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.
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