Summer Winterization & More...

Since we've been back at Legacy it's been a flurry of activity on board Tourist. It actually started on Tuesday shortly after we pulled into the slip and hooked up the power. Draining the oil from the generator and both engines while they were hot. As if I wasn't sweating enough from the 90 degree outside temps! Fortunately Tourist has a built in pump that with the flick of a switch sucks the oil out. All I have to do is make sure the discharge hose is pointed into the drain bucket and hold on. Reverse the process with fresh oil and the engines are full. A nice feature found on most diesel powered boats nowadays.

While I was messing around in the engine room Pam was creating turmoil on the inside. If you know Pam then you know everything has its' place, so for her to have the clutter sitting around as seen in the picture took quite a few sedatives!

Once the engine room work was done (oil, filters, clean sea strainers, suck up water with shop vac) I headed to the fly bridge to start cleaning. From our travels we had picked up a little salt spray along the way and it was time to remove it. From there I went through the overhead hatch and started cleaning from the top down. Not my favorite place to be when the boat is rocking!

One of the problems with summer storage is humidity. Awhile back Pam saw an infomercial for a product called Space Bags. You put the item inside, zip it shut, and suck the air out (with a vacuum)! We found them at Wal-Mart. The pictures show four of our pillows before and after air removal. Amazing! Bedding, towels, anything that might hold moisture or rust was put into a Space Bag.

On Sunday we picked up our rental car from Hertz and started to pack it full. By the time we were done the back bumper was only a few inches off the ground! It looked like we had every earthly possession in that car!(a.k.a. Beverly Hillbillies). Once loaded we took the car to River Forest to await our arrival in Tourist.

On the way over we passed this "Chain Gang" working along the highway.

Tuesday came and it was time to turn out the lights at Legacy. With our departure the place looks like a ghost town. Only a few permanent residents left. We had a nice ride across the Caloosahatchie through a few bridges and 2 locks before arriving at River Forest Yachting Center. Tourist is getting the hull polished before getting tucked into one of the two massive buildings for a rest. At least she'll have company as 3 other boats from Legacy are in the same building!

Where Tourist will reside for the hurricane season.

Soaking wet from sweating Pam & I packed the few remaining items into the car and headed north. Since we've been slackers for the past few months we decided our first night should be spent in a place that would replenish our mental capacities. You guessed it. A Holiday Inn Express in Haines City, Fl. Boy did that shower feel good! Oh yeah. I'm now a rocket scientist!

We spotted this sign at a rest area along I-10. Not sure if they mean the serpents or the motorists?
As you can tell by travelling on I-10 we went a bit off the normal route home. Reason is we stopped in Iuka, Ms. to look at a 53' Selene Ocean Trawler. Hmmm! We both liked it. Now what? Well, gotta close out for now. Pammick just spotted a dead mouse in a sticky trap out in the garage!

Decisions, Decisions???

Ever since we left home last October we have been pondering just what to do during this summers boating season. Early on we decided that we wouldn't be bringing Tourist back to Mid-Town Marina this year. What we have been struggling with is where to go. There are so many new places to explore by water.
One option is to travel back up the Tenn-Tom and explore the Tennessee and Ohio rivers for the summer and fall. Another option is to bring the boat back as far as Green Turtle Bay and slip it there for the summer. GTB is only a days drive from home so we could bounce back & forth at will. Still another option is to travel up the East coast and explore the Chesapeake Bay area as well as everything in between. Yet another thought is to do the Great Loop. A water journey of some 5000 miles up the East coast, Erie Canal, across Canada, the Great Lakes, and return via the river system to Florida next fall. Still another would be to keep the boat here in Florida and spend the summer months in the Bahamas. What to do???
Turns out we've opted for None of the Above! Once we started seriously thinking about commitments at home throughout the summer. Work that is needed around the house. And the fact that you can't just go home for a couple of days at a time, brought us to a decision. Put the boat on the hard for the summer and fall hurricane season here in Florida.
About a month ago we struck a deal with River Forest Yachting Center in La Belle, Fl. (http://www.riverforestyc.com/) to store Tourist in one of their buildings which are supposedly rated to withstand 140 mph winds. Located just west of Lake Okeechobee on the Caloosahatchie River it's central location keeps it away from any tidal surge that coastal areas experience during a big storm. Another benefit is that the boat systems get flushed out with fresh water from the river on the trip over which helps remove the salt. Much easier on the boat while sitting. Additionally Tourist will be inside, out of the Hot Florida sun which just demolishes a boat if left unattended. Add to that the staff plugs the boats power into an outlet every few weeks to keep the batteries charged while sitting. All of these things plus a friendly staff helped us make our decision. River Forest is only 2 years at this location and looks to be a top notch facility.
So there you have it. A decision has been made. Now the work to get Tourist ready for storage begins. Much the same as getting ready for winter storage back home minus the anti-freeze. The real concern for Pam is what am I going to do without a boat? This will be the first time since we've been married that we haven't had a boat during the summer at home. In fact it will be the first time for me without a boat since 1985. Yikes!!!! Maybe she should be concerned. I'm sure I'll be just fine. At least I keep telling that to myself.  The test starts in June!

Back at our 2nd home

Saturday dawned warm & muggy, just like every other day has dawned since we left Legacy. Anyway we had a leisurely morning before heading 8 miles up the Marco-Naples Waterway to anchor behind one of our new favorite beaches. The entertainment provided by the other boaters is always priceless. The beach was packed and even several boats anchored. For most of the day it was a battle of the boom boxes on the beach. Rap vs Country with no clear winner. Just like back home at Dayboater Slough, when the sun starts to set the beach clears out. Mass pandemonium! This is when Sea Tow makes their money. Dead batteries from playing the radio too long. Boats getting stuck because they tried to go where there wasn't any water. When it was all over we shared the anchorage with only a handful of other boats. Sunday was more of the same but the threat of T-storms kept some away. We did take a stroll on the beach before the rain came. Sunday night we were all alone in the anchorage. Time to use the transom shower! 

With the threat of afternoon thunderstorms on Monday we decided to leave early and head to Ft. Myers Beach. We continued up the Marco-Naples Waterway and only met 2 boats. Much less nerve wracking than it would have been on the week-end.

We passed this squatter guarding the red marker.

Once we arrived at the lower end of Naples Bay we made a left turn to head out Gordon Pass. It's a shame that we had to pass these run down fishing shacks before we hit open water.

Gordon Pass and open water.

We had a nice trawler speed cruise north to Ft. Myers Beach with 2' to 3' following seas which make Tourist look like a drunk as she gets pushed back and forth by the waves. Once you get close to Ft. Myers Beach you start to see the parasailers in the sky. Not for me!

Of course the main reason we stopped again at the beach was to take advantage of the cheaper fuel at Ballard's fuel dock. And since you have to dinghy in to the Matanzas Inn to pay for the mooring ball, you might as well head to the Beachside Grill for lunch. We had been told by Marv & Carol from M/V DeeLight to try the beach bread. Let me say we were not disappointed! Sorry no picture. By the time it occurred to me to take a picture of it there was only 1 piece left. I've never seen Pam eat so much, so fast!

Tuesday following a quick trip back into town we cast off and headed towards the Caloosahatchie River. Once again on our way out we came upon all forms of law enforcement boats. This time all tied to a dock. As luck had it they were just getting in their boats as we passed. Why is it that even though you aren't breaking any laws you feel guilty? Turns out the Coast Guard was hosting a meeting regarding local response methods to the gulf oil spill. Tourist passed with only friendly waves from the officials. With all the knuckleheads operating boats I never mind seeing the enforcement officers on the water.
A quiet 21 mile ride up the river found us back at Legacy Harbour. Our second home. Our trip covered 492.3 statute miles over 18 days.

On to Marco... the Back Way

The channel to & from Everglades City can be skinny in spots so we waited for the tide to come in which meant not leaving until 11:30am. Pam loved it! We worked our way back out to open water but didn't get into anything over 9'. Our next stop...Panther Key. Google maps shows a strip of sand there that caught my eye and the chart shows water deep enough for Tourist to get into. The chart plotter worked perfectly. Just keep the boat icon in the deep water. We found a place protected from the east wind and far enough from shore that bugs shouldn't be a problem.

Minnie T was launched and into the beach we went.

Quite a few shells but most looked like they had been run through a crusher. Not many keepers. We walked a considerable distance looking at coon tracks in the sand and the rippling effect of the receding tide water. Pam thought it would be fitting to leave our mark on the place.

