12/27/13

Christmas in the Florida Keys was warm. Shortly after we arrived I (Elaine) came down with strep throat which resulted in two trips to the ER for medication. Finding a DR on the Islands is well impossible. People say they exist but I think its an urban legend. So I  have been somewhat limited on the activities I have been able to do. But we have managed to some some things so all is not lost and it appears as if I am on a good road to recovery.

If all goes well I should be out and able to play later this week!

Lots of people decorate their boats for Christmas. 

 These are a few of the charter boats all decked out.

 A dock party - pizza & beer after all it is the keys. Kaye & Al, Marsha & Joe, 

with Russ and Elaine.

We rented a car and drove down to Key West for the day with Al & Kaye.

The Lorelei Cabana Bar & Restaurant are right next door to us providing us with food, music, & beautiful sunsets.

Sun goes down moon comes up.

We have taken the dingy out & checked out the miles of mangroves. So neat.

On 12/10/13, after 485 NM & 34 Days we arrived at Islamorada, Fla. Hard to believe we are in the Florida Keys but the clear blue waters of the Keys confirms our arrival.

Here we are sitting at an outside restaurant with our toes in the sand. So far this has been an amazing adventure.

Gulf of Mexico - Ft. Myers to The Keys

We left Ft. Myers Yacht Basin Marina on Sunday 12/7 head to the Keys. We were with three other boat: Kaye & Al- Knot Home, Marsha & Joe – Morning Star, Donna & Terry – Meridian.

Gulf of Mexico – CALM SEAS!

The Dolphins played in our wake as we cruise the Gulf.

The seas were calm so we were able to go past our destination of Naples to Marco Island. Two of us anchored out and two went into the marina. We got there just in time for the Christmas Boat parade which came right by where we were anchored. We were able to dingy in for a nice dinner at the Tiki Hut Restaurant.

The next day took us way out into the Gulf past Cape Ramono to miss the shoals. On this day we anchored at Lulu Lulu Key in the Ten Thousand Islands. This was a perfect anchor. Swim suits on, dingy down, we celebrated happy hour on our own private beach. Marsha load their dog into her dingy and we towed them to shore. BEAUTIFUL view.

Early out of our private beach haven we charted a course for Middle Cape. The Gulf had other plans for us. The water was rough and we changed our course to Shark River. Our day went from 50 NM to 38 NM.  Knot Home ran point and picked the perfect spot. We tucked in safe from the rough seas. When we entered an Otter greeted us. We saw him several more times but never got a picture.

Shark River is deep inside the Florida Everglades which meant no cell phone or internet access. A good nights sleep and ready for the Keys the next day.

KNOT HOME, MERIDIAN, & MORNING STAR our traveling buddies.

Tuesday 12/10/13 we had three route plans and we would select one depending on the weather.  Since we had no internet or cell reception we were unable to get a good report other than our NOAA radio. Which by the way NOAA is one we rely on the most.

As we exited our shelter hole we discovered a calm Gulf. GREAT NEWS! About 8 NM out Morning Star said goodbye as they headed to Marathon Key. Knot Home went ahead to run point. Twelve Stones and Morning Star set a course and headed to our next stop Islamorado, Fl.

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Heading South from Ft. Myers

We left Ft. Myers on Sat 12/7 heading south to Naples. Three other boats joined us. This was our first time in the open ocean with Twelve Stones. The weather was perfect so we continued on to Marco Island. Two boats went into the marina and two of us anchored out.

This morning we are headed to Ten Thousand Islands where all 4 boats will be on anchor. Planning a beach party at one of the islands.

Seas not as good as yesterday but pushing on.

While crossing Lake Okeechobee we met Peg & Ed on Sea Glass. At one of our nightly stops they told us about the City of Ft. Myers Yacht Basin Marina and we are glad they did. The marina is only a couple of blocks from downtown where something is always going on.

While we wait on a good weather window to continue south we are taking in all the city has to offer.

This weekend they closed the downtown streets for an Old Car Show. 

Today we took a walk to the downtown Farmers Market. This is a weekly event that we are sure to attend as long as we are here.

Ike sure loves his ride!

The wind continues to howl with gust today 30-35 mph. As long as this continues we will stay at the dock. 

Lots of nice walkways along the water.

Old Glory standing straight in the ocean wind.

