Log 104; Day 289; March 6, 2009; Marathon, FL.

Hard to believe but Deb only has one picture to post this morning. This spot is where we ate lunch, and dinner on Wednesday. When hurricane Wilma came through here in 2005, the only thing left of this place was the roof. Everything else was under water...and they have about 50 pictures that captures the whole event.

Log 104
Day 289
Friday, March 06, 2009

6:00 AM EST
Location: Sombrero Resort and Marina, Marathon, FL.
Weather: 68 with East winds about 15 mph...the forecast is for 77 today

The winds are starting to lie down a little now. Everyone is complaining down here that this is such a tough winter. I just look at them and smile. It only got down to 68 last night, and will be in the upper 70’s for the next 10 days. Yea...tough winter.

We took the car back to Enterprise...after having it a week. You don’t understand what it’s like without a car...until you don’t have one. And when you get one, you want to run out and do a bunch of stuff in it. But after a couple of days with one, you realize you don’t need it anymore (at least for a while). When I am planning the marinas we will be stopping in I always look for 3 things. Close to a grocery store; close to laundry facilities; close to West Marine. If we can find all three...we in. But I will say, although it can be a hassle, using the bikes to run errands, can be fun and a challenge. Many people plan their day around taking a bike ride to get supplies. Life on a boat is just different. Good different.

We continue to really enjoy Marathon. It has everything you need. Warm weather. Good marinas. Lots of places to dinghy. Good lunch spots...that can be reached by the dinghy. Easy to get supplies. And...good fishing. At this point we plan to be here for at least another week. About now, I start to look at the 10 day forecast and formulate a plan for our departure and the next stop. As we speak, the weather looks good, with winds out of the east at about 10 mph, for the next several days. The only issue I see is on the 15th (which is when our month at Marathon runs out) the winds are forecasted to switch to the NNW, and I’m not sure if that means another cold front, or not. For us a cold front does not necessarily mean colder temperature...it means stronger winds out of the North, which is not good for cruising. We have had those strong winds for several days now, and there are many boats in the harbor waiting for the front to pass, so they can leave. It looks like this will happen late Sunday or Monday...then the winds look great for almost a week...just when we would plan to leave. If there is another cold front coming through...we will wait until it passes to head North.

The last couple of days has been about boat chores. I changed the oil in the transmissions; cleaned all the water strainers; washed the boat; and put 2 coats of wax on the hardtop (a job I hate...but it looks soooo good now). Deb helped me with washing the boat, and did a thorough job of inside cleaning. Last week I waxed the top sides of the boat, and the stern. We are looking good. I still have some engine room chores to complete before we head north (installing new air filters I had sent to me) and a few minor things...but we are almost set. Also...on Wednesday evening, we had dinner with Tim and Jan, on Full Circle. We first met them at Joe Wheeler State Park in Tennessee, at the Looper get together. They are a retired couple from Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and on the loop...without a destination, or an end date. Great couple...great time. We plan to get together again before we leave Marathon.

This weekend Deb and I plan to relax a little (I’m not sure if I mentioned that we have a 4 day work week...which starts on Monday and ends on Thursday...and our weekend begins late Thursday afternoon). For me, that means lots of dinghy rides, and some fishing. For Deb, it’s dinghy rides and lots of reading, while I’m out fishing. She told me yesterday she is really happy when I go fishing...because she can enjoy a good book, without feeling guilty she should be doing something. There is a very nice beach on the Atlantic side, that we can dinghy to, that Deb has said I could drop her off, and go fishing, and pick her up when I’m done. Sounds like a plan. As they say here...another day in Paradise.

Well it’s time to get the day started. As I have been writing this, I have been listening to the VHF radio, and the traffic leaving the harbor. The boot key bridge tender doesn’t start until 7, so normally the traffic is ready to head out when he starts. This morning is no different. About 7 sail boats have already left the harbor. Three of them heading up the Atlantic, one as far north as Boston. The other 4 are heading up the Gulf, towards Fort Myers. Interestingly enough...they did not know one another, but via the VHF they found out they are all heading for the same anchorage spot (on the Little Shark River) so they decided to sail together. It’s cool...it happens like that more than you think.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

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

Log 102; Day 279; Feb. 24, 2009; Marathon, FL.

While we were cleaning the boat yesterday, this manatee came to drink the fresh water

She hung around the boat for a long time

This is the outside of Frosty's at Marathon Marina

This is the dockway at Sombrero Marina and Dockside lounge...about 5 minutes from our boat

At Sombrero Marina, this is one of the floating houses that they have in their slips

Again this is Sombrero Marina, and how some of the permanent slip holders have fixed up the dock.

This is the inside of Dockside Lounge at the pig roast and some of the new friends we made that day...all boaters from different parts of the US.

Log 102
Day 279
Tuesday, February 24, 2009

6:30 AM EST
Location: Sombrero Resort and Marina, Marathon, FL.
Weather: 64 with NE winds about 15 mph...the forecast is for 74 and and a little windy today.

Sunday...my plan was to go out to the 7 mile bridge and go fishing...and that’s exactly what I did. The forecast called for light NE winds and that made it possible for me to go out (in the dinghy) further than I would normally go. On the way out of the harbor, I stopped at Burdines to get 2 dozen live shrimp, and everything was going great, until I realized I forgot my life jacket. I was not worried about needing it to survive (maybe I should have been?) but I was worried about being pulled over and having to pay a fine. I made a decision I was too far out to turn around and go 30 minutes back to the boat to get the life jacket, and it turned out to not be a problem, but without the jacket, I decided not to go all the way to where they say the big fish run through. What I did was look at my chart plotter for a spot I thought the fish would gather to feed. It turned out to be a good decision because as soon as I dropped anchor, and put my lines in the water I started catching fish. Nothing huge...but lots of fun. Things were so active, that I had to only fish with one pole, because I could not keep up fishing with 2. Great problem to have, but then all of a sudden they stopped biting. It was like someone flipped a switch. What I figured out was that the tide has stopped flowing (it was flowing from the Atlantic side of the bridge to the Gulf side) and the fish must have stopped feeding. I moved the boat, and tried a couple other spots...no luck. Finally it seemed like the tide was changing, and it was flowing back from the Gulf to the Atlantic, so I moved the boat to the Gulf side of the bridge and dropped an anchor so that the boat would drift almost under the bridge. I put out one pole, and just got the other one in the water, when something hit the line and took off like crazy. It was so strong, I thought I had a shark (it turned out to be a big Jack Cravelle). I kept increasing the drag on the pole, until I had it cranked all the way, and the fish still could take out the line when he wanted to. Finally after about 15 minutes of hard work I got the fish to the boat, but it would not fit in my net (my net was too small), so more chaos, and then I decided to just get the head in, and lay the fish on side of the boat, so I could see about getting the hook out and releasing it...which is exactly what I did. I was exhausted...but laughing out loud. During the time I was fighting the fish, 3 different couples (who were walking by) had stopped on the bridge to watch me, and when I finally got it in the boat, they all gave me a round of applause. Funny. All in all...I caught about 12 fish, and had a great morning.

Back at the boat, Deb and I decided to walk down to Dockside Lounge. They have a pig roast the last Sunday of each month, and they say it’s a big deal. We didn’t try the pork, but it was very crowded, and we met some great people, who (like us) were cruising on their boats. Again...they come from everywhere imaginable...and all have a different story of where they came from...and where they are headed. This area is like a migration point for lots of boats...especially sail boats. People come from all over the world to this harbor, and many of them have done it for years. There is a draw bridge that must open (if you are over 25 feet high) to get in the harbor, and the bridge master always asks the boats where their home port is...or where they are headed...depending on if they are entering or leaving the harbor. I monitor this channel most of the day (especially in the morning) and it is amazing to hear where some of these boats are from (one came in from Germany yesterday) and where they are going (a group got together yesterday to plan their trip to Honduras). Very cool. Back at the boat, I spent the rest of the evening watching the NASCAR race from California (that was our/my movie) and for dinner we had steak on the grill.

Monday...with the weekend over it was back to work, so Deb and I cleaned the outside of the boat. It has been a while since I got up on top of the hard top and did a thorough job of cleaning, so I did that, and then kept on working my way down the boat. It was a nice day, and felt good to be cleaning the boat (check out the picture of the manatee who was all around the boat while we were cleaning it). Before we leave Marathon I have several things on my boat to do list...one of them is waxing the hard top again. Not my favorite thing to do...but certainly necessary to keep the boat in tip top shape. In the afternoon I worked on a couple of little projects, while Deb rode here bike to the store. When she came back I was reading a book (something I have not done, in the afternoon, since we got on the boat) and I actually think she was worried about me, because she kept trying to think of something we could do. So we dropped the dinghy in the water and took a late afternoon cruise...ending up stopping at Dockside lounge for a happy hour margarita. Back at the boat, we had chicken enchiladas for dinner, and no movie. Both of us just read for a while, before calling it a day.

Today...a few more boat chores...I think I will wax the bonnet on the boat, and Deb mentioned doing some laundry today. Our friends, Jerry and Lynn on Sea La Vie, (who we were parked next to in Key West) will be coming to the marina today, and parking next to us for a couple of days, so that will be great to see them again. On Thursday, Deb and I will be renting a car and driving to 250 miles to Cape Coral, to spend a few days with Les and Annie, and Darrell and Donna. It will be a lot of fun to spend time with them, and also have the use of a car for a few days.

I may not do a log until we get back next week, but I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

Log 101; Day 277; Feb. 22, 2009; Marathon, FL.

This is Dockside Lounge...just down from where our boat is parked

Here is a shot from insie of Dockside Lounge...great spot, but not much personality for a place like this.

This is Frosty's...where we had lunch on Saturday. The view behind us is looking due west. The 7 mile bridge is just to the right and behind the island you see.

BK heading out to fish

This is the 7 mile bridge where I'm heading out to fish this morning.

Log 101
Day 277
Sunday, February 22, 2009

7:30 AM EST
Location: Sombrero Resort and Marina, Marathon, FL.
Weather: 66 with light NE winds...heading for 76 today.

Here’s what’s been happening the last few days.

Thursday...another beautiful day. Light winds and bright sun. Because it was so nice I decided to jump on the bike and ride to West Marine...which I assumed to be a 2 to 3 mile ride. Turns out I was right, but the ride did not seem so bad. It was one of the worst kept West Marines I have seen. Just the opposite of Key West’s store, which was immaculate. I have been looking at the cost of batteries for the boat. Since the boat was new I have only replaced the 2 house batteries, and I have been going back and forth on whether to replace the other ones (5 more), so we don’t have a problem. On one hand, there is no better time to do it, then when I have the time, and we are in a place where they are readily accessible. On the other...they are expensive, and at this point everything is running great, so why replace them? So far I have done a lot of thinking, and looking, but no buying.

After a long ride, and then back at the boat, Deb and I decided to walk down to the marina just south of us (Sombrero Marina) and try to have lunch again at Dockside. You may remember we tried to do this, on the dinghy, a few days ago, but ended up walking out. Well this time I said we would eat what ever they have, and then give it a rating. Turns out it was great. Deb had fish fingers...I had a hot dog with fries...excellent. As much as we love dockside type restaurants...this one still has not sold us. It really has no atmosphere. Deb said “it’s like eating in a tent”...and she’s right.

Back at the boat, I jumped on the bike and headed to home depot to get something for a project I was working on, and Deb jumped on her bike to do some exploring. On the way back from home depot, I stopped in where they were working on the dinghy, to see how things were going. The mechanic was just getting ready to fire up the engine and set the carburetors (it has 3 of them). He attached a vacuum gauge to each one, to set them exactly perfect, and it ran great. It turned out that I had two issues. First of all there was a lot of dirt in the carburetors, so he cleaned them, and secondly they were not adjusted just right. So after 4 hours of labor (at $110 each) it now runs just fine again. So, I took my folding bike and put in the front of the dinghy, they put it in the water, and I headed back to the boat. While doing so I called Deb to see if she wanted to take a dinghy ride to test it out...I knew she would...so we took a couple hour ride, and ended up finding a great margarita and pina colata at Frosty’s at Marathon Marina...we’ll be back there. Back at the boat Deb made a great salad for dinner, and we watch 2 episodes of American Idol for the movie. Another great day.

Friday...bright and sunny, but windy. In the morning Deb read for a while and then cleaned the inside of the boat. I took the dinghy and went out to Burdines and got 2 dozen live shrimp, and a shrimp bucket (to keep them alive) and went back in sister creek to go fishing. I left about 8:30, so I told Deb I’d be back for lunch, but I was enjoying myself so much I didn’t make it back to the boat until almost 1, and if I had packed a lunch I certainly would have stayed longer. Using the live shrimp the fishing certainly was better. Way back in the coves I was getting a lot of bites, but could not hook up on anything. I was watching several big fish sort of “roll over” on the surface, so I knew the big ones were there. But after an hour or so of small bites I went further out of the cove and set the anchor to try again. This time I put a shrimp on one line, and put a jig on another and started casting across the water. 2nd cast I had a huge hit, and it took at least 5 minutes (seemed like 20) to bring in a big fish (I think it was a Jack Cravelle). It was a great fighter, and I was laughing the entire time. I also caught a couple of snapper on the live shrimp. Very cool. In the afternoon, Deb took the bike to the store (she loves that she can load up the basket) and I worked on a project to install new water filters, and a better “set up” for arranging the filters on the dock. Dinner was egg rolls and fried rice...the movie was a recorded episode of Lie to Me, and Trust Me.

Saturday...the days are getting longer...sunrise is now 6:54 and sunset is almost 7. Deb and I decided to take a dinghy ride and find some lunch, but before that I went fishing for an hour...caught a couple of snapper. It was a little windy, but the dingy ride was dry, and we headed all the way out of Boot Key to Frosty’s, which is located at Marathon Marina. The menu says “the best cheeseburgers in the Key’s”...not as far as we were concerned. Good flavor, but way over cooked. Maybe the chef was having a bad day? After lunch, we kept going west out of the harbor towards the 7 mile bridge. I wanted to see what a wind like we were having would do to the waves, so I would have a reference for fishing. It was great going out...but coming back we had to go very slow to keep from getting wet. I’ll keep that in mind when I head out next time. From the entrance of the harbor to our boat is about a 30 minute dinghy ride...and we enjoyed every minute of it...getting back about 2 pm. Deb had planned to do some laundry, but saw her book sitting there (she’s reading Chesapeake) and decided that would be a better way to spend the afternoon. I watched some of the NASCAR racing from California, and did a lot of nothing. For dinner we had beef spare ribs that Deb had been cooking in the crock pot all day (awesome) and we actually watched a real movie. It was Bee Season with Richard Gere...Deb found the DVD in the bargain bin for $4...if you haven’t seen it...you’re better off.

Today...Sunday...after I finish this log, and have some breakfast, I’m heading out to the 7 mile bridge (about a 40 minute run in the dinghy) and try to catch some fish. They say that is were the big fish are...as they wait for the tides to come through from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean...and back. We’ll see.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

Log 100; Day 274; Feb. 19, 2009; Marathon, FL.

Here is our boat in the slip at Sombrero Resort

About 1/4 mile from our slip is the Boot Key Harbor where over 200 boats are on moring balls
This is the city marina...where all those boats at the mooring field park their dinghys
A shot from the inside of Berdines...another cheeseburger test

A look from the deck of Burdines looking toward the Atlantic

An outside look at Berdines

Right around the corner from our marina is Sister Creek. This is one of the front lawns of the houses on Sister creek.

Log 100
Day 274
Thursday, February 19, 2009

5:30 AM EST
Location: Sombrero Resort and Marina, Marathon, FL.
Weather: 67 with light winds...forecasted to be 78 and sunny today

I was watching the weather channel this morning, and they were having a live broadcast from Holland, MI (are old home) talking about the 20 to 30 mph winds and lake effect snow. It’s amazing how quickly you forget what it’s like in the north, when things are so mild down here in the Keys. In northern Florida, they are having strong storms and tornados...here in Marathon, things are mild with 67 degrees at 5 am, and light winds. It is headed for a high of 78 today.

Here’s what has been happening the last couple of days.

Tuesday...it turned out to be a beautiful morning, so I jumped on the bike and headed down the cove to Sombrero Marina (different from our marina...Sombrero Resort and Marina???) to check out the boats and see what was going on. While doing so I did see a couple of boats we had met a few months back at Joe Wheeler marina. While talking to them they said there were 34 boats in the area on the loop. At about 11, Deb and I headed out in the dinghy to do some exploring. Our first stop was at the Dockside Bar (at Sombrero Marina) to have some lunch. We’re not sure if there was a problem or not, but there was only 1 other couple in the restaurant and they were complaining about not having french fries. We sat at our table for a few minutes without any service, and finally got up and left. We jumped back in the dinghy and headed out of the harbor, and ended up at Berdines, a local landmark for years. They were very busy, and we split a great cheeseburger. After lunch we went further out of the harbor to Marathon Marina...the first marina as you enter the harbor. We also found a dinghy dock where you can tie up and take a 1 minute walk to a West Marine. As we were doing all of this the wind continued to pick up so we headed back in the harbor and then found Sister Creek...a fairly wide and deep creek off the harbor that winds around between mangrove trees. I kept telling Debbie there must be some fish in here, and I was surprised not to see any fisherman, and then we came around the bend and saw two boats fishing. I stopped and talked to both of them, to see what they were fishing for, and what bait they were using. One was using a simple jig, and the other was using live shrimp. Both said they were biting, but would not hook up. (I plan to go back and see for myself). We kept exploring this creek, and found it went in many directions that had canals with large yachts parked in front of huge homes, and it also went out into the Atlantic. We will definitely see more of Sister Creek. Back at the boat we did some chores; had some great chicken for dinner; and our movie was recorded episodes of 24 and The Closer.

Wednesday...another beautiful morning. A little windy, but sunny, and temperatures heading to the mid 70’s. I have been thinking about replacing some of the batteries on the boat, so I goggled the closest NAPA store (about 1.2 miles away) and decided to ride the bike there to check out the batteries. After riding about 3 miles, I finally stopped and asked someone if they knew where the NAPA store was...and they said about 2 miles further down the road (so much for trusting Google). At that point I turned around and headed back to the boat. Oh well...I got my morning exercise. The other thing on the list for the morning was a pump out of our holding tanks. Kyle (the dock master) told us he pumps out all holding tanks (at your slip) on Wednesday...so that makes it very nice. Deb was planning on taking the bike and heading to the store. She’s all excited, because we put a basket on the back of her bike, and now she can carry more groceries. It turned out to work great, and we were both surprised how much she could carry. While she was gone, I packed up the dinghy and went fishing. I checked out the places I saw on Tuesday...but no luck. Not even a nibble. At 3, I took the dinghy to the local Mercury engine repair shop just across the channel to have them try to figure out why the motor will not run at slow speeds. The problem started in Key West, and has not got any better. The mechanic tells me there is something in the carburetor...I left the dinghy with them and walked a little over a mile back to the boat. For dinner Deb made some great pork chops, and our movie was an episode of Leverage. A great day.

Today...I think I am going to get on the bike this morning and ride a couple miles to Marathon Marine...a local place that specializes in marine repair. My plan is to see what they have for batteries, and also check out the West Marine store which is just next door. I also will stop and check on the dingy to see how that’s coming. Other than that, no real plans. There is almost no wind, so it will be a good day to head out for a long dinghy ride. The next few days are forecasted to be very windy, so we should take advantage of the day.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

Log 99; day 272; Feb. 17, 2009; Marathon, FL

This is how foggy it was when we got out in the Key West channel

Here is our view as we enter the Marathon channel

In order to bow in to our slip (so we could get the dinghy off) I had to rig up a ladder to get on and off the boat. Not pretty...but it works just fine

That's me in the dingy in the channel just behind our boat

This is our slip in Sombrero Resort and Marina

This is the view when we were "stern in"

This is our view now...much better

Log 99
Day 272
Tuesday, February 17, 2009

6:30 AM EST
Location: Sombrero Resort and Marina, Marathon, FL.
Weather: 64 and a little windy...forecasted to be 72 and sunny today

Just barely light out this morning in Marathon. I’m sitting on the back deck, and I need to have the lights on to see the key board of the computer. Looking out the front of the boat I can see the palm trees blowing pretty good, and the winds have switched over night, and are now coming out of the North Northeast. But I can also see the eastern sky is crystal clear, so when the sun comes up it should be beautiful.

We had a nice run from Key West to Marathon. It was very foggy in the Key West harbor, so we took our time getting going. Before leaving, we had to put the dinghy back on the boat (we could not have it on during our stay in Key West due to the docking situation) and also take on some fuel. So after putting in 200 gallons ($2.24 @ gallon) and securing the dinghy we headed out at 9:30 with bright and sunny skies. But, the sun did not last long...by the time we were in the ship channel just at the edge of the Key West harbor, it was very foggy, with probably less than 1/4 mile visibility. No problem though, we have great radar and chart plotter, so it was just a matter of watching the instruments closely.

It’s about 50 miles East Northeast, from Key West to Marathon (most of us think that the keys run north and south, but they really run east and west...especially the lower keys) and we were in and out of fog most of the trip. At one point it would be bright and sunny, and 2 miles later it was very foggy. There was also a small swell out of the NE, so much of the way we went about 18 mph, to avoid the side to side rocking the swells would cause. We ran about 1 to 2 miles off shore in what they call Hawks Channel, which runs inside a reef from Key West almost all the way to Miami. We reached the mouth of the Marathon harbor about 1 pm, and after weaving our way through the channel, we arrived at Sombrero at about 1:30.

Once getting to our slip we hurried as fast as possible to get tied up, and hooked up to electricity, so I could start recording the Daytona 500. While I did take some time to clean the salt off the back of the boat, I did not do a good job, because I was anxious to start watching the race.

Monday...Sombrero Resort and Marina is not the nicest resort you have ever been to...but also not bad. The location is just about as far back in the Harbor as you can go, and on a fairly narrow mangrove channel. The bad news is we, again, have a slip that is designed for us to dock “stern in” and that’s an issue getting the dinghy on and off. Because we were in a hurry to dock on Sunday, we did stern in, but on Monday we turned the boat around so we had a better view of the water, and we could easily drop the dinghy in the water and head out as often as we wanted. This caused somewhat of an issue getting on and off the boat (you can see in the picture how I rigged a ladder to do this) but we both felt the hassle was worth the benefit of using the dinghy. Also, on Monday, we did a bit of exploring. I took the bike and rode as far (in both directions) as I felt we would normally ride, to see what was within a reasonable distance from the boat. Good news...there is a Boaters World; post office; Publix; Win Dixie; Kmart; liquor store; and a small boat marina that services Mercury engines. Also, there is a dockside bar and restaurant about a 5 minute walk from here. Not Key West...but not bad. Deb also did laundry and I did a more complete job of washing the boat, as well as getting the first layer of crud off the bottom of the dinghy. To do it right, will take a lot more work.

Today...we are talking about more exploring. Maybe by bike and by dinghy. Most of the major boat chores we did yesterday, so we only have some more organizing to do today. The winds are also supposed to pick up later in the week, so it’s a good time to get out and check things out. Inside chores can wait for a bad weather day.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

Log 98; Day 269; Feb. 14, 2009; Last Day in Key West.

Our friends Rome and Teresa have been here for the last 5 days

Relaxing time on the front of the boat.

This is the gang who came in for Annie's (first person on the left) birthday.

Here's Annie on her 60th birthday.

Here's the girls the next day as they rented a golf cart to see the area

On Rome and Teresa's last day we took a long dinghy ride...you can see how foggy it was

This was our destination in the dinghy...Hurrican Hole...great Cheesburger!

Log 98
Day 269
Saturday, February 14, 2009

6:30 AM EST
Location: A&B Marina, Key West, FL
Weather: 67 and foggy...forecasted to be 77 and sunny today

They say it NEVER gets foggy in Key West...but we have had fog the last 2 days. The temperatures are nice, and it’s not foggy all day, but it rolled in and out yesterday, and this morning it’s very foggy.

Each morning as I write the log I have the VHF radio on and listening to boat traffic. This morning I was listening to the Coast Guard talking to a vessel (Lucky Penny) and the radio calls went something like this:
“Motor vessel Lucky Penny...we have a Coast Guard vessel on the way to your location”
Motor vessel Lucky Penny...where do you intend to run your vessel aground”?
Luck Penny responds (in very broken English with a Spanish accent) “we have picked a spot where it is charted to be 1 foot”
“Motor vessel Lucky Penny...you are going very fast, when do you intend to slow your vessel down?”
“We can’t slow down...if we do the boat will fill with water very quickly”
Motor vessel Lucky Penny...we have a pump on board that will pump 250 gallons per minute...do you think that will work”?
“I am not sure we have a large hole in the boat”
“Motor vessel Luck Penny...ok...we will continue following you, and assist as necessary”
That’s the last thing I heard??????

Today is our last full day in Key West. Rome and Teresa will be leaving this morning and heading back to Miami to catch a flight this evening. We’ve had a great time with them aboard...as we always do.

The gang from home also left yesterday...driving back to Cape Coral...where some of them will be until April 1st. It was a lot of fun for all of us to be together. I don’t have the stamina to keep up with them, but watching them is certainly a lot of fun. They are the life of the party wherever they go. I am not exaggerating when I say Deb must have 200 pictures of the last few days with everyone around...I picked a few to give you a feel of our time together.

Today after Rome and Teresa leave we plan to have lunch with our friends Ron and Cindy at Willie T’s. Not sure when we will see them again, so we wanted to get together before we head out. This afternoon we will probably spend most of the time getting the boat ready to leave tomorrow morning. After being here a month, and having folks on board, you tend to use the boat like a house, instead of a boat. This is fine if the boat is not moving, but when it comes time to head out, you need to make sure everything is ship shape, and won’t hurt anything if you hit a big wave or are tossed about in someone’s wake. Deb and I have really enjoyed our time in Key West, but we are looking forward to leaving and going somewhere new. It’s only about 50 miles up to our next stop in Marathon...which is about midway in the keys. The weather for tomorrow looks perfect...light winds and 77 degrees...so it should be a great day for cruising.


I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

Log 97; Day 265; Feb. 10, 2009; Key West

This shot is looking NW from our boat and, although the picture is hard to tell, there is a cold front coming through, and it was like a tall mountain of clouds approaching us. None of us had seen anything like this before.

Another shot of the "wall of clouds" coming at us.

Rome and Teresa having dinner with us at the A&B lobster bar.

Log 97
Day 265
Tuesday, February 10, 2009

6:15AM EST
Location: A&B Marina, Key West, FL
Weather: 65 and light winds...heading for 76 today

We are finally getting back to normal Keys weather again. Today is the last windy day for a while and the temperatures are headed for the upper 70’s or lower 80’s the next few days. The humidity is also back...it’s 80% this morning.

Steve and Claudia left on Friday morning...we had a great time with them on board. I don’t have a lot of stories to tell about their time on board...we just had a great time visiting, and seeing many sights in the area. The only shame of the visit was the fact it was so windy that Steve and I could not go fishing...something we love to do. Oh well...they’ll just have to come back.

Once Steve and Claudia left, Deb and I got busy cleaning the boat, and getting ready for our next guests...Rome and Teresa...long time friends, and at one point neighbors for several years. They flew into Ft. Lauderdale on Sunday and drove to the boat...arriving at about 5:30. Just in time for cocktails. We spent the evening having dinner on the boat and catching up on old times. It was great to see them again, and have them on the boat.

Tuesday...still a little windy...but got to about 72*, so we were not complaining. Rome and I walked to breakfast at Pepe’s, and it turned out to be better than the lunch we had there last week. Rome and Teresa took a long walk in the morning, and found a place to have a bloody mary (not very hard around here...no matter what time it is) and celebrate their vacation in Key West. For lunch we met our friends Ron and Cyndy (I worked with Ron at TLC) and their friends from Cleveland...Mark and Susan. Mark and Susan also boaters, and wanted to see our boat, so after lunch we all walked back to the boat for a tour. In the afternoon Rome, Teresa, Deb, and I decided to jump in the car (what a treat to have wheels for a change) and head to a real grocery store to get some supplies for the week. It is very interesting to compare prices on different things, and see how much cheaper they are just a couple miles away from downtown Key West. If you needed very much it would be worth it to rent a car and go stock up. For dinner we decided to go up to A&B Lobster House for 1/2 price happy hour and enjoy a selection of their appetizers, and we were back at the boat by 7:30. I went to bed about 8:30...not sure when everyone else went to bed...because no one is up yet to give me a report.

Today...a gang of our friends (7) come to Key West. Les and Annie (Deb’s sister and husband); Jennie (their daughter); Darrell and Donna (friends of all of us...and the couple who share a home in Cape Coral, FL with Les and Annie for 2 months each year); and Lyle and Char (another couple from Ottawa who came down to spend time with Darrell and Donna). With all of these folks coming down, I assume the level of activity will pick up considerably. There are discussions of snorkeling; bar hopping; shots of tequila; and lots of other activities. Annie turns 60 tomorrow...so a party is planned. Based on all of this...who knows how long it will be before I am able to write another log?


I’ll keep you posted.

Bob

Shortly after Steve and Claudia arrived we headed out fishing

I keep the dinghy right beside Rick Hendrick's 80' boat...Steve had never seen a fishing boat that big

For some reason Claudia had here name on the door when we arrived at lunch.

Steve and Claudia are on the left in this picture...Ron and Cyndy are on the right. We had a great luch together in a little Mexican joint on Duval. Great friends.


This is Rick Hendrick's boat coming in from fishing yesterday

Rick Hendrick is in the front left in this picture...Dale Earnhart Jr. is in the red hat. I told them I'd take their picture together. The fish they caught are Dolphin...beautiful fish

Log 96
Day 260
Thursday, February 05, 2009

8:30 AM EST
Location: A&B Marina, Key West, FL
Weather: 52 and very windy...there are wind chill factors in the Keys this morning

It got down to 50 last night...with winds all night howling above 20 mph, and 30 mph in many places in the Keys. If we were up north this would be a heat wave, but in the Keys...this is the worst part of winter.

Our friends Steve and Claudia got here on Monday afternoon (the pictures on the log really tell more of the story than I can today). It was a nice day with light winds out of the South, so I wanted to take Steve fishing as soon as he got here, because I knew the winds would pick up and this would probably be our last opportunity. So within 20 minutes of their arrival we were walking down the dock heading for the dinghy, and then headed out to my new fishing spot...about a 25 minute run. The good news was Steve caught several fish very quickly, but the skies were getting dark, and you could see lots of lightning off to the NW. I had to convince Steve to stop fishing, because he was enjoying himself, but finally did, and by the time we got back to the dock it was raining, and very dark. Shortly after, the skies opened up and it poured for most of the evening.

Tuesday was an exploring day of Key West, as the 4 of us walked all around the area. It was cool out (65), and windy, so it was a great time to walk. We ended up at Turtle Krawl for lunch, which is just across the harbor from our boat, and then walked Duval street in the afternoon. I finally had enough of Duval, and Steve and I came back to the boat, while Deb and Claudia walked for another couple of hours. For dinner we went up to A&B for happy hour, and were joined by Jerry and Lynn (across the dock on Sea La Vie). We didn’t spend much money (1/2 price for everything) and had a great time.

Wednesday...we met another couple for lunch today. Ron and Cindy Witzke...friends of ours from Michigan. Ron was VP of Human Resources for TLC...the company I retired from. Ron just retired, and he and Cindy have rented a place in Key West for the next month. The 6 of us had a great lunch and talked a lot about old times. Now that all of us are newly retired we also talked about what the next 12 months was going to be like. For Ron and Cindy...after a month in Key West; a month on the west coast of Florida; a month in South Carolina they head back to Michigan for the summer and then head to Paris...for 6 months. This retirement thing is ok. Also yesterday, the excitement (at least for Steve and I) was seeing Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhart Jr on the dock. I mentioned before that Rick’s boat (Reel Wheels) was here and I kept waiting for some of his drivers to come here to fish. Yesterday was the day, and when they came back in from fishing Steve and I were there to catch their lines and help them tie up the boat. They had no more docked, when out walked Rick and Jr out of the cabin. You can see from the picture we took they caught some fish. We decided not to bother them with any autographs...but it was cool seeing them, none the less.

Today...not sure. Because of the high winds, and cool temperatures we are not sure what we’ll do. I’m in charge of finding a cool spot for lunch, and after that...who knows.

I’ll keep you posted.

Bob