Things are lookin' up

Well we finally made it into Ft. Myers, Florida. It was at this point where we parted company with our friends Al and Barbara, on "Explorer." They continued on to their destination in Punta
Gorda, FL. It was really fun cruising along with another boat and some friendly knowledgeable boaters to help guide the way. We hope to cross paths with them again.

Farewell and Following Seas to Explorer

After locating a mechanic to repair the generator (the good news is that it appears to be repairable and not needing to be replaced); a marina to keep the boat over Christmas; and a rental car lined up; we are about to leave the boat till after New Years.

We met with our neighbors from Ophelia, Barry and Diane, who have a place near here in Bonita Springs. It's been fun exploring the area here in Ft. Myers/Naples area with them. They will return after Christmas too, so we will get a chance to see be with them again here and do some more exploring by boat of the area.

It has been an interesting trip so far. Most of it was without any mechanical problems and very calm water. Each day had its challenges and we were amazed at the change in character of each area we passed through. Some days it was rare to see civilization, and others, the sides of the canals where one continuous stream of gorgeous homes. It was quite a contrast. Luckily, we had very little cold or rainy weather. The hard part was that we had to move each day, leaving little time to explore the areas where we were. That will change after Christmas as we will no longer have tough deadlines to meet. We are still trying to determine whether we will head straight to the Bahamas, or will visit the Dry Tortuga's first when we leave Florida toward the mid to latter part of January.

So far, I have learned to be a pretty good tosser of lines, and as long as I remember where Port and Starboard are, usually get the lines set up on the correct side of the boat. Bob lets me steer the boat when he needs a break. That is usually followed by him returning and looking around and asking "what the heck are you doing?" Maybe that will improve over time as I get more experienced.

We really don't have much to worry about while we are gone over Christmas. The staff at the marina seem very capable and they have hired some dock workers to keep an eye on things. You can see them below:

We wish you all a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Years and we'll be back on line when the adventure continues in January. The picture below is a small island that is home to thousands of Egrets. Quite a site to see.

Not all is sunshine and roses!

Well we have a couple of interesting days since the last post. We left our tie up at idyllic Bocha Chita Key and headed down Biscayne Bay along the North side of the Keys. We stopped for the night at Lingum Vitae Key. This was a spot where the State had put out some mooring buoys to tie up to. This was a new experience for us and Barbara and Al on Explorer. We both managed to do it with fairly stiff winds. We rocked all night in the wind and waves.

Then during the night, our generator quit. We had been having problems with it when Bob had found that the generator raw water shaft leaked and he needed to pump out the bilge every few hours when it was running. The next morning, Bob could not get it started, so we ran on engines and battery power to our anchorage for the night last night in Little Shark River in the Everglades. When we anchored for the night, Bob took a closer look at the problem and found that there is water in the oil due to a failure of the water cooler. As a result, we have not been able to use the generator. That meant no air conditioning, cut back on use of electricity of any lights or electricity, etc. So we read last night using those head lamps you wear on straps around your head.

Our passage today was quite rough in the morning, but calmed as the day progressed. We limped into Naples, our first Marina stop for three days. We were out of cell phone and Internet range for 24 hours yesterday. It was rather nerve wracking to have generator problems, and not being able to communicate with the outside world. It was very comforting having Explorer nearby.

We have a mechanic lined up to meet with us in Fort Myers tomorrow. Despite all the problems, I was able to take a few photos to pass on.

Photo 1 - Explorer in Little Shark River

Photo 2 - Little Shark River

Photo 3 - Sunset on Little Shark River

Photo 4 - Marco Island

Day to the Keys

Friday was an exciting day. We left Del Ray Harbor Club Marina around 7 in the morning and followed the ICW to Miami. The ICW along this stretch is completely built up with huge beautiful houses. You can also see areas where they are demolishing older one story houses and building huge multi-story homes in their place. The size of people's boats and houses, seemed to grow the farther South we went. We were both struck by the size of the watercraft. The largest ones would require a crew of 20 to 30 to maintain and run.

We passed through Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Lighthouse Point, Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Dania Beach, Hollywood, North Miami, Miami Beach, Miami, crossed Key Biscayne and tied up for the night at a state park in Boca Chita Key.

In the Port of Miami we passed right by some large cruise ships - when you are this close it is quite daunting.

We are still travelling with "Explorer." It looked to me like this kayak was trying to catch Explorer.

When we got to Miami, storm clouds were passing over. We got a little dusting of rain, but it passed over quickly.