On 11/6/13 we left our home port of Green Cove Springs, Florida and on 11/21/13 arrived in Ft. Myers, Florida.

• ·         The trip took 14 days
• ·         We traveled 323 NM
• ·         Went from fresh water to sea water to fresh water then back to sea water
• ·         Went through 6 locks on the Okeechobee waterway
• ·         Stayed at 6 different marinas each with unique character
• ·         Experienced gale force winds while tied to a dock at a marina

Wow!!!! This has truly been the most amazing 14 days.

Twelve Stones underway on the Okeechobee Waterway November 2013.

The marinas along the Okeechobee Waterway are each unique and have southern charm and character.  Don’t pass up Clewiston its worth the stop. Little Man the Dockmaster is worth the stop.

Clewiston Marina

Clewiston Marina floating dock.

Clewiston Marina great food at the outside restaurant.

Indiantown Marina

This was our first time going through a lock. We did 6 in all. The first lock we waited 3 hours due to commercial traffic. One side there were 4 boats including ours. We told the Lockmaster that we had never did a lock before. We didnt find out until later that this made at least one of the boats apprehensive. But we did fine. 

As always the wildlife along the way was spectacular. We got a rare chance to photograph the Florida Spoonbill birds. 

Rare Spoonbill

It has been an amazing few days on the water. After leaving Titusville we anchored out on Saturday night just south of Vero Beach.

Sunday night we anchored out just north of Jensen Beach causeway. We lowered the dingy and took Ike to shore for awhile. Then went to a local restaurant for dinner.

Monday we made it to the St. Lucie River and went through our 1st lock. What an experience. We spent the night at Indiantown Marina. What a cute place. Pictures to come.

Today, Tuesday 11/19, we crossed Lake Okeechobee.  The crossing was rough. Glad to be across the lake we pulled into the marina at Clewiston. This is a 'must stop' when crossing Lake Okeechobee.

Pictures forthcoming.

What an exciting adventure

Our mail arrived & the weather cleared so we left Titusville this morning. Yesterday Brenda took me to the grocery store. I only needed milk & bread. Well I came home with a carload of stuff. Thanks Brenda. Thanks to Jims help this morning we got off without a hitch.

The ICW was mostly calm so we made good time. We are anchored  south of Melbourne Beach.

We havent anchored in weeks so it feels so good to be out here all alone.  Grilled some steaks, threw in a couple of baked potatoes and tea. Ahhh life is good.

We said goodbye to Daytona Beach, Florida on Monday 11/11/13 and headed south to the Titusville Municipal Marina. Lesson we learned on this leg of our trip:  Stick to ' the ditch' don't wonder outside the narrow line or you will touch bottom. 

Our original plan was to spend just a couple of days in Titusville visiting with our friends Brenda & Jim. But as they say boat plans are not set in stone!

As predicted at 4:30 am this morning, 11/13/13, we began to experience strong N-NE winds. The forecast called for gale force winds off the coast and the ICW. Many times the weather predictions have been wrong but not this time. At 5:30 am we were on deck adding an additional line. At the first daylight Russ managed to get onto the dock to tighten our lines and yes add additional lines. At this particular marina the finger docks are low so we are have to exit from the upper deck onto a 3-tier portable step, then onto the dock. With winds 30 mph this can be tricky. 

Throughout the day we have watched as people have scurried to secure their boats and their neighbor’s boats. Earlier this morning two boats broke anchor outside the marina and landed on the shore. 

Thanking God for a safe harbor to ride out this storm.

The weather is forecasted to continue howling until 10:00 pm this evening. It looks like our 1^st chance to leave will probably be Saturday.

We have enjoyed our time here in Titusville and had a great time visiting with Brenda & Jim. They are some great people and we will miss them once we get underway. 

The highlight of the Titusville Municipal Marina is the Manatees. There are dozens of them and they are not shy. I was washing down the deck on the boat & as the water ran off the Manatees appeared & began drinking the water. They would playfully push each other out of the way in an attempt to get under the falling water. Manatees are protected in Florida so you are not allowed to interact with them. So to see them so close was a real treat. This was the first time I wished the deck washing would have taken longer…LOL.

To all our friends making the crossing from the panhandle to the SW coast of Florida safe travels and we hope to see you some of you soon.