Good holding. Calm water. Few bugs. And a nice sunset.
Thursday we again waited for high tide before moving. (I'm too good to her!) Today we're headed for Goodland, Fl. A small fishing town on lower Marco Island. The chart shows some 4' depths on the way in to Goodland and we weren't disappointed. Back home I'd be nervous about such thin water but down here it's the norm. We went past Coon Key Light and anchored off Tripod Key just short of Goodland. Again enough water for Tourist with room to swing.

We launched Minnie T and headed into Goodland. The hot spot in town is Stan's. Unfortunately it was only open on week-ends during May with Sundays being the big day. Maybe next year.

There are a couple other places to eat and drink. The Little Bar and Old Marco Lodge pictured above.
Back at Tourist we were entertained by dolphins, pelicans, and raccoons walking on the shoreline while having sundowners before jumping in the shower to cool down and clean up for dinner.

Friday we pulled anchor and headed towards Marco Island and the Marina at Factory Bay. Again a couple of shallow spots on the Big Marco River but no problem getting through. Once we arrived we walked a couple of doors down and rented scooters. Pam thought it was a blast except for the helmet!

One of our stops was at the Publix Supermarket. Hey Moonbeam. When will HyVee add this to their product line?

Nature Trek...Everglades City

Tuesday we decided to walk to the grocery store for a few supplies. While on the way we spotted Dougs Airboat Rides. You guessed it. We paid the money while looking out the back door at the airboats. Funny. There wasn't any activity around the boats. I asked which boat we would be on and was told that those weren't the boats that would be used. We would have to drive about 2 miles down the road! Oops! Ended up that one of the clerks sister was visiting and would give us a ride out to the boats since we have only our feet for transportation.

Matt was our boat captain, guide, entertainer, etc. (reminded me of being behind the wheel of a tour bus). We started off by finding some slow moving water with a few manatee making a home there. Then it was rev up the engine and into the mangroves. We slid through passages with overhanging limbs just wide enough for the boat. Matt said not to worry about snakes dropping out of the trees...it rarely happens!

We popped into a wide spot and found a 12' gator just floating around waiting for a tourist to snack on.

Next Matt rattled a plastic jug of cat food as we idled towards the mangroves. What now? He cut the engine and we slid right into the trees.  A few seconds later a raccoon came climbing out on the branches looking for a treat. This routine has been done before. Matt was able to let him eat right out of his hand!
We got a ride back from the sister who works at Dougs and made our way to the grocery store for the supplies we set out for in the first place.

The only casualty of the day turned out to be Pam's "Hot Flash Fan"! Seems it's been overworked here in Florida. Looks like we'll be scouring the shelves at Wal-Mart once we get back to Legacy.

Dolphins of Indian Key Pass

 

Monday came with no destination determined. What we were sure of was that we wanted to get away from those man eating insects so off we went. While we were travelling north along the coast we decided that maybe we should check out the Rod and Gun Club in Everglades City (http://www.evergladesrodandgun.com/). Pam was able to get the above video of the dolphins playing in our wake while on our way in to Everglades City. (Apparently I need to figure out the video posting)

The R & G Club is a neat old place a bit past it's prime but still with a lot of character. Bring cash or a check cause plastic ain't accepted. A lot of dark wood on the inside that takes you back to the time of cigar smoking, bourbon drinking, and story telling while sitting at the bar.

Since we were here we decided to dine on the screened in porch. Dinner was good although they were out of several items on the menu. This was of little concern to the staff who overall had a very laid back attitude about work in general. So laid back that I believe we could have stayed here without paying and been totally unoticed!

Besides tourism one of the main industries in Everglades City is crabbing. If you've ever been in a boat along the west coast of Florida you've had to dodge a crab pot or two! All of the boats go right past the Club so don't be surprised when at 3:45am you feel your boat rock. It's just the boys going to work. (Addam, pay attention to the name on the boat!)

Back to the Mainland....Kinda

Sunday 5/9/10     At 8:40am we cast off the dock lines and headed out of Key West. Sometime during Saturday night a couple of cruise ships docked at Mallory Square. Fortunately we didn't have to deal with all those tourists swarming off of the ships!

Unlike Miami, we were able to cruise right past these big boys without intervention from the water patrol.

