Sunday, February 29, 2004
Sunday, February 29, 2004
Happy Leap Day!!!! Sandra said today its unlikely we can be in the same place on this day again.
What a difference a day makes. This morning was cool ( 52 degrees ) but calm as we headed out to do the last part of our run north on the Indian River and then on toward Daytona Beach. The river is almost 4 miles wide here so it is more a bay than a river and must be respected in higher winds. After the Indian River a short canal connects to Mosquito Lagoon, which is also nearly 2 miles wide. At its upper reaches we are again in protected waters.
After the promise of sunshine the day turned gray and outside it feels much colder than the 71 degrees we had for a high. Tonight we are in a marina just south of Daytona Becah. It is Bike Week so the road is full of the sound of Harleys and we will probably go to sleep with that sound.
Today's stats 61.76 miles, running time 7.5 hours 8. Mph Location: Halifax, FL south of Daytona Beach ICW MM 836.7
Happy Leap Day!!!! Sandra said today its unlikely we can be in the same place on this day again.
What a difference a day makes. This morning was cool ( 52 degrees ) but calm as we headed out to do the last part of our run north on the Indian River and then on toward Daytona Beach. The river is almost 4 miles wide here so it is more a bay than a river and must be respected in higher winds. After the Indian River a short canal connects to Mosquito Lagoon, which is also nearly 2 miles wide. At its upper reaches we are again in protected waters.
After the promise of sunshine the day turned gray and outside it feels much colder than the 71 degrees we had for a high. Tonight we are in a marina just south of Daytona Becah. It is Bike Week so the road is full of the sound of Harleys and we will probably go to sleep with that sound.
Today's stats 61.76 miles, running time 7.5 hours 8. Mph Location: Halifax, FL south of Daytona Beach ICW MM 836.7
Saturday, February 28, 2004
Saturday, February 28, 2004
About 11PM last night Sandra woke me up. The wind had picked up to about 20 knots and it was now on our nose in the anchorage in the Banana River near Merritt Island, FL. I checked how we were holding, everything was OK, but it was getting a little rocky in the boat. We had decided to stay at anchor Friday. It was a windy gray day, the temperature started at 52 and stayed there all day. During the night it dropped to 46 degrees. I started the generator and ran the A/C units in reverse heat mode. It puts out plenty of heat because the water is well over 60 degrees and the boat was cozy.
In the morning we decided to head for a marina about 15 miles up river. The Banana River is not very deep and we saw less than 45 feet in the channel a few times. I kept the boat speed at about 5 knots and even with the wind and waves on our nose the ride was very good. We then passed the cruise ship docks at Port Canaveral where Disney Magic and Carnival Glory loomed. Just a short run from there put us into the Canaveral Barge Canal and our marina 100% shielded from the wind. At least its sunny and the temperature is back up to 64 degrees!!!! This is a very nice marina, only about 5 years old with all the ammenties and an onsite restaurant.
Today's stats 20.9 miles, running time 3.36 hours 7.22 mph Location: Canaveral Barge Canal, FL ICW MM 893.5
About 11PM last night Sandra woke me up. The wind had picked up to about 20 knots and it was now on our nose in the anchorage in the Banana River near Merritt Island, FL. I checked how we were holding, everything was OK, but it was getting a little rocky in the boat. We had decided to stay at anchor Friday. It was a windy gray day, the temperature started at 52 and stayed there all day. During the night it dropped to 46 degrees. I started the generator and ran the A/C units in reverse heat mode. It puts out plenty of heat because the water is well over 60 degrees and the boat was cozy.
In the morning we decided to head for a marina about 15 miles up river. The Banana River is not very deep and we saw less than 45 feet in the channel a few times. I kept the boat speed at about 5 knots and even with the wind and waves on our nose the ride was very good. We then passed the cruise ship docks at Port Canaveral where Disney Magic and Carnival Glory loomed. Just a short run from there put us into the Canaveral Barge Canal and our marina 100% shielded from the wind. At least its sunny and the temperature is back up to 64 degrees!!!! This is a very nice marina, only about 5 years old with all the ammenties and an onsite restaurant.
Today's stats 20.9 miles, running time 3.36 hours 7.22 mph Location: Canaveral Barge Canal, FL ICW MM 893.5
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Thursday, February 26, 2004
When you are living and traveling on the water the weather is the thing you pay the most attention to. Last night Sandra and I were sitting in the Tiki Bar at Ft Pierce enjoying Fish Dinners and then we noticed a big storm on the weather channel. It was the Florida weather system. Between a low and high pressure we are supposed to get strong winds in the 20-25 knot range for the next 2 days or so. Even worse, the will be North the direction we are traveling. This section of the ICW is on the Indian River and it is wide enough to be nasty in a blow.
Today we made our way from Ft Pierce to just above Melbourne on the Banana River. Winds were generally below 10 knots. There was some southbound sailboat traffic and too many local large fast boats that would not slow down. Two other trawlers traveled close to us northbound. We are anchored of Indian Harbor Beach and yet another row of multi-million dollar homes. Tomorrow in the morning we will recheck the weather and if its still predicted to blow Friday and Saturday we have a backup reservation at a marina just across the river from where we are anchored.
We both think today we crossed the magic weather line in Florida. One minute at about 1 pm we had warm winds and the next minute cold winds…. we hope not, but who knows?
Today's stats 55.08 miles, running time 7.0 hours 7.87 mph Location: Banana River, FL ICW MM 914.2
When you are living and traveling on the water the weather is the thing you pay the most attention to. Last night Sandra and I were sitting in the Tiki Bar at Ft Pierce enjoying Fish Dinners and then we noticed a big storm on the weather channel. It was the Florida weather system. Between a low and high pressure we are supposed to get strong winds in the 20-25 knot range for the next 2 days or so. Even worse, the will be North the direction we are traveling. This section of the ICW is on the Indian River and it is wide enough to be nasty in a blow.
Today we made our way from Ft Pierce to just above Melbourne on the Banana River. Winds were generally below 10 knots. There was some southbound sailboat traffic and too many local large fast boats that would not slow down. Two other trawlers traveled close to us northbound. We are anchored of Indian Harbor Beach and yet another row of multi-million dollar homes. Tomorrow in the morning we will recheck the weather and if its still predicted to blow Friday and Saturday we have a backup reservation at a marina just across the river from where we are anchored.
We both think today we crossed the magic weather line in Florida. One minute at about 1 pm we had warm winds and the next minute cold winds…. we hope not, but who knows?
Today's stats 55.08 miles, running time 7.0 hours 7.87 mph Location: Banana River, FL ICW MM 914.2
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
For one of the few times this winter we started the day rainy and cloudy. The run down the St Lucie Canal was uneventful and we locked thru our last lock of the Okeechobee Waterway without incident. That last lock was a drop of 14 feet back down to sea level and the St Lucie River. The laid-back atmosphere gave way again to the development of Stuart. Just as we reached the intersection with the Atlantic ICW winds and rain built up. Lucky for us for the most part the winds and rain were behind us and the boat rode very well. By the time we reached Ft. Pierce City Marina we had a break in the weather and had an easy time getting into the slip.
Today's stats 53.42 miles, running time 7.0 hours 7.63 mph Location: Ft Pierce, FL ICW MM 965
For one of the few times this winter we started the day rainy and cloudy. The run down the St Lucie Canal was uneventful and we locked thru our last lock of the Okeechobee Waterway without incident. That last lock was a drop of 14 feet back down to sea level and the St Lucie River. The laid-back atmosphere gave way again to the development of Stuart. Just as we reached the intersection with the Atlantic ICW winds and rain built up. Lucky for us for the most part the winds and rain were behind us and the boat rode very well. By the time we reached Ft. Pierce City Marina we had a break in the weather and had an easy time getting into the slip.
Today's stats 53.42 miles, running time 7.0 hours 7.63 mph Location: Ft Pierce, FL ICW MM 965
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
We left LaBelle, Florida very early at 6:19 am because it was going to be a very long day. The plan called for going thru three locks and also across Lake Okeechobee. The locks on this waterway are different, in that instead of pumping water in and out to raise and lower the level in the locks they do it my opening the gates a little bit on each end. This means especially when you are going up there is a lot of turbulence in the lock. The first lock today went without incident. There we were raised about 5 feet. When we reached the second lock at Moore Haven there was a 15-knot wind on our stern. We went into the lock expecting someone to throw us lines (which was the procedure in all of the locks), but the lock tender was not there. Before we could grab a stern rope the wind pushed us off the wall. After some running around we got the boat secure, but backwards in the lock. We had to back out after we had been lifted. Not a good experience, but we now know…. You must be prepared even if you have no help at all in the lock!!!! These lock are something; each cycle uses almost a million gallons of water. After Moore Haven we went in the open waters of Lake Okeechobee. This means "big water" in the native language and is the second largest fresh water lake in the USA. We had a good crossing of 25 miles, went thru another lock to enter the St Lucie Canal and tonight are tied up at Indiantown Marina. Here hundreds of boats are stored for people who use them part of the year and store the rest of the year. Many of them also keep RV's here and alternate between the two. We have met many people from places like Michigan and California who boat in the winter in Florida and then store for the rest of the year. I was unaware of this "lifestyle" until seeing it for myself. There is a 1-2 year waiting list to get into this facility!!
Today's stats 73.95 miles, running time 10.0 hours 7.39 mph Location: Indiantown Marina Florida, Okeechobee Waterway MM 29.5
We left LaBelle, Florida very early at 6:19 am because it was going to be a very long day. The plan called for going thru three locks and also across Lake Okeechobee. The locks on this waterway are different, in that instead of pumping water in and out to raise and lower the level in the locks they do it my opening the gates a little bit on each end. This means especially when you are going up there is a lot of turbulence in the lock. The first lock today went without incident. There we were raised about 5 feet. When we reached the second lock at Moore Haven there was a 15-knot wind on our stern. We went into the lock expecting someone to throw us lines (which was the procedure in all of the locks), but the lock tender was not there. Before we could grab a stern rope the wind pushed us off the wall. After some running around we got the boat secure, but backwards in the lock. We had to back out after we had been lifted. Not a good experience, but we now know…. You must be prepared even if you have no help at all in the lock!!!! These lock are something; each cycle uses almost a million gallons of water. After Moore Haven we went in the open waters of Lake Okeechobee. This means "big water" in the native language and is the second largest fresh water lake in the USA. We had a good crossing of 25 miles, went thru another lock to enter the St Lucie Canal and tonight are tied up at Indiantown Marina. Here hundreds of boats are stored for people who use them part of the year and store the rest of the year. Many of them also keep RV's here and alternate between the two. We have met many people from places like Michigan and California who boat in the winter in Florida and then store for the rest of the year. I was unaware of this "lifestyle" until seeing it for myself. There is a 1-2 year waiting list to get into this facility!!
Today's stats 73.95 miles, running time 10.0 hours 7.39 mph Location: Indiantown Marina Florida, Okeechobee Waterway MM 29.5
Monday, February 23, 2004
Monday, February 23, 2004
The sun came up on another beautiful day in southwest Florida. We pulled anchor and made our way across a few miles of the West Coast ICW and then into the Caloosahatchee River past Fort Meyers, FL. In this section we saw many birds and groups of dolphins swam along with the boat. The river then narrowed into the Okeechobee Waterway, which was lined with homes on large lots, often with horses or cattle in the yards. As with the rest of Florida, this area has also been "discovered" and waterfront along this waterway commands high dollars. Further upstream we had to lock thru the WP Franklin Lock, which isolates the waterway from the tidal waters. On the other side we were in fresh water, stained brow by tannins from the trees. This waterway is surprisingly deep; we often saw 20 plus feet on the depth sounder.
Tonight we are staying at the dock of a local motel in LaBelle, Fl.
Today's stats 51.66miles, running time 7.41 hours 6.97 mph Location: LaBelle, FL Ockochobee Waterway Mile Marker 103
The sun came up on another beautiful day in southwest Florida. We pulled anchor and made our way across a few miles of the West Coast ICW and then into the Caloosahatchee River past Fort Meyers, FL. In this section we saw many birds and groups of dolphins swam along with the boat. The river then narrowed into the Okeechobee Waterway, which was lined with homes on large lots, often with horses or cattle in the yards. As with the rest of Florida, this area has also been "discovered" and waterfront along this waterway commands high dollars. Further upstream we had to lock thru the WP Franklin Lock, which isolates the waterway from the tidal waters. On the other side we were in fresh water, stained brow by tannins from the trees. This waterway is surprisingly deep; we often saw 20 plus feet on the depth sounder.
Tonight we are staying at the dock of a local motel in LaBelle, Fl.
Today's stats 51.66miles, running time 7.41 hours 6.97 mph Location: LaBelle, FL Ockochobee Waterway Mile Marker 103
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Sunday, February 22, 2004
We had the anchorage to ourselves except for man-eating mosquitoes and no see em's. They were so bad we closed the boat, turned on the generator and ran the A/C. That said, it was a wonderful spot at Sugar Bay/Gooding.
We decided to start early at 6:42 am since we were near low tide and the inside route behind March Island has some shallow sections. In the end we never saw less than 5.5 feet on the depth sounder. Once past Marco Island I made a quick decision to go back into the Gulf of Mexico rather than run toward Naples inside since the outside was flat. Sandra did not appreciate the change in plans just as we passed thru a tricky section of Capri Pass. The run up the Gulf toward Ft Meyers was very nice and soon the condos loomed along the beach. A yacht club was racing in the mouth of San Carlos Bay; the winds of course started to build as the race was over just like in Virginia!! From San Carlos Bay we joined the West Coast ICW and headed behind Sanibel Island to anchor in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The channel here was tricky and again the GPS/Chart Plotter earned its keep-especially in being able to run the pointer to the next marker and get the bearing when you could not yet see it. There are about 6 other boats here in a large bay. Sine it is Sunday the ICW is very busy with all kind of craft including 60 mph go fast boats with engines that sound like race cars. Tomorrow we will pass Ft Meyers and start the Okeechobee Waterway, a run of 149 miles from the West to East Coast of Florida.
Today's stats 56.12 miles, running time 6.75 hours 8.31 mph Location: Sanibel Island, FL
We had the anchorage to ourselves except for man-eating mosquitoes and no see em's. They were so bad we closed the boat, turned on the generator and ran the A/C. That said, it was a wonderful spot at Sugar Bay/Gooding.
We decided to start early at 6:42 am since we were near low tide and the inside route behind March Island has some shallow sections. In the end we never saw less than 5.5 feet on the depth sounder. Once past Marco Island I made a quick decision to go back into the Gulf of Mexico rather than run toward Naples inside since the outside was flat. Sandra did not appreciate the change in plans just as we passed thru a tricky section of Capri Pass. The run up the Gulf toward Ft Meyers was very nice and soon the condos loomed along the beach. A yacht club was racing in the mouth of San Carlos Bay; the winds of course started to build as the race was over just like in Virginia!! From San Carlos Bay we joined the West Coast ICW and headed behind Sanibel Island to anchor in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The channel here was tricky and again the GPS/Chart Plotter earned its keep-especially in being able to run the pointer to the next marker and get the bearing when you could not yet see it. There are about 6 other boats here in a large bay. Sine it is Sunday the ICW is very busy with all kind of craft including 60 mph go fast boats with engines that sound like race cars. Tomorrow we will pass Ft Meyers and start the Okeechobee Waterway, a run of 149 miles from the West to East Coast of Florida.
Today's stats 56.12 miles, running time 6.75 hours 8.31 mph Location: Sanibel Island, FL
Saturday, February 21, 2004
Saturday, February 21, 2004
It is hard to describe how peaceful the Little Shark River in the Everglades is. There are no sounds at all, just birds and fish. The morning was calm and we had perfect conditions ( at least for a power boat!!!!) to run about 3 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico toward Marco Island. Other than the lobster pots to dodge we saw very little traffic; a few sailboats and 15-20 small boats bottom fishing. The entire day’s run was on a single compass heading of 327 degrees and I was very happy for the autopilot. We made our way past Coon Key and were glad for high tide, since even with extra water I saw 6 feet on the depth sounder. Tonight we are anchored just below Marco Island and the town of Goodland. It was a shock to see the condo towers of March about 10 miles out in the Gulf when for 5 hours the shoreline was unspoiled. So far we have the anchorage to ourselves, but there is plenty of small boat weekend traffic.
Today’s stats 52.29 miles, running time 6.0 hours 8.71 mph Location Goodland, FL
Friday, February 20, 2004
I could hardly sleep last night thinking about getting ready to leave. Our slip, the marina and new friends have been as comfortable as old shoes. Still, we also felt it was time to move on. I got up at 5:30 am and checked the weather conditions via the Internet. Winds were almost calm and the next 3 days look great. We paid our bills, said our good byes and let the lines go at 8:20am. A big surprise, it was cloudy and much cooler than expected. It started out at 70 and only made 73 degrees. We both had sweats on outside on the boat. After clearing Boot Key harbor in Marathon we made our way to the seven Mile Bride and the Moser Channel. From there after jogging around a few shallow banks it was a straight run almost due north to Cape Sable on the Florida Mainland. The waters were very clear and our first porpoises were a good omen we hope for the trip. We pulled into the anchorage on the Little Shark River in the Everglades National Park at 3 pm. Today most of the other traffic was either fishing boats or sailors, but we also saw a few other trawlers.
Today’s stats 53 miles, running time 6.5 hours 7.96 mph Location Little Shark River, FL
It is hard to describe how peaceful the Little Shark River in the Everglades is. There are no sounds at all, just birds and fish. The morning was calm and we had perfect conditions ( at least for a power boat!!!!) to run about 3 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico toward Marco Island. Other than the lobster pots to dodge we saw very little traffic; a few sailboats and 15-20 small boats bottom fishing. The entire day’s run was on a single compass heading of 327 degrees and I was very happy for the autopilot. We made our way past Coon Key and were glad for high tide, since even with extra water I saw 6 feet on the depth sounder. Tonight we are anchored just below Marco Island and the town of Goodland. It was a shock to see the condo towers of March about 10 miles out in the Gulf when for 5 hours the shoreline was unspoiled. So far we have the anchorage to ourselves, but there is plenty of small boat weekend traffic.
Today’s stats 52.29 miles, running time 6.0 hours 8.71 mph Location Goodland, FL
Friday, February 20, 2004
I could hardly sleep last night thinking about getting ready to leave. Our slip, the marina and new friends have been as comfortable as old shoes. Still, we also felt it was time to move on. I got up at 5:30 am and checked the weather conditions via the Internet. Winds were almost calm and the next 3 days look great. We paid our bills, said our good byes and let the lines go at 8:20am. A big surprise, it was cloudy and much cooler than expected. It started out at 70 and only made 73 degrees. We both had sweats on outside on the boat. After clearing Boot Key harbor in Marathon we made our way to the seven Mile Bride and the Moser Channel. From there after jogging around a few shallow banks it was a straight run almost due north to Cape Sable on the Florida Mainland. The waters were very clear and our first porpoises were a good omen we hope for the trip. We pulled into the anchorage on the Little Shark River in the Everglades National Park at 3 pm. Today most of the other traffic was either fishing boats or sailors, but we also saw a few other trawlers.
Today’s stats 53 miles, running time 6.5 hours 7.96 mph Location Little Shark River, FL
Friday, February 20, 2004
Today is the big day. The weather looks good in the Gulf of Mexico for 2-3 days so we will leave Marathon, FL this morning and head north. All going well we should be off the West Coast of Florida tonight. Winds are supposed to be 10 knots S-SW. Sandra did a great job yesterday getting us ready to leave and the diver cleaned my bottom yesterday afternoon. We should be all set!!!
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
I think we have turned the weather corner. Winds are less and it is in the low 80's now every day.
I have posted a little gallery of Florida Keys pictures you may view by clicking Florida Keys Gallery
The reality of getting ready to turn the boat around and once again get underway has pushed aside my "Keys Attitude", that state of affairs where you care about very little. I completed the last engine task, replacing the salt water pump impellers and started both engines to check them out. All that remains is to call the diver in to clean the bottom and scrape the propellers. I have completed the routing for our first 4 days and the Waypoints are loaded into the GPS. Departure could be as early as February depending on weather. The first 3 days all have long passages in the Gulf of Mexico so we will wait for good weather and light winds. At the end of Day 3 we should be anchored off Sanibel Island near Ft Meyers.
I have posted a little gallery of Florida Keys pictures you may view by clicking Florida Keys Gallery
The reality of getting ready to turn the boat around and once again get underway has pushed aside my "Keys Attitude", that state of affairs where you care about very little. I completed the last engine task, replacing the salt water pump impellers and started both engines to check them out. All that remains is to call the diver in to clean the bottom and scrape the propellers. I have completed the routing for our first 4 days and the Waypoints are loaded into the GPS. Departure could be as early as February depending on weather. The first 3 days all have long passages in the Gulf of Mexico so we will wait for good weather and light winds. At the end of Day 3 we should be anchored off Sanibel Island near Ft Meyers.
