Saving this spot for best picture in the Bahama's awardThis is it, taken from atop the Hope Town Lighthouse
Well, after many months of preparation and planning it looks as if we will depart Ft. Myers tomorrow morning for our journey to the Bahamas. "Happy Ours" is loaded and prepped. If fact, if we make one more shopping trip for more supplies I think the old gal might sink. Christine's list of necessities goes on and on and on.
We have many spare parts, enough groceries to feed an army, booze to handle most any situation, several guns and enough ammo to take care of any uprising. We even have fishing gear for that perfect moment when it seems the thing to do is just sit and fish.
We will make our way across the state in two days and wait for the right weather at West Palm. Then, when the weather permits we will cross the Gulf Stream for West End, Bahamas. After checking in we will head East across the Bahama Bank to the outer Cays. From there, who knows?
Stay tuned as we travel these beautiful waters. We hope to have fair internet service and will try to post often. If not, we just wasted a lot of time and money adding a cell amplifier, external antenna, modem, and router to make our own WiFi hotspot.
We will post many pictures along the way and hope you follow along. Please let us know what you think, even if you think we are a bit crazy.
Saturday, April, 27, 2013
Just cruising up the river on our way to the Bahama's. Thanks again, Judy.
No one home at Mikeeee's place as we cruise on up the river. Looks like the Harder's have gone to town. I really wanted to hear those BIG air horns he mounted on the roof to greet boaters as they cruise by his homestead. Oh well, maybe next time.
The entrance to Lake Okeechobee is just ahead on the left. Burgers, beans, and freezer slaw for supper.
And maybe a Jack or two. Life is good.
Remember, click on any picture to enlarge and check back often.
Cheers.......
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Departing Clewiston at 7:00 a.m due to winds forecast. Nice this morning, but winds are going to be 15-20 kts by this afternoon.
By the time we crossed the lake the white caps had started to form and the winds picked up a bunch. This shot is the channel leading out to Lake Okeechobee. If these winds don't subside by next weekend we won't be able to cross the Gulf Stream to the Bahama's.
Our target date for the crossing is May 3rd but that is not looking good at this time.
"Happy Ours" is performing great, just a small issue with the aft shower sump. Seems the pump is not working and it overflowed into the bilge. Oh well, that's boating. We'll fix it tomorrow.
Monday, April 29,2013
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Took the dingy for a spin just to see if she still ran good. Repaired some piling covers for Joe while I had the dingy in the water.
Finished preparing the "ditch bag" for the crossing in hopes that we will never need it and
Christine is busy helping Mirka understand her I-Pad a little better.
Just hanging out until this weather patten changes.
Wednesday May 1, 2013
This weather pattern is very unusual for this time of year.
Seems the weatherman wants us to stay right here on the Treasure Coast.
A good evening to cook up some spaghetti and watch some TV.
Joe dug into his stash of boating safety gear and loaned us two ocean going life jackets and a throwable life ring. He also found us two complete sets of snorkeling gear and a Hawaiian Sling for fishing and lobster hunting.
We are looking forward to cruising the Bahama's with Kurt and Kristen if we ever get to make the crossing.
Raining so hard you can hardly see their boat from "Happy Ours".
Thursday, May 2, 2013
More liquid sunshine scheduled for today along with severe thunderstorm warnings, tornado warnings, and flash flood warnings for all of Palm Beach County.
News reports showed damaged properties, flooded streets, and even people kayaking down the streets of Key West.
Seas still 6-8 feet so we'll be here a while.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Are we ever going to get a break from these storms. Yes, that's the direction we are wanting to go. The Bahama's lie just over the horizon.
We wait, and we wait, and we wait.
This weather is so unusual for this time of year.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Happy Birthday Christine.....and we wait, and we wait, and we wait. Seems like Thursday the 9th might be the first good opportunity to cross the Gulf Stream. Seas are still 6-8 feet today and will take several days for them to subside. Kurt and Kristen will probably head on down to the Keys soon, they are burning up vacation time sitting here on the East Coast. I am still piddling with the boat and Christine and Mirka find things to do in town. Thank goodness we have good friends over here that will put up with us while we wait. I can't imagine what it would be like to sit in a Marina or out on anchor for 8-10 days waiting to cross but lots of boaters do it.
Monday, May 6, 2013
We moved on down the ICW towards Lake Worth today. Passed this "House Boat" just as we arrived in West Palm. We heard it was on it's way to Minnesota for a wealthy contractors lake house.
And some say Kentucky is redneck.
Plan to anchor a few days in Lake Worth while waiting for the seas to settle down.
http://www.mensjournal.com/magazine/steve-jobss-last-masterpiece-20130311
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Her name is Polar Star and has a crew of 17. She can be chartered for a mere $240,000 per week.
http://www.charterworld.com/index.html?sub=yacht-charter&charter=mypolar-star-6158
Wednesday, May 8, 2013We decided to move to SailFish Marina to top off water and fuel for our crossing tomorrow. Looks like the bad weather is gone and seas should be calmer by then. Beautiful marina with mostly sport fish yachts for charter. Friendly staff and great food at the restaurant. I hooked up with a charter captain this morning who agreed to leave the inlet at the same time as us. EDT time is 0600.
We will try to stay in touch with him by radio, he is heading for Memory Rock which is a little off our heading but we know he's out there somewhere.
After lunch it's time to check all mechanicals and electronics, confirm the GPS coordinates, check the safety gear, set the waypoints and be ready to head out early.
Our dockhand "Matt" gave us a great slip so it would be easy to get out during a rushing current. The current is really strong here this close to the Inlet so it makes docking rather challenging at certain times.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
The Admiral is feeling pre-race jitters, her stomach is churning and she's a little nervous. I told her, welcome to the world of "Adrenaline High's ".
Let's see, waypoints in, radar on, MARPA set to target the Sportfish Captain, both VHF radios on, GPS tracks on, autopilot on standby, we're off.A beautiful sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. We are about 5 miles out and only 50 more to go.
This is way the Admiral says you should make the crossing. Just sleep through it. Everything good, seas a little choppy but probably never get much better than this.
About like boating on Lake Cumberland on a Holiday Weekend.
Pulling into Old Bahama Bay behind a small fishing boat. This little boat passed us just before arriving. They cross from Florida in nothing flat.
The fishing over here must be spectacular, the marina is full of big Sport fish yachts.
If fact, our boat looks like a dingy compared to most of the boats here.
Once we got fueled up and checked in by the "Authorities" we strolled around and found the Tiki Bar closing. It was around 5 O'clock so they were moving to the dining room to get ready for dinner. Both are now open, before this week only the Tiki was open daily. Nice place right on a small beach with some water sports available.
Before our stroll around the grounds we got Kale Penn here to take us to the BTC store to get sim cards for our phone and modem. Well, we got the grand slam tour of West End. Picked up a few groceries on the way.
The marina is full and we are glad we got here early.
Dinner at the restaurant was very good and while there we watched a sport fish bump into a multi-million dollar fishing yacht while he was docking. He came in too fast (they all do) and was unable to hit the thrusters in time to avoid the bump. The owners of the yacht were very unhappy with this captain.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Luckily it was only 4 hours. Heading for Allans-Pensacola Cay, good anchorage there with protection from all but S-SW winds.
"Happy Ours" in the background is slowly dragging her anchor. We didn't notice a thing but when I got back to the boat I decided to dive the anchor just to see how it was set. It wasn't set, it was upside down in grass. We would have drug big time if we had not reset it.
The winds picked up during the night and it would have been very exciting to say the least.
She snapped a picture as I was diving the anchor. The buoy is attached to the trip line, we always use a trip line and buoy when anchoring out. Probably something I learned in the Navy. No wait, that's BS, I was never in the Navy.
Must be something I learned from Dave Newell. Or maybe I read it on the Internet.
Whatever? It works.....
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Got reservations at the Bluff House Marina on Green Turtle. There's a cold front coming down on Monday night or Tuesday so we will hold up at the Marina until it passes.
We have a pretty good WiFi connection here so I am able to update the blog and Christine is getting caught up on some Emails. Still don't have our cell amplifier and router working, but we will get by.
Heading for the Poolside Tiki Bar. Will post more later as we get acquainted with the area.
Just had to wash the salt spray off "Happy Ours" before heading to the pool. Got all finished washing her down and dropped the scrub brush in the water. No problem mate, just put the snorkel gear on and go get it.
Christine got this picture as I was about to hand the brush up to her. The water is absolutely the clearest I have ever seen.
Now, let's go to the pool and tiki bar. I hear the rum flows freely over here.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Little side note, the waitress handed us a Mother's Day Buffet Special menu and apologized that it was not available. Christine asks, when is Mothers Day? The waitress says, Today. Well, that's what it's like to be on Bahama time. We not only didn't realize it was Sunday but we certainly didn't remember it was Mothers Day.
Took a few pics on the way back to "Happy Ours" after cruising around the White Sound bay. Went out the channel a ways but the chop was too bad on the Sea of Abaco for a dingy ride.
Got back and struck up a conversation with our neighbors Bruce and Sharon from South Africa.
Then we caught lines and helped an 80ft Yacht dock beside us. By then we had totally lost track of time and it was too late to cook so it's off to the TiKi Bar again. We settled on Conch Fritters for dinner. Talked with the Captain and crew of the yacht and had a nice evening.
Monday, May 13, 2013
The catamaran is a 54 footer with a 29 foot beam, 4 staterooms, 5 heads, and has 10 people on board. Really nice couple, we had fun just listening to their stories. They are heading down to the Exuma's tomorrow.
.We took the rest of the day to walk the grounds and take some pictures of the Bluff House properties. It is well landscaped and very laid back. The folks here are really friendly and the views from the hill are breathtaking.
The Bluff House itself was damaged by the last two hurricanes and has not been built back yet. They have concentrated their efforts on the marina, the tiki bar, pool, restaurant and beach area. May be years before a new Bluff House is built back.
This is the view from what was once the Bluff House overlooking the Sea of Abaco and Black sound in the distance. The town of New Plymouth is just around the point and we will be there in a couple of days.
We are going to stay here until the approaching cold front passes to calm the waters. Our next obstacle is Whale Pass and it gets pretty knarly at times.
Cool sign on the building.......
The Tranquil Turtle drink is also cool....
The dad and I watching the kids play in the water. They were still at it when we returned from our excursion.
We are headed over to help Captain Bob in a Nordic Tug. He crossed the Gulf during the bad days (we waited until better weather). They encountered 6-8 foot seas in a 32 foot Nordic Tug. His lap top fell off the helm and crashed on the floor. He now has no chart plotter. He made it here with Compass and paper charts. The old fashioned way. We are helping him put Garmin BlueCharts on his I-Pad so he can have some electronics to get home on. More on that tomorrow as we get our antenna set up on his boat. He is currently reading and learning the program while he waits for this front to pass too.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
We helped him download Garmin BlueCharts Mobile onto his IPad, after loading the charts we sold him our portable antenna puck so he now has true GPS for the trip. We also split a golf cart ride to town to do some touristy stuff. Had a great time and enjoyed their company.
Ended up on a road with a 3-4 foot drop off so we turned around. Then we discovered something really cool hid back in the brush at a cottage on the beach.
All this before heading into town. I'm not sure what Bob and Sharon thought about it but they seemed to have fun. After all, I wanted them to get their monies worth.
Hope I don't get shot but gotta get closer to check this out. I'll just head down the beach and come in from that side.
There she is, and what a beauty we found back here in the brush. She sits just off the sands of Coco Bay Beach with a ramp leading down to the water. Behind her is an unoccupied (I hope) cottage.
Okay guys, enough snooping around let's head downtown.
The historic town of New Plymouth. This gives the word quaint a whole new meaning. An old town that makes one wonder how it even exists. It has been here since the earliest English Loyalists arrived in the late 1700's.
We toured the little museum and tasted the culture with home made ice cream and banana bread fresh out of the oven.
Streets are just wide enough for two golf carts to pass.
A couple of street side cafes and a few grocery stores make up most of the businesses here. There was a pretty well stocked little hardware store and a post office.
The best part was no Wal-Mart, no C-Stores, no CVS drug stores, no McDonalds, but very friendly people.
Found this neat little walk about in town. It is a memorial to the early settlers who founded the town. It has a dozen or so bronze busts of the English Loyalists and their slaves.
Very neat and well kept grounds. A tribute to the people who live here.
It sort of reminds you of Mayberry. One policeman with one bullet.
Christine and Sharon doing some local shopping, grocery store in background. Bob is heading for the cart. I think he has had enough of the city life.
This road from town to the Bluff House Marina is gorgeous in places. In other places it's rougher than a cob, dusty, narrow, and to top it off you have to remember to drive on the left side.
If you meet a car here (and they have little cars) someone has to wait until the other passes. Even in a golf cart.
The whole island is solid rock with a little sand sprinkled here and there.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Woke up this morning with nothing to do and by noon we were half done.
Took a little stroll over to the beach and watched a couple of kids snorkeling in the clear waters and the dogs digging in the sand.
Life is good here on Green Turtle Cay, come on over.
This drive leads over the hill from the marina to the beach. Rental bungalows on both sides.
Think we will mosey over to Treasure Cay tomorrow. They boast one of the Top 10 Beaches in the world so I guess we best go check that out.
Don't forget, click on any picture to enlarge and follow along on our Island Adventure.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
We decided to skip the wine and cheese party at the pool and join some of our dock friends for a private picnic on the Tranquil Turtle Beach.
Everyone brought a dish and we hung out and watched the Patel kids play in the trees. They climbed for coconuts and Capt. Bruce busted them open on rocks. Everyone had fresh coconut with their meals. We enjoyed the stories from Capt. Bruce and Sharon. They have done extensive cruising in the Indian Ocean around Africa.
The kids had a ball climbing the coconut trees and playing in the water before dinner. These six kids are very well mannered and a joy to talk to.
They are home schooled on their catamaran when cruising.
They will sail down to Nassau this Saturday
and fly back to Georgia to stay with Grandma who is ill.
Dad flies back to New Zealand at that time to return to his Medical Practice.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Well, this is what she looked like at low tide this morning. The crew from Brendal's Dive Center came out again at high tide and tried to pull her off the bar but had no luck and gave up.
I think they need a little more horsepower!
We just hung around the marina today, doing a little starfish gazing and paddle boarding. Found this starfish in 9 feet of water as he moved along under the boat.
workout. Gotta get me one of these things.
That's Captain Troy with his big German Shepard named Reemie.
He has been attack trained but is a well mannered BIG dog. Although he is intimidating he can also be very playful as he is only 18 months old.
Me and Reemie really liked the pig.
A good turn out for their first pig roast of the summer season.
Probably 40-50 people showed up to dine on the beach.
I took a little stroll out into the water to get this shot.
Me and Jack didn't mind getting a little wet to get a better shot of the beach.
The crew from Green Turtle brought a few picnic tables and some chairs so we grabbed a comfortable spot.
Capt. Troy, his wife Winnie, Christine and me
piggin out. Later a newlywed couple joined us, they had rented a runabout to come over and take part in the roast. Oh, to be that young and naive again!
Also met another couple, he works an oil field supply boat and she is a freelance events coordinator. Turns out she knew Winnie's sister through phone calls regarding events. Small world.
Saturday, May 18, 2012
Sorry, no updates until we get better internet service. Left Green Turtle and headed for Treasure Cay. No Wifi there to download pictures. Currently in Marsh Harbor but still no service with the equipment we have onboard. Will try to update soon.
Cheers.....
We are approaching "Don't Rock Passage". One of the trickiest parts of the journey so far. This is a passage for shallow draft vessels, the deep water passage is on the outside called "The Whale". It can get really knurly out there at times so we thought since the weather is fair we would log a track through "Don't Rock" just in case the whale is too rough on our return passage.
Although not looking forward to this, it does make for a great adrenaline rush.
We were told we would see 6 feet under the boat so we left about an hour before high tide just in case we had an issue we could hold for deeper water.
Well, on a scale of 1 -10 the pucker factor was about a 9+. We recorded 2'7' under the boat a the shallowest point. We now have a GPS track laid down in case we need it for the return. Winds are picking up to 15 kts. but the rest of the run today is in deep water. If you call 7 to 8 feet deep.
The landmark "Don"t Rock" is dead ahead. This is the shallow area of the most concern. Once past the rock it's all clear.
Only a few miles over to Treasure Cay and we will anchor out there in the basin.
Just staying there long enough to check out the beach and resort.
Having an airstrip on Treasure Cay means a lot of tourists.
A true haven for anyone who likes water sports, snorkeling, diving, etc.
We had lunch at the pub and guess who we ran into. Sitting outside was Capt. Troy, his wife and Reemie the German Shepard.
Seems they are out scouting the different Cays so when his boss flies in they will know where to take him.
They like it here at Treasure Cay because it is easier for him to ride his motorized bike. He is somewhat handicapped and he needs the best spot to park the yacht.
We all walked down to the community center area to check out the liquor store.
There are lots of vacation condos and some small shops but not a place to hang unless you are into the beach scene.
Think we will mosey on back to the boat and get ready to head down to Marsh Harbour tomorrow.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
We'll head into town tomorrow and hit the grocery store to restock for the rest of our journey.
Marsh Harbour has the largest grocery in all of the Bahamas. It's the third largest town in the Bahamas.
They also have most everything else one might need. We're told they have a hardware store, a Napa store, a marine supply and repair, etc.
We'll see!
Took a dingy ride over to one of the marinas to check out the "Jib Room". Heard a lot about this place, the folks were friendly and inside looked like a great place to party.
Kinda calm here right now, this is the courtyard out back looking down from the hill. Just over the hill is the Atlantic side with some great reefs to snorkel. Haven't yet had good enough weather to do any diving or snorkeling but may get a chance before heading home. Been really windy.
But I don't think she is going to make it happen. We need our long lost boat buddy Kurt to get it going but he is in Florida with an engine problem on his boat. Got an email from him saying he is really glad he didn't cross the Gulf Stream with us. The lower unit went out on his brand new Honda outboard while in Key West.
He had brought the yachts tender over to the Marine Dealer to get one of the Mercury Engines checked. It was not charging the battery.
This is the third time we have stumbled into him while on the trip.
The yachts name is "Miss Shuga" and a sweet one it is.
He left Reemie at the yacht for this trip, said he was in a hurry. This tender is fast and the seas were a bit choppy.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Can't wait to tour this piece of history.
Weather forecast is for squalls and rain for the next two days so we will be at a marina which will make it easier to do some touring.
This little town should be a great place to spend a few days. It looks like something you would see in the movies.
Can't stop taking pictures but guess I better be looking for the marina and park this puppy.
But with a good first mate and a very helpful dock master we put "Happy Ours" right where she belonged.
Don't think I have ever met a friendlier dock master and staff than here at Hope Town Marina. Everything is new and certainly gets a 5 star rating.
We sit on the aft deck at night and watch the light go around on the lighthouse and it is mesmerizing.
Can't capture the light in a picture but we tried.
Bar and restaurant in the background. The sand area is for games and just hanging out.
The wind is still blowing about 15 knots and the rains should be here in about an hour so we get in a little walk time.
..............................................................................
well, it's 6:30 am as I am posting these pictures so it's time to catch the Chris Parker weather forecast. Roosters crowing in the background...
The Admiral is out cruising the grounds, checking the place out. This is one of the two pool areas on the grounds, what a place. The resort offers six rooms in the Inn and Townhouses/Villas.
A perfect place to fly to for a vacation. Especially if the boat was waiting for you when you got here.
They offer free shuttle across the channel to Hope Town on demand. They use a pontoon as it is only a short ride. Just call on your portable VHF and the come back and get you.
The grounds are perfectly manicured and well landscaped. Just hope they can dodge the hurricanes for years to come, it would be a shame to wreck this place.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Rain, Rain, and more Rain......all night long...great sleeping
Guess we will do laundry and go to town later, if it quits raining. Forecast is for rain all night too. Sure glad we moved on down to Hope Town when we did. We followed the Chris Parker weather forecasts and played it "Just Right".
But she did good, didn't fall down once.
Seems the best way to visit the lighthouse is to go by boat and tie up at the old de-lapadated dock.
We needed a good walk anyway.
Not only did she trek over here on the cart trail but she climbed the 120 steps to the top for a view of Elbow Cay and Hope Town.
We met a group of college kids while at the Lighthouse. They had come over from another island with their professor and the Captain that brought them. They were on a field course to learn Economic benefits regarding Tourism (or something like that) and a study of coral reefs. They earned 3 credits for this. Can you imagine a week in the Bahama's, all expense paid (by mom and dad), and get credits for it to boot.
Christine started quizzing them about what they wanted to do with their education. Not a one could define what they were going to do with their degree but they was sure having a good time earning it. They were all close to graduation.
My Admiral is pointing and telling me which way we came in the channel (as if I didn't know, hell I was driving the boat)
We have a lot of fun poking fun at each other.
I have a great picture of her butt as she was trying to get through a little access door to get to the outside of the tower. She wouldn't let me post that one....
I took some really cool pictures of the inside workings of this old relic built in 1863.
It is the only manned lighthouse in the Bahamas and is in great shape for her age.
No telling how many hurricanes she has weathered.
She was re-constructed in 1934 and you can still see the original bricks behind the outer concrete layers. The interior steel work is fabulous. I hope she stands for many more years.
Hope Town looks like a make believe place from up here. The houses are all painted in different pastel colors and takes on the appearance of an English Settlement.
After all, it was originally settled by English Loyalist escaping the Revolution in the 1700's.
Maybe we will get to town tomorrow. But, if not, who cares. It's the way of the Islands, always put off until tomorrow what you could have done today.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Just looking outside at daybreak it appears to be raining like "pouring piss out of a boot". That's hillbilly for "it's raining really hard".
More squalls moving through today but Chris Parker says they should be gone by mid-afternoon.
We'll take the shuttle boat over to town if it quits raining. Would also like to make it down to Sea Spray Marina tonight for the "Goombay Festival" featuring live music and a "Junkanoo"style celebration.
It did quit raining in time to go over to Hope Town, seems Christine just can't get her cell phone amplifier working so she thought she would just use the local phone instead. Well, guess what? That one don't work either.
The Cell Phone service over here is just like the one in Kentucky, they both suck, but they work as good as the local police car.
Didn't take any pictures of houses. They all deserve a picture but there are too many houses to post all of them on the blog so we didn't take any of them. Besides that, before we could get our touristy stuff done it started raining again. We ducked into the Harborside Cafe for lunch and waited for the rain to stop. It didn't, so we called Mike on VHF 16 and he came and got us in the pontoon. Wet ride back.
This next story may take a while because I am truly stoked about my next experience. First, I will explain the circumstances by which this happened
Had we not got rained out I would have not been back to "Happy Ours" in time for this to take place.
Our Gulf Crossing Boat Buddy (Kurt ) had mentioned that if we get to Hope Town be sure to get with the lighthouse keeper for a one on one tour at dusk. Not knowing anyone here I wasn't sure how I was going to make that happen.
I find out from our dock neighbor that Sam ( the really friendly dock master here at the marina) is also the lighthouse keeper tonight. Well, my neighbor who is the owner of a SeaRay sister ship to ours calls Sam and arranges a meeting with me at the steps of the lighthouse. Sam and I went to the top and proceeded to light her up. In this picture Sam
He then removes the canvas covers over the lens that are put up each morning to block out the sun on the lens.
Pressure is added to the air tanks under the kerosene tanks by a hand pump one story below. This allows the kerosene to rise to the wick which acts very much like a Coleman Lantern. It takes 10 minutes to preheat the lantern before he can light it. If not, it will not vaporize the fuel and could start a flame. If that happens the lens get blackened and could even cause a fire. Once the wick is lit he must adjust the lantern until it gets it's brightest glow. As he descends from the tower he must
Sam is a second generation lighthouse keeper. His father was the lighthouse keeper in the days when it was necessary to keep ships off the coastline reefs.
The Hope Town lighthouse is one of only three left in the world that is totally mechanically operated and kerosene fueled.
Being somewhat of a history buff and a half-assed mechanic I was thrilled to get to see the inner workings of such a piece of history.
Thank you Sam, Kurt, and Scott for making this happen.
One of the two identical houses on the property at the base of the lighthouse. I am assuming both keepers live here although I didn't ask.
These stats were taken from what Sam told me but if you would like to learn more about the Hope Town Lighthouse click the link below
Just one more picture from the lighthouse before the sun sets.
I know, I should have cut out the boats down below for a more picturesque shot but it's getting late. Besides, you're seeing it just as I did.
No photo shop touch up on this blog.......
Friday, May 24, 2013
Had dinner at "Snappas" and watched the sunset over Marsh Harbour.
It was a Delta 4 Rocket launch out of Cape Canaveral. The sky was so clear it appeared to be right over the harbor.
Christine grabs her I-Pad and gets some good shots, I just whipped out my IPhone and click-click. Got this shot for the blog.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Some ladies convinced her it was the best. Now I'm no expert on conch salad but it's the best in the islands so far.
Made fresh as you order with chopped conch, peppers, onions, tomatoes, hot sauce and fruit juice. It is awesome on a saltine. She found some monkey cheese to go with it and that was lunch.Great place to wait out the bad weather, marina is filling up fast. Only a couple of slips available at
sundown and winds are gusting to 20 kts
Watching the full moon behind the clouds as the storms approach from the North. Boat is rocking even in the marina as the winds pick up.
Tomorrow is supposed to be a nasty day but we are snug as a bug here at Harbour View.
Several boats are at anchor in the harbor but we elected to spend the days here so we could get out and mingle. The folks are friendly here and we have full amenities at a great price.
Skies stayed pretty clear today so it was a good day at the pool and mama's got fried chicken on the menu for supper tonight.Sunday, May 26, 2013
Met a great couple today, Howard and Mary, docked next to us. They are in a 68 foot custom made yacht and towing a 31 foot center console tender. It's really cool meeting people for the first time and realizing how much you have in common with them. They owned and flew a plane just like ours. Love cruising, anchoring out, and did I mention Partying.
We are determined not to let this unusual weather slow us down. We all hopped in the tender and headed across the Sea of Abaco for the Sunday pig roast at Nippers. It was only 8 miles but the chop was pretty bad, winds 20 knots, lots of spray but we had a ball. No way we could have done that in our dingy and would have missed the best party in the Abacos had it not been for Howard and Mary. We ended up back at their boat for cocktails and story telling by Andrew (the local electronics/computer guru). What a character he is.
Found this photo op on the way. A rusty old backhoe painted in true Bahamian colors.
Seems they can't do anything with their junk over here so they just paint it up and park it. This thing has probably been here for many years.
Look what else we found on the way to Nippers.
I think this is going to be a fun party.
The gal up ahead in the white shorts is really hot, she's in a hurry to get to the party. Even Howard can't keep up with her.
The Admiral is happy now.....she found the beach. And WOW what a beach, this is amazing.
The waves are breaking over the reef, said to be the third largest reef in the world.
Nippers sets high on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic ocean. Steps leading down to the water make it easy to "Get Sand in your Happy Places".
The pig roast was really good but I have eaten cheaper B-B-Q.
The local rum drink was habit-forming and the views are right out of a movie.
The place was packed for the Roast. We had heard that Nippers was the best party in the Abacos and now we know why.
All the pretty people have gathered for the music, drink, and views. Including these two Hillbilly's.
Other than a windy day it was perfect here on Great Guana Cay.
"People watching" seems to be the a very popular past time here on Great Guana Cay. In fact, we saw a few people that should not have been watched.
Lot's of "Dirty Dancing" going on but fun was being had by all.
The drinking age here is 18 and it made for some interesting dancing. A lot of humpin' and bumpin'.
Pretty crowded on the dance floor!
More folks we met at the marina having a great time. They pulled in yesterday in a pair of SunDancer's.
Keith and Beth doing the.......well, let's just say they were having a good time. He said it was the Rum's fault.
Oops, how did that picture get in here. Must have been a pocket click.
This is absolutely the best party in the Abaco's, and did I mention the view.
I haven't seen this much "T & A" since the last Harley Rally.
Time to head back to the tender.
No, wait. Mary wants a slice of pizza and a beer before we head back.
These folks know how to party. We all had a Great Day on Great Guana Cay.
Monday, May 27,2012
Just hangin' out at the marina today. Weather moving in, looks like we can't start back anytime soon.
Cloudy, windy day so we took a walk over to Boat Harbour Resort and Marina for a look around. Very pricey, so not many boats in the marina. Nice facility and home of the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club.
With Yacht Club discount it would be a nice place to spend a couple of months. Lots of club activities in the winter and nice amenities.Nice private beach area off the end of the marina. Set up for water activities but at $3.25 per foot we don't see many participants. And, we'll cut'em a little slack, after all it is a crappy day.
They probably rely more on the Resort than the Marina. There are some nice bungalows and housing here too.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Up bright and early for the Chris Parker weather forecast at 6:30 am. Not looking good. Lots of wind, 15 to 20 kts. sustained gusting to 30 kts. with squalls possible all week. Squalls producing up to 2 inches of rain and gusting to 40 kts. Mother Bahama is not being kind to us.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
on a stormy day.
Jump in a hot boat,
and go to Baker's Bay.
Cruise the marina once,
maybe even twice.
see if this place,
is all that nice.
Some say it is,
some say it ain't.
but these fancy digs,
are far from quaint.
over to Man-O-War.
Workin' man's town,
nobody keeps score.
Little shanty shacks,
all along the bay.
Just the kinda place,
we like to play.
Had a great lunch,
watched em' build a boat.
Bought a few bags,and an ice cream float.
An old Civil War canon,
mounted to the ground.
Lot's of old boat junk,
Laying all around.
Still building boats,
the old fashion way.
not very fancy,
and not much pay.
Boats for the fisherman,
sturdy and slow.
No frills here,
they're not for show.
Mama wants a canvas bag,
so we'll head down the road.
Barely big enough,
for a golf cart and a toad.
Five women a sewin'
not a cell phone in sight.
Makin em' one at a time,
each one just right.
Canvas bags,
all a different color.
Mama picked hers,
she picked yeller.
Back at the boat after another adventurous day.
Just in time for a drink and a gorgeous sunset.
Sky is still angry, forecast is for more high winds and rain tomorrow.
Friday, May 31, 2013
We ran out of conch salad, so the Admiral is back at George's Street Shanty.
She said, add a little more hot sauce this time.
MMMMMGood....
Took a walk to town after stopping at George's.
Ran across this man bringing in a load of fresh conch, said he found this batch over by Man-O-War.
Watched him crack and clean this boatload. He had one King Conch in this bunch so I talked him out of it before he cracked it.
Now, if I can get the critter out of it I'll bring it home.
Stopped at Long's Fish Market to pick up some of today's Mahi catch. Been wanting some fresh fish on the grill.
Over in the corner of the market sits this old cannon. A bronze/brass laden piece from a shipwreck off a nearby island.
It has a date of 1598 engraved on it and was traced back to a Dutch trading ship. It still has all the ornamental engravings on it also. Beautiful piece found by Mr. Long about 25 years ago. His research showed the vessel sank in 1638.
He said the trading ship ran aground on the reefs after coming onto the bank. It sank in about 14 feet of water. Him and one other man waited until the tide went out, then tied a rope on each end of the cannon, then tied one end on the bow and the other on the stern of their little 16 ft boat and waited for the tide to raise the boat. They brought the boat several miles with the cannon hanging under the boat. That's his story and he's sticking to it.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Howard and Mary came across "Don't Rock Passage" with us. His draft was questionable so we waited for high tide to make the pass.
Capt. Troy and Winnie are still here waiting for the owner to show on the 6th of June.
We should have a good time here as we have met so many really neat people on this adventure.
After getting settled in we all went down to the beach pub (The Tranquil Turtle) for a couple of rum drinks.
Snapped this picture of a cruiser going by towing his tender. This is the way Howard and Mary tow theirs but "Nazdar" is a much bigger boat.
Went to dinner at "Jolly Rogers" after the pub and had a few more "Tranquil turtles". Guess we just needed to wind down after a day of shallow crossings in rough seas.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Cruised around in the tender, thanks again to our friends Howard and Mary.
Went over to Leeward Yacht Club in Black Sound for lunch, very good with ice cold Kalik Beer.
Took tons of pictures but the camera chip was full and I didn't know it, so the only pictures I have today are the ones Mary sent me from her I-Pad.
Will try to do better tomorrow.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Took an early morning walk over to the beach, just me, myself, and I. It was so peaceful, just a few sailboats on anchor in the distance.
Weather is to be gorgeous for the next two days, then get really snotty. Still waiting for a good crossing day next week. So for now we will just have to stick around here. I hate it when that happens, that's Christine's line.
Think we might go snorkeling today.
Took a stroll down the whole beach and took this shot back towards the "Tranquil Turtle" beach bar.
Water is about 3 feet deep here and crystal clear.
No one out this early so it's all mine.
The waters had laid down a bit so the day was going to be filled with cruising some of the worlds prettiest waters.
We made our way to the Atlantic side and dropped anchor near a reef.
The girls are busy chit-chatting on the back while Howard and I keep a close eye on coral heads. The water is so clear it's hard to judge the depth and his depth sounder had been damaged in the last squall we went through so it was all by visual piloting.
At the first reef we dived, it was still a bit too much roll to stay long so we moved for a better protected spot.
As we headed into a cove just outside Baker's Bay Christine says "that looks like Galiant Lady" over there.
Sure enough the Captain had Galiant Lady, a 168 ft. yacht, backed up almost to the beach. Deep water right up to the beach. By the way, she's for sale for a mere 53 million dollars.
We found a coral head about 200 yards off the beach so we dropped anchor near the head and jumped in. WOW, now we know why they were here. The crew of 12 had all the toys out for the day. A sport fish, a dingy, an express cruiser, and two or three jets skis.
Mary was the first one in the water, but I was not far behind. That girl swims like a fish and stays out forever.
She is quite the athlete. Christine jumped in shortly thereafter and we all had a fabulous day. It was like swimming in an aquarium, fish of all colors, large and small. The reef growth and coral was amazing.
Christine really surprised me, she grabbed her gear and jumped in. She snorkeled are the way around the coral head and didn't want to come in. She had a great time as did we all.
Well, it seems it would take a good picture out of the water but as soon as I went under it would not snap a picture.
I tried several times but no luck, this is one I took just to test before going under.
You'll just have to take our word for it, it's an awesome experience.
Our new buddies at the bar in Bakers Bay. We had worked up an appetite for some beer and pizza after all that swimming.
I can't emphasize enough how much we enjoyed their company and hospitality. Without them our adventure would not have been as exciting.
Not a very good picture but the lighting under the roof was too dark for the bright sunshine.
Just the four of us finishing off a pizza with some more Kalik beer.
That's "Day Money" in the background, George Strait's Sportfish Yacht. We had run across them at Key West a couple of years ago when we went down with John and Kathy.
We are headed back to "Happy Ours" and a cocktail at "The Tranquil Turtle", then snacks aboard "Nazdar" to watch the "Voice".A picture sent over to me from Mary's IPad.
The crew just hanging out at Baker's Bay on the Welcome Dock.
We couldn't get close enough to get all four in the picture but you can see the tail of the second one on the left.
It's really cool to watch them soar around the area, squawking loudly as they pass overhead. Some very colorful birds.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Ran across this fellow cutting some coconuts so we asked him to dress a couple for us. He sliced off the top for drinking the juice. Then cut them in half to eat the meat.
Talk about fresh coconut.......
Mary is taking a picture of him doing his thing...
Here he is cutting out the meat, using the skin of the coconut as a knife.
The guy seemed tickled that we didn't have a clue to cutting a coconut. Dumb tourists.....
Just another fun day in the islands...
Seems around every corner, every few hundred yards, is another pristine beach. All beaches over here are public, so no matter who builds what on the water the beach is still open to everyone.
Sounds like they knew in advance what would happen if they didn't do this.
All beach front property would become private and soon the tourist trade would die.
Mary snapped a pretty good picture of the Admiral and I on one of the many beaches lining Green Turtle Cay.
She walked up and down the beach until she found some brain coral to bring home.
My Admiral is truly an Island Girl, she loves it here.
Torn sand bags everywhere, driftwood and debris piled up along the tree line, trees blow over, walls being built to protect the few houses that remained.
This may have been the remnants of Sandy but not for sure. The damage didn't seem to be very old.
As we keep moving on down this dirt road you get an idea of the view that lurks ahead. The roads are just big enough for the golf cart and appears you are in a jungle. About that time you round a corner and an Island Home with a beach pops up.
Most of the houses are for rent, must be owned by stateside people trying to recover their investment.
Lots (no most) of them are for sale too.
Headed over to New Plymouth for lunch at the "Sundowner" but they don't open until 5:00.We'll back on "Happy Ours for cocktails by then.
We had not much more than finished a tasty lunch at Harvey's Beachside Cafe in New Plymouth when Howard says lets find "Pineapples" and have a cocktail.
This is a shot of "Pineapples" on the bay. Not many people anywhere we go. Even though it's the beginning of the busy season, the seas have been to rough for most Floridians to hop over for a weekend.
Note, watch out for the rum drinks at this place, it only takes one........
Got back to "Happy Ours" and this guy was hanging out by the boat.
That's about 7 feet of water and the starfish appears to be about 12 inches across.
He's a big'un.
Heading over to "Nazdar" again tonight to finish up the "Voice" on TV.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
It's about 15 miles away so they will be gone all day. Remmy is a trained attack dog but can be a lot of fun if handled properly.
Him and I had quite a day of it. He's only 18 months old and very energetic.
In between dog watching it's time to get some routine cleaning done.
The fenders had not been cleaned in ages and were looking pretty shabby.
Cloudy day is perfect for manual labor while we wait out the weather situation.
Wax on. wax off, wax on, wax off................
Even had time to get some more waxing done on "Happy Ours". She gets a full wax job three or four times a year.
The more I can get done while waiting is just less to do when we get back to Ft. Myers. Got some done while waiting to cross over last month at Joe and Merka's place.
Just got news that the storm we are waiting to pass just became a named storm. They are calling it "Tropical Storm Andrea." We will cross back to Florida after that heifer is long gone.
Ok, it's time to walk Remmy again. Come on boy, let's go to the beach.
That's "Miss Shugga" and "Nazdar" in the background.
We have really enjoyed meeting these folks on this journey. Sure hope we can keep in touch when it's over......
Thursday, June 6, 2013
We took the tender for a short hop across the bay to the Green Turtle Club for lunch and beer.
Seems we have to hit a different pub every day or we go into withdrawals.
Christine is scouting out a place to shop, she's first off the boat if there's a place to do some shopping.
Or, if you like to go from bar to bar, the Abacos is the place to go.
This club has a really cool bar, full of dollar bills on the walls and ceiling. Reminds us of Cabbage Key in Florida.
These are three of a group of folks we met at the Bluff House where we are staying. They are on a sailing catamaran. And, guess where they are from..... Seems we just keep bumping into people from New Zealand, South Africa and England.
The captain is South African but did not come with us for lunch. The others are from England with ties to New Zealand.
It looks like it could come a storm any minute so we jump back in Howard's tender and head back across the bay.
Christine is quizzing the girls about their adventure on the catamaran.
Hugo is 18 and the nephew of the girl in pink.
Their story is fascinating.
We made it back to "Happy Ours" just in time before the squall moved over us. The winds jumped to about 30 kts. and it rained hard for a short time.
Looks like the little boat in the bay didn't quite get back in time.
The forecast calls for more squalls overnight.
Yeah, Florida is getting slammed. We won't get much of the rain, only the outer bands are coming this far over.
We are located at the point of the pencil you see on the right of the screen.The next big blob of rain should hit in a few hours.
We think we might have to move our crossing day up to Tuesday before the seas will settle down.
So Christine says....."I hate it when that happens."
The rain stopped so the girls went over to "Nazdar" and had a few drinks. Then they decided it would be fun to jump off the roof of "Nazdar".
Mary and her two friends from England, Ali and Lou on their second jump. All this after polishing off a bottle of wine.
No, you don't see Christine in that mix. She is not the risk taking type. Her comment was, "I've got 15 years on you girls so................."
Friday, June 7, 2013
Seems he had paid for the subscription but XM had put the weather feature on his car radio instead of his boat. Oh well, that's all part of todays electronics.
We got her up and running and I really like that feature on a chartplotter. No need for an internet connection or a SSB radio.
We managed to avoid the bars today and went over to Mary and Howard's for pizza and cocktails.
They have an awesome aft deck, 19 ft. wide and plenty of room to stretch out.
We leave together tomorrow for Great Sale Cay but after the crossing we will have to say good-bye and hope we meet up with them some other day. They have been great friends and we really enjoy their company.
Said good-bye to Capt. Troy, Winnie and Remmy today also. The owner's of "Miss Sugga" flew in today so they will be very busy all next week.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Wasn't sure if we would make it to Great Sale Cay for our overnight anchorage but all worked out and here we are approaching the anchor spot we chose on the North side of the Cay. The winds we pretty strong all day out of the South.
Much rougher Seas than we hoped for but Hey, that's boating......
It's been a long day, time for me and Jack to get acquainted again.
Just sittin' on the hook enjoying these last couple of days in the Abacos.
Weather forecast is for more strong winds tomorrow but maybe settling down by Tuesday for a crossing over the Gulf Stream.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
We were going to anchor out just outside the Old Bahama Bay Marina tonight but these squalls kept the winds strong.
We decided to get a slip and sleep a little better tonight.
Seems the winds have been in the 20 knot range for days, and reaching 30 knots around the squalls.
Guess we'll just have to go over to the Straw Bar by the pool and have a Bahama Mama or two.Snapped this shot of "Happy Ours" nestled in her slip. She looks like a toy beside the mega-yacht.
I was on my way over to the Dockmaster to try and get Howard an easy in/easy out tee dock for his 68 footer. They are several hours behind us because the seas were so rough we had to put some more coal on the fire and get up to about 18 knots to smooth out the seas.
He has no choice, it's 6 to 8 knots or stay put.
He should be here in about an hour. I'm sure they will be ready for cocktail at the pool.
Monday, June 10, 3013
Thought for sure we would pull out tomorrow but the forecast looks better for Wednesday.
I talked with the Captain of a 55 ft Sportfish that came in today and he said it was a rough ride from Florida so we will wait.
Another guy we met in Marsh Harbour made the crossing yesterday and he emailed me and said it was not fun.
Howard and Mary can't handle anything over 3 ft. and we plan to cross with them if possible.
Spent a little time down in Howard's engine room today. Checking out his turbo repair. He was making water and servicing fuel filters.
I now have engine room envy. Good grief, his engine room is the size of a one car garage. Those big 8v71 Detroits are huge.
This 68 footer even has room for a workshop.
So now we have big boat envy, dingy envy, tender envy, and engine room envy.
Went to the pool for a few hours then came back and had a drink up on the upper deck of "Nazdar"
This picture is from the deck looking over "Happy Ours" and the marina. Nice place to wait out the weather.
I ran some numbers today and we have been 561 miles so far.
Did a little bottom cleaning today, trying to get as much done as I can while waiting.
MMMMMM..Boy.
Guess what we're having for dinner tonight...
Fresh caught island lobster...
Gonna steam a couple to eat with our cocktails and watch the "Voice" on TV.
Does it get any better than this?????
A dozen lobster tails, cleaned and ready for the fridge. Minus the two for appetizers tonight.
These tails are delicious!!!!!!!
The Crown Royal wasn't bad either.....
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Up early to get some bottom scrubbing done before it gets too hot.Made a scrub pad for the pole extension so the waterline ring could be cleaned from the dock.
Beats swimming with the sharks to get'r'done.
Another day at the dock waiting for storms to pass.
Howard wanted to take a ride in the tender, so we loaded up our snorkel gear, ice and water and headed out to the reefs.
Notice how calm it is in the marina?
I am up in the crow's next of his fishing boat looking over the top of the boat.
Passing by the fuel dock on the left headed for the inlet.
A 50 foot DeFever Trawler left the dock at 5:45 am and was back in about 45 minutes. Captain said it was too rough for them.
A 53 foot Ocean Alexander left around 6:30 am and reported back that he had to make a course correction to find a better ride.
He was originally going to Ft. Pierce but changed course to Lake Worth. He must have went on because we didn't see him return. We'll wait another day, thank you...........
This development failed in bankruptcy but several huge homes were built along the canals before it went under.
A dark sky with lightning off to the East drove us back to the marina. Maybe we can get out later after it passes. Looking West here in the picture it's hard to believe it's a crappy day in the Bahamas.
This pad is privately owned and is leased out for a
mere $5,000 per night. The dock here would handle a pretty big yacht and the cabana above looks like it has been closed for hurricane season.
It's hard to tell, but appears to be in the 14-16,000 sq. ft. range.
Atlantic Ocean on one side and the deep water canal on the other side.
Nice......
Tuesday Afternoon
Headed over to the pool when we got back from our little excursion.
Didn't last long though....The boss lady came and got me, seems she wants to go snorkeling again now that the storms have passed.
So, it's off to the marina and back on the tender.
Thought we would seek out a good spot close by, running out of time today but trying to get as much in as we can before pulling out tomorrow.
Water just outside of Old Bahama Bay is beautiful, clear as drinking water. We anchored in about 6 feet and jumped in.
Found some sting rays, lots of star fish, a few puffy sand dollars, and lots of small fish.
No reefs here though.....
Mary is showing off one of many star fish we found in these waters. This girl swims like a fish.
Christine and I stayed in for 30-45 minutes but we tired out sooner than this gal.
Gotta head back soon, the girls are cookin up some Bahamian chow tonight. Crab cakes and fresh Lobster with black beans and rice.....MMM Good.
As we were coming back into the marina this little jewel "Islander" was anchored outside the inlet and unloading her tender.
She is too big to go inside so the captain has to take the tender in to check in at customs. We counted 7 crew working outside and she had Kingston as a home port.
Notice his tackle....No fancy rod and reel here, just a spool of line and a hook.
He throws the line out into the channel and "viola", pulls out a big un.....
The fish are so thick over here most people catch their limit every day.
One captain said he actually got tired of reeling in fish so he came in early. We trolled for a few minutes while watching "Islander" unload and Howard caught a baby billfish. About 3 ft. long.....Beautiful colors but too small to keep......
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Finally got a good day to cross the Gulf Stream.
Seas were 2 to 3 ft. with 4 second intervals on the Bahama side and 2 ft. at 8 second intervals on the Florida side.
All in all, a good day to cross. We're glad we waited.
After about an hour of rockin' and rollin' we decided to pass "Nazdar" and put Ol' Happy Hours on plane.
The Sea Ray just isn't designed to run the seas at 8 knots all day. She is too light and with a planing hull she needs to go.
"Happy Ours" was a Happy boat once we got up to about 18 knots.
"Nazdar" off in the distance. We kept up with each other by VHF radio all the way across. They arrived a few hours behind us but with no problems.
Got to the fuel dock right at 5:00pm and topped her off for the trip across the state tomorrow.
Joe and Merka had offered the use of their private dock on the way back so we took them up on it.
They are Motorhoming in Michigan. These folks have been great friends.Thank you, Connie and Paula for introducing us to them.
This dolphin followed us for a few miles up the St. Lucie River.
I thought we were going to be too late to get fuel when this train held us up near the Roosevelt Bridge in Stuart.
Even "Happy Ours" has to wait on trains. Not even the little center console boats can go under this bridge.
We had a train on the tracks, thunderstorms close by, and a 5:00pm deadline but we made it in time.
Tomorrow we will try to get across Lake Okeechobee before the storms build up.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Pulled out of our private marina, a.k.a. Joe and Mirka's 7:30am for the trip across the state.
'This shot is motoring up the St. Lucie River just a few miles from Stuart.
Construction cranes are building a new highway over the river.
Another shot of the St. Lucie River. However, it was taken as we tried to capture a float plane doing touch and go's just ahead of us.
Evidently we were not fast enough to get the plane in the shot.
The morning was beautiful but the thunderstorms built up all day and by afternoon it got nasty.
Christine worked hard to get this shot of the clouds reflecting off Lake Okeechobee.
The reflections showed up only when looking thru polarized glasses. So, she took the picture with my sunglasses in front of the camera and it worked.
The lake was as calm as we have ever seen it. It was like the calm before the storm.
By the time we got to the Moore Haven Locks the wind was blowing about 30-35 knots just as we were entering the locks. It was exciting to say the least.
Well. we dodged that bullet. Storms moved out and skies are clearing.
"Happy Ours" all snuggled up to the face dock at Moore Haven City Dock. Real nice place to spend the night. As many times as we have passed here we never have stopped. Easy tie up right along the Caloosahatchie River.
We should be in Ft. Myers tomorrow to put the final cap on this long journey.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Early morning departure from Moore Haven, Fl.
The Caloosahatchie is smooth as glass, we really enjoy these early cruises. Seems we have the entire river to ourselves.
A couple more locks to go through and we are home bound.
Called my buddy "Mikeeeee" on the phone to let him know we were coming by. He has installed a set of air horns to welcome the boaters as they pass. I had to hear them from the river so he blasted away as we passed.
OMG, what a set of horns. They sound just like a train coming by. The Harders have a beautiful place here on the Caloosahatchie......but where's Mikeeeee.
There's Mikeeeee.....
One the phone as usual.....
He's talking to me as we pass by. Gotta get over there for a cook out after we get the boat cleaned up and put away.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Well, it's boat cleaning time and I'm sure no one really wants to see pictures of that so I'll put the camera away and bring out the calculator.
Gone 49 days, traveled 677 nautical miles or 779 statue miles, spent 31 nights in marinas and put 84.3 hours on "Happy Ours". With 191 pictures for your enjoyment.
And what a boat......We are so proud of "Happy Ours". She had zero mechanical problems, zero electrical problems, zero A/C problems, zero navigational problems, etc, etc.
Stay tuned for our next adventure....
The Black Hills of South Dakota with the Harley Gang.
Coming soon to a blog near you
Foot Note........
All pictures and stories are the sole responsibility of Jerry Wayne Chafton. Any comments, complaints, suggestions, or sly remarks can be sent to Christine. After all, she was the Admiral.