Storm over Miami

Explorer coming through bridge

Shot of Miami

These were taken at Boca Chita Key. It is great little place to stop for the night. Here is a description of the island from the Key-Biscayne website:

'Boca Chita is a small island that is located approximately 12 miles south of the Cape Florida lighthouse on Key Biscayne, and Boca Chita Key is located approximately 9 miles from Convoy Point. At one point, Boca Chita was privately owned and as the owner was preparing the island for his own private use until which time was wife was fatally injured on the island. She later passed away and he found the memories too deep to continue to work on developing the property. Boca Chita is now owned and operated by the U.S. National park services. '

Lighthouse on tie-up lagoon on Boca Chita Key

No, the Pretty Penny is not really on land - it just looks that way

Good Night

Jupiter, FL

It is a little strange seeing a lighthouse on the ICW. This is in Jupiter, FL.




We had planned to cross Florida through Lake Okeechobee, to the West Coast, however, all reports are that the water level is currently to low to safely cross. So are plans have changed and we will now go down around the South end of Florida through the Florida Bay. We met a couple planning on taking their American Tug, Explorer, to the Ft. Myers, FL area who are also going to go around the South end. They have done that before. We are now travelling along with them. Al and Barbara happen to know our neighbors Deb and Bill, who also have an American Tug boat. It is a small world.

Barbara and Al on "Explorer"

Yesterday, when we were taking on fuel at a Florida Petroleum Dock, I took these photos of a Pelican. The Pelican had a fishing lure stuck on his wing and one of the dock workers that been trying to catch it and remove the lure. He said he had done that before for another Pelican. You may be able to see the lure on the last photo. It had not slowed him down from eating though - just flying.

Fuel Dock Pelican

Well, every now and then Bob's "Type A" comes through and he can't seem to wait for bridge openings. On this one, he decided to lower a couple of antennas and go under. We had about a foot and half to two feet to spare. I about had a heart attack!

We are passing through Palm Beach area today and will stop at Delray Beach tonight. I can't tell you how many huge yachts we have seen thus far and huge houses along the ICW. It is mind-boggling.

Passage to Stuart, FL

Hi Everyone, the day we left Fernandina Beach was overcast and a little rainy. Probably the dreariest day so far. Since we got a late start out of Fernandina Beach, we ended up not stopping at St. Augustine. I did take two photos in S.A. The one below is of the new bridge (not very attractive) and the second is what is left of the old historic bridge that had some charm.

Today, we passed Vero Beach. These houses were right on the ICW at Indian River Shores. There were a ton of houses like these two with beautiful landscaping.

Drool, Drool, Drool.

This was my excitement for the day though. We had a pod of porpoises riding the bow wave and I was able to take these pictures! They seemed to be having as much fun as I was taking the photos. Enjoy.

Fernandina Beach, FL

The cruise to Fernandina Beach was calm and sunny. For the most part we continue along rivers with the occassional canal cut-through. We got to Fernandina Beach around 12:50 Saturday. That gave us time to enjoy the city a little, which was adjacent the city marina. We finally got to meet the folks on Tiderunner, Joe and Pat, that we had been conversing with along the way. Joe has provided some very useful guidance. This is their third trip down "the Ditch."

Here are a couple of photos we took in the city of Penny and a couple of "characters" we found along the way.

This guy reminded me of Barry.

This was taken from the pilot house of our boat. We were docked behind a two-masted schooner that was offering tours the day we were there. Had a steady stream of folks all day long. It was named the Voyager.

Our plan was to get underway early on Sunday and head for St. Augustine. Well, that was the plan anyway. Turned out to be one of those days that didn't start out well. First, Bob went to check the strainer on the salt water supply to the Generator. Unfortunately, he forgot to close the inlet sea cock, which resulted in water draining back causing an air bubble in the generator. After several trys to correct it. Bob finally had to crawl back behind the engine with a water hose, with me in the other end of the engine compartment and flush back through the system. That worked. by then it was 10:30 and we both needed showers. So we didn't get underway till almost noon. As a result, we did not make it St. Augustine. We stopped for the night at a marina in Jacksonville, FL along the ICW. Then, while we were cleaning up after dinner, Bob spilled all the leftover rice on the Galley floor. Like I said, it wasn't a good day.

So Monday, we are now heading South out of the marina and it looks like we will just anchor for the night and we will skip St. Augustine. We'll catch it on the way back.

Between Savannah, GA and Fernandina Beach, FL

Friday night we anchored for the night. I asked Bob were we were exactly and he said he didn't know. That did not inspire confidence. Best he could give me is that we are in a creek off the ICW somewhere between Savannah and Fernandina Beach, FL. Bob says we should reach Florida Saturday.

Friday was a much nicer, sunnier day than Thursday. We are travelling across the lowlands of Georgia. I thought Indiana was flat - well, we can see for miles here. Interestingly, we saw no towns all day, and it is rare that we see any houses. Those we do see seem to be accessible by boat only. However, we continue to get good cell phone and Internet access. I guess that may be in part because there is nothing to block the signal.

