Juxtaposition, all over again!

It's a small world after all....

So we just had the bottom of the boat washed and the boat lift is moving our boat to it's storage space at Charlotte Harbor Boat Storage for the summer. We fall in behind the slow moving lift and there, standing at the well are our boating neighbors from Spring Lake, waiting to bring their boat ashore!!!

Paul and Bette were the boat we passed at anchor the day before. They were waiting for deeper water at the entrance to the inland waterway leading to CHBS. We've know Paul and Bette since we shared the same dock at Spring Lake and almost had bought the condo they are in now. They have had their sailboat "Egg Crate" since the mid '80's, about 25 years.

....and here we are in line to share the same storage yard!~

Twins at Burnt Store Marina, Punta Gorda, FL

Brightwork Updating!

Going Hard

Twins is now headed for Charlotte Harbor Boat Storage for the Summer.

We will be back on the boat next fall recruising West Florida....

....down to Marathon...over to the Bahamas....we hope!

Cheeseburger in Paradise

Sunset over Boot Key Field

Summer Break

TWINS is now on our Spring Break. We are going on the hard at Charlotte Harbor after doing some brightwork at Burnt Store Marina. We expect to go back in the water next fall and go back to the panhandle of Florida as we went through that area too quick!

In the meantime we are setting into our new condo, planning a trip to Spain and, of course, spending time with the twins when we can.

I'll probably post some pictures along the way, just to keep some activity here.

THE Friendly Mooriings List

http://friendlymooringslist.blogspot.com/

Friendly Moorings List is a compilation of “free” moorings (docks, walls, etc) that are believed to be available for short term and overnight use. It has been compiled from numerous sources and the experiences of many different cruisers. Of specific note are the AGLCA, Great Loop, and T&T, daily e-mail communities of which we have been active members for a number of years. Many notes and correspondences were saved for our use while cruising America’s fresh and salt waterways. While cruising, we have had the opportunity to obtain information and recommendations from other cruisers, as well as gaining direct experience while using many of the places listed. We also use many other different free and paid cruising resources and guides including but not limited to those by Skipper Bob, Waterway, Fred Myers, Claiborne Young, Richardsons, Maptech, Ports, etc. as well as internet sources like ActiveCaptain.com and Cruisersnet.com where additional information on many of the places listed will be found. As the list was compiled, other cruisers offered recommendations for the “Frugal Stops” and also “Private Dock” spaces so these have been added as well. This list is provided as a free guide for public use but all users must understand that they bear responsibility to confirm all related information to maintain their own safety and satisfaction.

Life is good in the South

Just went fishing this morning but after a short time I ran out of worms. Then I saw a cottonmouth with a frog in his mouth. Frogs are good bass bait. Knowing the snake couldn't bite me with the frog in his mouth I grabbed him right behind the head, took the frog, and put it in my bait bucket. Now the dilemma was how to release the snake without getting bit. So, I grabbed my bottle of Jack Daniels and poured a little whiskey in its mouth. His eyes rolled back, he went limp. I released him into the lake without incident and carried on fishing using the frog. A little later, I felt a nudge on my foot. There was that same snake with two frogs in his mouth.

Life is good in the South

The New and the Old - 7 Mile Bridges of the Keys

We went to Key West and spent over 4 hours stopped as they cleaned up an accident on this bridge!

The Buildings of Pigeon Key

Starting in 1908, work commenced on a major hurdle known as the Seven Mile Bridge. From Marathon to Little Duck Key, 546 concrete piers would be needed to bridge the gap, the longest stretch of open water on the route. Pigeon Key is located about midway across the Seven Mile Bridge, and this tiny coral island would serve as a base camp for the construction. As many as 400 workers would be housed on the island during the construction, which went on for almost four years. Working conditions were atrocious, and many men were lost during the 1906 hurricane, which struck Long Key. Mosquitoes were a major problem in the mangrove swamps of the Keys. All fresh water had to be transported in from the mainland, even water to be used for mixing the concrete. Old photos show tank trains of large cypress wood casks loaded on flatcars being sent out as construction edged further west. Costs mounted, but Henry Flagler, now in his late 70’s did not waver. At last the magnificent engineering feat was completed. On January 22, 1912 Flagler’s private car, Rambler, left Miami with the old tycoon and other dignitaries in tow. The Overseas Railroad was a reality! Less than two years later, Henry Flagler died at his palatial home in Palm Beach, Florida.

