Log 106; Day 294; Mar. 11, 2009; Marathon, FL.

This is the boat key bridge, that now will be permanently open as of today.

We were not sure how much we would use our bikes on this trip, but they certainly have come in handy here in Marathon. When we travel they fold up and go in the engine room.

This is the boat Full Circle I have talked about

This is Jan and Tim...owners of Full Circle. We picked them up yesterday for a margarita and a dingy ride.

Not sure if you can tell...but this is me...trying to get to the air cleaner...wedged between the engine and the fuel tank. I would never make it as a full time mechanic.

Log 106
Day 294
Wednesday, March 11, 2009

6:30 AM EST
Location: Sombrero Resort and Marina, Marathon, FL.
Weather: 70 with light winds out of the East...the forecast is for 80 today with light winds

Monday...Beautiful day, with light winds and about 82 degrees. Deb and I putzed around the boat early in the morning, developing our to do list we wanted to get done before we head North. I also made reservations at 3 marinas, between here, and Ft. Lauderdale. After lunch, I jumped on the bike, and went to Boaters World to get a few things, including new set of “water ears” which I use to flush out the dinghy engine. It seems the ones I had previously did not float, and are located somewhere on the bottom of the harbor, because I dropped them on Sunday. I also picked up some new fishing line for my pole...the new braided line, that is supposed to be the “next big thing”. Deb also jumped on the bike, and went to Publix, and Kmart for supplies, and presents for the grand kids for their birthdays coming up. In the mid-afternoon, things were a little slow, so I decided to go fishing for a while. Nice day, but very slow fishing...only caught 1 little one. For dinner, Deb made some great fish cakes, and the movie was 2 pre-recorded episodes of Trust Me...not the best show.

Tuesday...woke up at 4 am, and finally got up about 4:30. When I first came up to the back deck, the moon was so bright, I thought it was starting to get light out. Beautiful morning. One of the things I have not really mentioned, is that each day, at 9 am, they have what they call a Cruiser’s Net on the VHF radio, channel 68. They have a moderator, and all cruisers in the Marathon waters are welcome to participate, or just listen (which is what I do). They always cover...1)introducing new cruisers who have just arrived the area; 2)say good bye to those leaving the area; 3)comments, questions, or anyone needing help;4) buy, sell, trade, give-a-way; 5)trivia question of the day; and 6)final business. One cool part of this is when something good is happening, you can give applause, (like for a birthday, or someone that did something great) by clicking your mike on your radio, which (when your listening) sounds like a combination of static, and a “clap track” on TV. A little corny...but cool. The net lasts anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, and is very helpful to anyone visiting. I have also mentioned the bridge tender on the Boot Key Harbor Bridge, who is always so happy. He welcomes new arrivals, and to those leaving he normally says...”We’ve really enjoyed having you in our harbor, Captain, and we look forward to your safe and speedy return...fair winds, and following seas”. It is so different from any other bridge I have ever listened to. Well, yesterday, the bridge was officially “opened” for the final time. They no longer plan to use that bridge for traffic, so it will be locked in the open position. On one hand, this is a good thing, because boats over 25 feet won’t have to have the bridge opened, but on the other it is sad, because the bridge tenders warm and friendly voice will not be heard in the harbor anymore. Many, if not most, folks in the harbor keep their radios on (it’s the way they communicate with one another) and you would always hear the bridge tender talk about where someone was from...or headed. It is a cool part of this harbor...and it will certainly be missed. Anyway...during this Cruiser’s Net yesterday, the bridge tender (Wayne) got on the net to announce this was the final opening, but he was so broken up, he could not get the words out. Deb was listening, and started to cry with him. The applause (clicking on the radio) went on...and on. I’m sure you had to be here to appreciate this...and I’m glad we were.

Yesterday’s chores consisted of Deb really cleaning the inside of the boat. I’m not sure if it has ever been this clean. She was wiping down everything...at one point I even saw her wiping down the stapler (I’m serious). Anyway...the inside of the boat looks great. Me? Well I have been putting off installing new air filters on the engines, because I knew the starboard one would be a bear to get at, and I would probably have to crawl between the engine and the fuel take to get at it. I’m sorry to say I was right. It took a long time to wiggle myself back there...and I was seriously concerned about getting out, without hurting myself. After getting back there, I knew I only had one shot at getting this done, so Deb came in the engine room to help me. I’m not sure you can see by the picture how tight the space is, but I’m certainly glad to have this behind me. Late in the afternoon, we called Tim and Jan on Full Circle to see if they wanted to go down for $3 margarita’s at Dockside, and we picked them up in our dingy. Nothing much better than a margarita, and a dinghy ride, on a beautiful day. Dinner was great steaks on the grill, and the movie was a recorded episode of 24. Another great day.

Today...our friends Donnie and Carrie will stop by on their way from Miami to Key West. Perfect weather, so our plan is to take a long dingy ride to show them the harbor, and find a place for lunch on the water. Speaking of plans...I did a fair amount of looking at the weather this morning, and it looks like either Sunday or Monday would be a better day to leave than Friday. The winds will be very light, and make the trip even better. We’ll see how this unfolds.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob