Day 33

Day started out very nice. Slow to get going. Took both bikes to the bike rack. We then took a ride to Home Depot and Publix. We did good. No body fell or had an accident. We got organized to carry various items. After we completed our bike ride, someone told us that a dinghy ride would be easier and would get us very close to both Publix and Home Depot. And we could carry more in the dinghy.
Got all items back on the boat just to see a cold front with rain and 25 kts of wind come over us. They expect wind for the next several days but little rain. So those boaters going to Bimini must wait till Thursday or so.
Things here may get a little slow so I might not update this blog daily unless there is something happening.
These 2 photos show the boats immediately around us.

Day 32

First full day in Marathon. Got going late. Changed the oil in the generator. barbara did the wash and I took a long walk to find various parts. some used, some new and some we really did not "need". Can back empty handed. That may be a good thing. We understand that Saturday usually brings a flea market og marine goods. Also, there is a buy, sell or trade on the radio (vhf)each morning after the crusiers net.
Today was a beautiful day. Starting to get into the swing of this crusing.

Day 31

The final approach to our destination,Marathon, Boot Key Harbor. We arrived early to find no mooring ball available. Third on the wait list. Not bad. Luckly, by 4 pm we had a ball, R7. A good location with respect to the marina, showers, garbage, and all activities. we have gathered much info and need time to read and get acquinted with the location.
Barbara and I went to take a shower and determined that if we took one together, it would be in the best interest of all our fellow boaters. This is better than high school.
In the keys, water is 5 cents per gallon, unless you know where to find it. we found a place to load up our 5 gallon containers.
We need to do some maintenance on the generator and later on the main engines. We will look for supplies during our shore leave.

Day 30

Left our anchorage at Key Largo about 9 am. Took out time no rush. One more anchorage then we will be in Marathon, Boot Key.
Very skinny water today. Some less than 4.5 ft. Must be the wind blowing it off this shore. Mostly a easterly wind about 20 kts.
We anchored near Lignumvitae Key in the leigh. There are mooring balls put out by the state but we anchored for better wind protection.

Day 29

We left South Beach after a late wake up and a slow to get going morning.
Arrived at Jewfish Creek to Check out an anchorage,suggested by Shipper Bob,that has been used as a hurricane hole. We proceeded to check it out. Good water depth but very narrow. So narrow I could not turn Barbara's Joy II around. So we procedded until we found some fisherman in a little boat. They informed us that the new bridge basiclly blocked the southern opening,therefore, either turn it around or back out. GREAT ! They told us that there is a larger area near the bridge that we could turn around. Mangroves about 15 ft on each side. About 8 feet deep until we got to the bridge which had only 4.5 feet of water. Finally, I turned her around and procedded to leave. Slowly we made it out. Now we need an anchorage. We checked out several spots futher down to no avail. Finally, we spoted a sail boat of good size anchored near shore in the leah. We joined them on the shore of Key Largo. Barbara needed a glass of wine.
We are having easterly winds that I believe take the water from the east shore leaving about 1 to 1.5 feet less.
Today started out as a slow day. It ended with a little excitment.

Day 28

Stayed at anchor in South Beach for Sunday at the bottom of Belle Isle. We were advised not to travel in or around Miami during the weekend. It is VERY busy. Slept late, kicked back and planned our next leg. We took a short dinghy ride to Publix. Later we found an Italian resturant for dinner. Feels like we are in another country. Everyone uses their car horn, its noisy.
Monday we will move on.

Day 27

Got the anchor up a little late but made the inlet, Lake Worth, by 9 am. Headed south, set the GPS to the auto pilot and let it be for 7 1/2 hrs. A cruse ship was coming out of the Miami inlet.
Here are some photos

Day 26

Well we have left Vero Beach. We will return for a stay on the way back.
Here are two photos of the anchorage at Lake Worth.
We ran most of the day to get to Lake Worth and were rewarded with a very nice, quite anchorage.
On our way, we actually caught a look at two manatees. It was only their tail.

