an estuarine system where freshwater meets salt water within the same body of water. We have enjoyed nice cruising on the river in nice weather, but when the wind is up, especially if it is on the nose, it makes for a long trip. On those occasions when we have experienced headwinds, the river seems long and bleak.

We had great passage on the river this time! On Thursday evening (April 22) we anchored for at the NASA Causeway. We enjoyed a great meal of pork chops and sauerkraut. After dinner, we made our way to SUNSHINE's bow to witness the launch of an Atlas V rocket. The launch was to test the characteristics of the ORION (designed to replace the aging space shuttles) or for some Air Force equipment. The NASA.gov site wasn't clear on saying what the mission actually was.

At any rate, although not nearly as spectacular as a shuttle launch, it was impressive none-the-less! What a way to end the cruise. Our meager attempt to capture the launch can be seen below.

Tomorrow, we have just 8 miles to Westland Marina in Titusville, where SUNSHINE will be put on land for the summer.

On Friday, April 23, we hauled the anchor for the last time on this cruise and motored to Westland Marina in Titusville. We began the work of preparing SUNSHINE for her summer residence in Florida and will continue that work until Tuesday. Between the necessary tasks, we hope to visit with our friends in New Smyrna Beach. We should begin the long drive to NJ on Wednesday and expect to be home on Friday, April 30, 2010.

Back in Vero

AT A GLANCE:

From: North Palm Waterway Anchorage, North Palm Beach, FL 1012.5

To: Vero Beach Municipal Marina, Vero Beach, FL MM 951.7

L/L: 27 39.46N 80 22.28W

Distance Traveled: 62.4

Hours Underway: 10.1

Average Speed: 6.2 mph

Weather: Temp range 73 - 84; wind ESE @ 5 - 10 mph; mostly cloudy

Comment: It was a good day on the water. We only had to wait (for about 27 minutes) for one bridge (Indiantown). Our speed was mostly at or above 7 mph, although our average was 6.2. The average includes the time spent pulling up the anchor, waiting for the bridge and picking up the mooring ball in Vero Beach.

We were assigned to ball 19 which is right in front of the marina complex. It makes for a short ride to the dinghy dock!

Vero Beach - Here We Come!

Sunrise from the North Palm Waterway anchorage

Rowers on the waterway

Paddle Boarders on beautiful Hobe Sound

Goodbye Hollywood!

Waiting to board the Super Servant for a trip to the Caribbean

(Port Everglades)

The Pineapple Boat (off loading in Port Everglades)

What Else Is New?

THE DAY AT A GLANCE:

LAY DAY: Weather induced Lay Day @ Hollywood Municipal Marina, Hollywood, FL MM 1072.2

Weather: Temp range 75 - 84; wind E between 25+ mph, gusts to mid 30’s; mostly sunny choppy in the harbor

Comment: What else is new? We are experiencing another weather induced lay day! We are sure in a most unusual weather pattern. At least we’re making the best of it.

Today we investigated the transportation system. We took the number 4 bus to Young Circle. That is the western terminus of bus 4’s route. It is also the downtown or old section of Hollywood. The boulevard is lined with shops and restaurants, many appear to be upscale, although the clientele riding the bus sure doesn’t seem to be. We boarded the number 1 bus in front of Publix because we thought it might be interesting to see the Riverwalk. It wasn’t until I looked at the schedule to see that the bus stops at the Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, that I realized the Riverwalk is the same one we visited two years ago when we sailed SUNSHINE up the New River.

After a mediocre lunch at the Irish Pub, the only facility that seems to be open in the big complex of the Riverwalk, we strolled along the river watching boats come and go. Just as we were about to turn back, I spotted a sign pointing the direction to the Shoppes of Las Olas. We walked a bit further and found a funky, up scale district of old stores and restaurants, many with a French flavor. The shoppes went on for about four blocks. We walked down one side and up the other before returning to the bus stop on Third Avenue. We caught the #1 back to Young Circle (a ride of about 35 minutes) and then boarded the #4 back to the marina.

We spent the evening aboard. It looks like we’ll still be here tomorrow. If so, we’ll explore the southern end of the brick walk!

Hollywood Beach, FL

Volleyball on Hollywood Beach

The outside gardens of Le Tub restaurant in Hollywood Beach is loaded with old tubs and other bathroom fixtures, now being used as signs and planters

To get to Hollywood Beach from the municipal marina, we had to walk over the Hollywood Boulevard Bridge. On the way back to the boat, we had to wait for a bridge opening for this southbound sailboat out of Oriental, NC.

The Day at a Glance:

From: Coconut Grove Sailing Club, Coconut Grove, FL MM 1094.3

To: Hollywood City Marina, Hollywood, FL MM 1072.3

L/L: 26 00.88N 80 07.22W

Distance Traveled: 25.3

Hours Underway: 6.5

Average Speed: 3.9 mph

Weather: Temp range 75 - 84; wind E @ 23 mph gusts to 30; partly cloudy with some sun in the afternoon

Comment: Fired up the engines at 0650 and underway at 0700. The channel to Biscayne Bay is 1 3/4 miles long and as we turned the corner to head out the channel into the bay, we found the wind that had been predicted. It seemed that not only the wind but the current was against us most of the day.

We negotiated several bridges today and our timing was off on most all of them. There were two or three bridges that we missed by minutes. It meant that we had to wait for the next opening which were thirty minutes apart. It was really slow going.

We guided Hielan’ Lass through what Cap'n John thought would be shallows at Bakers Haulover Inlet, but didn't see depths below 10 feet the whole way. I estimate that we passed by at about half tide.

Our planned stop for fuel was the Hollywood Municipal Marina. During the conversation with the fuel attendant, we discovered that they had a slip for us. We contacted Hielan’ Lass on the radio and John said it would be OK for them to stop here too.

Slip fees are $1.25 per foot. The electric and water is included. The marina also has a reasonable rate for laundry and the bathrooms and showers are clean.

The city of Hollywood has about a 3 mile brick walkway on the ocean. Anna Marie and I set off on foot, across the Hollywood Boulevard Bascule Bridge to find it. The ocean was very rough with the 25+ knot east wind. The beach boasts an active Beach Volley Ball community with about 1/2 dozen courts staked out in the sand. Several games were being hotly contested as we sauntered by.

We took a break to enjoy a $1.50 ice cream cone and another later on for a drink.

Although we didn’t make a lot of progress on the day, we felt good to have gone about 25 miles in the windy conditions and have time to take a long walk.

Lay Day in Coconut Grove

The Barnacle (The Barnacle Historic State Park)









View of Biscayne Bay from the Barnacle









A Bromilade (an epiphite) growing on a Live Oak tree





LAY DAY Coconut Grove Sailing Club, Coconut Grove, FL MM 1094.3

Weather: Temp range 77 - 84; wind ENE between 12 - 15 mph; Partly cloudy; late afternoon thunderstorms and heavy downpours

Comment: We met the Funston’s at the boat ramp and they lead us to one of their favorite breakfast joints in Coconut Grove on the corner of Commodore Street. After a sumptuous meal, we walked to the bank and CVS so Honey could get a couple of provisions. Then walked back to the marina. John and Honey had some chores to do and we were going to do a few as well, but when we got back to the sailing club, the sun came out and we decided to go for do the CoCo Walk.

We toured the grounds of the Barnacle, one of the oldest houses in Florida and the 1890’s homestead of Commodore Ralph Munroe. He was Commodore of the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club for 20 years! He designed 56 sailboats for the shallow waters of Biscayne Bay, including a Proa that he used on the water. His quote to describe how the proa gained speed as it sailed down the back of a wave is the first documented description of what has become know as planning.

The fee to tour the grounds and house was $2.00 per head, paid on the honor system. A guided tour of the house costs $3.00 per person. We didn’t take the tour, but think it would be worthwhile on our next visit.

On the way back to the boat, we stopped at Yogurbella’s for an unusual yogurt treat and then stopped at Johnny Rockets for a fountain soda. We arrived back aboard SUNSHINE at about 1500 hours. At around 1700 hours, we could hear thunder in the distance and expect T Storms most of the evening.

From: Tarpon Basin, Key Largo, FL MM 1140.0

To: Coconut Grove Sailing Club, Coconut Grove, FL MM 1094.3

L/L: 25 43.57N 80 14.23W

Distance Traveled: 49.3

Hours Underway: 8:35

Average Speed: 5.75 mph

Weather: Temp range 77 - 84; wind ENE between 12 - 15 mph; Partly cloudy

Comment: Underway at 0730. Unrolled the jib in Barnes Sound. Rolled up at the Card Sound Bridge . The change in direction would not allow us to motor sail. Our speed reduced dramatically as we motored into the 15 knot wind. WE were able to maintain about 5.4 mph. Once through the cut into Biscayne Bay, we unrolled again and scooted along at 7+ mph until the wind backed about 15 degrees. We continued with the jib out, but speed was down to the mid 5’s as we pointed as high as possible.

We eventually bore off to bring the speed back up and then tacked about 5 miles south of our destination so as to avoid the shallows. All the while we were motor sailing, but tacked to keep our speed up, even though it increased our distance.

We secured a mooring in the Coconut Grove Sailing Club rather than the Dinner Key mooring field that we used on the way south. The ENE wind would have made for a lumpy night. The only problem with the CGSC is that they put us on a ball that was only 36 feet from the ball behind us. If the wind holds true and picks up, our dinghy could be chewed up be that guy’s bow. Fortunately, the wind didn’t increase and our dinghy never came in contact with the bow of the boat behind us.

We were prepared to drop the dinghy into the water and put it along side SUNSHINE, but we didn’t have to do that.

The Funston’s took a slip in the Dinner Key Marina, so after we settled in, we took the launch (it runs 24 hours a day) to shore and walked around the corner to visit.

We spent the evening aboard SUNSHINE and watched 1/2 a movie, played a couple of games, and hit the sack.

Departure!

The final sunset (Thursday, April 8) from Boot key Harbor. Tomorrow we set sail!

From: Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL MM 1195.0
To: Tarpon Basin, Key Largo, FL MM 1140.0
L/L: 25 07.81N 80 25.84W
Distance Traveled: 59.1
Hours Underway: 10.0
Average Speed: 5.9mph
Weather: Temp range 77 - 86; wind mostly out of the south between 5 and 15 mph; mostly sunny

Sunrise on April 9, 2010, the day we sailed out of Boot Key Harbor

Comment: We’re under way after 86 days on mooring ball B-5. The only time we left the ball was to go for a day sail on February 20 with Terry and Emma.

After fueling at Burdine’s, we went back to the harbor and left via Sister’s Creek. I made contact with Heilan’ Lass who left their marina at about 0715. As it turns out, they were a little bit behind us.

Heilan' Lass followed us through the shallows in Florida Bay

We decided to use Hawk’s Channel because the forecast was for south winds at about ten knots with two to three foot seas. As it turned out, those conditions made for a lumpy ride! We were happy to pass through Channel Five and get into the bayside when the water was virtually flat.

Heilan’ Lass followed us. They were concerned about tomorrow’s forecast and the predicted conditions in Hawk Channel might not be pleasant. The problem with traveling bayside is their five foot draft. John reported that they bumped three times, but had no difficulty.

Check the magnificent colors of the clouds, sky and water!

SUNSHINE seemed sluggish to me. I’m thinking the growth on the bottom might be slowing us down. We’ll try to scrub, or have the bottom scrubbed as soon as possible.

After setting the anchor in Tarpon Basin, I thought of jumping in to scrub the bottom. Unfortunately, I saw several sea nettles. Scrubbing can wait!

Easter Break 2010

Thursday, April 1, 2010, the day we left SUNSHINE for a quick trip to Myrtle Beach to meet the family for Easter Break. We rented condos on the beach from Coral Beach Resort. The complex featured a lazy rive, water park, kiddie pool several hot tubs an indoor and an outdoor pool all with heated water.

The kids even swam in the ocean, but it was cold. They didn't seem to mind.

We had a big birthday party for Geoffrey, Madie, me, Granny and Matt, because we weren't home or wouldn't be home for them. All the kids got gifts which they loved, of course.

