Wildcat Ride December 2015

December 12, 2015

Thought we would take advantage of the warm December weather and head over to Wildcat for a day ride.

We weren't the only ones with that idea. The line was backed up to the highway and both parking lots were full of trucks and trailers.

Seems like a good place to ride and only three hours from home. We'll see what they have to offer.......

After climbing to the top of the "Dome" we find a nice overlook with a lake in the background.

Between us and the lake is I-75.

So far not much mud and the girls (Annie included) are having a great time on this warm winter day.

It's 72 degrees and cloudy. Perfect....

We found the "Lost Boat"......no idea how this boat got out here. There is no water deep enough to float a boat anywhere near here.

Guess the Wildcat Team just put it out here to be found.


Good trails so far, well marked and not too difficult.....Yet.

Well....what is that climbing over our RZR???

It looks like....well it might be....yes, it is Kathy.
Guess she didn't want to get her feet wet.

We was told about this neat waterfall on the other side of the RailRoad Tracks so we jumped the tracks and took off. Well that was about three hours ago and we just now found it.

Seems the Waterfall is on private land and the trails are unmarked and unkept. Lots of mudholes and slick hills to climb. We discovered we were in the "Daniel Boone National Forest"....that's a big No No.

We made the best of it anyway. Took lots of pictures and let Annie run awhile.

Not much water over the falls but it's been dry for a while here.

Lots of fun being lost for hours and unable to find the falls but guess we better hi-tail it back to the other side of the tracks before the Feds catch us.

Join us sometime for lots of fun in the hills of Kentucky.
Wildcat Offroad Park is a great place to explore the hills of Eastern Kentucky. Nice campground, good maps, trails are marked well, and overall gets a good rating from our clan.
Had a good time with Jimmy, Alison, Steve, Kathy, and Jonathan.

Back through the Railroad Tunnel and across the tracks we go.......If we hurry and we can beat the Feds.

CAMP RZR EAST "BRIMSTONE" 2015

September 18 and 19, 2015

We are all set up and ready for the 2nd Annual Camp RZR East. Lots of activities, two concerts, prizes, racing, and the weather couldn't be better.

Christine and Annie Mae are enjoying the weekend with her peeps. Lots of riding, over 300 miles of trails here at Brimstone.

Should be a great weekend of fun.

Sure hope my new knee cooperates. This is our first outing since surgery.

One of the activities Friday was to ride the trails, check your cell phone for clues, and try to find three Sasquatch. We found one and gave up on the other two.

Each time you participate in an activity you are entered in the prize give aways that night before the concert. Over $300,000 in prizes over the weekend, including two new Turbo 1000 RZR's.

Needless to say, we didn't win squat. But we sure had fun chasing him.









While riding the trails we came across a professional camera crew taking pictures of people enjoying the Good Times at Camp RZR East. He wanted a group pic of a bunch of Rednecks so we complied.
I really think they just wanted a dog in the picture and Annie Mae was the only trail dog around......

And a few miles down the trail we run across this poor guy trying to get unstuck. This mud hole was a little too much for the RZR. His passenger got the worse end of the deal, he was up to his neck in muddy water before he managed to climb out........ Click any picture to enlarge......

Great place for pictures....These RZR's are parked on top of the waterfall.

Not much water running over today, it hasn't rained here in about a week. Great for trail riding....just a bit dusty in places.

Annie Mae "my little chick magnet" is at it again.

She draws a crowd every time we stop. Especially the pretty girls and little kids.

Annie loves to ride in the RZR...

The girls are taking a time out at this creek.

Good place for lunch or just watching the crazy ones try to climb out of the creek bank.

Video coming of the creek bank climbing...or trying.

Back at the campground as preparation for the concerts are underway.

Huge crowd, seems like twice as many people here than last year.
They opened up new fields for camping and they too are full this year.

We had been working on our reservations for several months.

RIDE ROYAL BLUE...July 4 weekend

JULY 3, 2015

Loading the RZR's for a weekend of mountain riding in Eastern Tenn.

