Jensen Beach, FL

December 17, 2011

Well – they’re home for a while, but I’m in a new place!  Thank goodness Jany K is here.  At least I have a friend!

Saw a lot of large homes and boats on the way to Jensen Beach.  And a lot of little fishing boats who really didn’t care about no wake zones!

One of the many LARGE homes we saw

Cormorant drying his wings!

They are talking about staying here until sometime in March and then heading to the Bahamas.  Sounds good to me!  I have a lot of friends who will be over there somewhere.  I’d love to meet up with them again.

Coming into Nettles, looking straight at their building!

After that, I guess I will head north to Oriental and finish this trip.  And then?  Who knows?  Maybe head further north again, maybe stay south?  It all depends on the whims of the Admiral and Captain.  I just go where they point me!

Stuart, FL

December 16, 2011

They’re almost home!

We were up and away early again today.  We went through the Moore Haven lock (we stayed right outside it last night) first thing.  We saw an alligator!! It was swimming around right outside the entrance to the lock.  Kate, of course, was a bit freaked, but I was cool and collected.  No Problem!!  Of course, no one had a camera ready --- duh!!

Levee along the Okeechobee

We had a very smooth ride to the Lake.  We were really all alone all the way to the Lake and across.  We met a Coast Guard boat as we got to Port Mayaca and a tug as we came out of the lock.  Port Mayaca was open and we really didn’t have to lock through.

We saw a lot of fish jumping after we left the St. Lucie Lock.  No idea what kind or why they were doing it.  Really strange.

Fish jumping in St. Lucie canal

A total of 3 locks today, but --- no more locks for at least 3 months!!!  And then?  Well, who knows?  There are none in the Bahamas!!

Moore Haven, FL

December 14, 2011

Well, I’m still at Legacy Harbor in Ft. Myers.  Greg checked the weather this morning and the winds were too gusty.  Sooo – here I sit for another day!   Maybe tomorrow.

December 15, 2011

Finally on the move again!  I left the dock at 7:05 AM this morning.  It was a bit chilly but the winds were okay.

Orange groves along the Caloosahatchee

I was pretty much the only one out there until we hit the Ortona Lock.  This was our 2^nd lock today.  We finally saw boats there, but they were headed west.  The wind started picking up here, too.

Greg decided we would only go as far as Moore Haven tonight.  I docked about 2:10 PM at the Moore Haven City Dock.  Greg is pleased – water and electric and only $1 a foot!  A catamaran came in after us, but that’s it!

At the City Dock in Moore Haven

Ft. Myers, FL

December 9 – 13, 2011

Well – the wind was blowing and the tide was out!  So they went and had breakfast at the restaurant on Cabbage Key.  Then they took another nature walk.  I think they just wanted to be away from me again!

View from the water tower at Cabbage Key

After a bit we left the dock.  I had an easy ride today.  There were a lot of dolphin – they played in my wake and ran alongside.  It was awesome!!

One of my friends!!

When I got to Legacy Harbor I met a sister ship - Marc’s Ark!  We had heard about her and her people – Marc & Michelle.  It was really nice to meet them.  The people got together for dinner and had a great time.

Saturday Greg checked the weather early and found that it was raining really heavily on the east coast and that the winds were really bad.  They decided to rent a car and drive over to Jensen Beach to get the condo open.  Soooooo—alone again!!!!

Well – finally!! They’re back!  It’s Tuesday afternoon and Greg and Kate finally came back.  Thank goodness my friends Brown Eyed Girl, Free 2 Be, and Lady In Red are here and have kept me company.

The wind is still blowing, but now it’s the west coast that’s a problem.  Not sure what’s happening, but I will keep you informed!

Cabbage Key

December 8, 2011

It was very cold this morning.  I left the dock at 8:30 AM this morning.  We are heading to Cabbage Key for the night.  They have a dinner reservation for 6:30 PM.

Not a bad ride.  I stopped to get fueled up after the Albee Bridge.  Greg said it was a bargain -- $3.95.9 a gallon.  Something Special caught up with us here.

During our ride today I passed a lot of interesting architecture – some pretty, others pretty weird!!  I also saw lots of dolphin.  They kept playing in my wake and in front of my bow.  Very cool!!!

A friend come to play!

I got into Cabbage Key around 3:20 PM.  I was docked next to my friend Brown Eyed Girl.  It’s great to see friends again!

Greg on the Nature Trail.

Brown Eyed Girl and Grianan @ Cabbage Key

Sarasota, FL

December 7, 2011

I left Clearwater this morning at 7:35 AM heading to Sarasota.  I said good-bye to everyone – they are staying on the west coast or heading to the Keys.  It was a bit sad.

I went back out into the Gulf for the ride to Tampa Bay.  Then I entered the Intracoastal again.  It was a pretty easy day.

Egmont Key -- great anchorage!

I docked at Marina Jack’s at 1:50 PM.  I immediately saw Spirit of Whitby.  This is wonderful!  I have a friend here.

Then I found that my friends Free 2 Be, and Something Special are also here!  Fun!  A bit later Muddy Waters also came in.  Loopers!!

Maina Jack's

The front that had been threatening came in and we had rain and wind.  The temperature dropped quickly.  It went from shorts weather to overcoats!

We Crossed!!!

December 5-6, 2011

On Monday morning the plan was to leave at 1:00 PM.  Brandy IV would leave early (she’s a little slower) and would give us updates.

Brandy turned back and was back @ The Moorings by 12:30.  John said it was too rough.

Raydiance went out at 1:00 PM to anchor behind Dog Island.  We thought about joining them.  Greg decided I would poke my nose out into the Gulf and see what the conditions were.  If bad, I’d come back and anchor with Raydiance.  If good, I’d keep on going.

We decided to go at 1:25 PM.  Last Chance (34 ft. Mainship) came out with us.  About 2 hrs. later Boreas, Once Around, and Jolly Tolly came out too.

Goodbye Carrabelle and Panhandle!!!

It was a bit rough for the first 2 hours.  We had a southeast wind and waves 2-3 ft. with the occasional 4.  It was right on my nose and it really didn’t bother me. Even Kate was okay (she had a patch on)!  The waves smoothed out a bit after dark.

It was definitely a beautiful night.  The moon was almost full and very bright.  And the stars!  Haven’t seen that many in a long time.

The wind started picking up again about 1:30 AM.  My ride started to get a bit rocky.  We lost the moon about 3:30 AM and it got pitch-black!!

We all watched the sun rise about 6:30 AM.  Then we had to watch out for crab pots!!  Just like home!

Sunrise heading into Clearwater

I pulled into Clearwater Municipal Marina at 9:30 AM.  Greg washed me off; they took showers, and then went for a walk.  They even bought some more t-shirts for the babies!

I am soooo happy to be here at last with my friends.  It took a lot of waiting, but we had a good time in the end.

Carrabelle, FL

December 4-5, 2011

I left Apalachicola Sunday morning with Boreas, Brandy IV, Once Around, Foray, and Jolly Tolly.  Had about a 3-½ hour ride to get to Carrabelle.

We had beam seas for about an hour and it wasn’t pleasant, but after I turned toward the East we were much better.  We all hope that tomorrow and Tuesday are as good!

Coming into Carrabelle

Met up with Raydiance, Seabiscuit, C-Bay, and Last Chance again once we docked.  I will have a lot of company!

Looper's Cocktails

Monday morning after a Captain’s meeting, it was decided to leave about 1 PM.  Brandy will leave earlier as she is slower.

With any luck, the next time I post I will be in Clearwater!

Apalachicola, FL

December 2 – 3, 2011

Headed to Apalachicola on Friday.  It was a nice ride along the Intracoastal.  We did see a lot of crab pots as we neared Apalachicola (I just love that name!).  Haven’t seen a lot of them since the Chesapeake!

Gulf Coast Intracoastal Waterway

We pulled into Scipio Creek Marina around 12:30 PM.  It’s a small, rustic marina.  It has a restaurant on site, Papa Joe’s Oyster Bar & Grill.  Kate got oysters for dinner, of course!

Marina as seen from across the street

Oysters!!!

 

Town is not too far and they walked it a couple of times both days.  Kate did some shopping and they toured the Botanical Garden across the street from the Marina.

View of downtown Apalachicola

Butterflies everywhere!

They also started getting things ready – “battening down the hatches” so to speak – for a crossing Mon. night into Tues.  Should be fun!

Port St. Joe, FL

11/30 – 12/1/11

I’m still waiting for a weather window to cross the Gulf, but at least I’ve finally moved on from Bay Point!

On Wednesday, we all moved over to Port St. Joe Marina.  There are 5 of us here and we came across Lollygag.  She has just finished her Loop!

"Lollygag" -- homemade sailboat -- "Gold Looper"

Port St. Joe is a cute little town.  Everything is within walking distance, so that is what they did most of the day on Thursday.

Kate & Greg had a great dinner at “Provisions” tonight.  They said it was a wonderful Tapas menu.  They met the people from Once Around and Jolly Tolley in the restaurant and had a great time!

We are all heading to Apalachicola tomorrow. Kate can’t wait – OYSTERS!!!!  I’m hoping that we’ll get going and cross the Gulf soon.

Still waiting!!

November 29, 2011

Even windier today!  It was definitely gusting to 30!

They spent today doing little things – Greg got a haircut and Kate baked.

Jolly Tolley came in today around 2:00 PM.  They all had cocktails together aboard my friend Boreas.

Tomorrow I am leaving with Boreas and Brandy IV heading to Apalachicola.  Hoping to make a crossing on Friday.  PLEASE!!!!

Waiting for a weather window!

November 25 – 28, 2011

I left Panama City Marina on a windy Friday morning to go back a mile to Bay Point Marina.  The way in is a bit tricky, but it’s cheaper and nicer, and I am meeting my friend Boreas.  Once Around and Spirit of Whitby later joined us.  They all had cocktails on my upper deck and then went to the restaurant in the marina.

Can you find your way?

On Saturday they did some chores and cleaned me up a bit.  Then they left me to go sit by the pool (yes, it was that warm!).  They finally came back, watched some football, and had a mini-Thanksgiving dinner.

Kate at the pool

Sunday was very windy!  Greg worked on my radio because I’ve had some problems hearing others.  Then they left me again, this time to do some Christmas shopping.  Kate came back with bags, so I’m guessing it was successful!

They got home just before the rains started.  More friends, Brandy IV and The Cooper had come in.  They said it was rough out there!  It rained pretty heavily off and on all night.

Monday was another windy, rainy day. Greg cleaned my strainers, so I feel better.  Then he spent a lot of time plotting different routes from different departure points.  This waiting is boring!  Looks like Thursday might be “crossing day”.

Panama City, FL

November 23 & 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We were up at the crack of early on Wednesday to get going.  It rained pretty hard during the night, but was clear and warm that morning.

Gulf Intercoastal 

We had a bit of excitement on the ride.  A “Mayday” call appeared on our AIS.  It kept showing up, so Greg contacted the Coast Guard.  They already had a helicopter out, so they checked on the coordinates we had and the boat name.  They did let us know that it was a malfunction and no one was in any danger.

There were not many boats out Wednesday, so we made good time to Panama City Marina.  I pulled in at 2:00 PM.

On Thanksgiving Day they went to dinner with 30 others at the home of Greg & Carl Vernon.  They provided turkey, ham, and stuffing, along with some drinks.  The “Loopers” all brought sides.  Kate said it was a lot of fun, and delicious!!

They returned to the marina about 4 PM and everybody sat outside to watch a really beautiful sunset!

Sunset over Panama City Marina

Ft. Walton Beach, FL

November 22, 2011

This morning was clear, sunny and warm.  We left at 7:20 AM to try and get to Fort Walton Beach before the predicted storms hit.

Colorful houses along the ICW

We saw lots of dolphin again today – boy, they’re fast!  We also saw the Navy’s Blue Angels practicing (or playing) today.  Lots of fun!  And I’m in Florida!  Yeah!

Welcome to Florida!

I ended up at Ft. Walton Beach Yacht Basin at about 2:00 PM.  Greg stayed here last year with his buddies when they moved a boat in January.

Tomorrow we head to Panama City for the holiday!

Orange Beach, AL

November 21, 2011

I had to wait for fog (of course!) and a zinc this morning.  I am finally back in the water!

We got underway at 11:00 AM with Once Around.  We saw dolphin in the bay and then again as we entered the Intercoastal Waterway.  Just wish Kate was fast enough to get pictures!

Following "Once Around" out into the fog

I passed “Lulu’s”  (Lucy Buffet’s place) and met up again with Free To B, Something Special, and Brown-Eyed Girl.

We were all heading to the Marina at The Wharf. The people all got together for cocktails and then Greg, Kate & Frank & Carrie (Once Around) went to dinner.

"Free To B" docked at Lulu's

The weather for tomorrow is iffy so I don’t know where Greg and Kate will take me.  It is either stay here (not so good), Pensacola, or Ft. Walton Beach.  I guess I’ll know more when they get up in the fog tomorrow (or not!).

It’s just so nice to be back in the water again! 

Dog River Marina, Mobile, AL

November 12-20,2011

Oh, frabjuous day!!  I am whole again!

You are probably wondering where I have been – well, I got to Dog River Marina on the 12^th and have been sitting on the hard for the last 5 days!  Not much fun!  But, I am so pretty now!!!

I have been primped and preened!  My railing is fixed, my sides have been patched and buffed, and my bottom has been cleaned and painted.  Even my running gear has been done!  I feel like new again!

Clean and pretty again!

New railing

Nice and clean!

USS Alabama

Of course while this was going on Kate & Greg took a few side trips into Mobile, Fairhope, and Dauphin Island.

I should be back in the water first thing Monday (thank goodness!) and heading east on the lat leg of the trip for the winter.

Alabama Cut Off

November 11, 2011

It was supposed to be another 0-dark-hundred day, so everybody was up at 5:30 AM to leave by 6:30 but ----FOG!  Lots and lots of fog.  I finally was untied and headed off at 7:45 AM.

There's actually a boat out there!

There were 13 of us headed for the Coffeeville Lock.  We rafted off of Boreas and there were 2 others rafted also.  Fun!  Last lock until we hit the Okeechobee. Yes!!!

Rafted to Boreas waiting to be lowered

It was a beautiful day once the sun came out and warmed everything up.  We could finally take off our snowsuits!

They decided we would do about 60 miles and go to the Alabama River Cut Off to anchor.  I anchored starboard to starboard with Boreas so we would be secure and not swing.  Beautiful spot with plenty of depth and room.  Second Fantasy, Duddon Pilot, and Spirit of Whitby ended up anchored there with us. 

They had cocktails on Boreas with Fred and Julaine and then dinner onboard.  Tomorrow I will be in Mobile.  Done with freshwater – back to my natural habitat!  Saltwater!

Bobby's Fish Camp, Silas, AL

November 10, 2011

Another early day!  We had a Chinese fire drill this morning.  We had planned to leave at 6:30-6:45 AM, but saw 2 boats leaving from the marina at 6.   Greg called the lock and the lockmaster said he was already loading boats.  Well, they boogied then to get me outta here!  Boreas and I made the lock with 2 others behind us; a total of 8 boats in the lock.

Demopolis Lock and Dam

I am glad they hurried because the lock was closed after that for a repair to a hydraulic valve. Who knows how long I would have waited!

The morning was really cold when we started out, but once the sun came through the clouds it warmed up a bit.

We originally planned to anchor in Bashi Creek or Okatuppa Creek.  It was early when I passed Bashi so they decided to push on.  Okatuppa had 3 boats already anchored, so I went on to Bobby’s Fish Camp.  We ended up rafted off of Boreas, who in turn was rafted off Adessa.  There were 12 boats total, all rafted 3 deep.  Oh, well – it was an experience (sort of like Henry’s Fish House in Canada – only a bit worse!).  We still got charged $1.50 a foot for docking, rafted 3^rd in line and no electric!

They went to the restaurant and were a table of 10 (they joined my friend Duddon Pilot’s and Spirit of Whitby’s people, with Boreas and Adessa’s people too).  Catfish was the dinner of choice.  I think they all enjoyed.

Tonight is supposed to be very cold and tomorrow will be another early day.  My last lock and then I’m back to sea level and then saltwater!  Can’t wait!