We had a good trip through Daytona and on to Fort Mantanzas. We have anchored there many times so everything was familiar.
The humidity was pretty high so we went for a swim after we got anchored- well I didn't swim much because the current is so strong I was afraid I would get carried away. I swam with a line attached to the boat and so did Paul.
Wednesday we seemed to catch the tides right and went all the way to Jacksonville Landings. We could have made it into Green Cove Springs but then I would have to cook so we stopped at the Landings and went to Hooters for dinner. I made the mistake of ordering fish. It is too soon after having fresh fish all the time in the Bahamas -- the frozen "stuff" just doesn't cut it.
We went into Green Cove Springs--Reynolds Yacht Center on Thursday.
Wink & Wilma were waiting to catch our lines. Paul quickly hooked up the electric to turn on the air conditioners -- yes all 3.
Wilma and I went to WalMart - My first trip to WalMart in over 8 months. I was much worse than a kid in a candy store and loved every minute.
Wink & Wilma invited us for dinner. We had the end of their lobster-- soooo good!!!
Wilma had told us about the blind mosquitos. They are AWFUL!!!!
Friday morning we found out how AWFUL. The boat was covered with them. Wilma said she washed her boat everyday and now Paul is doing the same.
We picked up our rental car in the afternoon.
We went to Best Buy looking for a new computer to replace Paul's navigation computer that died. Our navigation program has conflicts with Vista -- the operating system that everyone seems to be using. We are going to have a lot of difficulty getting a computer with XP. We are going to try to order one and as much as I HATE Dell I think it will have to be a Dell.
Friday evening we took Wink and Wilma to the Elk's Club for turkey dinner. Actually Paul is not a full member yet, he goes Tuesday June 30 for his "interview" then 2 week later for his initiation. I guess we will get a rental car to come back down here for that.
We celebrated Winks birthday when we got back -- his birthday was Saturday but we were leaving early in the morning.
We left at 8 to go to North Palm Beach to Susan Harward's for her Independence day party which is a week early because that is when her local community had their fireworks.
Susan & I went swimming in the afternoon at the very nice pool at her condo. We also walked through the little fair type "stuff" set up near her condo.
The party was very nice, a lot of Yacht club people and friends of Susan's from Guana Cay where Susan lived for many years.
The fireworks were spectacular Paul & I both agreed the best we had ever seen and right off Susan's balcony. I understand why she bases her party around the fireworks.
Sunday we went to breakfast at a neat little place nearby.
We left a little after one. We listened to the NASCAR race on the radio.
We stopped in Daytona at Aunt Catfishes restaurant, a long time favorite of mine.
We got home just before the rain hit. BUT too bad the rain was not enough to get rid of the blind mosquitos. Wilma had hosed part of our boat but it still looked awful.
Wilma left early this morning for Texas. Paul & I took Wink to the airport. He is flying to Boston to pick up the granddaughters then they are flying to Texas to meet Wilma.
On the way home we stopped at WalMart, Home Depot and Publix.
We turned the rental car in at 2.
We had light rain this evening but again not enough to keep the bugs away.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Back in the US
We did cross Sunday as planned BUT not with the weather we were expecting.
This was not our worst crossing but also not our best.
We had aquarium water all along the bank but went too far -- too close to Memory Rock. The wind kicked up and so did the waves which made for a very uncomfortable night of TRYING to sleep. I had to come upstairs to try to sleep. This is the closest I have come to actually being sick on the boat, I even got out a brown bag in case I needed it.
It was not fun trying to get the anchor up in the winds --20-30, plus waves about 2 feet. We had 2 footers about 3/4 across then glass. We had planned to got to Fort Pierce but the water was so nice and we were averaging speeds close to 10 mph so we looked at other options. I checked the tides for Sebastian Inlet and found we would enter on an incoming tide. On to Sebastian.
Coming in the Inlet we reached a speed of 14.2mph a new top speed for us. Good thing we had checked the tide charts -- would not have been pleasant on an outgoing tide.
We did not go far to anchor. Paul called to "check us in" with customs and immigration. Sure was easy with the Local Boaters option cards we got last year.
We spent some time making phone calls and then "adjusting" to a different life. Lot so cars, motorcycles, lots of noise, lots of lights, trains -- and just a different life.
We watched the NASCAR race. We both slept well in our beautiful CALM quiet anchorage.
We were going to stop in Coco Beach but I talked with our friend Susan and she had a change in her party plans. We are planning to get the boat to Brunswick then head for West Palm for her party so we need to step things up a little.
We went to one of our frequent anchorages in Mosquito Lagoon. There is no protection from wind in any direction but no problem the wind is predicted to be 5k and less.
We anchored in about 7 feet of water. Paul put out about 70 feet of chain.
We had a nice dinner and enjoyed setting on the bow for a pleasant evening.
We had one dolphin playing around the boat.
Paul checked Weather Works and saw a small storm west of us that we would probably get a tip of and a BIG one north that really looked nasty so we hoped it would pass us.
We did get just a small portion of the small storm but just as we were headed to bed the BIG one hit. We had many gust over 50 mph topping at 55mph. The boat rocked,bounced and swung. The storm lasted more than 30 minutes. We did have some lightning but mostly wind and lots of rain. We were both "uncomfortable" sitting in the pilot house watching the wind gauge.
Our trusty Super Max anchor held and the boat got all the salt washed off. We still made it to bed by 11:30 and had a good nights sleep with winds less than 5 mph.
We have just passed through Daytona -- lots of memories here
This was not our worst crossing but also not our best.
We had aquarium water all along the bank but went too far -- too close to Memory Rock. The wind kicked up and so did the waves which made for a very uncomfortable night of TRYING to sleep. I had to come upstairs to try to sleep. This is the closest I have come to actually being sick on the boat, I even got out a brown bag in case I needed it.
It was not fun trying to get the anchor up in the winds --20-30, plus waves about 2 feet. We had 2 footers about 3/4 across then glass. We had planned to got to Fort Pierce but the water was so nice and we were averaging speeds close to 10 mph so we looked at other options. I checked the tides for Sebastian Inlet and found we would enter on an incoming tide. On to Sebastian.
Coming in the Inlet we reached a speed of 14.2mph a new top speed for us. Good thing we had checked the tide charts -- would not have been pleasant on an outgoing tide.
We did not go far to anchor. Paul called to "check us in" with customs and immigration. Sure was easy with the Local Boaters option cards we got last year.
We spent some time making phone calls and then "adjusting" to a different life. Lot so cars, motorcycles, lots of noise, lots of lights, trains -- and just a different life.
We watched the NASCAR race. We both slept well in our beautiful CALM quiet anchorage.
We were going to stop in Coco Beach but I talked with our friend Susan and she had a change in her party plans. We are planning to get the boat to Brunswick then head for West Palm for her party so we need to step things up a little.
We went to one of our frequent anchorages in Mosquito Lagoon. There is no protection from wind in any direction but no problem the wind is predicted to be 5k and less.
We anchored in about 7 feet of water. Paul put out about 70 feet of chain.
We had a nice dinner and enjoyed setting on the bow for a pleasant evening.
We had one dolphin playing around the boat.
Paul checked Weather Works and saw a small storm west of us that we would probably get a tip of and a BIG one north that really looked nasty so we hoped it would pass us.
We did get just a small portion of the small storm but just as we were headed to bed the BIG one hit. We had many gust over 50 mph topping at 55mph. The boat rocked,bounced and swung. The storm lasted more than 30 minutes. We did have some lightning but mostly wind and lots of rain. We were both "uncomfortable" sitting in the pilot house watching the wind gauge.
Our trusty Super Max anchor held and the boat got all the salt washed off. We still made it to bed by 11:30 and had a good nights sleep with winds less than 5 mph.
We have just passed through Daytona -- lots of memories here
Friday, June 19, 2009
Heading back to the US
Just a short post to say we are headed back to the US.
We are planning to leave here, Man O War around 2 this afternoon. We are hoping to cross the Gulf stream on Sunday.
Our plans were greatly escalated due to the weather. The Gulf stream has been 2 ft or less for several weeks. Sunday night it is predicted to go to 2-3 then build more from there -- nothing too substantial AT THIS POINT but we are not taking any chances -- so there goes my shelling out the window -- next year.
Yesterday we had lunch and dinner from my favorite Hibiscus Cafe as a last hurray.
The weather has turned more hot and humid. If we were to stay much longer we would have to start running the air conditioner which we will have to do in Brunswick But Paul and I neither one like air conditioning.
Friends Don and Ellie on Star arrived this week. We had hoped to spend some time with them.
I did get a lot of sewing done so I am happy with that.
I will post when I get Internet in the states. My Verizon is suppose to be turned on tomorrow along with my air card so I should have it when we arrive.
Happy Father's Day to all the Dads.
We are planning to leave here, Man O War around 2 this afternoon. We are hoping to cross the Gulf stream on Sunday.
Our plans were greatly escalated due to the weather. The Gulf stream has been 2 ft or less for several weeks. Sunday night it is predicted to go to 2-3 then build more from there -- nothing too substantial AT THIS POINT but we are not taking any chances -- so there goes my shelling out the window -- next year.
Yesterday we had lunch and dinner from my favorite Hibiscus Cafe as a last hurray.
The weather has turned more hot and humid. If we were to stay much longer we would have to start running the air conditioner which we will have to do in Brunswick But Paul and I neither one like air conditioning.
Friends Don and Ellie on Star arrived this week. We had hoped to spend some time with them.
I did get a lot of sewing done so I am happy with that.
I will post when I get Internet in the states. My Verizon is suppose to be turned on tomorrow along with my air card so I should have it when we arrive.
Happy Father's Day to all the Dads.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sunday June 14
Not much new to report this week. Last weekend we towed the dinghy to Spoonbill with our dingy back to Marsh Harbour. It was a good trip -smooth water all the way.
We have been snorkeling in the afternoons off Pappy's Land. One day we saw an eel inside a coral head. Paul said it would not come out. We swam around to a few more coral heads then all of a sudden I looked down and there was the eel slithering along the bottom. Paul said it would not come to the top but I was done for the day. The next day we were swimming along and a small ray swam right under us and just kept going. It happened so fast I just kept on going. It is fun and a great way to cool off in the afternoons. Lots and lots of different kinds of fish.
I have been sewing up a storm. I am up to 4 tablecloths,16 napkins, 8 salon curtains, 8 bedroom curtains and 1 pillow covered. In MY OPINION, I am getting better all the time.
We did finally have 2 days with no rain. We saw rain over toward Treasurer Cay but did not get any here. Now we are back to rain. It rained yesterday and today -- not long or hard but still rain enough to water the flowers.
Yesterday, just about the time the rain hit, we went to a benefit for the sailing club -- great food.
I have not been running everyday because it is getting a lot warmer earlier and I am NOT an early riser. When I do get up early I do go run.
Paul is talking leaving here next week -- I am trying to drag my feet as much as I can. It is beautiful here now and the water is so perfect for swimming.
All for now
We have been snorkeling in the afternoons off Pappy's Land. One day we saw an eel inside a coral head. Paul said it would not come out. We swam around to a few more coral heads then all of a sudden I looked down and there was the eel slithering along the bottom. Paul said it would not come to the top but I was done for the day. The next day we were swimming along and a small ray swam right under us and just kept going. It happened so fast I just kept on going. It is fun and a great way to cool off in the afternoons. Lots and lots of different kinds of fish.
I have been sewing up a storm. I am up to 4 tablecloths,16 napkins, 8 salon curtains, 8 bedroom curtains and 1 pillow covered. In MY OPINION, I am getting better all the time.
We did finally have 2 days with no rain. We saw rain over toward Treasurer Cay but did not get any here. Now we are back to rain. It rained yesterday and today -- not long or hard but still rain enough to water the flowers.
Yesterday, just about the time the rain hit, we went to a benefit for the sailing club -- great food.
I have not been running everyday because it is getting a lot warmer earlier and I am NOT an early riser. When I do get up early I do go run.
Paul is talking leaving here next week -- I am trying to drag my feet as much as I can. It is beautiful here now and the water is so perfect for swimming.
All for now
Friday, June 5, 2009
Happy Labour Day
That is not a typo today is Labour Day in the Bahamas. Many stores are closed. That makes 2 holidays this week. We celebrated Whit Monday this past Monday. Many places were closed also.
Last week we took Odyssey to Marsh Harbour to pick up the scooter. We went on Wednesday so I could go to Ladies Lunch. There were only 4 of us at Ladies Lunch but I had a good time. We also decided to go to the art show at Winding Bay on Friday. Martha Applebee is a member so we decided to go for lunch. So on Friday (one week ago) Paul took me back to Marsh Harbour in the dinghy. Several more ladies joined us for the trip to Winding Bay. We had a great lunch. The art show was small but I particularly enjoyed seeing the work Of Ray Adams. He is a member of the Yacht Club and also goes to the Kirk Of the Pines Church where I go in Marsh Harbour. He is a fantastic artist and I really like his work. He and Dick Cuneen (from the Boat Raggedy Ann that was docked next to us all winter) flew over from Florida for the show. We had a nice visit. The ladies dropped me off at the Conch Inn Marina where Paul was waiting for me to come back home.
It is still raining everyday so I am getting a lot of sewing done. I made 2 tablecloths with napkins to match. I think they are very pretty.
Paul was able to work on the scooter and, thank goodness, it was just a broken wire so we have a scooter again -- we will not use it until we get back to the states now but it now does not have to be at the top of the replacement list- Paul's computer, the one we use for navigation has that distinction. He is using my old computer for Weather Works, our satellite weather program, but does not want to load the charts in it because we can only reload them once. We will travel back to Fl using way points.
Jeff Key, our favorite taxi driver from Marsh Harbour lives here on Man O War so we invited him for dinner last night. It is such fun talking to someone who has lived here all his life. I enjoy the "stories" of the real Bahamas.
Time to go get some more sewing done-- I am just a regular " Susie Homemaker".
My "pet" barracuda. I can take them this size. He is here every day.
A real "ham" posing for pictures. The fur on top is disappearing. I did not take nearly as many pictures this time--maybe only 50.
He (or she) let me get real close
Chasing a bug on the dock
Last week we took Odyssey to Marsh Harbour to pick up the scooter. We went on Wednesday so I could go to Ladies Lunch. There were only 4 of us at Ladies Lunch but I had a good time. We also decided to go to the art show at Winding Bay on Friday. Martha Applebee is a member so we decided to go for lunch. So on Friday (one week ago) Paul took me back to Marsh Harbour in the dinghy. Several more ladies joined us for the trip to Winding Bay. We had a great lunch. The art show was small but I particularly enjoyed seeing the work Of Ray Adams. He is a member of the Yacht Club and also goes to the Kirk Of the Pines Church where I go in Marsh Harbour. He is a fantastic artist and I really like his work. He and Dick Cuneen (from the Boat Raggedy Ann that was docked next to us all winter) flew over from Florida for the show. We had a nice visit. The ladies dropped me off at the Conch Inn Marina where Paul was waiting for me to come back home.
It is still raining everyday so I am getting a lot of sewing done. I made 2 tablecloths with napkins to match. I think they are very pretty.
Paul was able to work on the scooter and, thank goodness, it was just a broken wire so we have a scooter again -- we will not use it until we get back to the states now but it now does not have to be at the top of the replacement list- Paul's computer, the one we use for navigation has that distinction. He is using my old computer for Weather Works, our satellite weather program, but does not want to load the charts in it because we can only reload them once. We will travel back to Fl using way points.
Jeff Key, our favorite taxi driver from Marsh Harbour lives here on Man O War so we invited him for dinner last night. It is such fun talking to someone who has lived here all his life. I enjoy the "stories" of the real Bahamas.
Time to go get some more sewing done-- I am just a regular " Susie Homemaker".
My "pet" barracuda. I can take them this size. He is here every day.
A real "ham" posing for pictures. The fur on top is disappearing. I did not take nearly as many pictures this time--maybe only 50.
He (or she) let me get real close
Chasing a bug on the dock
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