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Captain serves Admiral breakfast in bed to celebrate end of season
Cruisers syndrome finally caught up with us during our last weeks aboard. Almost all things could be done tomorrow and life was easy. If tomorrow ever comes there is going to be a ton of stuff waiting for us there.
Basically, Laura and Joan continued to drag the boys around exploring every last nook and crannies of Calvert and St Mary's counties.
We did get in two delightful nights anchored at Broomes Island and Mill Creek. Then the work began to haul the boat and prepare it for the winter. That was done on 1 Nov at Washburn's boat yard and it went very smoothly. We were most pleased with the condition of the bottom after a year in salt water (Admirals note: One of us on board ran aground twice and we were a bit worried about the amount of living creatures we would find attached to the hull.) which will make preparation and relaunching next spring quite easy. Applying the 40'X75' 120lb piece of shrink wrap on a windy day was a new and exciting experience. The result was a really tough total enclosure which will provide much peace of mind as the winter stroms swirl.
After a frantic weekend 3-4 Nov chasing around we were off to Ft Walton and after a delightful night with our wonderful friends, the Paul and Nancy Goldsmith, in Greenville SC, we arrived home on the 6th.
It is difficult to find words to describe the joys and pleasures we experienced this summer. They greatly exceeded our hopes and dreams and more than rewarded the 5 years of boat building effort. . Although we feel unworthy and undeserving, we saw God's hand up close and personal as time after time mini miracles happened to pave and comfort our way. Not the least of which was the continuous fun and quality brought to our cruise by Laura and Jason, our boat buddies. We will miss them greatly and pray that our paths will cross again.
So this is it for the winter. We will relaunch Charis on 15 April, God willing, and wend our way North to cruise the Canadian canals. Most are unaware of these spectacular waters and if you are looking for something to do this winter Google up " Trent Severn Canal" "Rideau Canal" and "North Channel Cruising".
We thank all of you for your interest in our odyssey and look forward to an encore next year.
As usual more and final pictures at picasaweb.google.com/lropka in album "End of Summer"
Joan and Larry
Beautiful downtown Port Deposit Md.
Made famous as the birthplace of Charis' Captain. ;-)
A super highlight of our idyllic summer last week as we drove about two hours north to celebrate Larry's 75 birthday in the environs of his youthful boating days at the head end of the Chesapeake Bay.
We stayed in an ancient and antique B&B two nights and toured Havre De Grace, Port Deposit and Perryville. Larry contacted several relatives still in the area and had a delightful visit with his cousin Lee Steinhilber who he had not seen in 60 years. Lee is 85 or so and was very close to Larry's father. He still has total recall of Larry's early years and many long forgotten moments were joyfully recalled. Joan had a voice recorder so the visit is saved for posterity.
Larry also met several old timers who knew his father and all of the hunting and fishing lore of early 1900's. Joan delighted in the architecture and charm of the old towns and the quaintness of the natives. All in all, perhaps Larry's most memorable birthday
After returning to the boat Friday we headed out Saturday evening with our friends Laura and Jason to an obscure fall festival at St Clements, a small town nearby on the Potomac, expecting to see a few fireworks and the usual array of hot dogs and funnel cakes. To our surprise and joy there were all kinds of tasty seafood which we ate and possibly the most beautiful fireworks display we have ever seen this side of Taiwan.
Monday we ventured away from the dock to Broomes Island and Mill Creek for two nights at anchor. What a joy. Mill Creek was our favorite anchorage 30 years ago and we were thrilled to find it had changed very little. Even found the crab cakes at Clarke's Landing, a bar and honky tonk back then, to be as good as remembered.
Plans continue on track to lay the boat up on 1 Nov and be home a week or so later.
Pictures at Birthdays and Memories Picasaweb.google.com/lropka
The past week or so has been nothing but boats! The picture at left was taken during the Solomons Waterman's Festival last weekend. The boat in the picture just left a slip at the lower left, applied full (800+hp) reverse and will be doing about 20kts as he goes between the pilings on the left then stop instantly while he throws four dock lines on the pilings, all in 18 SECONDS from the start. We watched boats of various sizes up to 65' doing this for hours last Saturday and it was really a hoot. In the future we may do our docking only after dark!
Mid week the boats began arriving for Trawler Fest just across the creek from our slip. More than 50 trawlers ranging from 27' to 70' were on display and several tents with boat paraphernalia and services. The prices would knock your socks off and we were pleased to come home convinced that our Charis had as nice and in some cases better features than many the "real boats" in our size range.