Weather forecast is for rain, then more rain, with the chance of more rain. Actually, there is a Flash Flood Advisory out for all of Eastern Tennessee this weekend.

Annie says bring it on, I'm ready for the mud.

Arrived at Royal Blue after driving four hours in heavy rain.

Gonna be a sloppy weekend of trail riding but the ladies are ready. Foul weather gear will be the fashion apparel.

Well, we didn't get far until it was obvious we were going to be doing as much "puddle bustin" as trail riding.

Sure hope we can get across Ol' Stinking Creek when we get there.
This is just a sample of what's to come.

Annie got in some sightseeing along the way. This small waterfall was running full force after one of the showers moved through.

The woods were beautiful, lush green plants everywhere. All the streams were running, valleys filled with steam at times. Looked like a scene from the Great Smokey Mountains.

And we weren't the only "Crazies" spending Independence Day weekend with Mother Nature and her elements.

The campground was sold out, the little cafe on the hill was filled with activity and the trails were busy with families from all over just doin' their thang.

Seems we meet some of the nicest people on the trail. It's fun to see the kids doing something other than playing games and texting.

Annie said,  Let's go folks, it's gonna rain any minute and I want to do some more riding.

And boy was she right. It came a gully washer just a few minutes later.

Well, Ol' Stinking Creek don't look as bad as we thought. Just up a little and really muddy. These mountain streams usually don't flood very easy but can get rather swift during heavy rains.

We crossed her at several places and actually was just a good place to wash the mud off the RZR.






JULY 4, 2015

Not much different today than yesterday. Lots of water everywhere, muddy trails and lush green foliage. Notice the flowers blooming on the "Roto-dum-dums".

At times it seemed we were in a dense jungle, especially during the nite rides. The tree frogs were so loud at night that you could hear them over the RZR's.

Here we stopped along the trail to walk down a steep walking trail to the biggest waterfall at Royal Blue.

Alison waited at the top.

Can you believe she was having surgery at M.D. Anderson just last week and here she is riding the trails.
This girl is unstoppable. She might slow down a bit but she ain't about to stop. She is an inspiration to us all.

Christine, Annie and I made it down the walking trail but it took awhile. The trail was slick as a gut and Christine ain't the most sure footed mule in the team.
However, Annie had a big time running down the trail, then back up to check on us.

I only got one picture of this beautiful waterfall. Why? Because just as we got to the bottom the sky opened up and poured. It was a greasy climb back up the trail.

And, again, Alison was the smart one. She jumped in the RZR and stayed dry The rest of us got soaked.
Oh well, just another day in the mountains.

A much better picture taken by Jimmy. He got down closer before the rain started and got some good shots

Would have been a great place to spend some time playing in the water or having lunch. Maybe next time it won't be a rainy day.

Just some of the views from the trails atop the Cumberland Mountains.

And what did you do this 4th of July?

Ya' might want to get off the couch and see what Mother Nature has to offer.

Come join us some time......You might get a little dirty but we sure have a good time.

Windrock, Memorial Weekend 2015

Friday, May 22, 2015

Unloaded the RZR's for a weekend of riding the hills of Tennessee.

Jimmy and I came down early, Alison, Steve, Cathy, and Johnathan will come down later.

Should be a beautiful weekend, the weather forecast is perfect.

Gonna do some campin", cookin', and ridin"....

Saturday, May 23, 2015

How about some skillet chili and hot dogs?  mmmmmgood

Nothin like a hard days riding and a good meal with campfire.............
And a Red Solo Cup cocktail.

The campground was sold out so we had to take a spot in the Overflow Area. Worked out great, ended up with a lot more room and a lot less dust.

My riding partner for the weekend. He is Cathy's son Johnathan Demmin and he loves to go fast.

We are at an overlook in the Mountains WNW of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Jimmy found this cool waterfall on one of the trails. Not real easy to find but he pulled it off.

Johnathan with his mother Cathy were climbing up the rocks but the mosquitos forced them back down rather quickly.

Not much water today but it has been very dry here for the past few weeks.

Hanging out on the rocks with my buds, Alison and Johnathan.

We had such a good time on this ride, awesome trails, great weather, and no breakdowns.

Sure wish Christine could have come with us but she has a broken foot and had to stay home.

Dry  dusty mountain roads make up some of the connector trails here at Windrock ATV park.

Advertised as the largest privately owned trail system in the US.

So far, the best trails, best trail markings, best facilities, etc. of any Trail System we have ridden to date.

Might be a bit of a problem on a wet, rainy day.

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Found a nice creek to play in back in the hills.
Steve got a little too much mud in his radiator from that last mud hole he busted so he drove his brand new 2015 Polaris Ranger XP out into the deepest water to wash out the radiator.

No problems from there on.

Johnathan says, "I think I'll play in the creek too"

This boy had an awesome weekend, he rode with me every day and drove my RZR for part of the day.

He left his 4-wheeler at the campground, said it was more fun to ride in the RZR.

He loves to go fast........

Mom says, " It's time to dry off and get some clothes on boy.

We got trails to find and dinner to cook......

We all headed over to Steve and Cathy's cabin for another great dinner. She had shish-k-bobs, hamburgers, salad and I whipped up some "Taters and Onions" in my Giant Skillet.

Alison kicked back and enjoyed the evening. She rode some very challenging trails today and she's feeling the pain. This gal is a real trooper, never complained once.
Said she did pray a few times though.

OUR ISLAND ADVENTURE ll....2015...Part Five

Monday, April 13, 2015

728.9 Nautical Miles so far

We departed Little Stirrup Cay yesterday at daybreak and arrived here at Sunrise Marina in the Lacaya/Freeport area. Howard and Mary went on to Great Harbour Cay to make arrangements to leave NAZDAR at the marina and fly back to New England. It has been a pleasure to travel with them through the Islands but it was time to say "Adios" and head to Florida.

It was a bit tricky coming into Sunrise due to the shoaling at the entrance canal.

We timed our departure to arrive right at high tide and we succeeded.

I would not want to try this place at low tide until the channel is dredged.

Staff is friendly and the marina has floating docks.

As far back as the 1700's the Bahamas has been an economical roller coaster. That was apparent through out the Islands and shows here too.
At one time this Resort/Marina was first class. But today it is struggling to survive. It appears they are only using about 25% of the facilities.

The bar/restaurant is closed. One hotel room has been transformed into the marina laundry.
Only the lower rooms are being occupied and hardly no one here.

However, someone is trying hard to keep it alive. The facilities that are being used are well-kept.
The grounds are landscaped nicely but some areas are showing their age.
This cabana overlooking the entrance channel looks abandoned.
The reception desk and lobby was in great shape and the girls at the desk were very friendly and welcoming.
The upstairs restaurant was not accessible but the old bar room down by the pool was open for guests to watch TV, workout, play pool and ping-pong.

We will wait here for a couple days for a good weather window to cross over to Lake Worth at West Palm Beach, Florida .

Tuesday, April, 14, 2015

We're just hanging out at Sunrise Marina today waiting for high tide tomorrow at 5:30 am. Then it's off to Florida.

While here we met up with a sweet lady named Mary Jo. She has quite a story to tell.
She was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer 9 years ago, been thru all the treatments, etc. and lives life to the fullest each day.
She single handed this 45 foot sailing yacht from Ft. Lauderdale in January.
She is on her way to Hoffman's Cay to spread the ashes of her departed husband who passed a year ago. Her and her husband spent a lot of time in the Berry Islands and wants him to remain in their "Special Place". My hats off to this lady.

Christine is getting a tour of the cabin area and sleeping quarters.

This sailboat was built in New Zealand in 1976. The quality of workmanship is amazing.

Pictures do it no justice. All the hardware is bronze except the rigging and it is all Stainless Steel.

The woodwork was certainly done by a true craftsman.

Annie says "Thanks, but no thanks, I'll stick with Mystic Lady.

It's just too cramped aboard a sailboat for us but this one has more room than most due to it's wide beam.

She is definitely a sea-going vessel.

Mary Jo returning from a dingy ride to meet up with a friend she is teaching to sail.

She handles all the chores related to being a sailboater. She offered to teach me how to sail but I told her I was too old to learn another trick.

Mary Jo is a spirited person who isn't going to let cancer stop her adventures.
Sounds like someone else I know. That someone is my favorite daughter in law, Alison Chafton....

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Departed Sunrise Marina at Sunrise, isn' t that fitting.....

We weave our way through the maze of freighters and container ships as we pass the Freeport Shipping Channel.

Forecast is for calm seas and light winds, we'll see.....

After a long 8 1/2 hour trip across the Pond we see the Florida Coast welcoming us with open arms.
Thought for sure there would be fireworks or something....

It was a boring ride but that's exactly what you want when you cross the Gulf Stream.
We had 1 to 2 foot seas and winds around 10kts. About as good as it gets this time of year.
Now, we will mosey on over to RiverBend and do a lot of cleaning and prepping for summer storage of Mystic Lady.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Looks like we are about to get those "Fireworks" I wanted. Just didn't want the Mother Nature kind.

Lightning all around us just as we enter an area called "Hell's Gate" near Sewell's Point. This is only 5 or 6 miles from our destination for the day.

Batten down the hatches, it's gonna get nasty.

This frame shows the rain moving across our path.

We have a bridge to clear just ahead.

Ok, here we go....Total "White Out" conditions for the next few miles.

Note the radar screen, lower left, showing us right in the middle of the  cell.

For all you pilots out there, this is truly IFR conditions.
Just keep her in the channel and hope lightning don't strike and take out the electronics.

We made it to the bridge just as the rain let up a bit.


Friday, April 17, 2015

Coming across Lake O' on our way to Moore Haven for the night. One more day to RiverBend as this trip comes to and end.

You will have to enlarge this photo to see but there is eight boats following close behind us through the narrow channel into Clewiston, Florida. We felt like the Pied Piper leading everyone through.



Saturday, April 18, 2015

927.6 Nautical Miles
1067.5 Statue Miles

Our docking crew was waiting for us when we arrived at RiverBend.

What a great bunch of friends we have here at this park.
They helped make this chore a lot easier by  helping us tie up "Mystic Lady".

It's not easy to put a 53 foot boat in a slip that was designed for a 20 foot pontoon.

And just as we finish tying up, Connie drops his $300 sunglasses in the river.

I put on the mask and jump in, but this river is so tanned and dirty that it's impossible to see the bottom without putting your face right on the mud.

I was not successful but will try again when the water clears up a bit. Too many boats stirring up the silt to find them today.

Sunday, April 28, 2015

Just a few TRIP FACTS for those who want to know:

     We cruised for 96 days
     We stayed in marinas for 32 days, the remaining 64 days was anchored or moored out
     We traveled 1067 miles
     We burned 824.6 gallons of diesel fuel
     The engines ran 147.8 hours
     The generator ran 413 hours
     The Water Maker ran 69 hours making 2,691 gallons of water

    Using .5 gph in the Generator = 206.5 gallons fuel
     Total fuel less generator fuel = 618.1 gallons fuel for engines
     618.1 divided by 147.8 hours = 4.18 gph for engines
     OR 1.29 mpg including generator OR 1.72 mpg excluding the generator

Over a thousand miles and she still has the props on her. LOL.

Today we hauled out "Mystic Lady" and put her in storage for the summer.

It's off to Kentucky and some Hillbilly Off-Roading......
as soon as the Admiral's broken foot heals, yuck......





Thursday, May 7, 2015

 Mystic Lady is shrink wrapped and resting for the summer.....

We'll be back in October to open the marshmallow and put her back in the water for a season of cruising.  Stay tuned, check the blog, we will be cruising the waters of South Florida and the Keys.