Log 103; Day 287; Mar. 4, 2009; Marathon, FL.

This is the crew in Cape Coral. Les and Annie (Deb's sister and Brother in Law); Donna & Darrell (great friends) and Deb and Me. This saloon is not much, but has the best pizza you can imagine.

Here are the girls drinking their Cosmo's at the pool

And the guys...just being guys

This is the home they rented this year

And the back of the home

And the inclosed pool area...not bad?

Back to work...this is how I spent most of the morning yesterday...in the engine room

Log 103
Day 287
Wednesday, March 04, 2009

7:30 AM EST
Location: Sombrero Resort and Marina, Marathon, FL.
Weather: 59 with East winds about 15 mph...the forecast is for 70 and a little windy today.

I’m listening to the VHF radio this morning, and someone is just leaving the Harbor...heading for Hondouras. The captain told the bridge tender, it was a long weeks sail. Talk about an adventure...I dont' even know where it's at?

It’s nice to see it getting lighter earlier now...sunrise is 6:45 am, but not looking forward to “springing ahead” this weekend, and having the sun rise at 7:45. Who came up with that idea? It’s been a little cool for Marathon...average this time of year is 77 during the day, and it’s only been about 70 for the last few days, with strong NNE winds. Starting this weekend it is supposed to get to 80 for a few days.

We left last Thursday for Cape Coral to see Les and Annie (Deb’s sister and brother in law) and our friends Darrell and Donna, who rent a place in Cape Coral for 2 months every year. The 3 couples have spent a lot of vacations together over the years, and always have a great time. This time was no exception. Our normal routine is to just relax in the early morning, and then between 10 and 11 head out in their boat and cruise the area. Normally we are back at their house by 3 or so, and then relax in/by the pool for the afternoon. Almost all evening meals are cooked at the house. We are the kind of friends that really don’t have to be doing anything to have a good time...it’s just fun to be together.

After 4 nights at Cape Coral we left on Monday morning to head back. We had rented a car for a week, and wanted a couple days back at the boat (with the car) to get all those things that are hard to get by bike. Yesterday I went to Napa; West Marine; and Home Depot...all, to get supplies for the boat. I also spent most of the morning, and early afternoon, in the engine room changing the oil in the transmissions (the manual calls for once a year or 1000 hours, whichever comes first). When we spend more than a few days in one harbor it’s great to get any preventive maintainance done, that way it leaves more time for relaxing when you are cruising.

The next couple of days...I’ve got a few more projects to get done before we leave Marathon. Mainly waxing some additional areas, so the boat is fully protected before we head North for the summer. Deb has been working on the boat inventory, and planning a trip to the store, before we have to return the car tomorrow. Right now, our plans call for being in Marathon until the 15th or so, and then off to Key Largo, and Miami, before spending some extended time in Ft. Lauderdale. We may have to change that a day or so on either side, depending on the weather patterns. We’re still in fairly open waters in the Keys, and so winds can make a big difference in when we decide to head out, and without any schedule we just wait for nice days to travel (if possible).

As I mentioned, it’s been windy the last few days, and the forecast calls for the wind to lie down this weekend, so hopefully I can find a day or two to go fishing again out at the 7 mile bridge. I still have a smile on my face from the last time, so I am looking forward to doing that again. Also...Deb and I need a nice day for a long dinghy ride.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob