We’re up at 0600 and underway at 0630. Its only 20 miles to Charleston, but we are hoping to make it through Elliott’s Cut and Wappoo Creek before it reaches maximum current. Lots of skinny water all the way until we reach the wider parts of the Stono River. We are late arriving at the cut and fight a 2.0+ mph current, however we do arrive a little early for the restricted opening at the Wappoo Creek Bridge. Once past the bridge it was just a short run to the Ashley River and Charleston.
We contacted the Charleston City Marina got our slip assignment and directions. Approaching the “J” dock, I swung Ninkasi in a wide starboard turn to enter the slip area. That was a big mistake as the current swung us way wide and I had to really power up to avoid hitting a boat on the end of “K” dock. Other than that the docking went smoothly. We covered the 20 miles in four hours arriving at 1030.
We spent the rest of the day cleaning the boat, relaxing, taking showers and taking naps.
Location: Charleston, SC at MM 469. Boat distance traveled, 20.2 miles. Time in actual transit, 5 hours. Top speed 7.3 mph, average speed 4.1 mph
Day 43, Monday, May 26, 2008
We’re up early and underway at 0710. We pass Beaufort City Marina and Ladies Island Swing bridge fighting the current as usual. It’s a long day of fighting current and only occasionally getting a boost from it. We finally reach Church’s Creek about 1715 and find four other boats already at anchor. We proceeded up the creek passing two boats and anchored just north of the second boat. The other two boats were north of us and were rafted together. It was a 52 mile day, took ten hours averaging only 5.1 mph with a max speed of 8.1 mph. The wind was blowing across the creek and I was concerned about our swing, but the wind died off after sunset leaving us head-up into the current. Current here was strong so I set an alarm to get up and monitor our swing after slack tide. The wind stayed down, we swung nicely with the current so I retired again. 
Location: Chruch’s Creek anchorage at MM 488. Boat distance traveled, 52 miles. Time in actual transit, 10 hours. Top speed 8.1 mph, average speed 5.1 mphDay 42, Sunday, May 25, 2008
We got up early to take showers and enjoy free doughnuts and coffee. Then we pulled the boat forward on the fuel dock to get a pump out. Once done with all that, we finally got underway at 0830. Tides and current seem to be a little more favorable today. We tried to find anchorage space in the area near the marina in Beaufort, but the wind and tide combination didn’t give us any safe anchorages. So, we back tracked a little and anchored south of Beaufort next to the high rise bridge.
We enjoy dinner and turn in as the run tomorrow is about fifty miles to a popular anchorage in Church’s Creek.
Location: Anchorage south of Beaufort, SC at MM 540. Boat distance traveled, 51.9 miles. Time in actual transit, 9.5 hours. Top speed 8.6 mph, average speed 5.6 mph.
We enjoy dinner and turn in as the run tomorrow is about fifty miles to a popular anchorage in Church’s Creek.
Location: Anchorage south of Beaufort, SC at MM 540. Boat distance traveled, 51.9 miles. Time in actual transit, 9.5 hours. Top speed 8.6 mph, average speed 5.6 mph.
Day 41, Saturday, May 24, 2008 (Our 33rd Anniversary)
We get underway about 0820. The day is overcast and we run through a few patches of light rain. Later the skies brightened up a bit, but it was still partly cloudy. As the skies cleared, the temperature began to soar. It is only a thirty two mile run to Thunderbolt but current and tides are not helpful. We arrive at the dock about 1400. Our average speed is 5.7 mph and top speed is 7.0 mph. Our slip is along the south end of the fuel dock, a typical transit spot. Glen, the dockmaster is very helpful, courteous, and friendly.
We secure the boat, enjoy a brew and then head to the showers. We have decided to celebrate our anniversary here in Thunderbolt. We check with Glen and he recommends a local spot within easy walking distance. Its only about a 15 minute walk to “Tubbie’s Tank House”. The place seems to be very popular with the locals. Donna had steamed shrimp and I had fried oysters. The shrimp were large and delicious. The oysters were small, over breaded and over cooked. Still all-in-all the meal was an enjoyable anniversary meal.Afterward, we walked to a convenience store and got milk, bread and milk. We also had a couple of ice creams to top off our dinner. By the time we got back to the boat it was almost dark. With full tummies, we called it an evening and turned in.
Location: Thunderbolt Marina, Thunderbolt, GA at MM 585. Boat distance traveled, 32 miles. Time in actual transit, 5.5 hours. Top speed 7.0 mph, average speed 5.7 mph
Day 40, Friday, May 23, 2008
Location: Kilkenny Creek Marina, GA at MM 614. Boat distance traveled, 54.2 miles. Time in actual transit, 10 hours. Top speed 8.6 mph, average speed 5.6 mph
Day 39, Thursday, May 22, 2008
We're up and underway about 0700. Weather is a little cloudy with scattered thunder storms predicted. We had a little boost from the tide going towards Kings Bay. We followed a “boomer” submarine (at great distance) going in. From there on it was typical Georgia. Cumberland, Jekyll, and St Simon sounds were all pretty quiet. There were no horses to be seen along Cumberland Island this time by. The tide was just starting to come in when we departed and we hoped to pass thru the first of three major trouble spots on the rising tide.
We entered Jekyll Creek a little after mid tide and had good depth all the way through. Lots of green tailed flies all day. They sure like to ride on the underside of the bimini and dodger. We stayed on the main ICW route, bypassing the Frederica River this time, and stopped a little after 5 PM at an anchorage area just off the ICW in Wallys Leg very near the bottom of the tide. There was already a small trawler near the mouth, so we moved up the creek a little way and anchored in 7 feet of water.
While having cocktails, I noticed we were moving and checked the anchor. Sure enough we were dragging. We repositioned the boat, reset the anchor, added a sentinel, set an anchor alarm on the chart plotter and kept a close eye on things as we fixed dinner on the grill. After dinner I took a short nap and was back up for the tide change to make sure the anchor held. Our postition after the tide change looked good so I went back to napping.
Location: Wallys Leg anchorage at MM 665. Boat distance traveled, 50 miles. Time in actual transit, 9.5 hours. Top speed 9.3 mph, average speed 5.4 mph
We entered Jekyll Creek a little after mid tide and had good depth all the way through. Lots of green tailed flies all day. They sure like to ride on the underside of the bimini and dodger. We stayed on the main ICW route, bypassing the Frederica River this time, and stopped a little after 5 PM at an anchorage area just off the ICW in Wallys Leg very near the bottom of the tide. There was already a small trawler near the mouth, so we moved up the creek a little way and anchored in 7 feet of water.
While having cocktails, I noticed we were moving and checked the anchor. Sure enough we were dragging. We repositioned the boat, reset the anchor, added a sentinel, set an anchor alarm on the chart plotter and kept a close eye on things as we fixed dinner on the grill. After dinner I took a short nap and was back up for the tide change to make sure the anchor held. Our postition after the tide change looked good so I went back to napping.
Location: Wallys Leg anchorage at MM 665. Boat distance traveled, 50 miles. Time in actual transit, 9.5 hours. Top speed 9.3 mph, average speed 5.4 mph
Day 38, Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The morning forcast calls for the winds to be up all day with scattered thunder storms. We elect to ride it out on the mooring ball another day. We dinghied in to the marina around noon to settle up, to do lunch and a walkabout. It’s a nice little town with the usual antique shops, tourist traps and restaurants. We had a very enjoyable lunch at a little open air cafe.
It was a pleasant afternoon walking back to the marina. Getting back to the boat however was a really “wet” experience. The wind and the Amelia River tidal current were opposing making the mooring field choppy as heck. Back at the boat we dried out and then planned the next days run and prepped the boat for departure. Location: Fernandina Beach moorings at MM 717. Another no travel day.
Day 37, Tuesday, May 20, 2008
We departed St Augustine marina and caught the 0730 opening of the Bridge of Lions. The plan is to make it to Cumberland Island and anchor. We are 3 hours into the incoming tide and it pushes us along nicely. Winds are 15+ and gusting so sailing in the really narrow stretches is next to impossible. When we did rollout the jib we recorded a top speed of 10.8 mph. Things get real breezy in the afternoon. Winds are out of the West or Southwest 20-25 with higher gusts. The wind is pushing water out and we encounter lots of areas with less than MLW. Ran aground dead middle of the channel in Sisters Creek, but was able to back off and “feel” our way through on the extreme starboard edge of the channel.
Weather for the evening now calling for winds from the Southwest at 20+ gusting to 30 mph. Cumberland anchorage is really exposed to the southwest so Donna started searching for another anchorage or marina. She found a mooring available at Fernandina Beach so we decided to stop there.
With the wind howling and the tide coming in it was pretty choppy in the mooring field. With Donna at the helm and me on the bow, we managed to snag the ball on the first approach. Amazing!! Arrival time 1715 hrs, total running time 9.5 hours and a distance of 62 miles.
Location: Fernandina Beach moorings at MM 717. Boat distance traveled, 62 miles. Time in actual transit, 9.5 hours. Top speed 10.8 mph, average speed 6.5 mph
Weather for the evening now calling for winds from the Southwest at 20+ gusting to 30 mph. Cumberland anchorage is really exposed to the southwest so Donna started searching for another anchorage or marina. She found a mooring available at Fernandina Beach so we decided to stop there.
With the wind howling and the tide coming in it was pretty choppy in the mooring field. With Donna at the helm and me on the bow, we managed to snag the ball on the first approach. Amazing!! Arrival time 1715 hrs, total running time 9.5 hours and a distance of 62 miles.
Location: Fernandina Beach moorings at MM 717. Boat distance traveled, 62 miles. Time in actual transit, 9.5 hours. Top speed 10.8 mph, average speed 6.5 mph
Day 36, Monday, May 19, 2008
We departed Daytona Marina and Boatworks about 0715 hoping to make it to St. Augustine. We're heading home once again. The run was pretty uneventful as we motored with jib assistance most of the way. We reached St. Augustine docks about 15:45 hours. We docked the boat and then went to town for dinner, pizza & brews. Afterward, we walked the commercial district and then had a ice cream before returning to the dock. Later we showered and made preparations to leave early on Tuesday.
Location: Saint Augustine Municipal Marina, St. Augustine, FL at MM 778. Boat distance traveled, 54 miles. Time in actual transit, 5 hours. Top speed 9.1 mph, average speed 6.3 mph
Location: Saint Augustine Municipal Marina, St. Augustine, FL at MM 778. Boat distance traveled, 54 miles. Time in actual transit, 5 hours. Top speed 9.1 mph, average speed 6.3 mph
Day 34-35, Saturday & Sunday May 17/18 2008
Still at Daytona Marina. Bet you're wondering when we are going to start home again.
On Saturday - we walked up to the old downtown area and got a Stinky Dog and Stinkaide. Then we visited the antique mall. We also went by the West Marine and got some new fenders. Then it was back to the boat to relax...
On Sunday - we did the laundry and made final preparations to leave Monday morning.
On Saturday - we walked up to the old downtown area and got a Stinky Dog and Stinkaide. Then we visited the antique mall. We also went by the West Marine and got some new fenders. Then it was back to the boat to relax...
On Sunday - we did the laundry and made final preparations to leave Monday morning.
Day 33, Friday, May 16, 2008
We're still at Daytona Marina. We caught the bus over to Wal-Mart and bought groceries and a few other items to restock the boat for the trip home. Bought so much stuff we had to take a cab back to the marina.
Day 32, Thursday, May 15, 2008
We're still "In port" at Daytona Marina. Donna and I walked the tourist section of town and over to the real Daytona beach area. We walked about a mile north on the beach and then walked back to Halifax Harbour, West Marine, and back to the boat. We were really tired after all that walking. We decided to stay in and have a quiet evening and watch some TV.
Day 31, Wednesday, May 14, 2008
We're "In port" at Daytona Marina. Donna flew in this afternoon and took a taxi to the marina. Wo Hoo! Later that evening we walked the old tourist trap area and had dinner at Stavro’s Pizza. It's nice to have her back.
Day 30, Tuesday, May 13, 2008
In port Daytona Marina. Donna will be flying in tomorrow, Hooray! But for now, I’m still “chillin“.
Day 29, Monday, May 12, 2008
Still in port at Daytona Marina. I talked with the boat yard and was able to get them to do a “short” haul and power wash the hull. We found a few small barnacles in a couple of places and a number of weed-like growths, especially on the bottom of the keel. The zincs were shot and the cutlass bearing had “backed” out of the strut about 1”. I had them replace the zincs, push the bearing back in place and tighten the set screws which were loose. We splashed the boat and I took her back to the slip. Time to “chill“ again.
Day 28, Sunday, May 11, 2008
I'm still in port at Daytona Marina. After breakfast I headed aloft, Trip #6. A quick adjustment of the Windex angle and the mast project was complete. Took my time putting away the Mast Mate and tools. After that I gave myself the rest of the day off with pay, Ha, Ha.
Score now : Murphy 0, Dick 4
Score now : Murphy 0, Dick 4
Day 27, Saturday, May 10, 2008
I'm still in port at the Daytona Marina. Spent a little time planning the tools and parts issues in hopes this would be the last trip up the mast. I also tightened up the topping lift and main halyard. With the main halyard now the primary support for the Mast Mate, I made the ascent with the wind blowing abeam at 15-20 with strong gusts (Trip#4). With my weight at the top and the wind gusts, the boat did some serious heeling. Being 53' in the air looking straight down I'm seeing water where the boat should be. I attempted to lift the bag containing the parts off the deck and pull it up to me, but the wind caught the bag and it got fouled in the lazy jacks. After about thirty minutes of trying to clear it, I finally gave up and descended the mast to clear the rope. After clearing and positioning the bag to the leeward side, I ascended the mast again (Trip#5).
I was able to hoist the parts bag this time without getting it fouled in any rigging. I installed the mast extension bar and finished the Windex assembly. I then installed the “repaired” wind monitor assembly and hoped it would work “electrically” when I powered it up later. After that I installed the new anchor light complete with a very expensive LED bulb. I double checked everything, removed the secondary support lashings, descended the mast and hoped the operation was finally complete. I purposely left the Mast Mate in place knowing Murphy would smack me with another trip up if I took it down.
I powered up the instruments and was pleased to see the wind monitor’s anemometer and wind angle functions working great. I knew the sheaves were going to work fine, but a visual of the Windex from the helm revealed it needed to be “tweaked” to starboard. OK, one more trip up will be required.
After dark, I turned on the anchor light and was delighted to see it was functioning perfectly. Beer time!
Score now : Murphy 1, Dick 3
I was able to hoist the parts bag this time without getting it fouled in any rigging. I installed the mast extension bar and finished the Windex assembly. I then installed the “repaired” wind monitor assembly and hoped it would work “electrically” when I powered it up later. After that I installed the new anchor light complete with a very expensive LED bulb. I double checked everything, removed the secondary support lashings, descended the mast and hoped the operation was finally complete. I purposely left the Mast Mate in place knowing Murphy would smack me with another trip up if I took it down.
I powered up the instruments and was pleased to see the wind monitor’s anemometer and wind angle functions working great. I knew the sheaves were going to work fine, but a visual of the Windex from the helm revealed it needed to be “tweaked” to starboard. OK, one more trip up will be required.
