Living the Dream - Just the Beginning

Here we are, nestled in a slip in the Keys for a month with so much ahead of us to explore, new sights to see and new friendships to begin. After many years of careful planning and giving up all our landlubber possessions we are finally here, living on our boat, sailing to wherever we want to be. It's still amazing to me and seems a bit unreal. Everyday is a different adventure. Not every day is or will be a good day. There will always be unwelcome challenges to face. All we can hope for is that most days will be good. Fortune has been smiling on us lately as we've had a string of what's turned out to be good days. Today was among them. Sleeping a little later today we went out and explored Marathon a bit ending up enjoying a beer in a little place with a great view of the Boot Key Harbor Channel.

                                                     View from the bar at Burdines

Tomorrow we will begin to do some needed work on the boat. A few things that we've been putting off till we got here. The forecast will be unseasonably cool in the high 60s the next couple of days so it will be a good time to work on the boat.

I'm sure we will enjoy our stay in Marathon. We're looking forward to exploring more of the Keys, especially Key West. Just the beginning of a continuous journey exploring new places and making new friends. Just the beginning - living the dream.

Destination Achieved

Today about 1600 we pulled into Harbour Cay Club on Marathon which completes our first destination. We left Oxford, MD about 7 weeks ago and despite some setbacks along the way we made it more than 1300 miles on this our first adventure in our new boat. We have lots of work to accomplish here before we head off in about a month.

This is looking across from our slip to one of the Fanny Keys with it's owners home.

We had a great sail today after a wonderful evening last night anchored off Key Largo. Getting into our anchorage was challenging because the water was shallow and so we were limited in how close to shore we could anchor. Of course having 30 kt winds blowing us off in the dark made it more exciting. But, after wishing we were back in Miami we got the anchor hooked and it was all uphill from there. Linda made a great dinner that we enjoyed in the cockpit. Despite the cold front that came through it was still in the low 70's at dinner time headed down to the 50's. Then just as we finished we got a phone call from the HHSA Banquet. Thanks for all the well wishes from everyone and you can follow us on this blog.

The night turned out very peaceful. The wind continued blowing in the high teens with gusts over 20 but the boat floated and gently rocked as the anchor held us in place. We thought we might need to sit up to keep an anchor watch, but I watched Saturday Night Live and checked everything and all was well so I joined Linda who was already committed to deep sleep. The cabin stayed comfortably warm so we didn't even need any heat.

This morning had a cool but beautiful sunrise. So to get an early start (since we didn't get up early) we just hauled anchor and left doing our morning routines and breakfast underway. Wind was blowing nicely out of the north so we went to sail very quickly and shut off the engine doing a very nice 8 kts with a gentle sea. This had to be one the best sails we had in a long time. Kept it up until we had to pull in the sails to go under the Channel 5 bridge to cross into the Florida Bay.  The Marina we are in is on the north side of Marathon. Here is a view of Islamorada in the distance.

After we got back into the inside channel we pulled out the sails and sailed until the wind fell off. Here we were passing the Long Key Viaduct on the Bay side.

We motored for the last hour or so with little wind and as luck would have it the wind came up when we were a few miles from the marina and stayed up while were trying to dock.

Fortunately, all the HCC folks who were home came out to help us dock as we had wind and current to contend with as we backed into a bulkhead with boats in front of and behind and across the channel. Very interesting trying to parallel park a 45' boat with wind and current and conveniently placed pilings to avoid.

Well, we're here. Tucked away for a few weeks as we begin to get work done and visit with old and new friends with the HCC shuffleboard contest this week leading up to the Super Bowl.

Oh well,back to island life until we leave for a visit up Florida's west coast.

Got out of town on a boat for the southern islands...

This morning we left Miami sort of as we expected but it was all a bit tentative and problematic.

Our plan was to leave Miami today to head south to Marathon but as with many things reality got in the way. Forecasts for this weekend began going down hill early and threw in some excitement to our planning. Island Packet's are all weather boats. They perform well in bad conditions unlike some boats that are strictly fair weather sailers. But then that's why our last 2 boats have been IP's.

The forecasts indicated that winds this morning were going to be 15-20 out of the south southwest. Just our kind of forecast for going east but we were going south southwest. But the forecast also indicated it would be turning to the north and northwest after noon. So we dallied a bit this morning as we got ready to leave. We left our slip and pumped out our holding tank and sort of roughly planned to stop in Long Key by the Channel 5 Bridge this evening.

Well, I was hoping to take the quick way from the marina and take the main channel through the port of Miami. As they say the easy way is always mined. Well, this morning there were 6 cruise ships docked along the port any more than 2 makes it a security risk and the channel is closed. As we were turned back by the Miami PD the railroad bridge behind us that is usually open closed. So there we were stuck in the channel with no where to go while a train crossed over our route of egress.

Once the train cleared we motored out the alternate channel and made it to the ocean where the wind had started clocking round to the north and we were on our way.

The other disconcerting thing about the forecast was the possibility of big surf when we  tried to negotiate the Channel 5 bridge. But it now looks like we will be ok.