The rivers we are travelling have many curves, some almost doubling back on themselves. On occasion we see a boat next to us on another section of the river that we then pass shortly after. It is an interesting illusion. For the most part it is "marsh - marsh - marsh."

Here is a photo I took - I couldn't decide if it was a shrimp boat or a rookery. I hope you can see all the birds.




Next stop Florida, Bob & Penny

Skidaway Island, GA

We arrived at Skidaway Island about 3 P.M.. The trip from Beaufort was very peaceful and overcast all the way. We cruised in tandem with "Tide Runner," a trawler coming from NJ to Marathon Key. We spent some time chatting with the nice folks. They had made the trip several times before and had some advice about some "No Wake" zones with high fines (like $1,000) for violators. Thanks to them for pointing them out. It was an overcast day - not good for taking photos.



We were met at the marina on Skidaway Island near Savannah, by friends, Mark and Shirley. Bob had worked with Mark for the Navy many years ago. They had moved to Skidaway following Mark's retirement from the Navy. They gave us a great tour of the island. It is a wonderful community with 6 golf courses, 4 club houses, 2 marinas, a shopping village, churches, and an assisted living, nursing care facility. It was quite a place. While driving around we saw a couple of rookeries where the surrounding bushes and trees were filled with white Egrets. I said they should put red bows on them for Christmas! Unfortunately, it was too overcast and late in the day to get a picture.





Mark and Shirley are very active in their community and church. They play golf quite a bit too. If you are a golfer or like to boat or sail and nearing retirement, I would recommend that you check out Skidaway Island.

Bob with Shirley and Mark

(Yes, that is Bob on the left for some of you that have not seen him since retirement.)

Following the island tour, we had a wonderful dinner at their home on Skidaway. More great Southern Hospitality!



Mark has been involved the last several years with an Interfaith Hospitality Network, an organization dedicated to helping families. The Episcopal church they attend is one of the churches involved in the project. Homeless families stay at the churches at night, then they are taken by van to a day center where they can store belongings, take showers, and look for jobs or homes. IHN needed to raise $900,000 so that they could increase the number of families they could help from 3 to 6 families. Mark took on the task and put together a plan to reach this goal. On November 10, 2007, the grand opening of the center, named in his honor, was held. Quite an accomplishment for Mark and the group of people who worked on the project. So great to see that his organizing/financial management skills are not going to waste in retirement.



What a joy it has been to stop and visit friends along the way. We will anchor for the night on Friday. Bob and Penny

Beaufort.SC

After leaving Charleston, our next stop was Beaufort, SC. We stopped for the night at the Downtown Marina. This marina is right by the downtown area of the city and is adjacent to a lovely walkway along the waterfront. Bob needed to change the oil in the generator, but since it had been running for 3 days straight, we went for a walk around town and took some pictures while the generator cooled off. We caught this picture of the Pretty Penny from the city boardwalk at sunset.

Pretty Penny at the dock

English Garden next to a lovely historic home.

Historic Home along the waterfront.

Bob spent the next couple of hours changing the oil in the generator, while I did some much needed laundry. After getting our showers, we went back downtown and had a nice dinner.




The excitement for the day came when I was sitting in the salon watching Fox News and Bob was getting ready, when I spotted what seemed like a huge ship come along side (big enough to see the people inside clearly). Turns out it was a small cruise ship - three decks above waterline owned by the American Eagle. Here is a link to website for them - http://www.smallshipcruises.com/cruisereport/cruisereportamereagle.html


Now I know your going to say this is a small ship, but when you are sitting in a smaller boat and it comes up close unexpectedly, well - let's just say it was a real surprise! I took this picture of it from the top of our boat in the morning before we left.

American Eagle

Next stop Savanah, Bob and Penny

Charleston

We left Charleston Wednesday morning, heading for Beaufort, SC. We had a really nice visit with some friends, Chip, Suzanne and their two sons, Jackson and Alexander. If school had been out, I think we would have had the boys (and Chip) join us on the next leg. Maybe we can arrange that on our trip back in May.

We docked at their dock off Horlbeck Creek, off the Wando River in Mt. Pleasant near Charleston. Getting to their dock was tight, but we made it just fine. They had a dock that was 740 Ft. long with no dock lights or side rail. (And some of you thought our dock was long at midnight!)

Pretty Penny at Chip and Suzanne's dock.

We got to Chip and Suzanne's around noon yesterday and went for lunch. It was a great visit. Chip even lent us his truck so we could go to a West Marine store that was holding some Florida charts for us. (That's Southern Hospitality for you).



We left around 8 Wednesday morning. Turning the boat around in the creek was a challenge, but we managed it fine.