This week we are driving up to Port Deposit, Md at the head end of the bay to celebrate Larry's birthday at the town where he was born and where he boated with his father as a youth. Joan reserved a room in a neat old B&B and it should be a feast of remembrances
Beyond that, plans are in motion to haul the boat out of the water during the last week in Oct. at Washburns Yard across the creek and cover it with shrink wrap to protect it for the winter. If all goes well we will be headed home to Fl around 5 Nov.
Pictures at picasaweb.google.com/lropka
Our evening view from the after deck last week.
Beginning with a leisurely 3 day cruise up the Potomac River last week, Charis and crew visited Washington, D.C. for a delightfully relaxed 5 days of touring and sightseeing. We anchored in the Washington Channel almost in the shadow of the Washington monument. For $15 per day we had full access to the numerous amenities of 
the Capitol Yacht Club, just a 10 minute walk to the Metro subway station in L'Enfant Plaza mall.
The highlight was a fabulous morning of touring all of the monuments on the mall on our bikes stopping to touch and feel each in a rare quiet and peaceful manner. In bright sun with few others around every moment was filled with sights and sounds of our history creating a virtual sensory overload. We rode well over 7 miles around the mall, the White House grounds and the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, ending with a great hamburger at the golf course club house on Haynes Point. Another highlight was a morning spent with our friends Laura and Jason at an Art Festival in Old Town Alexandria. More than 200 vendors displayed mostly very high quality art and crafts in the antique setting of King street in Old Town. The 2 day voyage back down the Potomac was broken by anchoring in a scenic small basin behind the village of Cobb Island. Then home to our slip in the Solomons We did have a bit of a thrill as sizable swell rolling up the bay left over from tropical storm Gabriel combined with 20k local winds to create a quite sporty ride as we rounded Point Lookout entering the bay from the Potomac. The boat did very well while the crew developed acute white knuckle syndrome.
Again, pictures can be found in folder Washington D.C., at picasaweb.google.com/lropka
The main event of the week was a trip by auto to Hendersonville NC for the 100th birthday of Larry's Aunt Fern. This grand lady is truly amazing. She organized the party gently "encouraging" the more than 150 guests to be there and made several memory filled speeches during the proceedings. Although she is technically blind she walks extensively every day and is very free with advice on the conduct of almost everything about her. Fern's two sons Bill and Dick, who Larry had not seen for 60 years hosted the party in grand style and it was truly a memorable event in every respect. There are several pictures of the affair, including a stunning picture of Fern at age 25, at picasaweb.google.com/lropka at file "Fern"
A taste of paradise at Dunn Cove on Tilghman Island
You may think we fell off of the edge but
the past days have been full of adventure on both land and sea. Last Tuesday we ventured to Washington D. C. The evening started with dinner al fresco served at Union Station while watching folks run to catch their train. We took the Metro Rail and thanks to Laura's navagation we found our way to the Washington Monument grounds to hear the U.S. Army band perform a program ending with the 1812 overture replete with the Herald Trumpets, Army Chorus and Cannon Battery from Ft Meyer. Sitting within feet of the monument surrounded with American flags, hearing and seeing the band up close resplendent in dress uniforms was truly a memorable experience. We spent the next few days at our dock armor plating the bow of the boat with stainless steel. Our big anchor has been eating away the stem when we retrieve it so rather than try to repair all of the dings we just formed some heavy stainless plate and tube and screwed it on over the nicks.
We then shoved off Friday for the Choptank River, 5hrs north east of the Solomons, to spend Fri and Sat night anchored in a pristine cove just north of the village on the "Island" which is actually a peninsula. We explored ashore Saturday finding a nice lunch waterside (but isn't everything at Tilghman's waterside) and discovered perhaps the best nautical book store ever. Sunday late morning we weighed anchor and motored 12 miles east to Plaindealing Creek, a mile north of Oxford MD on the Tred Avon River. Oxford is the most charming town we have visited thus far. About the size of a big city block, it is populated with charming little houses, many dating from the 1700's, and not over two stories. A magnificent old Inn built in 1707, could be a movie set, serves the only breakfast in town. Guess where we are off to at 8:00 AM tomorrow.
Oxford deserves at least another day of exploration and then hope to run around the corner and up San Domingo to the south side of St Michaels, possibly the most popular stop on the Eastern Shore. Since we arrived in the bay there has been a shortage of crabs mainly thanks to Joan so I guess we should give St Michaels fair warning.
We have to be back to Solomons Friday as we are leaving Saturday for Hendersonville, NC for my Aunt Fern's 100th birthday party. Be back Monday or Tuesday to a long list of "want to do's". We will see which entries win out. Joan thinks Peach blossom Creek sounds like a good place to look for peach ice cream.
Again, pictures can be found on picasaweb.google.com/lropka in a folder called Choptank. Additional pictures in folder called Oxford St Michaels
Not much to report. We got Patrick off from Regan National at 6:30AM Tuesday after departing Solomons at 3:45 and returned home to crash and burn totally out of gas. We deferred several cruising plans while regenerating and now hope to be off to the Choptank for a week or so midweek. 98 degree weather also contributed to our reluctance to leave our 120v tether that runs the air conditioner :-). We continue to have fun with our slip mates, Laura and Jason and will miss them as they return to fulfill duties in Florida for a few weeks. Should have more to report next week.
The dome of the Capitol looking straight up.
A busy week plus as Joan flew off to Fort Walton to pick up the Volvo and her young Patrick. Larry stayed on the boat and "completed" a number things left undone prior to departing Florida. Joan returned "directly" Friday the 20th via the Sky Line Drive, Liberty University and Monticello. Saturday we were off to Washington for a bit of line standing and a tour of the Capitol followed by several hours in the Smithsonian Air and Space museum. Sunday we found a neat Baptist church in Lexington Park which will be our church away from home for the rest of the summer. Monday we ran a few miles up the Patuxent River for an overnight in one of the prettiest "creeks" on the bay. Stayed up late doing star gazing on the fore deck and visited numerous nook and crannies via dinghy Tues. morning. Wed back to Washington with Patrick, Jason and Laura for an introductory tour of the Zoo (awesome), dinner al fresco on Connecticut Ave and a memorable concert by the "President's Own Marine Band" on the Capitol steps as we gazed down the mall at the monuments. Thursday Joan and Patrick toured a nearby plantation while Larry recuperated. Most of Friday was spent with Jason, a marine biologist, and Laura wading and searching for fossilized sharks teeth at Calvert cliffs just up the way. We all got an education in marine life and even found a few teeth .... Patrick promptly lost his while going for a swim! Friday evening we were able to listen in on a concert by Sara Evans performed 100 yards or so on the grounds of the Solomons marine museum. Will report next week if we make it through Tuesday when Patrick leaves, have worn him out several times. They just don't make'm like they used to. All and all it has been a very good time together.
As soon as Joan cleans up the pictures they will be posted on picasaways.google.com/lropka
This week Charis and crew arrived safe and sound at Solomons MD and is snug in a marina just behind the steeple in the picture. Solomons is a quaint sailing/boating village lodged securely in better times past. Lots of boats and boat people but respectful of the boating arts,skills and practices. We scouted Solomons via auto from Norfolk and were blessed with finding a smallish offbeat marina in the backyard and operated by a Comfort Inn motel. It provides a perfect base of operations an gives us a safe place to hole up in bad weather or leave the boat for land excursions. The town is charming with great seafood restaurants and almost all stores and services within walking and biking distance. The beauty and charm of the Bay "Creeks" is still stunning and a two hour dinghy cruise around the Solomons this afternoon revealed an almost endless panoply of old and new homes,traditional bay fishing boats,sail boats, cruisers and almost every other imaginable type of boat and water activity.
Joan's young friend Patrick arrives this week and we will have a busy time of sightseeing around the Washington area for the 10 days or so after he arrives. Then we will be off to follow in the wake of John Smith and rediscover the treasures of this magnificent body of water. A few more enroute and local pictures are posted at http://picasaweb.google.com/lropka/Solomons
Gradually the cruisers syndrome is setting in wherein clocks go slower and calendars loose their grip on our lives. Almost everything can be done "tomorrow" or perhaps the day after-if the weather is OK and the spirit moves.
Eighteen hundred plus miles and Charis nosed into the Chesapeake bay via the Elizabeth River on Saturday morning June 30. With the 4th of July holiday week at hand and water weary crew we found a snug berth at the Norfolk Naval Station and tied up for the week to rest and clean up the much neglected boat.
On Sunday we went to church at the base Chapel where we were astounded as the Southern Baptist Chaplin preached a Hell fire and Salvation sermon reminiscent of an old time camp meeting. Wonders will never cease. Tuesday was boat work day and Wednesday we spent with new boat friends Jason and Laura aboard their sailboat at a downtown marina very close to the great fireworks display put on by the city. Thursday was off with Laura and Jason via rental car to scout marinas in the Patuxent river area. After several disappointing queries we stumbled on a small marina at a very fair price ideally suited to our needs as a home base for our summer cruising. Almost too good to be true. It is owned and operated by the Comfort Inn chain and in their back yard and most convenient to all stores and services.
Friday saw the boat work finished and Saturday ended with a outing to Fort Story to see a play on the beach, depicting the first days of the Jamestown colony replete with the "naturals" (Indians), John Smith and other rowdy English. Sunday was church at the Ocean View Baptist Church near the Naval Base. Really nice folks, Chuck and Daryl Ferris, took us to lunch and to return the rental car.
Tomorrow Monday 9 July, we are off to anchor in Chrisman Creek 30 miles north and then on to Deltaville to explore boatyards for winter layup. We hope to be at our new home in the Solomons by Thursday.
It is great to be able to slow down and smell the seaweed. No real cruising plans yet but will be about that shortly.
More pictures posted to be posted to picasaweb.google.com/lropka
Apologies to our North Carolinian friends but the eastern part of the state is still in the cell phone dark ages.For the past week or so We able the access weather radar and tediously get email in and out but no pictures.
We are now about 30 miles south of Norfolk in the middle of the Dismal Swamp at the Virginia/NC line welcome center. The canal is spectacular. At some points less than 20yards wide with overhanging trees. You can see a bit of the canal behind the Joan and friend in the picture. We came up from Elizabeth City this morning following a 42' sailboat at a leisurely 5mph pace as he picked his way along in 6' of water with his boat drawing 5.5'.
We greatly enjoyed Elizabeth City. They have 14 free slips "managed" by a cast of volunteer characters right out of last century. The whole town is hospitable to boaters and one old gentleman meets and provides roses to the ladies and hosts and wine,beer and cheese party in the evening. The "old " theater has been converted into a "Dinner" theater where you are seated at tables where you order by phone and enjoy tasty offerings as the movie show begins.
Before EC we spent the night at a Alligator river marina far removed from any civilization. and before that a night at Belhaven NC doing our sightseeing via marina courtesy car. Took over 15 minutes to see it all.
Aaaand, before that we had a great two day stop at Oriental NC, the neatest little town we have seen thus far. Quite small (600 or so) and so far unsullied by developers Oriental has attracted many interesting adventurers, artists and just plain neat people. Reportedly 6 sailors who have circumnavigated live there.
Previous to Oriental was Morehead City. We had intended to visit Beaufort just across the bridge but economized but choosing a less expensive marina in MC with intentions to bike over the mile or so bridge. As luck would have it no sidewalk or bike lane so we were stuck in MC which placed well down our MFP list. In fact we had to create a deeper bottom.
Before that is too far back to remember.
Neither did we! About as far off of the beaten track one can get but a delightful little town, Swansboro NC, just West of Beaufort NC our next stop.
It has been a great week as we continue to move from the boondocks into semi-civilization.
On Saturday early we found a quaint little broken down marina hidden behind a postage stamp sized island OFF of the ICW. the perfect and only place to hide from the gazillion jet skis and plastic wake makers.
Sunday we attended church at Socastee Baptist Church actually in south Myrtle Beach. Neat church with a fine young pastor. Monday we dropped into the marina at St James Plantation a mega development, four golf courses much like San Destin only bigger. Lovely marina in a man made basin off of the ICW. Tuesday saw us anchored at Wrightsville Beach a suburb of Wilmington, threatened all afternoon by kamikaze jets skis and fast boats. Wed we ducked into a marina at Surf City, bet you haven't heard of that either, on Top Sail Island to ride out an all afternoon thunderstorm. We were nicely snug and enjoyed walking in the rain through the 2X4 beach village. Wall to wall "Wings!" style stores. Today, Thursday, we are docked at Swansboro, a fishing village where most downtown homes date to the late 1700's. The weather front passage yesterday brought cool dry air and the run up this morning was blissful including a 20 or so cannon salute from the Marines at Camp LeJeune.
From the Admiral: At St. James Plantation and Wrightsville we did not even get off the boat as we were a bit "road weary". Coming through a pass about an hour out of Swansboro the depth sounder went from 12 feet to 3 in a heart beat. With bells ringing on every instrument, I want it noted in the log that the person at the helm did not loose her cool but acted in an orderly manner and ran aground ...... real easy. With the swift action of the Captain .... his pay scale ... we easily backed off with only one observer ... a sailboat on the stern who was advised of the situation. He had indeed witnessed the sudden stop and assumed the canal would be closed for hours while SeaTow was called to the rescue. Also a note for the log .... It is now two to one. Wonder who is ahead.
This mornings departure from Surf City was a bit shaky as the Admiral was to help head the boat out and get it turned. The instructions were to make a flying leap at the last moment. This is not a good picture. Larry ended up rescuing the Admiral from a certain morning swim. From now on we will work on another way to get the back end around.
North Carolina has a number of historical seaports that are about 40 miles or a 5 hour run apart... just right to fill up the day. Each day has been full of new sights and lots of fun.
Pictures from this week will have to wait for a faster cell, maybe tomorrow at Beaufort.
A quick week on the move. A great stop at Hilton Head where Kristy and Michael Gonzalez, our neighbors daughter and son-in-law, hosted us and loaned us their car to re provision.
We really enjoyed our time together. Then on to Beaufort and a rendezvous with the Pat and Stew Stewart who hauled our mail and a spare anchor up from Fort Walton, a great kindness. We went to church Sunday at another ancient Baptist Church full of "tradition". Unfortunately we got put in our age group for Sunday school. We had several nice visits with Pat and Stew and toured Pat's home town.
Then off to Charleston for lunch at Pogans Porch with our new boat friends Jason and Laura on Blue Blaze a 38' Babba sloop. Charleston is still a magnificent walking town and gets better with each passing visit. We were docked at the Maritime Center operated by the city right in the heart of town, rolly from passing wakes but most convenient to everything.
Thursday onward to Georgetown, gem from the past, 40 miles or so North. . The boat was doing fine but we "ran out of gas" so parked in a downtown marina for two days to recharge our batteries. We rode our bikes around town this afternoon enjoying the unspoiled beauty of the old houses many dating to the mid 1700's. The old homes invite you to sit a spell on the front porch and sip cool mint tea.
Tomorrow off to Myrtle Beach and North Carolina, the last state to cross before our destination, the Chesapeake Bay. We will post a few more pictures of these meanderings at picasaweb.google.com/lropka
when we get to a high speed cell area, hopefully in Myrtle Beach.
A week with a little bit of everything. After leaving St Augustine We spent the night anchored in the Fort George river visiting an old plantation. Awoke on Sat June 2 to be greeted T.S. Barry with 35+ wind and drenching rain. After an hour of worrying about the anchor holding we elected to make a run for Fernandina beach 3 hours to he north. Visibility was about 500 yards or less with lots of bends in the waterway to navigate. Joan steered and Larry worked the computer and Binocs. White knuckles glowing we arrived safely and tucked the boat into the remaining tight spot on the inside of a long face dock to securely wait out the blow. We attended Church Sunday at "THE First Baptist Church" (est. 18--something)and enjoyed it greatly. Monday we were off to Cumberland Island just north and walked around the ruins of the awesome mansions there. In its day would have put the pretenders in Palm Beach to shame. We continued running 6+hours per day up the waterway anchoring each night in comfortable side rivers. 8' tides and swift current make anchoring interesting and challenging but so far we have hade few problems.
Looong day runs are about to end with St Augustine just around the next bend. We had a very nice overnight at the New Smyrna Beach City Marina, a very nice new marina, the night before last and then ran about 60 miles to St Augustine yesterday. Amazing how the countryside and stuff thereupon changes as we go along. Mansions to shacks. Yachts to kayaks and everything in between. A kaleidoscope of ever changing flora, fauna and human embellishments or perhaps detractions.
We spent today touring St Augustine, a really unique city with a most colorful history. A must do for those who have not been here. A uniquely American tale of a few great men with vision creating beauty and pleasure in a most improbable place. Also, of course, the site of the earliest efforts to colonize America. All in all a day well spent recharging our bodily batteries.
Tomorrow off to Amelia Island or there abouts en route to Savannah in 4-5 days. All to keep our boat insurance company from having a fit about us being south of 30 degrees in hurricane season.
A bit delayed report on our stop at Melbourne last week. On Sunday we attended the Melbourne Baptist Church and were treated like long lost family. Joan made a call to see if they had bus service .... doesn't every 1st Baptist church. To our delight we were picked up close to the boat. After the service Bob and Betty Pisle (see picture) took us to lunch where we were treated to the best steak this side of the Mississippi ... maybe even the other side too.
Tony Kessinger, the Sunday School teacher and author has written a book titled "Come out of her my people: The encouragement and exhortation of the book of Revelation Chapters 1-3" He is a gifted teacher so know his book will be worth reading. Plan to start this week.
Monday morning Jack and Marge Salmela came by to see the boat and Marge took Joan to the grocery store to pick up all those heavy things that are hard to carry on bikes. She even got to JoAnn's Fabrics for some much needed velcro to finish off the mosquito netting (Fran where are you when I need you). Larry and Jack stayed aboard swaping tool stories ... exciting stuff.
We found a darling little breakfast spot and found it very handy each morning. It was the old railroad depot so had lots of history. All and all Melbourne was a super cinnamon roll. Melbourne really marked the beginning of our cruise as we transitioned from getting around Florida to stopping along the way to smell the roses or perhaps we should say "Cinnnamon rolls"
A glorious but still windy day in Melbourne. We lost the alternator belts yesterday morning due to inattention by the Captain and dropped into Melbourne Harbor to buy replacements. A charming little town and comfortable marina convinced us to just hole up here for the holiday weekend. This will avoid confronting the mega wake makers chasing around showing off their big diesels consuming gross quantities of $3+ a gallon fuel.
Joan took the opportunity to wash all day. She married me for my microwave but has changed her affection to the washer/dryer aboard. It receives much more endearing murmurings than the Captain.
We are finding the bicycles to be most useful and enjoyable. I rode all over town today. It was great fun and managed to pick up several needed items enroute.
A few more pictures at "Melbourne" at www.picasaweb.google.com/lropka
From Miami to Fort Pierce the waterside view is one of endless mega houses and mega yachts. The example at left is but a medium sized sample. Visually it is like swimming in a vat of melted ice cream. You long to see an ordinary little house with a tidy yard and a bit of landscaping. The values are incomprehensible. Most houses are close to sea level and the density of yachts affords no possibility of safe havens from storms. The insurance risks must be astronomical.
Today we came to Fort Pierce from an anchorage in North Lake Worth (Palm Beach) and the scene changed to more pleasing modest homes on several acre lots well above sea level with natural but tidy landscaping. Much more appealing than the sardine packed areas to the south.
The highlight of the Miami stay was our visit with Coral Hadler and Tom "Terrific" Graham. We spent a delightful evening on their deck eating ribs until the rain hit and had to rush to shelter. It was an evening sharing stories of adventures on the water. Another memory made.
The wind has been BLOWING 15-25kts from the east for the last 5 days. We have been sheltered by the barrier islands and narrow waterway most of the way but today had about 2 hours in the Indian River area and rocked and rolled a bit. The weatherman says this will contnue through the comming Memorial Day weekend. So we hope to be in Titusville by Saturday am and hole up in a marina for the weekend and stay out of the way of the combination of mega horsepower super wake makers and wind driven waves.
More pictures at picasaweb.google.com/lropka
In album Miaminorth
Last night was spent anchored on the edge of the Everglades across from Key Largo. The breezes were cool and the bugs stayed in hibernation. With no lights around one could reach out and touch the stars.
Charis approaches Miami after a delightful run up the Bay of Biscayne in light northerly breezes. The compass saw true North for the first time today finally headed to where we are going. We spent the afternoon visiting with a delightful Trawler internet list friend sharing boat and travel stories. Tomorrow we will borrow his truck and replenish heavy supplies such as soft drinks, propane and canned things. Mean while we are anchored in a beautiful lake like area 50 yards from our friends home and about 1/4mile from where the cruise ships dock on Government Cut.
They tell us there will be a fireworks display after dark near where we are anchored. All in all a splendid couple of days.
We have been pleasantly surprised by the daily compliments we receive both underway and at anchor about the appearance of Charis. The boat has also been written up on an Internet boating magazine called "Trawlers and Trawlering". If you have absolutely nothing better to do, you can check it out at http://www.trawlersandtrawlering.com/news/charis,alobsterb.html
Charis was covered in salt when we arrived in Marathon only to find that boat washing was not allowed due to a severe water shortage. God solved the problem in a mighty way last evening when the skies opened and we learned how Noah felt. Unfortunately God through in a bit of lightening and thunder for effect but the result was a squeaky clean boat and dinghy once again a good feeling under foot and hand.
We layed over today to allow the winds accompanying the storm to die down a bit and hope to be off to Key Largo to anchor out tomorrow( Wed) night.
After three and one half weeks and almost 800 miles we tie up to a mooring in Boot Key Harbor in the central Florida Keys. The voyage continues to exceed our expectations and we have had very few uncomfortable moments. Last night we expected to spend a rather lonely night anchored just inside the mouth of the Snake River, about as remote location as there is in the southeast US. The guides also warn of man eating no-see-ums, flies and bugs. We pulled in about 1PM to find another boat there and by sundown were surrounded by nine others. We wound up having a pleasant evening on the back deck sans bugs and watching the others party. The trip down today was on glassy waters like a azure blue magic carpet. We will rest here and do a few boat chores then off Tuesday finally headed toward where we are going, north to the Chesapeake Bay. Hopefully Miami by Thursday and points north at about 40 miles per day with a few days off until we get to Savanna, the magic latitude to keep our insurance company peaceful.
The Admiral speaks:
Had a wonderful stop at Gasparilla We tied up at a marina across the bay where it was quiet and out of the rolls. In the morning decided to venture across to the little village of Boca Grande about 5/6 miles away. It was a beautiful day with flat seas and all was right with the world. We had a delightful walk around the town and expected to find a quaint little cafe to sit a spell and take in the passing tourists. The main water main in town had broken so ended up on a sidewalk eating a shared tuna sandwich. Hey, life is not what you expect. We got in the dinghy and cast off into a fine channel headed back across the bay. We edged slowly along the coast and then made a break for the 5 mile run across the bay. Just got away when the wind started to blow and the smoke from all the fires descended upon us. I suggested that we turn back only to be told by the Captain that it was better to continue. A sports boat came up asking where the bridge was and since we were wondering the same thing were no help. We pounded on into the wind straining to see land and hoping not to get run over by the big boats running in the main channel. About this time I made mention that I thought we had made a mistake not paying the $50.00 fee for car rental to do our touring in for the day. About the time I thought the Lord himself should take over the smoke lifted and the relieved look on the Captain's face told me he knew where we were. Lessons are learned in every adventure ... this one will not be forgotten. A few more pictures on picasaweb.google.com/lropka.
What to tell?? The picture albums "first and second leg"on picasaweb.google.com/lropka
tell some of the story. Each day has been a joy and now that we have slowed down to running 5hrs or so a day it is becoming moreso.Today is a day off to explore Sarasota and rest up. The natives seem to be friendly if a bit ancient. Tomorrow ,weather permitting, we will be anchoring down around Captiva then Marco before jumping off for Marathon later in the week.
We are back in the real world lying in a beautiful lagoon in Crystal River at Kings Bay, Fl. We ran 11hrs yesterday from Steinhatchee in idealic almost calm conditions and enjoyed the ride even if a bit long. Our laptop and Verizon air card worked at all of the stops along the way. But the rural cell systems were not fond of picture uploads hence no pictures so far. We planned to post a few pictures of our trip thus far today while enjoying this super fast connection but the bilge monster ate or hid the camera tether cable and will not reveal where it is. So will buy a new one in Tarpon Springs tomorrow and show a bit of our trek so far.
All in all the trip has been a sheer joy with very few problems. We have to pinch ourselves regularly to make sure it is real. Our plans are to continue drifting down the West coast at 50 or so miles a day headed for Marathon Key when we get there. Then we will hang a left and begin the trek North.
Left FWB on schedule Wed 25 for an eight hour run to Panama City and a visit with Rich and Mary Gano. The boat ran fine and the Gano's were five star hosts. A major weather front was forecast for Thur so we stayed over getting a few boat chores done and being hosted to a fine dinner at Gano's, another 5 star dinner. They are neighbors of Butch and Kathleen Gould. All in all a great two days playing boats with friends. We were so well taken care of that we were considering becoming taking up residence.
Joan's imput: Something Larry neglected to tell .... We were walking along the dock to the boat after a fine time when Larry disappeared from sight but did hear a splash. YUP, he did it again. Went swimming. We found his glasses the next morning so all was not lost.
Back to Larry
Friday we were off to a 5hr run to beautiful downtown White City. Bet you never heard of this place. Tied up to a free dock at the county park just off the waterway and had very nice afternoon and evening walking the park and watching a bunch of fishing boats come and go.
Joan's imput: I ran the washing machine for the first time. Awesome. I just sat there and watched the little thing do its job.
Today, Saturday, we cruised 2 whole hours to Apalachicola and checked in at the Scipio Creek Marina to do some more wash and prepare for the voyage across the arm pit of Florida tomorrow. The weather is forecast to be fine so hope to be just under 12 hours into Steinhatchee.
The scenery and pleasures of cruising along the way so far have been all and more than we had hoped for. This is just plain fun. Our only regret is we cannot share it with you all. Just endless beautiful scenes and all kinds of critters. Slowly moving along the mostly placid waterways unfolds and ever changing panaroma of God's master work of creation.
Took some pictures and attempted to upload them for this post but the cell signal is a bit too weak for much data. Will get them up as stronger area.
Joan & Larry
Hope I can read a chart better than a calendar. Our "D-Day" was Tuesday 24 Apr vice 21 Apr as noted in the previous post.
Yesterday I put the Hookah rig together for the first time and inspected the boat under water. The rig worked perfectly and will be a great asset along the way. My total cost was about $150 thanks to Ebay. Commercial versions are over 1k.
The bottom was fine but there was 1/2" of barnacles on the prop. No wonder the boat felt sluggish Wed when we ran over to Destin to top off our diesel tanks.
We now hope to be underway Wed 25 Apr headed 8hrs to Panama City and an over night visit with our friends the Gano's.
The predeparture checklist is now relatively short and seemingly under control.
The dinghy goes aboard and miracle of mircales fits. This rig was designed in pieces over a span of several years and had never been "proofed" other than some cardboard silhouettes. But! Praise the Lord, it fits like a glove. Otherwise departure prep is on schedule and weather permitting we hope to be underway Tuesday 21 April headed for Panama City and points east and south.
CHARIS IN PENSACOLA. We spent last night in one of the nicest marinas in Northwest FL. A fitting debut for for such a high class lady. Five hours each way and all systems never missed a beat except the Capitan narrowly missed a humpy little sand bar when the Adrimal pointed it out at the last minute. Please see picasaweb.google.com/lropka
for a few pictures of the neighborhood and especially the gormet breakfast served by the Adrimal.
A beautiful sunny day and it all came together as we ventured all of the way to Destin for fuel and beyond. Joan almost fell overboard taking pictures of the dolphins frolicking around the bow. A bunch of big ones! Then 200 gal of diesel (OUCH) at the Harbor Marina fuel dock followed by lunch around the corner on the bay. We ran about 4 hours and all systems worked as planned. More pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/lropka/minicruise
The long awaited bow rails are finally installed. A very tedious job involving about one hundred trips from deck to fore cabin and back to align and finally get the rail bases bolted down. Even some blood letting from attempting to reach into unreachable places to screw on and tighten retaining nuts. Tomorrow will get the nose piece formed and installed.This can be rotated out of the way to allow lines to be repositioned without being taken aboard if necessary. Forty eight bolts closer to finishing construction. :-)
Foul weather and a laundry list of house repairs has caused a pause in boat work for the past week or so. We replaced 11 thermopane windows and completed a number of interior details left over from the hurricane Ivan rebuild. Because the windows are custom built in cedar frames we had to break them out and then painstakingly remove the bits of glass, metal insulation strip and original adhesive, a 2-3 hour process per window. NOT FUN. We also pressure washed most of the exterior and will re-stain the washed areas over the next few days. Hopefully by the weekend we will be able to do our long delayed mini shakedown to Pensacola.
This bright light is our friend Eric welding a stainless steel stanchion on our bow rail. The stanchion is clamped in a jig that exactly (we hope) replicates the fore deck of the boat in three dimensions. It has been a interesting challenge. This is the last major fabrication task to be completed on the boat. The rails will be polished and we will get them installed the next few days. Hopefully the rails reduce the number involuntary swimming sessions.
We are getting down to the small stuff now and today finished the foot rail in front of the pilothouse bench/berth. The cushions are some 28 inches off of the floor (deck for the purists) and you really feel silly and insecure setting with you feet dangling six inches off of the floor. The rail folds up to stow flat against the teak bench front so as not to interfere with our dancing in the pilothouse.
After five years of planing Joan finally got all of the bedroom elements together. The crowning piece of course is the magnificent quilt handmade by Joan's good (real good!) friend Fran Mueffelmann. The picture does not do the quilt justice and it is a work of art when seen in place. Larry thinks it is beautiful but doubts he will get to sleep under it unless it is a very special occasion with royalty aboard.
Double click on the picture to see detail :-)
Perhaps the most important cruising accessory is the anchor. We am naming this 65lb beauty "Sleepeze". We expect to rest comfortably many nights when the wind blows knowing Sleepeze is down there holding tight. Getting it aboard in the morning may be a chore but at least we will be rested for the task.
The new interior photos are finally here. As you will see the mattress has at last been assembled so we are close to overnighting if the weather will cooperate. Should finish the propane system tomorrow and bring up the fresh water system early next week. With those we essentially have a whole boat except for the stainless bow rail still at the fabricators. Pictures at www.picasaweb.google.com/lropka
Captain serves Admiral breakfast in bed to celebrate end of season