We managed to sail to an anchorage by Key Largo where we  dropped the hook in winds just shy of 30kts and had a nice quiet dinner although the winds are howling around us. There are actually several other boats anchored here. Tomorrow the temps are supposed to get chilly so we may need some heat in the morning. But right now the wind turbine is keeping the batteries topped off. So no need to burn fossil fuel tonight.

Thanks to all who commented or liked Linda's pix last night. We enjoyed the game and it was a fun thing to do on our last night in Miami.

Tomorrow on to Marathon and then we start to undo the boat and begin several additional projects.  

In the Heart of Miami

Our plans to stay at Dinner Key after leaving our Biscayne Bay anchorage were foiled as all the marinas there were full. So we found a slip in the heart of Miami at Miamarina. We're in the midst of a large shopping complex with lots of restaurants and bars. There is a concert stage where music begins about 8pm every night and doesn't quit till about the time I used to get up for work. It's a pretty cool area to stay in for a few nights. We've met several interesting fellow boaters. The architecture is very colorful and modern, just the way I like it! 

          Here's Amekaya in her slip with the very urban background of downtown Miami.

We're only about 6 miles from famed South Beach so we got out our bikes and went for a ride. The Art Deco area was intriguing and beautiful. We enjoyed our lunch at the Yard House. The streets and beaches were jam packed with people on this gorgeous sunny day with temps reaching the low 80s. Feels great!

Above Maris taking a rest in a park with Art Deco buildings in the background. Below is a shot of the white sand beach.

I hear a Beatle Band playing on the concert stage. Time to grab a drink and enjoy the breeze.

We made it to the end of the Intracoastal

We pulled out of Port Canaveral Sunday morning after making numerous adjustments to get ready for an offshore sail. So we left a bit later than desired but given the distance it didn't seem to make much difference and in the end it really didn't.

We motored out the channel past several cruise ships including Disney Magic and Emperor of the Seas that passed us overnight as they headed off to their destinations with their customers on holiday. Also saw some views of the launch facilities at Cape Canaveral.

Forecasts had us all set for a great sail down to Miami. We were anxous to see how our new/old prop performed under sail. Once we got out of all the traffic in the channel we set sails and took off at about 8 kts. But, then the wind shifted behind us and died. At times we saw 2 kts dead behind us. For the rest of the trip the wind stayed dead behind us in the low single digits. Occasionally it got up to about 10 but not for long so not far from the channel exit we were forced to go to power for the rest of the trip.

But it was a great trip. The Florida Coast runs generally southeast until just about Palm Beach and then goes due south to southwest. We set our first way point which was about 100 miles that was just off Palm Beach. We made it there about 1 AM. Then we set the next point just off of the Government Cut in Miami that was only about 50 miles.

The sun went down around Ft Pierce and came up as we were passing Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale.

The weather was gorgeous and reminded me of why we came this way. Sailing overnight offshore is truly inspiring. I can sleep when needed but find the trip so exciting I don't want to miss any of it. The stars in their glory illuminate the heavens.Since we weren't that far offshore this time we could see the lights on shore and the sheen of south Florida was visible for miles. We also had plenty of company from other ships including the cruise ships, several barges and as we passed Port Everglades and close to Miami several cargo ships and pilot boats.

We made it from our slip in Port Canaveral to Miami in less than 24 hours. We picked our way through Government Cut which is the main channel into Miami Harbor past dredges, working boats, ferries and the ships at docks to Biscayne Bay where we stopped for fuel and decided to anchor for the night. We had hoped to get a slip but the local marinas are full so we decided to enjoy the beauty and anchor out near the Hurricane Hole in Key Biscayne. It has been great! We were welcomed by the locals on jet skis and go fasts making wake to be sure we didn't miss the open sea. We warmed up the boat and took showers after which Linda made a great pasta dinner. We are now sitting in the cockpit finishing off a great bottle of wine and enjoying the Miami skyline and the beauty of Biscayne Bay.

The view from our back porch.

Traveling down here last night made me realize how difficult it really was getting here. As we got closer to Miami we needed to get close to shore because the Gulf Stream is less than 3 miles from shore at points and all the southbound traffic crams into the small amount of open water available. But then the easy way is always mined. Close in to shore the many local authorities have built artificial reefs to attract divers. At those reefs they have installed mooring balls for the dive boats to tie up to. So now, not only do we have to contend with current and other traffic we have to dodge the mooring balls. which we did by going around the reefs that were marked on the charts. Once daylight arrived it all became easier.

We have made arrangements for a slip downtown beginning tomorrow night that is right in the heart of the entertainment district so we plan to go out and enjoy what there is. Also will need to wash the boat and do some maintenance. Always work to do.

Our 380 is also scheduled to leave her old slip tomorrow for Deltaville.We will miss her and wish the new owners fair winds.

We are sitting at mile 1095 at the end of the Atlantic  Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) having crossed mile 1 in Norfolk. Our journey began in Oxford, MD with temps in the 30's and brought us here over 1200 miles later with temps in the 70's.

After our brief sojourn here and visit with some of Linda's family it will be on to Marathon Key for a scheduled hiatus, work on the boat and rendezvous with friends before moving on.

They say that home is where your heart is and mine is wherever our boat and my honey is. It will be nice after the past year's efforts to finally kick back in Marathon and drink rum everyday. Matter of fact, I think it's time for one right now.

We finally broke the gravitational pull

of Daytona Beach and we are now in Port Canaveral waiting to depart for Miami in the morning.

We had a great 80 mile trip down the ICW today. The new/old prop we put on handled well. There was absolutely no vibration in the shaft and the stuffing box was totally cool the entire trip. The engine sat on its mounts as if it wasn't even running. What a contrast to yesterday's beginning with the vibrations and rocking engine. This experience pretty much confirms what we thought that the bulk of the problem was the oversized prop the previous owner installed and an accumulation of damage it inflicted that culminated in the failure on the way to Daytona Beach. So at our convenience we will sell the prop and buy a new smaller folding prop that is better suited to our boat.

The trip started out cold but during the day warmed up nicely and I'm now sitting in the cockpit as I write this.

Along the way we saw schools of dolphins nearly everywhere. Several played in our wake and at one point we had 2 that followed us for a few miles jumping our wake and swimming under our boat from side to side. I think Linda got some pix and will share them.

                                                     Dolphins playing in our wake

                                                               New Smyrna Beach

We came down the ICW with only a few slowdowns at bridges and then turned into the Canaveral Barge Canal to cross Merritt Island and the Banana River. Coming from the Banana River is a lock designed more for barges than smaller craft. But, we got in and tied up while the water level rose. In fact when they opened the gate to flood the lock several dolphins came in and played.

In the morning we depart for Miami by heading out the channel and travel straight down the coast offshore. Weather so far looks promising for sailing and it will be our first opportunity to experience sailing with the new/old fixed prop. If all goes well we should be able to make Miami by Monday afternoon and then spend a few days there before pushing on to Marathon next weekend.

Hopefully, next post from Miami,

Yes we're still here

I was reminded today that it has been a while since I posted but it's not for lack of action. Last night I was all set to write that we were prepared to leave Daytona Beach with all the repairs completed but I fell asleep at my keyboard before I could write what would have been premature.

This morning just after o dark 30 we left the dock and headed down the ICW was the morning chill was giving way to just overcast and cool as I watched carefully to ensure things were working well. On the second trip down below I noticed that the charge going in the batteries did not reflect the engine input. So after some puttering around we decided to head back to the yard to get it checked out rather than go to another yard down the road to get it done.

To catch up we had to wait for parts due to the holiday and in the interim we got an offer on our old boat and on New Year's Day reached agreement to sell it. So last week we traveled back to the land of ice and snow to prepare the boat for and do the survey. As a result the sale of our 380 closed today.

They say the 2 happiest days in a boat owner's life are the days he sells and buys his boat. But, selling our 380 became personal as we really loved that boat and at least once a day we lament that we wish we had kept that boat instead of buying this one. But I digress.

While we were up north the yard here called and said they discovered that 3 of the motor mounts had sheared off so they had ordered them from the distributor and expected them probably Tuesday.

So Thursday (yesterday) we got the motor mounts replaced, new shaft installed and launched. We did a short sea trial and declared victory. All was repaired. I paid the bill and we were ready to go.

So we got up this morning and shoved off later than I wanted but were making great time as the tide was with us. After about an hour we were concerned that the vibration was still excessive but we continued. On my next trip to check I found the alternator was not charging the battery. Figuring that perhaps in the work a wire got disconnected we thought it best to return to the yard for review. Called them and discussed the alternator issue and our idea to reinstall the OEM prop.

Upon arrival they began looking at the alternator but couldn't find the cause of the issue and pulled it to take it to an electrical shop. They then hauled us to replace the prop. We got all the work done in about 2 hours and relaunched. By this time it was after 1330 and it would have been impossible to make the first reasonable anchorage. After the Daytona area the next anchorages are about 50 miles south.

So we're back here again for the night and plan to leave early early so we can make it to an anchorage near Port Canaveral tomorrow where there is a key lime pie festival. We will probably miss it but my daughter and her family were planning to come so we hope to make it there and have dinner with them. If all goes well we will go offshore Sunday straight to Miami. Should make it late Monday.

So next stop Port Canaveral, then Miami and then Marathon Key around the 25th where we plan to hang out for a month.

Our trip so far has consisted of long quick passages with long sojourns in locations. Now that our old boat has sold we have one less thing to be concerned about or to drag us back to cold country.

Tomorrow the sun will be out, it will be 70 and we will be on the water. We've found some very good restaurants in places we've visited. After we secured the boat we had lunch at a very good place called the Dancing Avocado. I had a vegetable stuffed chili relleno and Linda had a vegetable burrito. Nice to find alternative food choices.

So tomorrow is a moment of truth. Do we make it to Port Canaveral? Film at 11.