We saw the new bridge across the Cooper River, which is quite a contrast with the historic homes along the waterfront.

Contrast of the new bridge against the historic homes along the waterfront

Homes along the waterfront.

From here to Florida, the chart book says that we will go through areas that are generally unpopulated and marshy, crossing rivers, through sounds, and past coastal inlets. We have seen some porpoises today and I'll try and get some photos for you of them as we go along. Weather today has been terrific, compared to the last two which were overcast. So far we have not been delayed by weather.

This appears to be a sailing school vessel.

Some more photos -

First Photo - passing a ferry on Cape Fear River

Second - Sunset at anchor

Third - Following sailing vessel under bridge

Fourth - Passing under bridges in Norfolk, VA

Cruise Continued

Hello everyone. We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We managed to make it to Snead's Ferry by Thanksgiving, then rented a car and drove to Raleigh where we had Thanksgiving dinner with Bob's mother, his brother and sister-in-law. It was nice to be with family on Thanksgiving. We also did some shopping on the return. We keep coming up with little things that we need.

We maneurvered our first lock South of Norfolk, it was a nice easy lock for our first experience. Water level difference was only about a foot. It was difficult to take pictures of the lock since we were both engaged with line handling, however, following the lock there was a very interesting bridge that was bascule. See the picture above of that bridge.

We have archored out a few nights and also spent nights at marinas along the way. We are now on the Waccamaw River in South Carolina. It is a very peaceful river with little civilization along the way. For that matter, little boat traffic either. Yesterday South of Myrtle Beach, we went through an area called the "rock pile" that is rather treacherous because it is fairly shallow, narrow, and lined with sharp-edged rocks. We suspect that most of the sailboats decided to skip that section and head out into the Atlantic. With our shallow draft (3 1/2 Ft.) we were able to manage fine.

For the most part, the trip has been very calm. We had only one episode where we had some excitement. Bob missed a marker along the ICW near Morehead City and we ended up going out a rough inlet into the Atlantic. Since we had not expected any rough water, we had not stowed everything in preparation. Well things started flying all over the boat. Worst was that the refrigerator and freezer doors opened as the food shifted and hit the door from the inside and food spilled out over the in the galley. We now know that we need to rig something to hold the doors shut when we are in rough seas. Luckily, only a soda can popped and some sour cream broke open, but that was mess enough.

On Saturday, when we were in Southport, NC, my son Mike and his family were able to come over and join us for dinner. That was a nice treat, we usually only get to see them twice a year.

We go through sections where there are huge beautiful houses and then sections where there is literally nothing for miles. Today we are to get scattered thundershowers, which should be exciting for us. Bob says we will stay at a marina tonight because there are no good anchorages at about our stop point.

Our stop tonight is around Isle of Palms, tomorrow we'll be staying at a friends dock in Charleston. Take care.

Bon Voyage Party

For those of you interested in seeing the photos taken at the Bon Voyage Party - I have loaded them on a site you can link to. Here it is -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21084340@N05/sets/72157603267340870/

"We're Underway!"

Hello to all our family, neighbors and friends. We left home port yesterday at 0820 heading for our first stop at the Norfolk Naval Base Marina. We tied up there at 1530. The trip down the Chesepeake Bay was calm and peaceful.

Our Bon Voyage Party was a fabulous good time at the Whitestone Wine and Cheese, our favorite restaurant in the Northern Neck owned by Chef Bruce and his wonderful staff. Thanks to all for the crazy gifts. I'm sure Bob's "Time Out Chair" will get some use.

Our trip had been delayed so we could get a chance to hold our newest grandchild (we now have an even dozen), Annabella Marie Primrose (extremely important - she is a real cutie); so we could get the electronics installed; and so Bob could do a consulting gig. Then some nasty weather came in and we had to wait for two more days.

We are loaded to the gills with supplies, Penny's painting equiment, and every tool Bob could possibly need to fix just about every on this boat that might need fixing - although we hope that isn't much.

We were the only people at the Marina last night. It was a very quiet night. Our only problem was that the horn had not worked in the morning, so Bob fixed that this morning. He was disappointed that he could not make sure all the neighbors were up when we left.

This morning we headed out at 0920 and managed to pass though Norfolk and manever all the bridges and then we completed our first lock! We will stop tonight at anchor and continue our trip down the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW, or otherwise known as "Doin' the Ditch"). For those of you interested in reading more about the ICW, I've attached a link to a site with some interesting info.

We hope to make this blog of our travels interesting for those who would like to "follow along." Each day will certainly be a new "adventure." Thanks to all of you for putting up with us while we got ready for this trip.

P.S. We are now at anchor enjoying the sunset, watching hang gliders over the marsh, sipping our cocktails, and eating Kasari cheese - "Life is Good"