Sunday, March 15 we left Harbortown Canaveral Marina and headed to New Smyrna Beach. Along the way we picked up two hitchhikers ... a two man/woman kayak! As we slowly passed them, they paddled over to our wake were they rode for about 30 minutes. When we asked them if they wanted a tow, they said, "you already are!" They eventually pealed off to what we assume was their home port. Looked like a really great workout.
Arrived at the New Smyrna Beach City Marina at 1:30. We stayed there for a week awaiting the arrival of daughter, Kim and her family; Rick, Samantha and Elizabeth. We pulled into the slip with the stern of the boat facing the intercoastal. For several mornings and evenings we watched the dolphins playing and fishing. Quite a show they put on. Traveled 47.6 miles.
On Sunday evening, we had drinks and snacks on the Friendly Cove II who were docked next us. Bill and Caroline are Canadians also on the loop. Also joining us were Alan and Candice from sailboat Tuktu, also on the loop.
On Tuesday we rented yet another Enterprise vehicle and drove back to the west coast of Florida to pick up our car at Palm Island Marina in Cape Haze. FL. Long trip.
On Saturday Rick arrived. He attended a convention for work in Orlando which ended Sat. Kim and the girls arrived late Monday evening.
On Tuesday morning, March 24 we left New Smyrna Beach for Daytona Beach with passengers on board. Since they got in late Monday evening, I'm not sure they appreciated the early departure, but knowing a boat ride with a pool at the other marina awaited woke them up! We saw a few dolphins and had a pleasant trip up. Arrived at Loggerhead Marina in Daytona Beach at 12:30 pm. Traveled 17 miles.
The girls spent quite a bit of time in the pool, and went to the beach one afternoon. We enjoyed having them and hope they had a good time on their short visit.
During our stay here we went to a Cirque Italia performance featuring acrobatic performances enhanced by water features. Enjoyed it very much. Also found a YMCA (actually two) where we have been attending water aerobics classes. We've missed working out in the water since leaving Ocala, but the instructors don't hold a candle to the ones we left behind.
Plans are to leave Daytona Friday, April 24 and head to Jacksonville with a stop in St. Augustine. While in Jacksonville, we will have the boat pulled to check the bottom and have it painted if needed. We will be staying in Jacksonville for an extended period of time. More later.
Total miles traveled....2628.2 (More time in port than traveling!)
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Time for another update ... Diane went to Tampa on Feb. 20 where she worked at the Florida Reining Horse show until Sunday, March 1st. It was great to get my "horse fix" and catch up with old friends. Stan managed quite well on his own, riding bike and getting in a lot of pool time. I heard he also made use of the free beer on Friday afternoons in addition to the free coffee and donuts on Sat & Sun!
We had a chance to spend some more time with friends, Debbie & Todd from the Surveyor and England friends, Steve and Jennie on the Siren's Song.
On Sunday, March 8th, we left Palm Island Marina and headed to Fort Myers. Dave McNamara accompanied us. It was a windy day with clouds and sun, but a pleasant trip. Arrived at the Fort Myers City Yacht Basin at 4:30. After we tied up, we walked up town and did some window shopping; had a Starbucks and came back to the boat for a light dinner.
Traveled 52 miles. Total for trip 2323.8
March 9, left Ft. Myers at 9:00 am and headed up the Caloosahatchee River to Lake Okeechoobee. Went thru two locks and stayed the night at The Glades Resort in Moore Haven, Fl. Dock Master let us use the golf cart, so we toured the camping area and had breakfast at the golf course grill in the morning before we left.
Traveled 50.2 miles. Total for trip 2374.
March10, left Moore Haven at 9:15am and arrived at Roland Martins Marina in Clewiston at 1:00 pm. They are located at the entrance to Lake Okeechoobee and we decided to dock here get a fresh start in the am to cross. Had a late lunch at the Tiki Bar on site, showered and went to bed early.
Traveled 30 miles. Total for trip 2404.
March 11 we left at 8:20 am, crossing the lake while paying strict attention to the markers as there are many low spots where you can run aground quickly. Lots of birds following - guess they were looking for a hand out. Arrived at Loggerhead Marina in Stuart at 3:45 pm. Enjoyed their pool and hot tub for a while, showered and had dinner at the restaurant on site.
Traveled 60 miles. Total for trip 2464.
March12 we left Loggerhead intending to stop at Cracker Boy in Fort Pierce to pull the boat and have the bottom painted. When we arrived they were backed up and couldn't get to us until March 23 so decided to continue north and have the work done in Jacksonville (whenever we got there!) Stopped at the Vero Beach City Marina arriving at 2:30 pm. Decided to stay 2 nights. Walked to sports bar nearby for dinner.
Traveled 37.2 miles. Total for trip 2501.2
March 13 Keith Thompson (good friend from our early boating days in Racine) drove up from South Beach where he has a condo, to have lunch. Barb Gilbert also drove up from Fort Pierce for lunch and to see the boat. Nice to see both, but visit was too short! We ran into Dave and Michelle from Just Us who we met during our trip down the Mississippi. They were docked a short distance from us. Interesting the stop at a marina and see people we've met long the way. Would be a nice place to stay for an extended period of time. The city has free bus service from 6 am to 6 pm. and some say it's nicknamed "Velcro Beach" because people come and decide to stay!
Saturday, March 14, we left Vero Beach at 7:30 am, clear, warm and a little humid. Saw some dolphins who traveled a short while alongside, but it sure hard to get a good picture from the time you spot them to when they say "goodbye". Arrived Harbortown Canaveral Barge Canal Marina in Merritt Island, Fl at 2:30 pm. Had a nice hot shower, ate on board and took a walk around looking at all the different style boats - sure are a lot of them!
Traveled 62.4 miles. Total for trip 2563.6
We had a chance to spend some more time with friends, Debbie & Todd from the Surveyor and England friends, Steve and Jennie on the Siren's Song.
On Sunday, March 8th, we left Palm Island Marina and headed to Fort Myers. Dave McNamara accompanied us. It was a windy day with clouds and sun, but a pleasant trip. Arrived at the Fort Myers City Yacht Basin at 4:30. After we tied up, we walked up town and did some window shopping; had a Starbucks and came back to the boat for a light dinner.
Traveled 52 miles. Total for trip 2323.8
March 9, left Ft. Myers at 9:00 am and headed up the Caloosahatchee River to Lake Okeechoobee. Went thru two locks and stayed the night at The Glades Resort in Moore Haven, Fl. Dock Master let us use the golf cart, so we toured the camping area and had breakfast at the golf course grill in the morning before we left.
Traveled 50.2 miles. Total for trip 2374.
March10, left Moore Haven at 9:15am and arrived at Roland Martins Marina in Clewiston at 1:00 pm. They are located at the entrance to Lake Okeechoobee and we decided to dock here get a fresh start in the am to cross. Had a late lunch at the Tiki Bar on site, showered and went to bed early.
Traveled 30 miles. Total for trip 2404.
March 11 we left at 8:20 am, crossing the lake while paying strict attention to the markers as there are many low spots where you can run aground quickly. Lots of birds following - guess they were looking for a hand out. Arrived at Loggerhead Marina in Stuart at 3:45 pm. Enjoyed their pool and hot tub for a while, showered and had dinner at the restaurant on site.
Traveled 60 miles. Total for trip 2464.
March12 we left Loggerhead intending to stop at Cracker Boy in Fort Pierce to pull the boat and have the bottom painted. When we arrived they were backed up and couldn't get to us until March 23 so decided to continue north and have the work done in Jacksonville (whenever we got there!) Stopped at the Vero Beach City Marina arriving at 2:30 pm. Decided to stay 2 nights. Walked to sports bar nearby for dinner.
Traveled 37.2 miles. Total for trip 2501.2
March 13 Keith Thompson (good friend from our early boating days in Racine) drove up from South Beach where he has a condo, to have lunch. Barb Gilbert also drove up from Fort Pierce for lunch and to see the boat. Nice to see both, but visit was too short! We ran into Dave and Michelle from Just Us who we met during our trip down the Mississippi. They were docked a short distance from us. Interesting the stop at a marina and see people we've met long the way. Would be a nice place to stay for an extended period of time. The city has free bus service from 6 am to 6 pm. and some say it's nicknamed "Velcro Beach" because people come and decide to stay!
Saturday, March 14, we left Vero Beach at 7:30 am, clear, warm and a little humid. Saw some dolphins who traveled a short while alongside, but it sure hard to get a good picture from the time you spot them to when they say "goodbye". Arrived Harbortown Canaveral Barge Canal Marina in Merritt Island, Fl at 2:30 pm. Had a nice hot shower, ate on board and took a walk around looking at all the different style boats - sure are a lot of them!
Traveled 62.4 miles. Total for trip 2563.6
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Time for another update. While still at Riviera Dunes Marina, we enjoyed a little beach time on Anna Maria Island, went to a Super Bowl Party at Charlie, the boat broker's office at the marina, and had some more good times with fellow boaters on the dock.
Met a great couple from England (Steve & Jenny) who have the slip right next to where we docked. They rent the slip yearly, and spend 3 months at a time here, the rest at their home in England. Friends come to visit and they take trips up and down the coast line visiting other marinas. A great way to entertain friends! We were fortunate enough to spend some time with them and their guests, and had a thoroughly great time. Never had a burning desire to visit England, but just might make trip across the pond sometime in the future to visit them!
One harrowing experience before we left...Laurie pounded on the boat about 11:30 pm yelling "Man in the water". Stan and Steve ran out (in just their undershorts!) and found a man had fallen between the dock and the stern of a boat near Laurie's boat. No telling how long he was in the water. They managed to pull him out, but he was very cold and fatigued...might not have lasted much longer had Laurie not hear him. After getting him out of his wet clothes, they called 911 and he spent overnight in the hospital. He is very lucky indeed. We joked with Steve about being Superman (he has superman underwear!)
On Friday, Feb 13 we rented a car and moved our car down to the next marina in Cape Haze, FL, picked up Dave McNamara and came back to the boat. Sat. morning, Feb. 14 we left Riviera and motored down to Palm Island Marina in Cape Haze, approx. 60 miles. It was great to have Dave aboard. Caroline wasn't feeling well and wasn't able to join us. Maybe we can get her on board for a future leg of our trip.
Friends Todd and Debbie on the Seaveyor, are docked here also. We drove up to Sarasota and had lunch at a very nice Italian restaurant. Steve, Jen and their friends, Chris/Tony & Pam, stopped at the marina so naturally we all joined them at South Beach Restaurant to watch the sunset and have dinner. We presented Steve with a Superman shirt, which he changed into and wore during dinner! Fun times.
Diane is on her way to the Tampa reining horse show for the week. When she returns we will figure out the next leg of our trip...go to the keys or cross the Okeechobee waterway to Stuart. Decisions, decisions.
Total miles traveled 2271.8
Met a great couple from England (Steve & Jenny) who have the slip right next to where we docked. They rent the slip yearly, and spend 3 months at a time here, the rest at their home in England. Friends come to visit and they take trips up and down the coast line visiting other marinas. A great way to entertain friends! We were fortunate enough to spend some time with them and their guests, and had a thoroughly great time. Never had a burning desire to visit England, but just might make trip across the pond sometime in the future to visit them!
One harrowing experience before we left...Laurie pounded on the boat about 11:30 pm yelling "Man in the water". Stan and Steve ran out (in just their undershorts!) and found a man had fallen between the dock and the stern of a boat near Laurie's boat. No telling how long he was in the water. They managed to pull him out, but he was very cold and fatigued...might not have lasted much longer had Laurie not hear him. After getting him out of his wet clothes, they called 911 and he spent overnight in the hospital. He is very lucky indeed. We joked with Steve about being Superman (he has superman underwear!)
On Friday, Feb 13 we rented a car and moved our car down to the next marina in Cape Haze, FL, picked up Dave McNamara and came back to the boat. Sat. morning, Feb. 14 we left Riviera and motored down to Palm Island Marina in Cape Haze, approx. 60 miles. It was great to have Dave aboard. Caroline wasn't feeling well and wasn't able to join us. Maybe we can get her on board for a future leg of our trip.
Friends Todd and Debbie on the Seaveyor, are docked here also. We drove up to Sarasota and had lunch at a very nice Italian restaurant. Steve, Jen and their friends, Chris/Tony & Pam, stopped at the marina so naturally we all joined them at South Beach Restaurant to watch the sunset and have dinner. We presented Steve with a Superman shirt, which he changed into and wore during dinner! Fun times.
Diane is on her way to the Tampa reining horse show for the week. When she returns we will figure out the next leg of our trip...go to the keys or cross the Okeechobee waterway to Stuart. Decisions, decisions.
Total miles traveled 2271.8
Thursday, January 22, 2015
The last couple weeks of November were spent in the charming little town of Dunedin. The marina is a close walk to downtown, where there are numerous shops and restaurants. There is a wonderful Farmer's Market downtown on Friday and Saturday. We took our bike in for a tune-up and bought another used bike so we both could enjoy the great Pinellas Trail bike path which goes right through town. The bike path goes for miles and while we explored a good part of it, we never did get from one end to the other. We figured out the local bus routes (barely) and had Thanksgiving dinner at Bob Evan's...not as good as homemade, but it was just the two of us.
The month of December was busy. With our boat safely docked at the Dunedin Municipal Marina, we spent a week in Ocala with routine doctor and dentist appointments. Got reacquainted with Ticket (our horse) who is spending time at Ann and Tim's great farm. Had a great time visiting with friends catching up. We then flew up to Illinois for the holidays.
Our border collie, Kali, is staying with my Mom, Betty and son, Steven for which I am eternally grateful as I'm not sure how we could easily get her on and off the boat without a winch! When we first got to Mom's, I think I got a little bit of a cold shoulder, but she quickly warmed up. She looks great.
Linda (sister) flew in from Highlands Ranch, Co for Christmas, so all 3 girls were home. Other sister, Lorraine lives just north of Mom. It was great spending time with family and friends. Of course, we ate alot...especially Mom's xmas cookies!
Drove our car back to Florida. Great to have wheels, but it might be a pain getting it moved along with the boat.
There was a great art festival in Dunedin with a multitude of artists...paintings, sculptures, jewelry and food vendors. Didn't buy anything, but sure was great window shopping. Would certainly recommend staying here.
,On Wednesday, Jan 14, 2015 we left Dunedin and motored about 50 miles south to the Riviera Dunes Marina in Palmetto, Fl which is on the Manatee River north of Bradenton. There are two pools, restaurant and bar, private shower facilities and laundry machines. Hurray! On Friday, we attended a boater get-together on the dock. Bring a dish to pass and your own drink. Met a lot of nice folks and in general everyone is very friendly and helpful. There are a lot of people who live on their boat permanently in the marina. We rented a car from Enterprise to drive back to Dunedin to pick up our car. Should have invested in Enterprise before this adventure!
We had a great visit with Ann and Tim (friends from Ocala). They stayed on the boat with us for two nights. We drove out to Anna Maria Island, walked the beach, had dinner and watched the sunset. Didn't have time for cards so they have to come back. We have a continuing rivalry playing Casino.
Plans are to enjoy the marina and catch up on some boat work (maybe) and move a little further south to Englewood, Fl in February - not sure of exact date. We will stay there thru the end of Feb and perhaps the beginning of March. Diane is working the Florida Reining Horse Show in Tampa the last week of Feb. so are tethered to the west side of Florida til then. Good friends Dave and Caroline, are down in Englewood for 3 months and we had lunch with them yesterday. Hope to spend more time with them while there.
Total miles traveled...2211.8
The month of December was busy. With our boat safely docked at the Dunedin Municipal Marina, we spent a week in Ocala with routine doctor and dentist appointments. Got reacquainted with Ticket (our horse) who is spending time at Ann and Tim's great farm. Had a great time visiting with friends catching up. We then flew up to Illinois for the holidays.
Our border collie, Kali, is staying with my Mom, Betty and son, Steven for which I am eternally grateful as I'm not sure how we could easily get her on and off the boat without a winch! When we first got to Mom's, I think I got a little bit of a cold shoulder, but she quickly warmed up. She looks great.
Linda (sister) flew in from Highlands Ranch, Co for Christmas, so all 3 girls were home. Other sister, Lorraine lives just north of Mom. It was great spending time with family and friends. Of course, we ate alot...especially Mom's xmas cookies!
Drove our car back to Florida. Great to have wheels, but it might be a pain getting it moved along with the boat.
There was a great art festival in Dunedin with a multitude of artists...paintings, sculptures, jewelry and food vendors. Didn't buy anything, but sure was great window shopping. Would certainly recommend staying here.
,On Wednesday, Jan 14, 2015 we left Dunedin and motored about 50 miles south to the Riviera Dunes Marina in Palmetto, Fl which is on the Manatee River north of Bradenton. There are two pools, restaurant and bar, private shower facilities and laundry machines. Hurray! On Friday, we attended a boater get-together on the dock. Bring a dish to pass and your own drink. Met a lot of nice folks and in general everyone is very friendly and helpful. There are a lot of people who live on their boat permanently in the marina. We rented a car from Enterprise to drive back to Dunedin to pick up our car. Should have invested in Enterprise before this adventure!
We had a great visit with Ann and Tim (friends from Ocala). They stayed on the boat with us for two nights. We drove out to Anna Maria Island, walked the beach, had dinner and watched the sunset. Didn't have time for cards so they have to come back. We have a continuing rivalry playing Casino.
Plans are to enjoy the marina and catch up on some boat work (maybe) and move a little further south to Englewood, Fl in February - not sure of exact date. We will stay there thru the end of Feb and perhaps the beginning of March. Diane is working the Florida Reining Horse Show in Tampa the last week of Feb. so are tethered to the west side of Florida til then. Good friends Dave and Caroline, are down in Englewood for 3 months and we had lunch with them yesterday. Hope to spend more time with them while there.
Total miles traveled...2211.8
Thursday, November 20, 2014
On Monday, Nov 3 we left Holiday Harbor Marina in Pensacola and headed for Destin, Fl. We had choppy water but arrived safely at 3:30pm and tied up at Harborwalk Marina. No one was there to greet us, give us codes to the bathrooms and the pier we tied up to was very difficult to get into - Stan had to maneuver in a tight space and back in. He did a fantastic job, but we still had a difficult time getting off the boat due to the short dock. Also, was not close to much of anything. Traveled 55 miles.
Dock person came down in the morning and when we told him we were not at all happy, said we were free to move and didn't charge us anything. Moved to Harbor Dock where we were lucky to get into a temporarily vacant space. Roxanne moved also. This was closer to some restaurants and a moderate walk to Harborside Village; shops, restaurants, etc.
Stan ordered a new radar as everyone he talked to said ours was too old to get parts...sounds like us! While waiting we walked to Walgreens for prescription renewals, shopped for some groceries at Target (couldn't find a Walmart close enough to walk to) and got a haircut.
On Friday, Nov. 7 sister Barb and husband Darrell stopped to visit. They were on their was to California, with a stop in Tucson. Since they were traveling along I-10 it was the closest we would be to each other a while. We enjoyed a relaxing dinner at AJ's. Mahi Mahi was very good.
On Saturday we took the boat out for a peaceful cruise, only to be interrupted by getting stuck on a sandbar in the middle of the channel. It was a nice sunny day, so we had a nice visit while waiting for Boat US to pull us off. They came in about 1-1/2 hours and quickly freed us. We went out to the gulf to run the engines at speed to make sure the props hadn't been damaged.
All was good. Walked across the street at had a great burger at Hog's Breath Saloon. (Steve - you would have enjoyed it!). Barb and Darrell went on their way Sunday.
Monday the radar was installed! We were in Destin for a week.
Tuesday, Nov. 11 we left Harbor Docks at 9:15am and headed north across the bay to Niceville where we docked at North Light Marina. Traveled 10 miles. David and Jane found a boat they wanted to look at just in case the boat they have an offer on falls thru. The boat didn't suit them but it was interesting to look.
Wednesday, Nov. 12 we left at 9:15am (see a pattern here?) and headed to Panama City, Fl. It was slightly overcast, flat water. Traveled 70 miles and arrived at Panama City Marina and was at the dock by 4pm. Ran into loopers EJ and Ed on the sailboat EDE J and Mary and Roger on a trawler named (?) (didn't get a card).
Walked a few blocks into town and had dinner at an Italian Restaurant. Cute town with a variety of shops.
Thursday, Nov 13 we went with David & Jane to look at another boat - a 52' which was overpriced and needed electronics. They crossed it off their list. Pizza, wine and a movie on the Hotei.
On Friday, Nov 14 we fueled up and headed to Appalachicola. A chilly 39 degrees but sunny. Had an uneventful, pleasant trip arriving at Water Street Inn and Marina at 3pm. Lots of short piers and Stan is getting pretty darn good at backing in even tho his sightline is partially blocked by the dingy up on top. David/Jane walked around town with us and had dinner at Up The Creek Raw Bar where Stan had his oysters. The rest of us had something different!
Saturday, Nov 15...after checking 3 different weather sites, we decided to make the gulf crossing, starting out at 3pm. Went thru government cut and all was well, with 1-2 chop.
Sunset came and things went downhill quickly...seas built, it was pitch black and we had a very, very rough ride. Thanks to Roxanne (David and Jane) for leading the way. Had a quesy stomach most of the way and was soooo grateful to see the sunrise. The seas finally calmed down about 7am and the last 4 hours were okay. A bright note... two dolphins came along side, and were soon joined by 2 more, then 2 more. For a while we had 6 following, jumping and playing. Very cool!
After 20 grueling hours, we arrived at Marker 1 Marina in Dunedin, FL at 11:30am Sunday, Nov. 16. So thankful to be tied up safe and sound. Traveled 190 miles.
Today, Wed. Nov 20 we are still at Marker 1. We have made arrangement to move on Sunday, Nov. 23 to the Dunedin Municipal Marina where we will stay for about 2 months.
A recap of our journey so far...as of Nov. 16 we have been on the loop for 80 days, 31 underway, 49 at rest and traveled 2151.8 miles! Phew!
Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!
Dock person came down in the morning and when we told him we were not at all happy, said we were free to move and didn't charge us anything. Moved to Harbor Dock where we were lucky to get into a temporarily vacant space. Roxanne moved also. This was closer to some restaurants and a moderate walk to Harborside Village; shops, restaurants, etc.
Stan ordered a new radar as everyone he talked to said ours was too old to get parts...sounds like us! While waiting we walked to Walgreens for prescription renewals, shopped for some groceries at Target (couldn't find a Walmart close enough to walk to) and got a haircut.
On Friday, Nov. 7 sister Barb and husband Darrell stopped to visit. They were on their was to California, with a stop in Tucson. Since they were traveling along I-10 it was the closest we would be to each other a while. We enjoyed a relaxing dinner at AJ's. Mahi Mahi was very good.
On Saturday we took the boat out for a peaceful cruise, only to be interrupted by getting stuck on a sandbar in the middle of the channel. It was a nice sunny day, so we had a nice visit while waiting for Boat US to pull us off. They came in about 1-1/2 hours and quickly freed us. We went out to the gulf to run the engines at speed to make sure the props hadn't been damaged.
All was good. Walked across the street at had a great burger at Hog's Breath Saloon. (Steve - you would have enjoyed it!). Barb and Darrell went on their way Sunday.
Monday the radar was installed! We were in Destin for a week.
Tuesday, Nov. 11 we left Harbor Docks at 9:15am and headed north across the bay to Niceville where we docked at North Light Marina. Traveled 10 miles. David and Jane found a boat they wanted to look at just in case the boat they have an offer on falls thru. The boat didn't suit them but it was interesting to look.
Wednesday, Nov. 12 we left at 9:15am (see a pattern here?) and headed to Panama City, Fl. It was slightly overcast, flat water. Traveled 70 miles and arrived at Panama City Marina and was at the dock by 4pm. Ran into loopers EJ and Ed on the sailboat EDE J and Mary and Roger on a trawler named (?) (didn't get a card).
Walked a few blocks into town and had dinner at an Italian Restaurant. Cute town with a variety of shops.
Thursday, Nov 13 we went with David & Jane to look at another boat - a 52' which was overpriced and needed electronics. They crossed it off their list. Pizza, wine and a movie on the Hotei.
On Friday, Nov 14 we fueled up and headed to Appalachicola. A chilly 39 degrees but sunny. Had an uneventful, pleasant trip arriving at Water Street Inn and Marina at 3pm. Lots of short piers and Stan is getting pretty darn good at backing in even tho his sightline is partially blocked by the dingy up on top. David/Jane walked around town with us and had dinner at Up The Creek Raw Bar where Stan had his oysters. The rest of us had something different!
Saturday, Nov 15...after checking 3 different weather sites, we decided to make the gulf crossing, starting out at 3pm. Went thru government cut and all was well, with 1-2 chop.
Sunset came and things went downhill quickly...seas built, it was pitch black and we had a very, very rough ride. Thanks to Roxanne (David and Jane) for leading the way. Had a quesy stomach most of the way and was soooo grateful to see the sunrise. The seas finally calmed down about 7am and the last 4 hours were okay. A bright note... two dolphins came along side, and were soon joined by 2 more, then 2 more. For a while we had 6 following, jumping and playing. Very cool!
After 20 grueling hours, we arrived at Marker 1 Marina in Dunedin, FL at 11:30am Sunday, Nov. 16. So thankful to be tied up safe and sound. Traveled 190 miles.
Today, Wed. Nov 20 we are still at Marker 1. We have made arrangement to move on Sunday, Nov. 23 to the Dunedin Municipal Marina where we will stay for about 2 months.
A recap of our journey so far...as of Nov. 16 we have been on the loop for 80 days, 31 underway, 49 at rest and traveled 2151.8 miles! Phew!
Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!
Sunday, November 2, 2014
We spent 4 days ( 10/29-11/01) at Dog River Marina getting some maintenance done on Hotei. We went out to dinner with some other loopers at a nearby Yacht Club and gathered on our boat a couple nights for snacks and drinks. Had a good time getting to know Shipperly (Ken and Pauline), met up with Priority (Randy and Sherry) and met some new people. Randy is the one responsible for us buying Hotei - Stan was on their boat a year ago and fell in love with it. Also borrowed the courtesy car and went into town a few times to get provisions.
Sunday, Nov. 2 we left and headed across Mobile Bay for the ICW (intercoasal waterway). We had a following sea when we left so rocked and rolled a little bit until we neared the eastern shore where it calmed down and then we had a great ride. Chilly when we left, but was sunny and warmed up nicely. As we entered the ICW, we saw some dolphins - looking forward to seeing a lot more! Traveled about 50 miles and docked at Holiday Harbor Marina on Perdido Key (near Pensacola, FL). Plan to leave tomorrow for Destin, FL, then on to Panama City, FL where we will stay for a while. Need to look into repairing or replacing it ($$$$).
Sunday, Nov. 2 we left and headed across Mobile Bay for the ICW (intercoasal waterway). We had a following sea when we left so rocked and rolled a little bit until we neared the eastern shore where it calmed down and then we had a great ride. Chilly when we left, but was sunny and warmed up nicely. As we entered the ICW, we saw some dolphins - looking forward to seeing a lot more! Traveled about 50 miles and docked at Holiday Harbor Marina on Perdido Key (near Pensacola, FL). Plan to leave tomorrow for Destin, FL, then on to Panama City, FL where we will stay for a while. Need to look into repairing or replacing it ($$$$).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)