Man you would think that with all the manatee warnings signs, speed control, channel control those critters would be coming out of the woodwork. Mostly NOT. I have hardly ever seen a Manatee.
Today we ran from New Smyrna Beach to Titusville. I thought we would go further say to Cocoa then on to Dragon Point tomorrow to make a stand on anchor against the horrible weather forecast for tomorrow night and Tuesday. However -- today they changed the forecast to have more wind and thunderstorms. Wind expected now is 25 - 30kts instead of 20 - 25. Doesn't sound like much of a change but it is. At 30kts boats are known to break loose from their anchorages. That and the high Tuesday will only be 52. That is COLD in an unheated boat in the rain and on the hook.
We, or actually I, chickened out and decided to go into the Titusville Marina today to wait out this weather. It's time to change the oil in the main engine and we can plug our heat pump in.
Today was an unbelievable mild day with winds around 6 kts. Glass smooth across the Mosquito Lagoon, and temps in the low 80s this afternoon. A BIG change coming tomorrow.
We made it to the marina just before 1pm and tied up in a slip. It was not pretty because they put us in a slip for a much longer boat and we had trouble getting our lines on the outboard pilings. Fortunately with such mild winds no damage occurred.
Just as I was stepping off the boat to adjust lines I saw this big cloud of brown stuff come up from under the boat. It was a HUGE Manatee. Ohh man it was cool.
After checking in I changed the engine oil while it was hot and so glad I did. I noticed the alternator belt had a chunk of rubber out of it!! Oh boy it was going to let go anytime now.
The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing and planning our bike assault on Titusville tomorrow morning. No storms expected till the afternoon. Then all hell breaks loose for about 36 hours.
I'm glad I'm tied to a dock for a few days now.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Saturday, November 15, 2014
A fine ride today
It was time to be moving on this morning. The goal was Rockhouse Creek just south of Daytona about 39 miles.
WE had a great ride today. The current was with us and the wind was behind us and running between 10 and 18kts. Perfect for motor sailing. We probably averaged 7.0 kts but at times we had long runs at 7.3 and 7.5. Just blasted through Daytona.
We were the first boat to anchor here today in Rockhouse. It was only 1:15pm and we could have gone on but I was tired -- probably from that Tetanus shot yesterday. Fortunately no fever or sore arm.
We are just going to relax today and then push hard tomorrow. A major weather system comes in on Monday and will leave us in rain and cold and high winds Tuesday and Wednesday. I want to get behind Dragon point near Melbourne as early as possible Monday. Thus we will probably just bypass Titusville tomorrow and push on for another maybe 15 miles. That would leave just 21 miles on Monday.
The weather is what it is about. You can't just ignore it because it has a major impact on your safety, comfort, and ability to move around.
We had another fine night of Farkle. Damn if Karen didn't will all the games again. She was unbeatable. I had some great scores but couldn't pull a win out. Vickie played one game and had a great time. More Farkle in her life down the road.
Tonight will be a quiet night. Early to bed and early to rise. There may be some storms this evening but clearing after midnight with a light air day tomorrow. Hopefully we can make a lot of miles tomorrow.
WE had a great ride today. The current was with us and the wind was behind us and running between 10 and 18kts. Perfect for motor sailing. We probably averaged 7.0 kts but at times we had long runs at 7.3 and 7.5. Just blasted through Daytona.
We were the first boat to anchor here today in Rockhouse. It was only 1:15pm and we could have gone on but I was tired -- probably from that Tetanus shot yesterday. Fortunately no fever or sore arm.
We are just going to relax today and then push hard tomorrow. A major weather system comes in on Monday and will leave us in rain and cold and high winds Tuesday and Wednesday. I want to get behind Dragon point near Melbourne as early as possible Monday. Thus we will probably just bypass Titusville tomorrow and push on for another maybe 15 miles. That would leave just 21 miles on Monday.
The weather is what it is about. You can't just ignore it because it has a major impact on your safety, comfort, and ability to move around.
We had another fine night of Farkle. Damn if Karen didn't will all the games again. She was unbeatable. I had some great scores but couldn't pull a win out. Vickie played one game and had a great time. More Farkle in her life down the road.
Tonight will be a quiet night. Early to bed and early to rise. There may be some storms this evening but clearing after midnight with a light air day tomorrow. Hopefully we can make a lot of miles tomorrow.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Medicine Man
Well I had to capitulate today and get some treatment for my knee. After yesterday's home treatment of Epsom salt compresses it was looking like hamburger this morning.
Fortunately there is a "Minute Clinic" just 2 miles away so I hopped my bike and rode there.
I spent 45 minutes on paperwork and 3 minutes in treatment. Nothing too unusual just some special cream and antibiotics ordered up. Didn't even replace my bandages!
While getting the prescriptions filled I went to a Public's grocery mostly for a treat for me for being such a good boy at the doctors today. Can't pass a Suntrust ATM without grabbing some cash. Anywhere else and we have to pay a fee.
Well that killed 3 hours this morning so not much else to do today. Topped off oil in the engine, checked weather for the next few days -- a little rain and cool temps in store -- and paid the bill so we can leave early tomorrow. Next stop will be in Daytona Beach to anchor.
Made the reservation for Vero -- next Thursday the 20th. We will be there for Thanksgiving and a bit after.
Boy the living is easy here at Palm Coast Marina. The time just flows along.
Ohh the Farkle tournament last night .... Don't ask!!
Well Karen won all three games. Two games Jim went out first but Karen came back and wiped him out. Buck stayed a spectator and Vickie did great. Later I learned she had been coached by Barb --- Don't ever give Earl 3 dice!! Where have I heard that before?!
Fortunately there is a "Minute Clinic" just 2 miles away so I hopped my bike and rode there.
I spent 45 minutes on paperwork and 3 minutes in treatment. Nothing too unusual just some special cream and antibiotics ordered up. Didn't even replace my bandages!
While getting the prescriptions filled I went to a Public's grocery mostly for a treat for me for being such a good boy at the doctors today. Can't pass a Suntrust ATM without grabbing some cash. Anywhere else and we have to pay a fee.
Well that killed 3 hours this morning so not much else to do today. Topped off oil in the engine, checked weather for the next few days -- a little rain and cool temps in store -- and paid the bill so we can leave early tomorrow. Next stop will be in Daytona Beach to anchor.
Made the reservation for Vero -- next Thursday the 20th. We will be there for Thanksgiving and a bit after.
Boy the living is easy here at Palm Coast Marina. The time just flows along.
Ohh the Farkle tournament last night .... Don't ask!!
Well Karen won all three games. Two games Jim went out first but Karen came back and wiped him out. Buck stayed a spectator and Vickie did great. Later I learned she had been coached by Barb --- Don't ever give Earl 3 dice!! Where have I heard that before?!
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Charwoman's work
Today was a chore day. Cruisers are a laid back lot but not when it comes to Laundry. Then they are "CUT THROAT".
This morning about 6:20am I was at the laundry and had beat all the early birds. Three loads started with just 2 machines available. It went well and actually no one came and challenged me but then I never let a machine sit idle.
The ladies Karen, Barb, and Vickie all caught the cab to the grocery. Oh yes Jim joined them but no room for me. I stayed behind with Buck and we cleaned our boats. They hadn't seen soap and water in a month and really needed it.
Boats cleaned up nice, laundry was done, and fresh provisions returned by noon. Not a bad morning.
The afternoon was somewhat laid back with me reading and even took a short nap. Karen got her bike out and went on a 4 mile ride with Jim and Barb. I was invited but didn't go.
I'm re-reading the book "WANDERER" by Sterling Hayden. Written in 1959 but much of his observations are still true today e.g. "What does a man need --really need. A few pounds of food each day, heat and shelter, six feet to lie down in -- and some sense of accomplishment. That's all -- in the material sense. And we know it. But we are brainwashed by our economic system until we end up in a tomb beneath a pyramid of time payments, mortgages, preposterous gadgetry, playthings that divert our attention from the sheer idiocy of the charade."
Remember this was 1959!
Ahh can be a tough read at times but also full of romance about the sea and voyaging.
Now on a lighter note since we are tied to the docks here at PAlm Coast MArina the Farkle will begin again. In fact we have Farkle "virgins" joining us tonight. Buck and Vickie have never played before.
I hope Barb and I can be at least civil tonight and not turn them off. We are cut throat Farkle players
Wish me luck.
This morning about 6:20am I was at the laundry and had beat all the early birds. Three loads started with just 2 machines available. It went well and actually no one came and challenged me but then I never let a machine sit idle.
The ladies Karen, Barb, and Vickie all caught the cab to the grocery. Oh yes Jim joined them but no room for me. I stayed behind with Buck and we cleaned our boats. They hadn't seen soap and water in a month and really needed it.
Boats cleaned up nice, laundry was done, and fresh provisions returned by noon. Not a bad morning.
The afternoon was somewhat laid back with me reading and even took a short nap. Karen got her bike out and went on a 4 mile ride with Jim and Barb. I was invited but didn't go.
I'm re-reading the book "WANDERER" by Sterling Hayden. Written in 1959 but much of his observations are still true today e.g. "What does a man need --really need. A few pounds of food each day, heat and shelter, six feet to lie down in -- and some sense of accomplishment. That's all -- in the material sense. And we know it. But we are brainwashed by our economic system until we end up in a tomb beneath a pyramid of time payments, mortgages, preposterous gadgetry, playthings that divert our attention from the sheer idiocy of the charade."
Remember this was 1959!
Ahh can be a tough read at times but also full of romance about the sea and voyaging.
Now on a lighter note since we are tied to the docks here at PAlm Coast MArina the Farkle will begin again. In fact we have Farkle "virgins" joining us tonight. Buck and Vickie have never played before.
I hope Barb and I can be at least civil tonight and not turn them off. We are cut throat Farkle players
Wish me luck.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
The Gangs all here - mostly
We had a relatively long travel day today-- 40 miles.
We left early around 7:30am. It was low tide. Had some scare (6.2') leaving the anchorage but plenty of water in the ICW. The current was against us so it was a slow slog to St Augustine. The marks were very difficult to see this morning. Several times the sun was directly behind and we could not read or discern color. Tough!
We were passed by at least 3 border patrol boats. Very articulated. Once before we were swarmed by homeland security boats. What's the interest in St Augustine?? This has got to be the biggest cake job someone in homeland security or border patrol could have.
Once across the inlet at St Augustine we flew -- 8+ knots to the Bridge of Lions then had to kill 20 minutes till it opened. It was a long boring but quick ride through the Mantanzas River and plenty of water through the Mantanzas Inlet but had to watch for all the can buoys. On into Palm Coast for fuel and pump out. Wow -- I took on 57 gallons of diesel. They moved us to a face dock behind Vic and GiGi on Salty Turtle then put Victoria Gaye in front of us when Buck and Vickie arrived. Jim and Barb on Skat are on an inner face dock.
The gang is all here except for Bubbles Craig and Dovie. They are at Cumberland Island tonight and will cross into Florida tomorrow..
Ahhh terra ferma and strong hot showers. Feels good to be tied to a dock tonight.
The whole gang is going to an Italian Restaurant over at the European Mall about a 10 minute walk away for dinner tonight.
Ahhh the decadence.
We left early around 7:30am. It was low tide. Had some scare (6.2') leaving the anchorage but plenty of water in the ICW. The current was against us so it was a slow slog to St Augustine. The marks were very difficult to see this morning. Several times the sun was directly behind and we could not read or discern color. Tough!
We were passed by at least 3 border patrol boats. Very articulated. Once before we were swarmed by homeland security boats. What's the interest in St Augustine?? This has got to be the biggest cake job someone in homeland security or border patrol could have.
Once across the inlet at St Augustine we flew -- 8+ knots to the Bridge of Lions then had to kill 20 minutes till it opened. It was a long boring but quick ride through the Mantanzas River and plenty of water through the Mantanzas Inlet but had to watch for all the can buoys. On into Palm Coast for fuel and pump out. Wow -- I took on 57 gallons of diesel. They moved us to a face dock behind Vic and GiGi on Salty Turtle then put Victoria Gaye in front of us when Buck and Vickie arrived. Jim and Barb on Skat are on an inner face dock.
The gang is all here except for Bubbles Craig and Dovie. They are at Cumberland Island tonight and will cross into Florida tomorrow..
Ahhh terra ferma and strong hot showers. Feels good to be tied to a dock tonight.
The whole gang is going to an Italian Restaurant over at the European Mall about a 10 minute walk away for dinner tonight.
Ahhh the decadence.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Pine Island - Lickety Split
We were ready to leave Ft George River anchorage this morning. At slack tide the boats pointed all over the place. We decided to leave a little earlier than planned like 8am.
It was difficult to pull the anchor. The current and wind had us over the anchor and the windlass would stall as the chain wrapped around the sides of the bow roller. We had to back up to alleviate pressure and get it up.
We were just off low tide and saw some skinny water leaving the anchorage and in the ICW until I got the rhythm down again -- takes about 10 - 15 minutes if I don't move everyday.
Once on our way we had some current on the nose until we hit the St Johns river. The marks and charts did not completely agree so I watched the marks and after a 1/4 mile all was in agreement and we were screaming along at 8 knots with a favorable current.
The first 3 bridges were no problem where at times they can be at peak current. Only one trawler passed us this morning.
The ride down the 10 mile canal was amazing to see so many million + dollar homes in one area. Absolutely gorgeous.
We lost the current about 3 miles from Pine Island but just pushed on. With that favorable current this morning we were in and hook down by 12:30pm. Shortly after that 4 trawlers came in and anchored around us. The largest kept short scoping his anchor and would drag. He must have tried to set it 4 times and then the wind died down and he seems to be okay -- I expect not but the wind should be down all night. The name of that dog leg is Miss Prisca.
Jim and Victoria Gaye made it and we are all anchored here this afternoon.
Then surprisingly BArefoot'n hails us. He had come in and anchored just behind us. Just one big cruising family here tonight except everyone is too lazy to drop dinghies in the water to visit.
Tomorrow we will make Palm Coast Marina. We are skipping St Augustine for now. That infection I had in my right knee has returned and I need medical attention. There is an urgent care near the Palm Coast Marina so I'll have it looked at there.
Unfortunately Palm Coast can only accommodate us for two nights because of reservations so it will be a quick visit for us there. We wanted 3 nights.
Salty Turtle with Vic and Gi are there for another day so we will see them tomorrow night before they move on. WOW what a crowd that will be.
It's nice here tonight and we plan to get an early 7:30am start to get to Palm Coast by early afternoon. I have a LOT to do when we get there. It's been 10 days since we've been to a marina. Lots of laundry and some re-provisioning to do. Need fuel and water too.
It was difficult to pull the anchor. The current and wind had us over the anchor and the windlass would stall as the chain wrapped around the sides of the bow roller. We had to back up to alleviate pressure and get it up.
We were just off low tide and saw some skinny water leaving the anchorage and in the ICW until I got the rhythm down again -- takes about 10 - 15 minutes if I don't move everyday.
Once on our way we had some current on the nose until we hit the St Johns river. The marks and charts did not completely agree so I watched the marks and after a 1/4 mile all was in agreement and we were screaming along at 8 knots with a favorable current.
The first 3 bridges were no problem where at times they can be at peak current. Only one trawler passed us this morning.
The ride down the 10 mile canal was amazing to see so many million + dollar homes in one area. Absolutely gorgeous.
We lost the current about 3 miles from Pine Island but just pushed on. With that favorable current this morning we were in and hook down by 12:30pm. Shortly after that 4 trawlers came in and anchored around us. The largest kept short scoping his anchor and would drag. He must have tried to set it 4 times and then the wind died down and he seems to be okay -- I expect not but the wind should be down all night. The name of that dog leg is Miss Prisca.
Jim and Victoria Gaye made it and we are all anchored here this afternoon.
Then surprisingly BArefoot'n hails us. He had come in and anchored just behind us. Just one big cruising family here tonight except everyone is too lazy to drop dinghies in the water to visit.
Tomorrow we will make Palm Coast Marina. We are skipping St Augustine for now. That infection I had in my right knee has returned and I need medical attention. There is an urgent care near the Palm Coast Marina so I'll have it looked at there.
Unfortunately Palm Coast can only accommodate us for two nights because of reservations so it will be a quick visit for us there. We wanted 3 nights.
Salty Turtle with Vic and Gi are there for another day so we will see them tomorrow night before they move on. WOW what a crowd that will be.
It's nice here tonight and we plan to get an early 7:30am start to get to Palm Coast by early afternoon. I have a LOT to do when we get there. It's been 10 days since we've been to a marina. Lots of laundry and some re-provisioning to do. Need fuel and water too.
Monday, November 10, 2014
La Buena Vita
That's the name of the boat anchored in front of us here on Ft George River (The Good Life). Yep still at Ft George River.
The weather forecast for the St Augustine area this morning changed from "clear" to 80% rain near 1/2" and 20 - 25 kt winds. A previous unforecast LO had formed off of Canaveral last night.
A check of the weather radar showed rain already at St Augustine and coming towards us this morning at 7am. I decided to stay put and make Pine Island tomorrow.
Skat and Victoria Gaye made it here before the rain hit us here. We will all head to Pine Island tomorrow morning. Because of the weather this afternoon no one feels like launching dinghies and visiting so we just chat on the radios.
It has been a very cool 65 degree afternoon with light rain and wind. The forecast 20- 25 didn't show here.
A good day to just relax and read. Had to run the GenSet a while since the batteries were getting low -- little wind and sun for the wind generator and solar panels.
Hot soup and sandwiches for dinner tonight then on to the St Augustine area tomorrow morning.
Oh the moon didn't come out till after 8pm last night. It got really really dark before that. There are no lights here. It was the kind of dark that is claustrophobic. Most people never experience that kind of darkness except in planetariums.
The weather forecast for the St Augustine area this morning changed from "clear" to 80% rain near 1/2" and 20 - 25 kt winds. A previous unforecast LO had formed off of Canaveral last night.
A check of the weather radar showed rain already at St Augustine and coming towards us this morning at 7am. I decided to stay put and make Pine Island tomorrow.
Skat and Victoria Gaye made it here before the rain hit us here. We will all head to Pine Island tomorrow morning. Because of the weather this afternoon no one feels like launching dinghies and visiting so we just chat on the radios.
It has been a very cool 65 degree afternoon with light rain and wind. The forecast 20- 25 didn't show here.
A good day to just relax and read. Had to run the GenSet a while since the batteries were getting low -- little wind and sun for the wind generator and solar panels.
Hot soup and sandwiches for dinner tonight then on to the St Augustine area tomorrow morning.
Oh the moon didn't come out till after 8pm last night. It got really really dark before that. There are no lights here. It was the kind of dark that is claustrophobic. Most people never experience that kind of darkness except in planetariums.
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