St. Augustine and Beyond

Friday 4/8/11    We pulled anchor and rejoined the northward migration of boats heading out of Daytona. Somewhere near Palm Coast, Fl. Pam decided to get online and check our credit card statement. "When did you go to California" she asked me. Seems we had charges at a gas station 3 times, a McDonald's once, and a Western Union charge on our card. That's all it took. Pit Bull Pam was on the phone getting it straightened out. By the next day we had new cards delivered to the marina in St. Augustine.

What's This?

With a crisis averted we rolled into St. Augustine Municipal Marina in the heart of downtown.

For the next day and a half we explored St. Augustine as well as changing the sea water impellers on the main engines of Tourist.

Pam at the old city gates.

Oldest School.

Pam & Ponce

One of the many restored buildings.

One we didn't go in!

St. Augustine is one of the oldest cities in the states. One that shouldn't be missed. We finished off our 2 night stay with a great dinner at O. C White's. Just across the street from the marina.

Sunday we continued on to our last stop in Florida. Fernandina. We tied off to a mooring ball across from the marina and went in to walk the streets. Pam and I aren't big shoppers but it's fun to look at the different types of shops that make up a tourist town. Fernandina has done a good job of restoring the downtown area. Of course we had to stop in the oldest continuous operating bar in Florida, the Palace Saloon.

 Pam found a Pirate outside the bar.

Once again we had another great meal at Pablo's Mexican restaurant in Fernandina.

Our view as we dinghied back to Tourist.

Monday 4/11/11 found us saying so long to Florida. Time to put that chart book away for awhile.

Until next year.

Our travels took us past the Kings Bay Submarine base before we split off onto the ICW again. We were hoping to see a sub coming or going but it wasn't to be.

Kings Bay Naval Base.

Not long after passing the base we crossed St. Andrews Sound before arriving at Jekyll Island. While crossing the sound we ran through thousands of jelly fish. Not a good place to go swimming.

Really. There were thousands! They must be camera shy.

Our reason for stopping at Jekyll Island was two fold. One was free loaner bikes to explore the island. Two was to hook up to cable so we didn't miss Dancing With the Stars! We enjoyed our ride around the island and even were able to pick up some half and half for Pam.

A scene from the south.

The Jekyll Island Club.

Elephants in a Parade

Monday 4/4/11     Morning came and we dug the anchor out of the muck that composes the bottom of the Manatee Pocket. The anchor wash down got a workout before we ever moved! To complicate things they're dredging in the pocket and buoys, flashing lights, dredge pipe, and arrows are everywhere making it a bit confusing. Fortunately we were in and out of here a million times when I was at Chapman's so we made it without running aground or into anything.

Our destination for the day was Vero Beach and the Municipal Marina. Vero better known in the cruising community as Velcro Beach has a reputation of luring cruisers in and then keeping them, thwarting what ever plans they may have had. The marina is small as far as dockage is concerned but they have a large mooring field with two and three boats rafted together on one mooring. We opted for the end of a dock and settled in for the predicted bad weather.

Wind and Rain in Vero.

We spent two nights in Vero and then escaped when no one was looking. Once we got back on the ICW we found out that we weren't alone. Boat after boat after boat. Like elephants in a parade we headed north. One by one we hailed the boats on the radio and agreed to a passing scenario. Remember Tourist is a trawler in disguise but even at trawler speeds she's still faster than most of the others heading north.

Closing in on the next victim.

One of the sites we went by on Wednesday was the condo complex where my parents wintered in Florida before moving over to Bonita Springs.

Parents former winter crib.

Up the line we took a side trip on the Canaveral Barge Canal to Harbortown Marina to take on fuel. Research showed them to have the lowest price between Stuart and the Georgia state line. A side benefit was passing the Sea Ray plant on Merritt Island where back in 2003 we agreed to the purchase of Tourist. The foliage hides the facility extremely well so pictures were not to be had except for the one below.

This is the narrow canal that we went through many times in December of '03 while doing test rides during the Sea Ray Expo. They run everything out through this cut including their 60 footers. Steady as she goes!

Our anchorage after leaving the barge canal and getting back on the ICW was a few miles below Titusville, Fl. in the shadows of the Kennedy Space Center.

The Vehicle Assembly building in the distance.

Thursday found us back in the parade as we continued north past Titusville, New Smyrna Beach, and on to Daytona for our next overnight.

The Haulover Canal before entering Mosquito Lagoon. The work barge in the distance caused much consternation for the travelling pack as it was approached. The opening looks narrower than it is and all made it without incident.

Princess Grace aground.

I always wondered how they changed the navigation lights on the bridges.

Croc art?

So far we've clicked off 300 miles since leaving Legacy Harbour. Next stop, St. Augustine.

Movin On Movin On

Well the time has come for us to move on. What day could be more appropriate to start/continue our journey of the Great Loop than April Fools day! So that's just what we did.
With the Franklin Lock on a limited opening schedule we departed Legacy Harbour at 7am before most of our dock mates were up. Traveling in our Sea Ray Trawler we meandered our way to the lock arriving in time for the 9am opening.

Caloosahatchie morning.

We traveled past citrus groves and beautiful homes. Under bridges and through three locks the first day.

Fort Denaud swing bridge. The operator has to walk to the center of the bridge to operate it.

Upon exiting the Moore Haven lock you are faced with what looks like a dead end. Push on and you find the channel turning to the south to take you along the rim of Lake Okeechobee to Clewiston, Fl.

Not much wiggle room when meeting oncoming traffic between Moore Haven and Clewiston.

No place for boat trouble. Gators all along the route just waiting for a snack!

It wasn't long and we found ourselves arriving at Roland Martin's Marina, Fish Camp, Bar & Grill. Our home for the night.

Camo is the design of choice at Roland Martins.

Friday night means entertainment. Yep. The band played at the Tiki Hut til 1am and guess where the transient dock is. I thought Travis Tritt was coming right through the hull!

To get in and out of RM's you must pass through a lock like structure built in the man made dike that surrounds Lake Okeechobee.

Looking back down the transient dock towards the gates to the lake. The band was right above the 2nd boat.

Day two we were underway again at 7am. Heading out onto the lake through some narrow and shallow channels.

The run across from Clewiston to Port Mayaca is 25 miles of open water. Once on the east side you enter the St. Lucie Canal for the remainder of the way to Stuart where we dropped the hook in the Manatee Pocket.

All ready for Shrimpers, but first I have to dry my nails!

Chapman's School of Seamanship. My alma mater.

Smells like fish!

We stayed two nights in the Pocket and will point our bow north on Monday.

New Company

Pam & I got back to Tourist just in time to get provisioned for our next guests arrival on Thursday. Thanks to my Mom & Dad for picking up the Kissell's at RSW and giving them the tour on the way to Legacy.

Kim & LuAnn have been trying to get here for three years but could never find the exit door to leave Iowa. They last visited us in Stuart while I was going to Chapman's. It didn't take long to get into tourist mode and expose some white northern skin to the sun. Of course we had to drag them down the street to the Edison-Ford complex where we opted for the equivalent of a drive by tour.

We did have time for a photo shoot with Tom.

Besides doing the Edison walk by we spent Friday strolling the docks of Legacy and just relaxing. No alcohol was consumed before 9:30 am! Following a nice meal downtown we came back to Tourist where the girls watched Memoirs of a Geisha and Kim & I fell asleep.

Saturday dawned bright and sunny with expectations of leaving the dock and heading down to the Tarpon Point area to cruise the canals and spend the night. Tourist had other plans, For the second time this year we had a leaking exhaust pipe dripping water into the bilge. This time on the starboard engine. The pipe is 28" x 8" and had developed three pin holes in the underside of it. If you own a boat you know that these are not items sitting on a shelf at West marine waiting to be purchased. What to do? With two heads being better than one we decided to rotate the pipe so the holes were on top and then try a product I had heard about for years but never tried. JB Weld. Off to the hardware store we went.

With the day escaping we decided to make repairs on the hook so duct tape was put over the holes and we went the 13 miles to Tarpon Point and anchored for the night. Sunday morning we applied the JB Weld per instructions and the rest is history. Off to explore the canals and lunch at Rumrunners. Upon our return to the boat we found that it had moved a bit closer to shore. Seems the wind came up and switched directions and popped the anchor loose causing it to drag a bit before resetting. No harm to the boat or environment. Just a bruised ego to the captain who likes to think he has things under control.

Monday we took off for the Marco Island area and the anchorage behind Kewadyn Island. On our way past Ft. Myers Beach we were just ahead of the Key West Ferry as it was heading for the Conch Republic.

Headin to Key West.

We had a smooth ride to our anchorage dodging crab pots along the way and enjoying the aqua waters of the gulf.

I think we're right here. Or maybe here. It must be Bloody Mary time!

 Once we arrived we launched the dinghy and went ashore to walk around and pick up shells. Part way around the island the girls were attacked by flys causing the creation of several new dance steps.

Doing the fly dance. Instructional video to be released soon.

With time too short we headed back to Ft. Myers Beach for a little shopping. A little gawking. And a little taste of life at the beach.

Crowded Ft. Myers Beach.

Young Love!

Hello! Is this the party to whom I'm speaking?

Hey, I dropped my dentures!
On our way back to Tourist we stopped by Front Page and Root Beer Float who were tied up at Ballard's fuel dock, to wish them a safe voyage to the Bahamas. Our intent was just that but we were soon kidnapped and forced to eat raw oysters, scallops, shrimp, and smoked fish as well as being forced to consume a liquid to wash down the bounty of the sea. Darn the luck! We finally escaped and made our way back to the boat to get ready for dinner at Parrot Key.

Our captors. What innocent faces!

Wednesday we made our way back to Legacy where Kim was introduced to the hose and chamois part of salt water boating. That evening we went to dinner at the Edison where it was ladies night. Talk about a meat market! Oh yeah. The food was good too!

Dinner (drinks) at The Edison.

All too soon it was Thursday morning and time to head to the airport. We dropped them off hoping the shell collection wouldn't put their suitcases over the weight limit.

A good time was had by all. (At least they didn't kidnap Pam like our last visitors!)

Been Busy

A lot has been going on since the last posting on the blog. I'll try to cover most of what we've been up to if I can remember them all.
When I last checked in Pam had deserted me to fly home and get an Oscar fix. Seems that she needed a more innocent face to look at than mine.

I wish she understood sign language.

If they only knew what I am thinking!

While back home the family took Pam to Manny's Pizza  one night and of course had to call me and send me pictures over my phone of the tacos & pizza. In response I prepared a delicious Complete Meal in the microwave. Who needs Manny's!

With Pam 1500 miles away visiting and babysitting I was left to entertain myself. Wax the boat, lobster dinner at the marina courtesy of Marv & Carol from M/V DeeLight. More waxing, docktails and another Complete Meal. Still more waxing and Bike Night downtown followed by cigars and cocktails with various members of the Legacy cast. Wash the boat, take a quick trip to the Bahamas. What? That's correct. A quick trip to the Abacos. Here's the scoop.

Seems Eric from the marina needed to get a boat from Legacy to Great Guana Cay in the Abacos and needed a deckhand for the trip. Donnie from Kasey's Choice told him that I was home alone for a few days and perhaps would be interested in going along. The only problem was that I wouldn't get back until Wednesday and Pam was getting back on Tuesday. You know what that means. I needed clearance from the Admiral before committing to the trip.
It was almost too easy. I think she was relieved that I wouldn't be here to bug her while she got settled back on Tourist. Actually she was a bit jealous that she wasn't with us since the Marlow is her favorite boat.

Any way with my permission slip in hand I agreed to the trip. We untied the lines at 5:20 am on Monday and headed out onto the dark Caloosahatchie for the run to Stuart. Much to my delight the channel markers were very reflective when hit with the spotlight beam making the early morning run a bit less stressful. We made the lockages on time and lowered the antenna's to avoid having to wait for bridge openings. All went well and we tied up at Pirates Cove Marina in Stuart, Fl. at 6;30 pm.

Our ride to the Bahamas, A 57' Marlow Explorer.

Tuesday morning we got going a little after 7 am. We wanted daylight so we could avoid the shoals common to the St. Lucie Inlet as we headed out onto the Atlantic.

Sunrise looking out towards the St. Lucie Inlet.
Once out onto the big water we quickly abandoned the flybridge for the enclosed pilothouse as the waves rose to the four foot stage which was sending salt spray all over the boat. The Marlow handled them with ease as we cruised along at 18 knots. In fact I commented to Eric about what a difference the stabilizers make in the quality of the ride when he informed me that he wasn't using them but had them locked in the straight ahead position. I LIKE this boat! It was smooth enough to break out a couple of Breakfast Bowls and nuke them in the microwave while we were travelling along. Umm, umm good!

It wasn't long before we were approaching the Little Bahama Banks area and much shallower water and so clear that you could see the bottom! For the next several hours we wound our way through the various islands avoiding the extremely shallow spots enroute to our first stop at Spanish Cay to check in with Bahamian Customs. We just made it before the official got on the ferry for her ride home. From there it was another hour and a half to Orchid Bay Resort on Great Guana Cay. We pulled in at 7:30 pm with daylight to spare. Boat delivered. Or so we thought. As we were tying the lines a chap from a nearby sportfishing boat came over and said " I hope you don't want power or water". Apparently the services had been shut down for failure to pay their bills and no one told him or the owner of our Marlow. Time to scramble!

Our wake in the Bahamas, Nice!

Being the conscientious person that he is, Eric quickly contacted the owner and relayed the circumstances. Following many texts back and forth it was decided that we would take the boat to Treasure Cay on Great Abaco Island the next morning and see if they could accommodate our needs. With a loose plan in place we walked around the cove to a little beachside restaurant for a much needed libation and some conch fritters before hitting the rack.

Wednesday morning we shoved off at 7 am and headed across the water. As we approached Treasure Cay Eric contacted them on the VHF radio and advised them of our needs which were now stacking up. Our flight out of Marsh Harbor is at noon. Once the initial shock of such a request coming as they first opened for the day wore off, the dockmaster was able to find a slip for our Marlow. Upon entering the marina we stopped to fill the fuel tank. In talking to the attendant we were able to secure a ride to the airport and also get someone to wash the salt off the boat once it was in the slip.
Safely docked and the appropriate fees paid we were met by our taxi driver for the ride to the Marsh Harbor airport. We got there at 11:30 am with time to spare. A quick flight to West Palm and the drive back to Legacy got us home at 4:30 pm. Just like clockwork!

Yours truly at the helm of a Marlow. Way cool!

Entrance to Treasure Cay.

Eric fueling the boat.

By the way. Pam was as happy to see me upon my return as I was her.  Of course I had to fill her in on all the nuances of the Marlow but not before I heard all of the Oscar stories!

Pam's Been Kidnapped? Or home for an Oscar Fix?

Day two at Cayo Costa was windy with the threat of rain so we decided to stay in the anchorage and relax for the day. We were in an area protected from three sides and all by ourselves. That is until this guy in a Grand Banks pulls in and drops his anchor so close that I could throw a noodle and hit him. It wasn't long and a catamaran anchored about the same distance from the GB. What's the attraction?

Sorry. We keep our curtains closed!

From Cayo Costa we travelled south to the mooring field at Ft. Myers Beach and hung out for a couple of days. Shopping, eating, drinking, and people watching.

We found the below pictured signs along the way.

Where to next?

Are they calling us trash?

Seven days after we pulled out of Legacy we returned. Out of water. Out of Mix. Out of booze. Out of beer. And full of....well, you know.

A good time with good friends. 

All too soon it was time to say goodbye to Mike & Nancy. Little did I know that they were taking Pam with them. I'm certain it was a kidnapping because Pam would never leave me on my own in 80 degree weather.

Even though Pam tried to get the full body scan and pat down it was Nancy who got the bonus treatment at the airport! Some people have all the luck.

Irish Invasion

That's right. We've been invaded by the Flanagan's. Mike & Nancy to be precise. Back to see the Florida that the Chamber of Commerce promises. Last year when they were here it was cold and windy. Not what you want when you come South.

We're here and we're over dressed! Yippee!

You can see from the picture Nancy forgot to take off one of her gloves. Actually she fell a week before departure and broke her wrist. Ouch! Being the trooper she is it didn't keep her from jumping on the plane and heading to Ft. Myers. She has adapted quite well to drinking with her left hand!

The happy campers in appropriate garb off Sanibel Island.

With the weather cooperating we travelled offshore around Sanibel and Captiva Islands and back in Boca Grande Pass to anchor for a few days at Cayo Costa. Amazingly we got the anchor set just in time for cocktails!

The Explorer's about to embark on a wild safari to the other side of the island.

Our first full day at Cayo Costa started with a dinghy ride across the anchorage to a small cove in search of wildlife. Success was had when we spotted several Manatee's floating around soaking up the sun.

One of the lazy guys checking us out as we idled by.

Our next adventure took us on shore and across the island to the gulf side and a walk on the beach. The shelling was good. Unfortunately for those following us they witnessed four butts in the air at times as we searched for the perfect shells.

Looking for shells. (They would never let me get behind them with the camera!)

After a long walk and success at finding shells we had a wet ride ( brisk wind from the South) back to Tourist for afternoon tea and crumpets before Pam made a gourmet meal for dinner. The day ended with a beautiful sunset over the island.

Sunset over Cayo Costa.