In 1904, Henry Flagler announced he would build a railroad from Miami to Key West. Critics scoffed. Engineers were aghast. His business partners wondered if the old gentleman was quite sane. A determined Flagler would be the driving force to accomplish the Key West extension, and Florida’s remote tropical island paradise would never be the same.

Approaching Pigeon Key from the Old 7 Mile Bridge

Shannon and Vaughn walking on right!

Local Fishermen below the 7 Mile Bridge

Our view over the mangrove island and mooring field of Marathon

The Vorce Family....it's a small connected world sometimes!

Good Friends from Michigan....another close connection. I happened to send Randy a picture of the fish kill in florida....he responds that he's leaving the next day to fish the 1000 Islands area where we will be in a few days! We maintain contact and soon the family is on our boat at Rookery Bay anchorage on the Old ICW.

Shrimp Boat Fleet idle in Ft Myers

Changes in Plans….Changes in Lattitudes….the Mint Julep story.

As it is inherent with cruising the waters of this earth, one is never really sure of where you are going. Oh, yes, while we have generalities of direction and expectations of destination, one is never surprised to find a new destination while charting the daily course or seeking the evenings stay. Gunkholers have often found that for one reason or another, their plans change. It happened to us on the Tenn Tom when some other boaters were trespassing on our anchorages and we had to put up with the infamous Bobby’s Fish Camp. The weather also often dictates reality.

And again, late last fall sometime we found ourselves crossing from Apalachicola to Carrabelle in anticipation of the Big Bend crossing. (that’s another story posted unto itself) While stopping at Miller Marine, we asked the dockmaster about the waters out in Apalach Bay and were suggested it was ok. Maybe we should have further inquired about St George Sound to the east as that body of water kicked up some good waves and by the time we reached Dog Island we were in the confused waters of East Pass and the Gulf of Mexico, a veritable washing machine cycle. After nearly grounding on a shoal, we decided the anchorage at Government Bay would not be favorable and upped our engines to make nearby Carrabelle before nightfall. Smashing waves and salt water everywhere!

That evening was the local boat parade for Christmas and we decompressed tied to a dock. The next morning brought thick fog that seems to hang heavy and only thin and lift slightly before closing in again. A number of boats already staged at the marina’s gauged the fog and finally pushed out as a flotilla into the din about noon. As it turned out this was a lucky window. Radio traffic indicated the fog continued to be an issue for some time. We were happy to relax another day and expected the fog to be gone by the time we departed the next day. It was not to be.

As the day wore on we heard a friendly voice from the bridge of Queen Anne’s Revenge. We had talked to Hank and Ann via phone and they’d indicated they might make Carabelle too and were looking for a friendly boat to cross The Bend with. (We first met Queen Ann at the Joe Wheeler Rendevoux in 2008 and again when walking the marina at Grand Haven last fall.) Queen Ann was moving east in heavy fog, calling out their location as they went. Another boat, Mint Julep was also out in that pea soup and they indicated they were anchored at Government Bay behind Dog Island. We had gone as far as to disconnect our shore power and throw off lines that afternoon as we had intended to leave the marina and stage at Government Bay as well. But as quickly as the fog lifted, it closed in again and we abandoned hope of the anchorage, signing up for another night. We walked down to a neighboring marina to welcome Queen Anne from the fog and agreed to accompany them the next day.

The next morning the fog continued to be thick and never let up. I called Mint Julep but was unable to raise them as (I found out later) they had left to cross to Clearwater the night before. We traded messages with Queen Ann and subsequently left about 1pm in heavy fog as the weather window was favorable (except for the thick fog). Hank is an old airplane pilot so we asked him to lead us through the mess out into the Gulf. Other boats were seen on radar and then popping out of the fog in the channel including a 90’ Research Vessel. Other boaters yelled their caution to us “It doesn’t get any better out there”, but we made it out and led across the Gulf of Mexico safely arriving at our friends dock at Treasure Island some 20 hours and 195 miles later.

And 24 hours later we were backing out of our free slip at the Mayor’s house and reentering the ICW. Another boat is cruising by within a comfortable traveling length so we fall in behind them and raise the binoculars to find that it is Mint Julep. VHF introductions are made and we spend the day cruising the ICW together on down past Tampa Bay and though the VHF discussionary agree to try the dock at Moore’s Stone Crab House, a fine restaurant on Longboat Key that allows an overnight stay with dinner. We dock and catch lines for Pam and Bob Shircliff on their “new” Jefferson 42, a boat they just recently purchased and cruised down the rivers from home in Louisville KY….home of the Mint Julep.

Another day and we’re off down the ICW toward Venice. Mint Julep has decided to run outside and they enter the Gulf via Longboat Pass. It’s an easy day on the ICW and we jog along waiting for the bridge openings and enjoying the inside route. At some point as we approach Venice, we receive a call from Pam or Bob, via radio or cell phone, don’t remember which, that they are coming inside due to a mechanical issue. Bob has black smoke coming from one engine, a problem that some weeks later is determined to be due to different prop pitch causing one to work harder than the other! So we motor around the corner into Venice and find the the Free Dock is empty and welcoming to our small flotilla of two. We tie up with extra lines to the bow as the winds are picking up and once again wait for the incoming boat so we can help with the docking lines.

Another nice evening is spent with new friends. In boating, and maybe particularly true with Loopers, these impromptu gatherings are common. Sharing stories, talking about personal histories, asking questions about boats, destinations travelled and destinations yet to come. We share beers and cigars in the adjacent pavilion giving thanks to the local governments that have so nicely appropriated space for the travelling boater. One night only please! We learn that Pam and Bob are headed down the ICW another day and planning a layover at Burnt Store Marina where they have a condominium and are renting a dock slip to do some more work on their old boat before continuing the loop. We talk about the Bahamas, and a hundred other things. The next morning we both shove off again, us to our destination for a month at Palm Island Marina and them to their place on Charlotte Harbor.

Such it is that new friendships are made. We almost book New Years Eve with them at Cabbage Key, but Sara and the twins will still be on Palm Island that night so we stay close. We get within a short hop of them again though with our three hour New Years Eve Day cruise to Punta Blanca Island, just around the corner from the famous Cabbage Key and Useppa Island. Later trading emails with various information on ActiveCaptain and making joint plans for the Bahamas, we agree to come down to the Shircliff Condo at Burnt Store Marina for a night. One Friday night at their place, multiple internet searches of residential listings, a few bottles of wine, hot tub, a stroll through the artists at Matlace, dinner at Tarpon Lodge, a windshield tour of Burnt Store Marina in the rain. It’s a few hundred acre complex of completed dwellings. It’s been around for a number of years and is a mature community with well developed landscaping. It’s not Disney, but it looks well maintained and comfortable….we like it!

….…we go back Monday to look at properties.

.…..find a place we like a lot.…buy a condo

…a start another chapter in life

And as I write this history, we sit a few slips down from Mint Julep in Marathon, just a few slips down from where I last saw Queen Anne’s Revenge. It can be a very small world sometimes, and it seems particularly when cruising!

Good Morning Sunshine

The Last Night Shuttle

No pictures but we got up this morning to see the last night liftoff of the Shuttle Program.

The shuttle appeared in the north sky looking line a large comet....then we saw the separation of the rocket and boosters....quite a sight.

We were lucky to have a relatively starry night.

Good Superbowl game too!

a fistfull of dollars

MANGROVES

That's one huge sand dollar....more like a twooney!

Marathon in Feburary

Twins is now at Sombrero Dockside Marina in Marathon florida.

Retracing our steps....we had a wonderful day crossing Florida Bay....ripples for 5 hours.

Stops before yesterday.....

Little Shark River

Russell Pass at Everglades City

Panther Key at the top of the Everglades

Goodland below Marco

Rookery Bay between Marco and Naples

Ft Myers Beach at an old free dock

St James City on Pine Island

Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island

and a couple of days in Burnt Store Marina of Charlotte Harbor

....but that's another story

On the road again....

Well, we're off again today after being tied to the dock for a month.

Looking forward to anchoring out in some secluded spots and walking the gulf shore beaches.

The weather forecast looks good....a daily ritual when away from the security of the dock pilings!

Weather Forecasts....looks like a good week.

Forecast as of 3:59 am EST on January 18, 2010 Synopsis For The Coastal Waters From Bonita Beach To Suwannee River- Synopsis High pressure over the northwestern Gulf will move eastward toward the Florida Peninsula Monday and Tuesday. High pressure will move out into the Atlantic on Wednesday. A cold front will move into the northern Gulf on Thursday and into our waters Thursday night and Friday. Small Craft Advisory in effect until 10 am EST this morning Forecast as of 3:59 am EST on January 18, 2010 Tarpon Springs To Suwannee River Out 20 Nm- Englewood To Tarpon Springs Out 20 Nm- Bonita Beach To Englewood Out 20 Nm- Today Northwest winds around 10 knots. Seas 5 to 7 feet subsiding to 3 to 5 feet by afternoon. Bay and inland waters a light chop. Tonight North winds around 5 knots. Seas 3 to 5 feet. Bay and inland waters smooth. Tuesday Northeast winds around 5 knots becoming west in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 3 feet. Bay and inland waters smooth. Tuesday Night Northeast winds around 5 knots. Seas 2 feet. Bay and inland waters smooth. Wednesday South winds around 5 knots. Seas 2 feet. Bay and inland waters smooth. Wednesday Night Southeast winds around 15 knots. Seas 3 to 5 feet. Bay and inland waters a moderate chop. Slight chance of showers. Thursday Southwest winds around 20 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet. Bay and inland waters choppy. Chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Thursday Night West winds around 15 knots. Seas 2 to 4 feet. Bay and inland waters a moderate chop. Chance of showers. Friday Northwest winds around 10 knots. Seas 2 to 3 feet. Bay and inland waters a light chop. Slight chance of showers in the morning.

Back to work....not all fun and games

Polishing in paradise....

Dead fish everywhere

Still cold this morning at 35 degrees...too much for the fishies.

Went for a dink ride yesterday afternoon and there were dead fish on the bottom all over the shallows....others on the surface stressed out....a bit of a shame but that's nature!

Cold Effects

After three days of cold weather the fish have given up hiding an moved into the shallows of the marina. The last couple of days the nice silver Papano about the size of your hand have been showing up on the surface, dying due to the cold water. Today, there are hundreds of fish in the shallows of the marina and a few exotic fish dead on the surface including a nice sized angel fish...what a shame.

Mullet, catfish, schools of fish, fish I've never seen before. There are also lots of Snook and a few huge Snook that are coveted for their fight and flavor...unfortunately, they're out of season! Some of these snook look to be almost three feet long and the size of your thigh.

No Sheepshead though....??

We expect the prices of local produce to go up dramatically and were able to score a box of strawberries and tomatoes from a roadside vendor, picked before the freeze.

Freezing.... (3) Ice Report

Yes, there is even ice on the boat this morning!!!!!

Fresh Fish

I had an offer to go fishing with our landlord on Palm Island.

No trout but we did catch 7 nice Sheepshead. These fish feed on the barnicles of dock pilings, have an incredible set of teeth and a reputation for being tasty. Put 1/2 a shrimp on a straight hook and sink it along a piling to the bottom. These fish will steal your bait but if you have the "feel" you can get them. Nice fight and you have to be fast or they will wrap you around the piling. A few snapper and grouper were had but no size to them.

Good eating....today a chowder!

Freezing in Florida (2)

Well, last post was a joke, it was cold but....

yesterday we drove back from Burnt Store and it was 37 degrees in the afternoon.

Sunday morning shows 30 degrees on the boat thermometer.

Talking Heads are talking about record cold temps in FL

so it really is freezing in Florida

...brrrrrrr

Freezing in Florida….

 

No, we really can’t complain about the “cold” weather in Florida, particularly compared to the real cold weather up north.  This week includes freeze warnings which impact local growers.  Such is winter in Florida….much like Spain.  It seems we have a nice hot sun during the day when it shines, but cool at night.

The future should be much better as the temperatures right now are considered to be about 20 degrees below normal.  Another couple of weeks here, then we move on down the coast and on to Marathon in the Keys.

We are back on the boat doing some maintenance chores and taking some small day excursiona around the area as well.  We like the beaches along the barrier islands and have looked at some properties as we think about the future too.  Maybe a rental condo?  Who knows!

….but we do continue to like  this area.

Signs of Life....slow down and enjoy the trip, you won't egret it either!

As we start out a new year and new decade, I find a reflection on the past Decade.

We only get so many decades to enjoy on this earth and the past one has been a major one for us.

It was the Y2K decade starting. It also seems like 2001 was a very long time ago, what with the 911 terrorist tradgedy. That was a traumatic event that played in our minds.....many changes brought about.

This past decade has seen our nest empty out (some times with foot firmly planted!)

The sale of our lake home (cottage) after 15 great years there, trading for the floating Condo.

The deaths of loved ones, both young and old. Nephew and Parents, Vaughn's Grandparents

The marriages of our kids, first houses, new lives to live, their own worlds to create.

The birth of the first grandchildren, Benjamin James and Mia Anne. The Twins!

Our move to the condominium life. Early retirement. Spain trips.

Finding our boat and starting to Cruise...the Loop.

Wood fired ovens, Paella on the rocks.

The shallow and the deep.

Miles to go, we hope.

A new decade.

Friends

2010

Boca Grand Swing Bridge opening

Happy Loop Year - 2010

Just yesterday (last year) Vaughn was expressing her happiness about Cruising and Looping, particularly since we had our twin grandchildren down from Michigan for the holidays.

I thought that the following message excerpt from another cruiser yesterday was also worth sharing:

......And yes the cruising life is exceptionally good for us. Sometimes it is so great as to be almost unbelievable that this is really our lives that we are living and not some characters from a book. .......

It kind of sums up the way we feel on the good days!

Happy New Year - 2010, the new Decade too!

Every once in a blue moon there's, well, a blue moon. Every once in a long time (19 years) there's a blue moon on New Year's Eve. The next one will happen in 2028.

A Blue Moon for New Years Eve! Did you know that next one the Twins will be able to drink!

The start of the New Year brings us a measure of contentment as we have just finished the holidays with Benjamin James and Mia Anne, our 2 1/2 year old grandchildren. They are a treat to watch and enjoy as they navigate their way into the world at such a young age. Learning something new every day, it's a lot like boating!

The good and the bad, and the ugly.

Smiles, laughter and singing. Having fun and sharing things. Wonderment discovering new things, a world we learn enjoy at a different level.

Anger, crying, pushing, shrieking, temper tantrums. Being toddlers, terrible two's.

Jockeying for control. Winning and losing.

We had a lot of fun. Boat rides, golf cart rides, beach walks, shelling, swimming, fishing too!

New stuff to check out...Manatees, Pelicans, Snook, Redfish, Jumping Dolphins, Osprey.

And the first trip to the Magic Kingdom....first parades....Mickey Mouse!