Our destination today... the Little Shark River in the Everglades way down in southern Florida. For most of the day we were out there alone. We didn't see another boat until almost to our destination. A distance of 78 miles. We motored up the river a couple of miles to a spot picked from a cruising guide. It took two tries to get the anchor to dig into the hard bottom but then it was set. The guide warned of mosquitos at this anchorage so we were prepared. What we weren't prepared for was the huge flies and the smaller than small biting noseeums. Viscious! Fortunately they didn't come out till later so we did get to enjoy some time with a cold one watching the sea turtles and tarpon play in the water around Tourist. A beautiful anchorage that we shared only with the bugs! Check out the Everglades at (www.nps.gov/ever).

On to the Conch Republic

Friday May 7, 2010     While touring the fort we viewed this Cuban refugee boat which was hand made complete with motor and held 17 Cubans for the ride across 90 miles of open water. They landed at Ft. Jefferson and are now supposedly U.S. citizens.
After a peaceful night on the hook at Ft. Jefferson we turned back east for the 70 mile run to Key West. Our route took us north of an area called the Quiksands which is where Mel Fischer struck the motherload when he found the wreck of the Atocha.

Our arrival at Key West found us pulling into the A&B Marina located in Key West Bight just a few steps from Duvall St., one of the main arteries of the city. After fueling and getting into our slip it was time to wash the salt off Tourist and get her standing tall among all the other boats around us. To complete the day all we had to do was walk to the end of the pier for dinner at the A&B Lobster House. Delicious!

Saturday was hot and humid (just like all the other days on this outing!) so we decided to walk the length of Duvall St. to find the bouy that signifies the southernmost spot in the U.S. and take the obligatory picture. As you can tell we were not alone. To get back across town we hired a pedicab. Enough exercise for one day! It was then that we had the brainstorm to take the Conch Train Tour to see the sights. Here a a few of the things we saw.

Mel Fischer Museum

Southernmost house in U.S.

Old Cuban bank building.
Of course the best part of touring is people watching. Key West has long had a reputation for anything goes and we were not disappointed. I didn't know Pam's head could turn that far around! After a day of touring it was back to the boat for a rest break before heading a couple of blocks to Mallory Square for dinner at a Cuban restaurant named El Meson de Pepe (http://www.elmesondepepe.com/). Dinner was served while sitting outside under the porch roof of the building listening to a Cuban trio play all of our favorite Latin hits. (Actually the only one we recognized was by Celia Cruz). A full day followed by a full tummy only spells one thing.......zzzzzzzzz!

Marco and Beyond

Following a bumpy ride south we anchored for a couple of nights off of the inland route between Naples & Marco Island. We of course had to traverse this section of waterway on a Sunday. Lots of traffic and all in a hurry. At one point a pontoon boat thought he was a Nascar driver and tried to make it three wide while passing 2 other boats while coming at us. Once he realized he didn't have the horses to make the pass he swung wildly back to his right and bounced off of a wooden piling that holds the red channel marker. Unfazed, he kept going while the red placard fell into the water! Knucklehead!

Wednesday found us heading into Marco for a couple nights at the Marina at Factory Bay (http://www.themarinaatfactorybay.com/) to wash the salt off of Tourist and top off the fuel tanks. Pam quickly fell in love with this place. Clean, friendly, quiet, and free laundry! The marina is part of a condo complex and isn't very crowded now that the snowbirds have gone home. Summer rates are in effect and provided for some of the least expensive dockage since we got off the river system. Less than a block away is a place to rent bikes, scooters, or electric oversized golf carts. Next trip! We walked this time and there's a trail of sweat to prove it! All in all a nice stop topped off the last night with dinner at Arturos', a nice little Italian restaurant a few blocks from the marina.

Thursday found us casting off at 6:45am. Destination...Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas! (http://www.fortjefferson.com/) We had a nice ride across 124 miles of open water and arrived at the fort around 1:30pm. Sometimes Tourist just has to stretch her legs. We dropped anchor just off the main dock and proceeded to get ready to tour the fort. Open from sunrise to sunset our timing was good since the ferry boats with the majority of the tourists were starting to load for the run back to Key West. Once they left it was just us, about 5 other boats in the anchorage, a few campers, staff, and some construction workers who are there trying to fortify the structure since it is slowly sinking and crumbling into the sea. There was one other group out there in the middle of nowhere... Several thousand birds that inhabit Bush Key right next to Garden Key which the fort sits atop. Quite noisy during the day but not a bother if you know what I mean!

The moat.

Our anchorage.

Fort interior grounds.