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: Cool in NJ and Cool in FL when we returned.
Comment: Time for another adventure! We got cheap ($100 round trip from Ft. Lauderdale to Atlantic City for two) tickets so decided to pay a visit to our family in NJ.
The flight home was great; completely smooth and fast. Sandi and Rose met us at the airport and whisked us away to their house where we spent the night. Shelley and the kids came over and we had a great time visiting with them.
On Thursday, we drove home with Rose and Madie who were to spend the next couple of nights with us. We had great fun with them. I took Claire clothes shopping on Thursday night and we took everyone to the toy store on Friday night. All the kids stayed over on Friday night. We played games, talked and watched them play computer games.
We did it again on Saturday for a few hours. Greg drove us to the airport in time for our 2115 flight back to Ft. Lauderdale. We found our rental car just a few minutes past midnight and by 0330, we were back aboard SUNSHINE. It was a great visit and the price was right: A little over $100 for round trip air fare for to from Ft. Lauderdale, $42.00 car rental from Ft. Lauderdale to Thrift Car Rental in Marathon.
Sunshine almost always makes me high! (John Denver)
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Hello Joe and Dee (Days 126 - 134)
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: We’ve enjoyed spring like weather for the week. The wind was variable ranged from calm to 30 knots during the week. The temps ranged from lows in the high 50s to the high 60s and the high temps ranged from the low 70s to the low 80s.
Comment: We had a great week! Joe and Dee visited. Joe likes to drive, and since they had a car, we went places that are out of reach by walking and biking. Dining highlights included 25 cent shrimp at Sparky’s, Pizza at the No Name Pub, fish sandwiches at the Islamorada Fish Company, Stone Crab Claws at The Keys Fishery, seafood at Schooners Warf in Key West, Beer Butt Chicken at Porky’s, cheeseburgers at the Marathon Elks Lodge, and a pig roast at the Dockside.
Activities included a trip to Deer Key to see the little Key Deer, walked Key West and viewed the Sunset, repair of the hydraulic steering (Marathon Boatworks), heard the Doerfel Family again (this time a the Hurricane), shopped at the Nautical Flea Market in Islamorada and the weekend flea market in Big Pine Key and went to the Marathon Community Movie house (Mall Cop), visited the Funston’s and watched the sunset from their dock at Marathon Marina.
We also toured local resorts and marinas on a scouting mission for the Fritz’s next boating destination to the Keys.
On Wednesday, the Fritz’s dropped us off at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport. We taking advantage of a $9.00 flight home aboard Spirit Airlines (round trip for two including taxes and seats in a little over $100.00). We’ll be back aboard SUNSHINE early Sunday morning. The Fritz's are heading home after a most enjoyable visit. We hope they can return for another leg of the trip.
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: We’ve enjoyed spring like weather for the week. The wind was variable ranged from calm to 30 knots during the week. The temps ranged from lows in the high 50s to the high 60s and the high temps ranged from the low 70s to the low 80s.
Comment: We had a great week! Joe and Dee visited. Joe likes to drive, and since they had a car, we went places that are out of reach by walking and biking. Dining highlights included 25 cent shrimp at Sparky’s, Pizza at the No Name Pub, fish sandwiches at the Islamorada Fish Company, Stone Crab Claws at The Keys Fishery, seafood at Schooners Warf in Key West, Beer Butt Chicken at Porky’s, cheeseburgers at the Marathon Elks Lodge, and a pig roast at the Dockside.
Activities included a trip to Deer Key to see the little Key Deer, walked Key West and viewed the Sunset, repair of the hydraulic steering (Marathon Boatworks), heard the Doerfel Family again (this time a the Hurricane), shopped at the Nautical Flea Market in Islamorada and the weekend flea market in Big Pine Key and went to the Marathon Community Movie house (Mall Cop), visited the Funston’s and watched the sunset from their dock at Marathon Marina.
We also toured local resorts and marinas on a scouting mission for the Fritz’s next boating destination to the Keys.
On Wednesday, the Fritz’s dropped us off at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport. We taking advantage of a $9.00 flight home aboard Spirit Airlines (round trip for two including taxes and seats in a little over $100.00). We’ll be back aboard SUNSHINE early Sunday morning. The Fritz's are heading home after a most enjoyable visit. We hope they can return for another leg of the trip.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Hyrdraulic Steering (Day 125)
Steering Repair @ Marathon Boat Yard
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: Here we go again! Bright sunshine, light wind, 80 and 70 degrees
Comment: Once Again, the steering fluid reservoir is empty. This marks the third time on the trip. The leak must be getting worse. We decided to have it fixed once and for all. Marathon Boat Yard has a hydraulic steering mechanic. He immediately found a leak in the cylinder.
The yard is working up a price on replacing it with a new one and another price for “resealing” this one.
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: Here we go again! Bright sunshine, light wind, 80 and 70 degrees
Comment: Once Again, the steering fluid reservoir is empty. This marks the third time on the trip. The leak must be getting worse. We decided to have it fixed once and for all. Marathon Boat Yard has a hydraulic steering mechanic. He immediately found a leak in the cylinder.
The yard is working up a price on replacing it with a new one and another price for “resealing” this one.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day & More (Days 123 & 124)
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 near 80, low near 70; light & variable wind; calm in the harbor; two beautiful days!
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 near 80, low near 70; light & variable wind; calm in the harbor; two beautiful days!
Comments:
Hootenanny!
Each Saturday night (weather permitting) musician-boaters gather under the Tiki Hut to play, sing, consume some adult beverages and enjoy the camaraderie. Sadly, most of the Saturdays since we’re been here have been too cold for the weekly sing-along, but not this Valentine's evening!
A crowd of about 25 gathered with ten singer/guitar players. One captain brought his bongos and others brought marimbas to provide percussion. They played a good mix of songs and the audience was not shy about singing along.
Just imagine, a moonlit night in a quiet harbor, some guitars strumming softly and a couple of dozen people singing in harmony. It was a delicious evening! Happy Valentine's Day!
Another Body Found
CUDJOE KEY – A man’s body was pulled from the water off the shore of Cudjoe Key earlier in the week.
The sheriff’s Office and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to reports that a couple on a sailboat had spotted a body. They found the body face down in a muddy area. The man’s kayak was nearby. A vehicle belonging to him was found parked in an access area.
There was no sign of foul play.
This marks the third body that has been found floating face down in the Keys since we’ve been here. The other two involved alcohol.
Laundry and Boat Chores
We continue to keep up with boat chores. I finally finished polishing the stainless that is on the transoms and stern. While in the dinghy, I was able to do a bit of spot fiberglass cleaning.
Meanwhile, Anna Marie did the laundry. She was fourth in line when she arrived at 0745. Her task was completed by 1200 hours and we spent the day on additional boat chores. She cleaned and I reinforced the fiberglass for the starboard engine lifting apparatus.
Meanwhile, Anna Marie did the laundry. She was fourth in line when she arrived at 0745. Her task was completed by 1200 hours and we spent the day on additional boat chores. She cleaned and I reinforced the fiberglass for the starboard engine lifting apparatus.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Exodus! (Day 122)
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 and sunny most of the day, fog in the morning; High 80, low in the high 60s; light wind; flat calm in the harbor
Comment: Fog. It’s rather unusual in the keys, but we had some this morning. By mid morning, the harbor was clear of the fog which remained all around us until the afternoon. The harbor was a kind of bulls eye of clear sky but was surrounded by fog.
For the last three days, we have been enjoying great weather. Many boats have taken the opportunity to leave for other ports. Some are going to the Bahamas, others to the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Still others are going up the west coast of Florida.
New boats arrive daily, but in the last three days, more have left than have arrived, so that there are now mooring balls available.
Listening to the cruisers’ net is interesting every morning, but particularly so when you hear the new arrivals and where they have come from as well as hearing the departures tell where they are heading next. Most have to pass through the Boot Key Harbor Bascule Bridge and the captain and bridge tender always have unique exchanges. There is usually kind words for the harbor and the fun the departures have had. The bridge captain usually invites the crew back for another visit.
On the day, we rode our bikes a bit, and did a few boat chores, including removing the port stern hatch which leaks (only in the rain!). We’re going to rebed it tomorrow, hopefully that will fix the problem. I’m not optimistic. It looks like the glass doesn’t make a proper seal with the gasket. I suspect the hatch will have to be replaced.
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 and sunny most of the day, fog in the morning; High 80, low in the high 60s; light wind; flat calm in the harbor
Comment: Fog. It’s rather unusual in the keys, but we had some this morning. By mid morning, the harbor was clear of the fog which remained all around us until the afternoon. The harbor was a kind of bulls eye of clear sky but was surrounded by fog.
For the last three days, we have been enjoying great weather. Many boats have taken the opportunity to leave for other ports. Some are going to the Bahamas, others to the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Still others are going up the west coast of Florida.
New boats arrive daily, but in the last three days, more have left than have arrived, so that there are now mooring balls available.
Listening to the cruisers’ net is interesting every morning, but particularly so when you hear the new arrivals and where they have come from as well as hearing the departures tell where they are heading next. Most have to pass through the Boot Key Harbor Bascule Bridge and the captain and bridge tender always have unique exchanges. There is usually kind words for the harbor and the fun the departures have had. The bridge captain usually invites the crew back for another visit.
On the day, we rode our bikes a bit, and did a few boat chores, including removing the port stern hatch which leaks (only in the rain!). We’re going to rebed it tomorrow, hopefully that will fix the problem. I’m not optimistic. It looks like the glass doesn’t make a proper seal with the gasket. I suspect the hatch will have to be replaced.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Springtime in the Keys (Day 121)
View from a tropical beach restaurant (Morada Bay) in Islamorada (The temperature is 80 degrees)
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 sunny; high 80, low mid 60s; light wind, flat calm in the harbor; all-in-all a gorgeous day
Comment: It's is officially springtime in the Keys! All of the locals we have talked to tell us that winter is over.
We took care of some medical business, finished provisioning, met the Funston’s for Stone Crabs at the Keys Fisheries ($1.00 per claw on the upper deck) and then went to the movies (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) with them. The movie was long, interesting, and yes… it could happen!
When we returned home, we enjoyed coffee and tea in the cockpit (parat of our normal routine). The harbor was flat calm and there wasn’t a sound to be heard, except for the occasional dinghy motoring off in the distance. It was a most peaceful evening.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Provisioning Day Part 1 (Day 120)
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 sunny, breezy, mid 70s, mid 60s, chop in the harbor
Comment: Provisioning Part 1 (refrigerated items and some general items) - will do Part 2 tomorrow (heavy items). When completed, we’ll be set for a few weeks.
We went to Sparky’s for the $0.25 shrimp. I also enjoyed what they bill as the best gumbo east of the Mississippi. I can attest to that. It is the best gumbo I’ve had since New Orleans. We’re going back for gumbo night on Tuesday.
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 sunny, breezy, mid 70s, mid 60s, chop in the harbor
Comment: Provisioning Part 1 (refrigerated items and some general items) - will do Part 2 tomorrow (heavy items). When completed, we’ll be set for a few weeks.
We went to Sparky’s for the $0.25 shrimp. I also enjoyed what they bill as the best gumbo east of the Mississippi. I can attest to that. It is the best gumbo I’ve had since New Orleans. We’re going back for gumbo night on Tuesday.
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