Day 26

This is the anchorage at Lake Worth

Dat 25

Early morning to get to the fuel dock and take on fuel, water and pay for our stay at Vero Beach.
Made it to Lake Worth by 4:30 pm. Anchored and had super. Tomorrow we will try to go outside to Fort Lauderdale from Lake Worth. Only 44 miles, should be at anchor by 2 or 3 pm.

Day 24

Today is Thursday our 11 day at Vero Beach. We do enjoy this place.
Showered today, took the FREE bus to the beach where we had lunch. Tonight we will have Tict and Andree over for super and dominoes.

Day 23

Here at Vero Beach when the weather is not great, boaters go shopping. Back on to the FREE public transportation to the mall. Needed some water filters and a few odd things. Ate late lunch at The Olive Garden. Good meal. Made the bus back to the marina by 3:45 pm. Day is over. Making plans on moving south, but not tomorrow. Tonight will be another cold night. We are warming the "Owners Suite" or "Master State Room" as I write.
My one accomplishment today was to avoid Dillards. Good job, Paul ! But tomorrow is a concern !

Day 22

We are still at Vero Beach due to wind and cold. Some high pressure cold front from up north causing our cold weather. Even thought we don't like it , it is common for the cold fronts to come and go. As we get into the Keys, they should come less often.
Barbara needed to get her hair cut (again). So ahe went ,by her self, on public transportation, to town. she left me with instructions on how to due the laundry, wash & dry & fold. I have avoided this for 44 years, until now. However, as she arrived back at the marina, the wash was complete. All before 12 noon. We did this in hope of leaving on Tuesday. My new friend, Brendan, having lots of experience as captain, insisted I stay a few more days at Vero Baech.
Monday night was the coldest night yet. We stayed warm but remained in bed until 9 am.

Day 21

Still in Vero Beach. we see why people call this place "Velcro Beach". Very nice day today about 72 deg. Went for a good walk to the beach about 1.5 miles each way.
Took some picturers on our walk. Caught Barbara eyeing some POTS.
Had dinner on "Antic". Friends with a nice sailboat from UK. Much food and drink.
We will stay another day at Vero Beach to avoid the wind and cold tonight and tomorrow.

Day 20

Showered and was at the Farmer's Market at the beach before 10 am. Barbara loves farmer's markets. This one was very good. Fresh veges even corn, plenty of samples, fresh breadsand coffee. We are getting to know the FREE bus line well. Back at the boat by 11:15 am.
Had a relaxing day. Not too warm, about 65. Can't wait to get to the Keys.
We will stay at Vero Beach for another day and may leave Monday. We are checking on the wind so we can get to Lake Worth anchor overnight and go outside the next day to Fort Lauderdale. This stretch of the ICW is not great. Too many bridges and restricted speed make for a long day.

Day 19

Still at Vero Beach on a mooring ball. Barbara did the laundry while I walked to the bank to get some cash.

Our friend, Brendan, showed us more of the Beach area and then went to lunch.

Met Andree and Tick from Fernandina and Titusville. We all went to dinner at Riverside Cafe where we had good food and much discussion. The topics ranged from religion, birth control, politics boating, fishing, etc.

Vero Beach Photos continued

Vero Beach photos

Day 17

Generator still holding together. Raw water pump arrived at the marina by 9:30 am.
We went shopping at Publix, via the free city bus. This bus was an experience for Barbara. She has not been exposed and doesn't want to be to the inner city residents.
Any how we made it back to the boat with everything we started with plus the groceries.
Installed the new pump and generator is back to 100 %. Batteries fully charged. Life is good.