We all left the resort at 2:00 pm pn Monday. Anna Marie and I had a flat tire while speeding down I-95. Well, it wasn't actually flat, but it only had about ten pounds of pressure when a passing car flagged us down to tell us about it. The tire cause a delay of two hours, so we only did about 300 miles on the day, leaving 500 miles for Tuesday.

We arrived back at SUNSHINE at 1930 hours on Tuesday, April 6.. All was well with the boat. We did a few chores, fired up the freezer and hit the sack by 2200 hours.

62 Trips Around the Sun Completed!

Well, well, here it is, another milestone; sixty-two trips around the sun. It sure doesn't seem like it.

We spent the day riding our bicycles around Marathon, stopping at the Hammocks' Barnacle Barney's Tiki Bar for a coke and then to Burdine's Chicki Tiki for dolphin fingers. We arrived back at the boat at about 1600 hours and Anna Marie left to do the laundry while I cleaned the grill and got things ready for dinner.

We had planned on attending a Pirate dinner at the Barnacle Barney's, but opted for a quiet dinner aboard. The grilled, beer can chicken, mashed potatoes and corn-on-the-cob was very tasty. We ate while watching the end of the Godfather Trilogy. Just before dinner, we talked to all the kids (big and small) and are looking forward to seeing them in Myrtle Beach in a couple of days.

So there you are, finished my sixty-second trip around the sun and looking forward to sixty-two more! So long as I can ride my bike, I've got a shot!

Bus Tour of the Lower Keys

Mangrove Mama's on Sugarland Key

Weather: Temp range mid 70s to low 80s;,sunny; wind NW clocking to SE @ 12 - 15 knots;; light chop in the harbor

Comment: Today was “Tour the Keys” day! We boarded the southbound bus for the Big Pine Flea Market. After an hour or two of shopping, we boarded another southbound bus for Mangrove Mamma’s on Sugarland Key. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch. The food was excellent! Following lunch, we boarded a northbound bus and disembarked at Boondock’s Bar and Grill. We sipped a cold beverage, watched a softball game on TV, strolled the grounds and took some pics of the foliage on the minigolf course. We didn’t play. We expect that there will be lots of minigolf opportunities in Myrtle Beach this Easter, when we meet the kids for a few days.

Friends who were with a group from Marathon Marina were also at Boondock's for the Howard Livingston CD release party. We joined them for dinner in anticipation of the festivities and concert. The band was especially good tonight. Besides the usual band members, Howard was joined by two of his cousins on stage. They did a great job on the “Cowboy Troy” part of the song “We’re All the Same.”

Just before the end of the first set, we left for the ride back with our friends.

Boondock's Bar and Grill on Ramrod Key

Boondock's Minigolf COurse

Foliage on the minigolf course.

Mile 0 - The terminus for US 1 in Key West.

We have been enjoying a run of great weather. Since our last post, we have either biked or walked each day. Our bike rides are usually between six and ten miles long and usually involve sightseeing and/or shopping.

On Wednesday, March 24, we made what probably was our last trip to Key West this season. As you can see, we took some typical "tourist" photos.

Hemingway's first house in Key West

Anna Marie gets friendly with Spongeman!

That's right, nothing happened!

Another great Boot Key Harbor sunset.

The Dance of Love!

Dance champion and former Rockette, Ganine, demonstrating the meringue!

Last night we attended another dance lesson at the City Marina. The lesson was all about Latin rhythms, movements (mostly involving the hips) and steps. The hour long lesson, given by Ganine, dance champion and former Rockette, was quite a workout!

We had a great time learning the meringue, salsa and rumba, not to mention the Cuba aruba, the "Dance of Love."

A Weekend of Music!

We're back from day two of the Marathon Seafood Festival. For us it was more of a music festival. We enjoyed another great weather day (80's with a 15 knot breeze and bright sun) and four more hours of music. Topping the performers today was Amber Leigh an up and coming Country Music star. She is quite a talent, performing vocals and playing the fiddle and mandolin. She's been performing with her Dad since she was thirteen. She's now twenty-three and seems to have a great future in the music industry. Check out this video: