One More Reason To Be Thankful

May 17 - 19, 2012

May 17th
I am so thankful that Brian can repair almost everything on the boat.  It's hard enough to wait for parts to be delivered, but when you also have to wait for people to do the work, then the time and costs are multiplied expediently. We allowed a month in Stuart to get the upholstery done and while here we stumbled on Scotty.  Scotty is a young (really hunky cute) man that used to commission boats for Krogen. He is now an independent contractor that can fix anything on a Krogen -- best of all, the things that Brian doesn't know how to do or doesn't want to do.  He is going to add a larger alternator, service the water maker, change out the septic system hoses, put a new starter on one of the air conditioners and replace a stabilizer piston.  Only problem -- he has been in Baltimore for 10 days.  Expected back soon.....

Gary and Guy the upholsterers.  They are still
working hard to get everything done.   

For the last week Gary, the upholsterer, has been in and out of the hospital.  He collapsed at the grocery.  A series of tests indicated that he might need open heart surgery.  Turns out -- they can't do surgery; the veins are too small.  He will be put in a pressurized suit for an hour a day for 30 days to squeeze the blockage through the veins.  So, understandably, our upholstery work is on hold.  He is going to try and finish the salon while we are here.  Then, in the Fall when we come back, the pilot house will be completed.  June 1st is the start of hurricane season and we should be out of Florida by then if nothing else happens!

May 19th
Well, something else did happen.  Brian had a few spots on his skin that needed to be checked by a dermatologist.  The doctor burned off five squamous cell carcinomas.  The sixth one had to be scraped and sent in for a biopsy.  It takes ten days to get the results.  If there are clear margins, we are on our way.  If not, they schedule surgery.  The biopsy came from the back of his ear.  Since there is little skin there, they would have to do a skin graft.  Boy, oh boy!!!!

Hottie Scotty confers with Brian about which jobs
to take on first.
At the Krogen breakfast, the wives said they try to
think of jobs for Scotty to do on their boats.
By the way, he is a very nice person, too.

The good news is -- Scotty has returned to Stuart and is clicking off the tasks on our list.  

The other good news -- we are going to try to go to Minnesota on Tuesday for a few days to see Steve and family.

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!       

Wow, One Year!

May 10, 2012

No one has gone overboard!

Today is the one year anniversary of our moving onto the boat.  Like anniversaries for most monumental things, it doesn't seem possible that its been 12 months and on the other hand it seems like years ago that we broke our ties with land.  To all of the naysayers that thought we'd never last in this small space, I have to say that we still love it and each other!  By ourselves or with company -- we are happy here....really happy. 

The highlights of the year are many. Challenging ourselves physically and mentally is something I hadn't really thought about when we left Minnesota.  But, that is a daily occurrence.  Exploring new places and meeting new people was one thing that we were looking forward to -- and, we still do.  I don't think we knew that we would appreciate seeing and hearing from old friends and family as much as we do.  Calls and emails to update us on your lives or just to say 'Hi' is a highlight every time they arrive.   Living with less and continuing to minimize has been the most liberating surprise.  Start getting rid of your surplus today!  You'll thank me when you move. 
 
So, it's been a year and our adventures are just beginning.  While in Stuart, we have breakfast on Thursday mornings with the other Krogen owners in the area.  They have traveled every place that we hope to go, so they are a wealth of information.  One couple is selling their 39 Krogen and moving into a motor home to explore from a different vantage point.  They gave us all of their charts and books -- from Maine to the Virgin Islands.  Now, if we can just finish things here in Stuart and get on our way!  So much to see and so little time.....

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!

Road Trip

May 4 - 6, 2011

May 4th

Since we are going to be in Stuart for a month, we decided to pick up the Boxster in Longboat.  We rented a car and took off across the state on the back roads.  About five minutes underway and a bobcat ran across the road.  We had to slam on the breaks to keep from hitting him.  It all happened so fast I didn't get a picture -- darn it!  Ok, this may be an interesting drive.  The road is two lanes with trees making a beautiful canopy overhead.  On each side is extreme vegetation growth (and, probably, alligators and pythons). 


When it does open up there are cattle grazing, sod farms or citrus groves.  This is the first time we have seen groves with young trees planted on the perimeter.   

The most common critters along the road were black vultures. They were sitting on every pole, dead tree and post just waiting for something to drop in its tracks.             

Once we picked up our car we had lunch in St Armands at our favorite restaurant, Tommy Bahamas.  When lunch was completed, the manager stopped to ask us how we liked our meal.  I told him,"if I was on death row and it was time to choose my last meal, this is what it would be -- their fish tacos".   





Driving back to Stuart, we came across a controlled burn along the road. 




May 5th


Hope you had a good view of the super moon.  I never heard it called that in previous years, but it definitely lived up to it's billing.  This is the evening when the moon is closest to the earth. 




May 6th

Ingred and Ron are in the slip next to us.  They are an interesting couple.  Ingred had a business refinishing the teak on yachts.  She was so good that the Rothchilds brought their boats to her to have work done.  She and Ron recently sold their sail boat and are refurbishing a fishing boat.  They have done an amazing job taking a boat that was in horrible condition (mold infested, filthy, almost everything needed work) and turning it into a very nice one.  Ron told us today that one of Ingrid's other accomplishments was playing a piano solo with the San Francisco symphony when she was 16.  You never know who a person is until you take a the time to sit down and talk with them.  Most everyone has a story -- the fun is discovering that story. 

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!

Yea, No Permanent Damage!

May 2, 2012

For the last two nights I haven't been able to sleep and have had headaches behind my forehead where I landed face first on the hardwood floor.  We decided that I should see a doctor.  Brian got the name of a clinic and a neighbor loaned us his car.   After a quick physical, I was sent to have a CT Scan of my skull and brain.  I know I have said it before, but I'll say it again -- I am so lucky!  The results came back with only a broken nose. The skull and brain are perfect -- OK, 'no damage' might be a better analysis. My nose isn't even displaced, so nothing needs to be done to it.  Now it is just a waiting game for my normal beige color to return.
 

Sunset Bay Marina office and ship store.

Stuart is the headquarters for Kadey Krogen Yachts so there are more Krogens here than most of the places we travel. And, a majority of them are staying at Sunset Bay Marina, where we are. We have enjoyed meeting lots of the other owners at impromptu get togethers in the evening and even for breakfast.  

Brian just left on his bike headed for Budget Car Rental.  We are going to drive back to Longboat Key tomorrow to pick up the Boxster.  It will be good to have a car here, since we are staying in Stuart for the month.  The next problem will be where to store the car when we leave.  Something will work out -- It always does.   

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!
   

OMG -- Did I Really Do That?

May 1, 2012

Good news -- my eye is no longer swollen closed
I can turn my head and the bruises are
beginning to fade!

In my last post, I mentioned that I fell from the pilot house down two flights of stairs into the bed/bath level and landed on my forehead.  More bruises keep appearing and the others are changing colors.  It is pretty ugly, but I am thanking God every day that I didn't break my neck or some other bones.  Since, we are now in a new marina and meeting lots of people it is a great conversation starter.  And, everyone knows someone that did a similar fall with horrific results:  comas, serious brain damage, in therapy for years learning to walk and feed themselves again.  The really stupid thing is -- it was all my fault.  I had my iPad, camera, phone and Coke in my hands.  I broke one of the major rules --  always hold on when going up and down the stairs.  Well, hopefully it is a lesson learned.  I don't want to tempt fate and do it again.  

We made it to Stuart, FL yesterday around noon.  We are at Sunset Bay Marina with lots of Krogens.  A Whaleback (same hull, but different style above the water line) is right across the dock from us.  Teresa and Steve greeted us as we arrived and are coming over for a glass of wine tonight.  We'll enjoy trading stories with them.  

We met the upholsterers this morning and saw the Ultra Leather that we ordered.  It is beautiful!  Can't wait to see it all completed.  

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride! 

4 Days On The High Seas-- Give Me The Intercoastal

April 26 - 29, 2012

April 26

The intercoastal ended right after Sanibel Island.  We have been out in the Gulf for two days and will be for two more.  Then, when we get to Miami we will enter calm waters again.  Even though it has been pretty flat -- two foot waves – it isn’t the smooth ride that we have become accustomed to.  At one point we talked about crossing the Atlantic and exploring the Mediterranean.  That would mean running thirty days, 24 hours a day and out of sight of land the whole time.  The boat could certainly do it, but not this wimpy crew.  Luckily we came to our senses before we got too wrapped up in that plan!  We’ve decided there is plenty to explore right here…..  

The small float that indicates a crab trap

Today’s destination is an anchorage in Little Shark River.  I’m hoping that the name is just a colorful choice; not significantly chosen due to the local critters.  No matter – there will be no swimming from our boat.  This is a popular location -- 18 boats stayed with us.  There is so much water – miles and miles, but most of it is too shallow to run in.  Everyone is looking for a protected area that keeps the wind to a minimum and is deep enough for an overnight that has a four foot tidal change.   

         

I’ve mentioned the crab pots that we are constantly dodging during our travels.  They are most heavily used from November through April.  The floats are painted different color combinations to identify ownership and to enable retrieving.  If you see one, there are probably a couple dozen close by.  Today, for the first time, we saw a boat harvesting them.  The transom of the boat is open.  A motorized pulley hooks the float and yanks the metal cage out of the water very quickly.  I’ll continue to purchase my crustaceans at the restaurant and grocery.  Even from a distance, it looked dangerous.

April 27 

We were in open water again today.  It started out flatter than yesterday with following seas (the waves are pushing us along from behind).  Late this morning we arrived in the Florida Keys for the first time.  We were going to stay in Marathon overnight, but high seas and storms are coming our way – so, a change of plans.  Now we are going as far as we can while we have daylight and anchor on the easterly end of the keys.  The thought is that we can get to Miami and the intercoastal before the storms and 7 – 9 foot seas begin early Sunday the 29^th.  When we changed course and headed under the 7 mile bridge, the waves doubled in size and started coming at our bow.  Basically, a less comfortable ride.  Today was one of those long travel days.  We're too far from land to see the scenery and it was overcast .  I guess not every day can be picture perfect.        

                  

The 7 Mile Bridge --
The longest and most famous of the bridges
that connect the Keys.

Our sister ship and traveling partner to Stuart,
Almost Perfect.

April 28

After 102 miles we anchored near Rodriguez Key last night.  The weather was 'busy' with lots of heavy wind and torrential rain storms.  We'd wake up, hear the rain, roll over and go right back to sleep. An anchor alarm will wake us if the boat moves beyond a preset distance.  That is an anxiety reliever that makes for a good night's sleep.  We were off to an early start again today.  The closer we got to Miami the higher the waves got.  By the time we were an hour from the intercoastal we were in six foot waves.  The good news is -- I didn't throw up!  That is a big improvement over previous crossings.  Miami is never dull:  great architecture, big homes and beautiful yachts, but the best is yet to come.....Fort Lauderdale. 
   



Seven homes remain in Stiltsville -- an area
of huge controversy in Biscayne Bay. 
Some want them saved and put on the historical
registry while others want them removed.



Tube Dude's first visit to Miami!

As we passed through Port Everglades two cruise ships pulled out in front of us:  the Amsterdam (781 feet) and the Crown Princess (948 feet).  A cargo ship was being maneuvered by tug boats and it's Fleet Week so there were two Navy ships with lots of security.  That all happened in about a half mile and less than an hour.   

Fleet Week in Miami.  The sheriff's boat with
lights flashing came along our side and
instructed us to move straight ahead away
from the ships.  Yes, Sir!!!!

It looks like a shopping center, but it's 948 feet of ship.

You can hardly detect the small boats along side.

The tug boat is beginning to pull this cargo ship
away from the dock.

April 29

We are so glad that we pushed to get to Miami yesterday.  Waves on the outside channel, protected by a reef, are at 11 feet, the wind is gusting at 28 mph and it is pouring rain.  Being on the intercoastal we have the rain and some of the wind, but no waves.  Inside the pilot house we are snug as bugs!

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse was first lit in 1860. 
The light can be seen 25 miles at sea. 
During the Civil War the Confederates disabled it by
stealing the machinery.  It was put back in
use after the war. 

We started out this morning in Ft Lauderdale and went through Palm Beach.  The wealth just gets more and more crazy down here.  It does make for an interesting ride.  Anchored for the night in Jupiter.  Tomorrow we'll be in Stuart before noon. 

Last night after dinner, Brian was figuring out today's route and I was working on the blog in the pilot house.  When I finished, I decided to take some things down to the salon and straighten up for the night.  Well, instead I did a bone density test.  I missed the first step from the pilot house and somehow fell down two flights of stairs.  I landed on my forehead on the bed/bath level.  Except for my right arm and left leg, I am bruised and scraped form head to toe. It's hard to imagine how I did it, since the stairs go in opposite directions.  Well, nothing broke -- not even my glasses.  I guess my bone density is pretty good!

Where do you dock when your boat is too big for
the marinas?  You put it at the commercial docks.
7 Seas -- 282 feet

Pegasus -- 236 feet
Down here 100 foot boats are common.

We have Zillow running as we pass through these
neighborhoods.  Highest price we have noticed
$30,000,000.  Most bathrooms -- 23.
The wealth in these communities is staggering!

In 1993 we chartered this 65 foot Florida Bay Coaster.
For a week we explored the Abacos with Joan and Larry
and celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary.
.

"Red sunset at night; sailor's delight."
Hopefully, that will bring us a sunny day tomorrow.

Gotta Smile -- We're lovin the ride!

Yo Ho Ho – It’s The Salty Life for Me!

April 24 & 25, 2012

April 24

We’re on the move again.  And it feels great!  At 9:45 this morning we pulled out of Longboat Key, waved goodbye to our neighbors, Jim and Ann, and headed south.  I must confess, I was a little apprehensive about getting under way.  We had been in one place for four months and I was afraid I wouldn’t remember what to do.  Truth be told – I don’t have to do much once we have the lines disconnected and leave the slip.  I help with the driving, when Brian needs a break.  Other than that – it’s just meals and household chores until we anchor or pull into a slip.  We’re on the intercoastal, which is calmer than the gulf.  This is a fun section, because we are seeing all of the places that we drove past in the car.  The houses are much more impressive from the water side.  

Dolphins surrounding us

Dolphin and manatee sightings are still exciting for us and we’ve had lots today.  Plus, we’re observing the Osprey that are busy taking care of their fledglings.  Mileage markers are a perfect place for Osprey to build their nests…sturdy and close to their favorite food – fresh fish.  According to Google – the chicks are dependent upon the parents until the fall migration.  The adults have a wingspan of 5 - 6 feet and can dive foot first into the water to catch fish from 120 feet in the air.  Mighty impressive!
 
 At 7:30 we dropped our anchor in a quiet bay off Sanibel Island after traveling 78 miles.  We love the long day's of spring.  On our way down from Minnesota we had to anchor by 4:30 to be safe.  We still don’t know if we will cross Florida on the Okeechobee or go around the tip.  It all depends on how deep the water is in the rivers and lake.  Tomorrow morning will

 be decision time.  Fort Myers is where we turn east or continue south.  Tonight

we are directly behind another Krogen 48 named Almost Perfect from Treasure Island, FL.  

Osprey flying away from the camera with a large fish in his talons.

April 25
We met our sister ship’s crew this morning via the radios.  Bud and Pat are also headed to Stuart.  They confirmed what we thought -the Okeechobee route is too shallow for our boats.  So, the decision is made – we go around the tip.  Since they have made this trip many times, we are traveling with them.  First stop is a short hop to Naples – only 28 miles.  We arrived at the Sailing and Yacht Club around noon.  It appeared to be close to downtown.  Brian and I took off walking in search of lunch.  It was much further and much hotter than anticipated.  Good lunch and cute downtown.  Exercise completed for today.  Time for feet up and a cold drink.    


Hippo grazing in a backyard along the intercoastal.

If you live on San Pedro Island, you better be good
at reversing off the ferry.  There is no other way to
access the island.

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!