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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 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.