After dark, I turned on the anchor light and was delighted to see it was functioning perfectly. Beer time!
Score now : Murphy 1, Dick 3
Day 26, Friday, May 9, 2008
In port Daytona Marina. Using the internet, I located an Ace hardware about 3 miles away. After breakfast I took off on the bicycle armed with my shopping list. I was able to get everything I needed at the hardware store including more alcohol for the stove. Round trip sure seemed longer than 6 miles. The center drive bearing nut on the bicycle came loose on the trip and I had to repair the bicycle when I got back to the boat.
Back on the boat I ascended the mast again (Trip #2) . With the right size socket, I was able to remove the mast cap and examine the sheave problem. The topping lift sheave was missing the starboard wall of the pulley area and the line was jammed between the masthead fixture and the sheave. The main halyard sheave was missing 75% of the starboard wall. Since I had hauled the Mast Mate up on the main halyard, I needed to secure the Mast Mate so I could take the pressure off the main halyard. Using a length of line and a piece of hose to protect against chaffing/cutting, I lashed the Mast Mate to the mast using the two slots in the mast about a foot below the masthead fixture.
I descended , took the pressure off the main halyard and topping lift lines and resecured them with enough slack to allow removal of the sheaves. I tested my full weight on the new Mast Mate attachment point several times before I was satisfied enough to reascend the mast (Trip #3). Once at the top again, I was able to remove the broken sheaves and install the new metal ones and reinstall the mast cap.
The mast cap extension was still not giving up the Windex mount. I finally managed to remove the extension and descended to attack the mount on a safer level. With some effort I was finally able to remove the old mount and partially assemble the new Windex on the extension. Using the long screw and nuts purchased at the hardware store, I manufactured a pointer/counterbalance for the wind vane and tested its physical operation on the dock. A trip to West Marine for a new anchor light and I was ready to go up once again…Tomorrow. Its Beer time!
Score now : Murphy 2, Dick 2
Back on the boat I ascended the mast again (Trip #2) . With the right size socket, I was able to remove the mast cap and examine the sheave problem. The topping lift sheave was missing the starboard wall of the pulley area and the line was jammed between the masthead fixture and the sheave. The main halyard sheave was missing 75% of the starboard wall. Since I had hauled the Mast Mate up on the main halyard, I needed to secure the Mast Mate so I could take the pressure off the main halyard. Using a length of line and a piece of hose to protect against chaffing/cutting, I lashed the Mast Mate to the mast using the two slots in the mast about a foot below the masthead fixture.
I descended , took the pressure off the main halyard and topping lift lines and resecured them with enough slack to allow removal of the sheaves. I tested my full weight on the new Mast Mate attachment point several times before I was satisfied enough to reascend the mast (Trip #3). Once at the top again, I was able to remove the broken sheaves and install the new metal ones and reinstall the mast cap.
The mast cap extension was still not giving up the Windex mount. I finally managed to remove the extension and descended to attack the mount on a safer level. With some effort I was finally able to remove the old mount and partially assemble the new Windex on the extension. Using the long screw and nuts purchased at the hardware store, I manufactured a pointer/counterbalance for the wind vane and tested its physical operation on the dock. A trip to West Marine for a new anchor light and I was ready to go up once again…Tomorrow. Its Beer time!
Score now : Murphy 2, Dick 2
Day 25, Thursday, May 8, 2008
Today is “M” day…time to get the 3 mast problems (sheaves, Windex and wind monitor) fixed or hire someone to fix them. Being by myself, I spent a lot of time “planning” the operation and what tools would be needed. I installed the Mast Mate ladder and ascended the mast (Trip #1) with winds blowing 10-15. I encountered a couple of “obstacles to progress” right away. Obstacles: #1 - I underestimated the size of the nuts securing the mast cap so I did not have the 17mm socket needed to remove the cap. #2 - The nut on the Windex mount came off OK, but the mount was securely corroded into the mast cap extension. I was able to remove the wind monitor masthead transducer and lower it to the deck. I also found a new problem…the anchor light housing was beginning to disintegrate due to years of UV exposure. Score: Murphy 3, Dick 1. I decided to descend to plan the next attack.
I rode the bike to the nearby West Marine for WD40 and parts to repair the transducer. Success comes in tiny bits, pricey WD40 was all I could find. Back at the boat I disassembled, cleaned and lubricated the anemometer portion of the transducer. I think it will work when reinstalled. The wind vane is another story. The pointer counterbalance is missing and the vane has “wobbled” out the hole for the axle in the plastic. I manufactured some shims from water bottle plastic and the vane pivots better but needs the counterbalance. I tapped out the counterbalance hole to accept a 6-32 screw and attempted to make a counterbalance with the screws and nuts I had on board. The “idea” will work but a longer (3“-4”) screw will be required.
Enough for today. Time for a beer.
Location: still in Daytona Beach
I rode the bike to the nearby West Marine for WD40 and parts to repair the transducer. Success comes in tiny bits, pricey WD40 was all I could find. Back at the boat I disassembled, cleaned and lubricated the anemometer portion of the transducer. I think it will work when reinstalled. The wind vane is another story. The pointer counterbalance is missing and the vane has “wobbled” out the hole for the axle in the plastic. I manufactured some shims from water bottle plastic and the vane pivots better but needs the counterbalance. I tapped out the counterbalance hole to accept a 6-32 screw and attempted to make a counterbalance with the screws and nuts I had on board. The “idea” will work but a longer (3“-4”) screw will be required.
Enough for today. Time for a beer.
Location: still in Daytona Beach
Days 14-24, Saturday, April 26, 2008 thru Wednesday, May 7, 2008
I'm all alone in Daytona. Just me and the bicycle. I walk to all the close-by areas and bike to places further away. Daytona is a big place, but it seems the fun activities all revolve around the race track the beach, and bike week. I have some fun days, but it just isn't the same without Donna.
Location: Daytona Beach
Location: Daytona Beach
Day 13, Friday, April 25, 2008
We're still in port at the Daytona Marina. After breakfast, the girls packed up their gear for the trip home. I checked out the car and prepped it for the trip home. Then I helped get everything to the car and assisted with the “packing” of the car. Fortunately there was just enough space for the girls and the cat. They hit the road headed for Savannah about 1100.
After the girls departed, I spent a little time cleaning and straightening the boat interior and then started some serious “chillin” without that darn cat bothering me. I kinda feel for the girls as I'm sure Buddy will be screaming all the way home.
After the girls departed, I spent a little time cleaning and straightening the boat interior and then started some serious “chillin” without that darn cat bothering me. I kinda feel for the girls as I'm sure Buddy will be screaming all the way home.
Days 10, 11, 12, April 2008
We still "In port". Day 10, the girls headed for Winter Park to absorb some culture and shop. On day 11 I’m still “chillin” and the girls are out taking in more of the local culture. On day 12, we do showers, breakfast and a quick cleanup of the boat interior. Then we took the boat over to the fuel dock for a pumpout. After returning to our dock area, the girls went by car to Mount Dora for more art, shops and fun. I’m “chillin” again this afternoon. Buddy is going nuts kooped up in the boat.
Day 9, Monday, April 21, 2008
I'm doing the usual "In port" activities while the girls are out locally having fun. I’m “chillin”.
Buddy is wondering why he's stuck inside the darn boat. When we were at the anchorage, he used to be able to run the ship!
Location: Daytona Boat Works and Marina, Daytona Beach, FL.
Buddy is wondering why he's stuck inside the darn boat. When we were at the anchorage, he used to be able to run the ship!
Location: Daytona Boat Works and Marina, Daytona Beach, FL.
Day 8, Sunday, April 20, 2008
We’re up at 0700, but just can’t seem to get organized. Finally get underway about 1000. We’re heading for Daytona, Donna and I on the boat, Jan driving the Avalon.
Tidal current gives us a real boost as we head toward Ponce Inlet. The bad news is we arrive at New Smyrna and Ponce at the bottom of the astronomical low tide. We fight terrific current through the cut from R18 to R2 and encounter the dredge operating in mid channel. A real white knuckle, stomach churning 10 miles until we reach Port Orange where the channel was deeper and wider. To make matters worse, every “bubba” was racing to get home no matter who they waked.
We finally reached the turn to Daytona Marina and Boat Works about 1830 hours. Despite making reservations weeks in advance, the “Sunday crew” was not expecting our arrival. We got docked and registered only to find out the place had been sold and the new owners are taking over on May 1st. I managed to get a pro-rated monthly rate for 11 days from the current owners. We are hoping the new owners will honor our monthly reservation and pro-rate us for the days in May. The good news was Jan was waiting at the dock when we arrived.
Shortly after we got docked, Buddy jumped ship, took a run down the dock and jumped on a nice sport fisherman boat. He dived below and was sitting on their big double bed just like at home. I know he wanted to stay, but I snatched him up and we went back to our sailboat.
After a little "chillin" in the cockpit, it was dinner and showers for all.
Location: Daytona Boat Works and Marina, Daytona Beach, FL at MM 831. Boat distance traveled, 54 miles.
Tidal current gives us a real boost as we head toward Ponce Inlet. The bad news is we arrive at New Smyrna and Ponce at the bottom of the astronomical low tide. We fight terrific current through the cut from R18 to R2 and encounter the dredge operating in mid channel. A real white knuckle, stomach churning 10 miles until we reach Port Orange where the channel was deeper and wider. To make matters worse, every “bubba” was racing to get home no matter who they waked.
We finally reached the turn to Daytona Marina and Boat Works about 1830 hours. Despite making reservations weeks in advance, the “Sunday crew” was not expecting our arrival. We got docked and registered only to find out the place had been sold and the new owners are taking over on May 1st. I managed to get a pro-rated monthly rate for 11 days from the current owners. We are hoping the new owners will honor our monthly reservation and pro-rate us for the days in May. The good news was Jan was waiting at the dock when we arrived.
Shortly after we got docked, Buddy jumped ship, took a run down the dock and jumped on a nice sport fisherman boat. He dived below and was sitting on their big double bed just like at home. I know he wanted to stay, but I snatched him up and we went back to our sailboat.
After a little "chillin" in the cockpit, it was dinner and showers for all.
Location: Daytona Boat Works and Marina, Daytona Beach, FL at MM 831. Boat distance traveled, 54 miles.
Day 7, Saturday, April 19, 2008
We're up early. We drive over to St. Cloud to visit Tommy and Barbara Sturgis and have breakfast with them. After breakfast at a local restaurant, Tommy and Barbara give us a auto tour of the St. Cloud area and then we toured the RV park they were staying in.
We left St. Cloud at noon so we could get over to the Orlando airport. Jan’s plane was on time, but it was after 1500 before we departed the airport. We drove over to Universal Studio park and visited the City Walk. We did a late lunch at Margaretville and then visited the shops.
We drove back to the marina, everyone showered and we called it a long day.
Location: Titusville Municipal Marina, Titusville, FL
We left St. Cloud at noon so we could get over to the Orlando airport. Jan’s plane was on time, but it was after 1500 before we departed the airport. We drove over to Universal Studio park and visited the City Walk. We did a late lunch at Margaretville and then visited the shops.
We drove back to the marina, everyone showered and we called it a long day.
Location: Titusville Municipal Marina, Titusville, FL
Day 6, Friday, April 18, 2008
I’m up early but it is still dark. I’m trying to decide whether we can see well enough to make a run through the bridge before 0630. It’s overcast with lots of clouds so visibility is down. I opt to have breakfast and wait until the bridge is open again after 0800. At 0800 there is a mass exodus from the anchorage and we are the third boat through the bridge.
Our fuel is low and we have no backup so we decide to stop in Titusville and fill-up. At the fuel dock they are working on the pumps trying to set them up for a 17 cent/gallon price increase. By the time we fuel up it is after 1000 so making it to Daytona in time to rent a car is impossible. We decide to stay in the Titusville marina, get a rental car, go get our car so we can pickup Jan Washbourne at the Orlando airport on Sat.
Enterprise picks us up at 1230 and we head for Stuart. We have one last lunch at the Pelican Café in Stuart, then pickup the Avalon at Southpoint and drive both cars back to Titusville. After dropping off the rental car, we make it back to the marina for showers and dinner.
Location: Titusville Municipal Marina, Titusville, FL at MM 878. Boat distance traveled, 8 miles.
Our fuel is low and we have no backup so we decide to stop in Titusville and fill-up. At the fuel dock they are working on the pumps trying to set them up for a 17 cent/gallon price increase. By the time we fuel up it is after 1000 so making it to Daytona in time to rent a car is impossible. We decide to stay in the Titusville marina, get a rental car, go get our car so we can pickup Jan Washbourne at the Orlando airport on Sat.
Enterprise picks us up at 1230 and we head for Stuart. We have one last lunch at the Pelican Café in Stuart, then pickup the Avalon at Southpoint and drive both cars back to Titusville. After dropping off the rental car, we make it back to the marina for showers and dinner.
Location: Titusville Municipal Marina, Titusville, FL at MM 878. Boat distance traveled, 8 miles.
Day 5, Thursday, April, 17, 2008
We departed the Vero Beach mooring field a little after 0800. Wind has shifted around to the NE so we sail with the jib and pickup about 1 mph of speed at times. Near Sebastian Inlet, we really need the jib’s help running against the outgoing current. It’s a slow boring run to the Melbourne and we are consuming a lot more fuel than normal. We decide to push on past our scheduled anchorage at MM918, however the fuel tank is almost empty. I dump in the 5 gallons of backup fuel and we push onward hoping to make it to Titusville or thereabouts.
Near dusk, we decide to stop at Addison Point (MM885) and anchor in the south lee of the bridge there. There are seven other boats in the anchorage area. We do dinner and call it a day.
Location: Addison Point south of Titusville at MM 885. Boat distance traveled, 67 miles.
Near dusk, we decide to stop at Addison Point (MM885) and anchor in the south lee of the bridge there. There are seven other boats in the anchorage area. We do dinner and call it a day.
Location: Addison Point south of Titusville at MM 885. Boat distance traveled, 67 miles.
Day 4, Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The AM forecast still bad so we sit again.
Larry and Walter depart at 0700 hours. Whisper’s new 54 HP engine is going to get a workout today. Our little 18 HP engine will be no match for the wind today!
Oops! Found we have been using the “start” battery as the “house” the past two days. I need to design and install some kind of indicator system on the main panel.
Location: Stuck in Vero Beach.
Larry and Walter depart at 0700 hours. Whisper’s new 54 HP engine is going to get a workout today. Our little 18 HP engine will be no match for the wind today!
Oops! Found we have been using the “start” battery as the “house” the past two days. I need to design and install some kind of indicator system on the main panel.
Location: Stuck in Vero Beach.
Day 3, Tuesday, April 15, 2008 (Tax Day)
I awoke at 0600 to temperatures near 50°F and winds at 15 knots. The morning forecast calls for winds increasing to 30 from the north. We decided to stay put another day.
Around noon, we called Larry to see if he and Walter got underway leaving Stuart. Both were cold, but they were moving north, however, they were only making 4.5 mph against the wind. Their “plan” was to make approximately 70 miles today. I wished them luck, and Larry said he would call back when he was closer to Vero Beach.
About 1530 hours, Larry called and said he was within sight of the first bridge near us and he would be stopping for the night. After securing his boat to a mooring not far away, Larry and Walter dinghied over and invited us to diner aboard Whisper.
We enjoyed dinner with the “boys” and returned to Ninkasi at sundown. Weather check does not look favorable for Wednesday. Decided to check again in AM.
Started a new book and fell asleep reading.
Location: Still stuck in Vero Beach
Around noon, we called Larry to see if he and Walter got underway leaving Stuart. Both were cold, but they were moving north, however, they were only making 4.5 mph against the wind. Their “plan” was to make approximately 70 miles today. I wished them luck, and Larry said he would call back when he was closer to Vero Beach.
About 1530 hours, Larry called and said he was within sight of the first bridge near us and he would be stopping for the night. After securing his boat to a mooring not far away, Larry and Walter dinghied over and invited us to diner aboard Whisper.
We enjoyed dinner with the “boys” and returned to Ninkasi at sundown. Weather check does not look favorable for Wednesday. Decided to check again in AM.
Started a new book and fell asleep reading.
Location: Still stuck in Vero Beach
Day 2, Monday, April 14, 2008
Despite being up several times during the night, Dick was up at 0600 hours and started preparations to get underway. We are not ready to depart until almost 0800. After releasing all lines to the mooring and my neighbor’s boat, we discover we again have no propulsion. We quickly threw lines back to our neighbor and re-secured the boat. As usual, it takes a lot of relocating or rearranging of the stuff in the aft berth (a.k.a. “the garage”) to get to the transmission. Once that was accomplished I found the aluminum pin had “fallen out“. With winds expected to increase, I decided a proper key was in order before we started out again.
Local knowledge on where to get square stock to manufacture a key was sorely lacking. After many fruitless calls to, WM, hardware stores and a machine shop, I decided to head out to Lowes and search for something to make the key. We caught the local shuttle bus, transferred routes and made it to Lowes near the big mall. There was no square stock in Lowes inventory and the search for substitute material was fruitless too. We started walking towards the mall and passed a Michael’s Arts & Crafts store. We went in to look for substitute material and found a picture easel made of quarter inch mild steel. Search over, bought it and headed to the mall food court to have lunch and catch the return shuttle.
When we returned to the boat, I fashioned a key from the easel material and installed it in the coupling/shaft. We started the engine and tested forward and reverse operation and all looked good. Repacked the “garage” and settled back to enjoy a brew and check the weather forecast as the wind was increasing all afternoon. Forecast called for 15-20 in AM increasing to 20-25 PM and gusts to 30 from where else…the north. Decided to check forecast on Tuesday AM and decide what to do.
Dinner, TV, zonk as usual.
Location: Still stuck in Vero Beach, FL
Local knowledge on where to get square stock to manufacture a key was sorely lacking. After many fruitless calls to, WM, hardware stores and a machine shop, I decided to head out to Lowes and search for something to make the key. We caught the local shuttle bus, transferred routes and made it to Lowes near the big mall. There was no square stock in Lowes inventory and the search for substitute material was fruitless too. We started walking towards the mall and passed a Michael’s Arts & Crafts store. We went in to look for substitute material and found a picture easel made of quarter inch mild steel. Search over, bought it and headed to the mall food court to have lunch and catch the return shuttle.
When we returned to the boat, I fashioned a key from the easel material and installed it in the coupling/shaft. We started the engine and tested forward and reverse operation and all looked good. Repacked the “garage” and settled back to enjoy a brew and check the weather forecast as the wind was increasing all afternoon. Forecast called for 15-20 in AM increasing to 20-25 PM and gusts to 30 from where else…the north. Decided to check forecast on Tuesday AM and decide what to do.
Dinner, TV, zonk as usual.
Location: Still stuck in Vero Beach, FL
Day 1, Sunday, April 13, 2008
And so begins Dick & Donna’s ICW Adventure, Part II, The Return
We dropped the lines off the mooring ball at 0704 hours only to find we have no power to the prop. We did a quick anchor drop and began the process of diagnosing the problem. I found the shaft spinning inside the coupling and no sign of a key in the shaft/coupling or anywhere in the engine pan area. We searched the tool boxes and spare parts for a key or key material but found none. I did locate a round pin made of aluminum. I placed it in the keyway and drove it in. It looked like it was holding under load so we weighed anchor and got underway around 0800 hours. We motored 8 miles down the St. Lucie River and entered the ICW northbound. There was a light west wind so I rolled out the jib to give the motor a little assistance. We were making between 6.2 to 7.3 mph depending on the wind strength. When we reached Ft. Pierce, the wind piped up hard and came around on the nose. Wind and current kept us below 5 mph the remainder of the trip to Vero Beach. We pull into the municipal marina and share mooring #16 with two Canadian boats. Checked the weather forecast and it doesn’t look good for a few days. High, 20 -30 knot, northerly winds are expected to dominate. After dinner Buddy and I conched out leaving Donna to watch TV.
Location: Vero Beach moorings at MM 952. Boat distance traveled, 45 miles. Time in actual transit, 9 hours. Top speed 7.3 mph, average speed 7.0 mph
We dropped the lines off the mooring ball at 0704 hours only to find we have no power to the prop. We did a quick anchor drop and began the process of diagnosing the problem. I found the shaft spinning inside the coupling and no sign of a key in the shaft/coupling or anywhere in the engine pan area. We searched the tool boxes and spare parts for a key or key material but found none. I did locate a round pin made of aluminum. I placed it in the keyway and drove it in. It looked like it was holding under load so we weighed anchor and got underway around 0800 hours. We motored 8 miles down the St. Lucie River and entered the ICW northbound. There was a light west wind so I rolled out the jib to give the motor a little assistance. We were making between 6.2 to 7.3 mph depending on the wind strength. When we reached Ft. Pierce, the wind piped up hard and came around on the nose. Wind and current kept us below 5 mph the remainder of the trip to Vero Beach. We pull into the municipal marina and share mooring #16 with two Canadian boats. Checked the weather forecast and it doesn’t look good for a few days. High, 20 -30 knot, northerly winds are expected to dominate. After dinner Buddy and I conched out leaving Donna to watch TV.
Location: Vero Beach moorings at MM 952. Boat distance traveled, 45 miles. Time in actual transit, 9 hours. Top speed 7.3 mph, average speed 7.0 mph
Suddenly it's time to head home.
Time sort of gets away from you when you are having such a great time. Before we knew it April was upon us. Our winter home was scheduled to close for for a big renovation project at the end of April. All boats had to be gone from the anchorage. Our original plan had been to sail north to Daytona and stay awhile. Donna would fly home for the retreat, fly back and then we would continue the trip home to VA. Getting the car home with this plan complicated things.
A new 2 part plan developeds; part 1, sail to Daytona, rent a car, drive back to Stuart, retrieve our car and drive back to Daytona. Part 2 involved flying our friend Jan from VA to Daytona. Jan and Donna would play "touristas" for a few days in FL, drive to Savannah for more fun and then home for the retreat. After the retreat, Donna would then fly back to Daytona and we would continue our trip home aboard Ninkasi.
What about Me? Seems I am left abandoned all alone in sunny Daytona Beach for almost a month. Pulleeze, don't throw me in dat briar patch!!
A new 2 part plan developeds; part 1, sail to Daytona, rent a car, drive back to Stuart, retrieve our car and drive back to Daytona. Part 2 involved flying our friend Jan from VA to Daytona. Jan and Donna would play "touristas" for a few days in FL, drive to Savannah for more fun and then home for the retreat. After the retreat, Donna would then fly back to Daytona and we would continue our trip home aboard Ninkasi.
What about Me? Seems I am left abandoned all alone in sunny Daytona Beach for almost a month. Pulleeze, don't throw me in dat briar patch!!
The Life Style Changes
Back in FL, we begin to see our new lifestyle change. The almost daily routine of taking the dinghy to shore and socializing in the lounge remains, but activities with the car take us to new and more distant places. In some cases to places we had planned to visit by boat. We make trips to visit the parents of friends across the state in Fort Myers and Donna's old workmate friend in St Petersburg. Donna explored the shopping opportunities in Ft Lauderdale and Palm Beach. In February, we traveled to Miami and attended the Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail.
We drove down to Marathon in the Keys to visit friends Kathy and Dutch and stayed aboard their catamaran Drifter III. We enjoyed the trip and our time with them so much we decided to make a second trip so we could visit Key West. On the second trip we rented a room at a small family resort and stayed for three days while we explored the area.
Life was good but our plans to sail beyond Stuart seemed to be usurped by the car. Our friends Larry, Walter and Maggie, and Terry and Kitty still wanted to sail to the Bahamas and finally settled on a departure in mid March. This late departure did not sit well with us because of Donna's commitment to be back in VA by mid April for an artists retreat. We decided to stay put and bid our friends adieu as they headed further south to wait for a weather window to cross over to the Bahamas. About a week later, that decision led to another car trip south to visit those same friends stuck in Ft Lauderdale still waiting on a weather window. Two weeks later that same decision proved a good one as our friends abandoned their trip and returned to Stuart.
We drove down to Marathon in the Keys to visit friends Kathy and Dutch and stayed aboard their catamaran Drifter III. We enjoyed the trip and our time with them so much we decided to make a second trip so we could visit Key West. On the second trip we rented a room at a small family resort and stayed for three days while we explored the area.
Life was good but our plans to sail beyond Stuart seemed to be usurped by the car. Our friends Larry, Walter and Maggie, and Terry and Kitty still wanted to sail to the Bahamas and finally settled on a departure in mid March. This late departure did not sit well with us because of Donna's commitment to be back in VA by mid April for an artists retreat. We decided to stay put and bid our friends adieu as they headed further south to wait for a weather window to cross over to the Bahamas. About a week later, that decision led to another car trip south to visit those same friends stuck in Ft Lauderdale still waiting on a weather window. Two weeks later that same decision proved a good one as our friends abandoned their trip and returned to Stuart.
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