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