Day 17

The repair day started off with finding a source for the raw water pump. The old pumps were not rebuildable. A local company promissed to have the new pump by Thursday or Friday of this week, that was good news. So I fixed the pump with what I had and changed the engine oil 3 times along with the oil filter until I was sure the water was removed. Charged the batteries somewhat and went to shore. Time to do more site seeing.
Caught the FREE city bus and headed to autostore to get more engine oil and filters.
On the way back, we inquired about a good resturant and there suggestion coinsided with our new friend's suggestion. we ate at Riverside Cafe. Very good draft beer and fish.
Found our way back to the marina and found Barbara's Joy in the dark.

Day 16

Vero Beach is a very nice place. A lot of baseball history, big name actors have businesses here and a beautiful beach. Many small shops from resturants, boutiques, hotels and ICE CREAM shops.
We met a student of my sister's. Branden was a 3rd grader and Marjorie we 19 yrs old. Her first teaching year. What great stories Branden had ! Branden showed us around for several hours. Visited Lowes to get some extra chain for a spare anchor and went to lunch at a beach side cafe.
Got back to the boat to find I needed to do some repair/maintenance on the generator. Seems that the raw water pump seal failed and needed to be repaired. In addition, the seal let water in to the engine oil. Nothing too serious that it would not keep until the next day.

Learning about importing photos to this blog.

A previous photo of Barbara cleaning. Had to take a photo. We were in Walbury Creek. Just returned from a walk on the barrier island.

Day 15

Left Titusville at day brake or "first light". Made good time and arrived at Vero Beach by 3:30pm. Rafted with a very nice trawler but not sure of the manufacturer. I belive there is 30 difference in age between his and ours.
We plan to stay several days. Tired and bed is calling.

Day 13 & 14

We anchored in approach to the Matanzas Inlet near Fort Matanzas. Current was at least 2 kts or more. So fast that the prop shafts were turning in early morning and we thought is was a motor boat in the distance.
Left early to get to Titusville about 79 miles away. Passed thru Daytona Beach which slowed us down. Speed restrictions are all over Daytona reducing ours to 5 or 6 mph. Needless to say, we didnot make Titusville. To avoid the dark, we anchored in a little, little basin in Haulover Canal. It was a good anchorage. We slept well.
Sunday we moved to Titusville, about 8 miles away. Did laundry, showers, walked and are planning to eat at Dixie Cross Roads where we will toast a friend.
Tomorrow we leave for Vero Beach.

Dat 12

Left Fernandina Beach early "first light". A little windy but we were underway quickly. When you leave that early, your on your own. No help from the dockmaster.
We were by our self most of the day. Low water in the ICW makes the sailboats wait on a flooding tide. If they happen to get grounded, the raising tide will float them off in a short time.
Made it south of St Augustine and anchored. Cool weather will be coming into North Florida, so we are heading south as quickly as possible. Another 100 miles south will be much warmer.
I guess we are getting spoiled. The day time temperature is usually over 60 and the night about 50 or warmer. But we are looking for short wearing temperatures.
We have now entered the home of the Manatee. Must avoid them and do not disturb them. Usually,reduce the boat speed is all that is necessary. Protected by law, they have more rights then us.
The Coast Guard spends a lot of time broadcasting the location of migrating Northern Wright Whales. Captains call in reports describing size, number and even sex of these endangered whales. Of cause, these sitings are all off shore. We hear them on the VHF radio. We had planned to stop at St. Augustine but we will do that on the way back.

Day 11

Still at the marina in Fernandina Beach. Wind was forcasted for today so we shopped. Barbara is "learning me to shop for groceries". Walked almost 4 miles to Publix , shopped and took a taxi back.(worth the $8). Before we reached Publix, Barbara had my back pack loaded with fruits and vegtables.
Met some very nice people who are going to Cuba. Sounds interesting.
Barbara is cooking as I write. Soom she will take me to the ICE CREAM PARLOR cause I have been good.

Day 10

Got up so early today that we had to WAIT for "first light" to way anchor. Wanted to beat the predicted cold front. Got through the sound/inlet and over to protected water before the storm hit us. Strong winds and heavy rains, but no lighting. Maintained slow headway for 20 minutes until it passed. The winds were the strongest we experienced yet.
Left Jekyll Island for Fernandina Beach at almost low tide. No body on the water except a sail boat and he was anchored till the tide turned.
Touched bottom once but was able to back off. By this time, the tide started back in and even if we had gotten hung good, we would wait a short time to float off.
Got to Fernandina Beach by 11:30 am just in time for the wind to built to 25kts and gusted to 30 most of the day. We are staying in the Fernandina Beach Marine. Here we will get supplies. Publix is near by.
Barbara had me folding the wash today. It took some education on my part. Captains usually don't do that sort of duty. Barbara doesn't understand. As most know, Barbara keeps me well fead. Depending on the weather, may stay here tomorrow.

Day 9

Left Walbury Creek in the wind and overcast. Took a short cut. It worked out fine but hadto slide across a 4 foot bar. It just happened to be dead low tide.
No fog today. Anchored at Jekyll Island for the night. Last day in Georgia !! Georgia ICW has to be the worst. We had no problem but we draft only 3.5 feet.
Tomorrow is shopping day !!!!

Day 7 & 8

Arrived at Walburg Creek at dusk. Lost an 1.5 hrs getting diesel fuel. It was to be less expensive but turned out to be normal price.
Foggy again but lifted before it forced us to stop. "Hellgate" was easy. With our info we expected more. Maybe on the way home.
Weather has been very good. Light winds and little wave action.
We stayed in Walburg Creek for two nights. Monday we took the dinghy to an ocean island to collect something. Barbara found some shells. Sand was great, couldn't find a stone. Temperature is above normal, That's good !
On the way here, I gave a sailboat a slow pass. Something I seldom do. I did enjoy it.
We needed a rest day. Today was our first day not traveling.

Day 6

Left the anchorage just light enought to see. Unfortunately, went up the creek instead of down the creek. I determined the correct direction after we ran out of water. Lost 15 minutes.
Little fog after 4 miles but more after 10 miles. Sat along side someone's dock for 45 minutes until it cleared. During that time the horn was tuned up for fog duty. Mud dobbers like horns. Today we used the horn more then ever. We would run into a fog bank, think about stopping , then it would lift. I knew that it was sounding good, when I pass some fisherman they wanted it blown again.
Anyhow, we made we made it to Bull Creek, SC where we anchored for the night.

Day 5

We got up a little late, showered, eat and left McClellanville by 7:55 am.
Took on water since our plan is to spend the next 3 nights at anchor.
The weather is warming above 50 at night.
Half the trip we buck the current and the other we get help.
Anchored at Tom Point Creek (m495.7). Very quiet and lots of dolphins.

Day 4

Left Osprey Marina at 7:45 am, since we intended to travel only 65 sm. Nice shower!
Nothing happened on the way, EXCEPT I found Barbara on the cell with LL Bean. I believe the coupons were burning a hole in her wallet and WHAT SALES !!!! I thought we would save lots of money on this trip with Barbara away from the stores. Ha Ha !
Leland Oil was our destination. Not much to recomend. Met some nice people and walked around town. The homes, bed & breakfest, etc. are very nice. Very nice old church with great stained windows.

Day 3

On our way to Southport, the dockmaster informed us that they would not be open for two days, since it would be New Years Eve and New Years Day. With that info, we quickly called two marinas for thoes cold nights.
Not a good night for sleeping with the wind and dock noise.
We left later at 7:45 am because we were concerned about the high winds forcasted. We checked on the bridges that had wind restrictions and call the Coast Guard reagrding Sunset Bridge. Coast Guard indicated the bridge was working. So nothing to stop us, we departed late.
Since it was New Years Eve, we needed to reach the Osprey Marina before 4 pm at which time they were closing. We made it with a little extra help from the TWINS.
Arrived at Osprey Marina in time to wash the sea foam off the dockside of the boat. What a mess !
Got fuel, ate, played dominoes went to bed early. What New Years Eve ?