Solo Cruising

November 19, 2011
Well it was about time we ventured out on our own.  We left Sunset Bay Friday morning and went under the Roosevelt Bridge which had to open for Miss Cameron.  Entered the ICW about a hour later not much to see again a narrow passage with large houses, boat docks on the water and a few fishing boats going by.  It is a quite day but that is fine with us.
We are heading to Old Port Cove where we are going to anchor tonight.  Big area with a few Marinas and a mooring field. We stopped early because we will have a long day Sunday to Lighthouse Point. There was one more Trawler at this anchorage, the Allez. This is a boat that left Charleston about a year and a half ago, and have been traveling around the Keys and Florida this past year. Bob and Helen invited us for dinner on their boat which was a real treat.
November 20, 2011
Pulled up anchor early to start our day going under 14 bridges.  Some we could go under and many we had to wait they only open on the 1/2 or hour.  There was always a line up of boats waiting which was interesting to stay away from each other. We made our way doing fine alot of day boats going by and don't pay any attention to the NO Wake signs and especially when they are trying to make a bridge opening.  We pulled into Lighthouse Point about 3pm at the fuel dock and decided to fill up everyone says the further south the price keeps going up.
Nice marina has everything you would need but we will be at my aunt's for a week.

Had a wonderful Thanksgiving day, and dinner with all the trimmings so nice to be with family I am really missing my Atlanta family.  We will leave here Monday for Marathon and they say it should take us two days with good weather. I will do better with the blog keeping it updated.

It's all about the weather!

Yesterday afternoon I went to the Marina Office to settle up as we were leaving early this morning. Enroute I ran across another Captain and he said I needed to check the latest weather report. Keep in mind the sun was out and it was 84 degrees with no wind at this time. I went back to the boat and turned on the NOAA weather report and heard there was a front heading this way with rain and 20 to 30 mph winds gusting to 40 mph out of the NE. In my mind I said NO WAY!

Jo Ann and I walked to dinner about 7:00 pm and on the way back it started sprinkling. By the time we got to the boat the sprinkles had turned into a down pour. Long story short, it rained all night, the wind picked up and as I write this we are bouncing around.
Needless to say we did not leave as planned but this weather is suppose to get better by tomorrow and we will be departing for Old Port Cove located on Lake Worth to anchor. Then on to Lighthouse Point Marina to see Jo Ann's Aunt and have Thanksgiving Dinner. We will probably be there for a week.  Just to let you know also we are 65 miles to my Aunt's and it will only takes us 2 days cruising.

Just a note about Cruising, we got a call from another couple we know that are MTOA members and they are anchored in Old Port Cove now so we will see them tomorrow night. We will be leaving our friends that we have been following up to now at Sunset Bay Marina. They have been a excellent teachers and have passed on to us cruising information it took them years to gather.
I think the rest of the world could learn a lot if they followed some of the leads from the cruising community.

PS- this is the bus that takes you to Wal-Mart and this is what the water looks like here maybe ice tea?  Happy week-end to everyone.
This posting is from the Captain

Sunset Bay

All is some what normal.  Dennis fixed the dingy motor so hopefully we will have that when we get to Marathon.  Had to call another electrician having a problem with the battery charger which is one of many things old, on the boat.  He did show up which, some times they don't show. He fixed the problem, a new battery charger and changed some fuses which we had changed in St Augustine, who is to know.  You are pretty much at their mercy.

We meet with Larry our cruising friend and he has helped us plan out the rest of our trip to Lighthouse Point then on to Marathon.

They have a bus here at the marina which runs Saturday and Wednesday and drops you at several locations Publix, West Marine, Super Wal-Mart and many more.  I chose Super Wal-Mart and it was one of the largest I have ever seen.  Nice to be able to shop and just walk around by your self.  Mary my cruising friend is teaching me how to play Mah Jongg she said there is a big group of girls that play in Marathon so I guess I will be part of that group.

All else is fine, we finally figured out our TV problem we needed one of those digital converters the government gave anyone who wanted one a few years ago.  Well we have TV now and can check on what is happening in the world. No TV was a problem.

There was a art and crafts show at the marina tonight they do something pretty much everyday.  There is yoga tomorrow morning I know Dennis will be up for that.
This is what we see in the morning off our port side. Sail Boats on mooring, in a fog.

We pulled in Saturday about 1pm we are docked at Sunset Bay marina and have land right out our door.  So nice to step out and walk.  I know it could sound strange to alot of people it has been nice cruising on the ICW but it was great to walk on land.
This is a very nice marina has alot of amenities. There is a water front walkway that takes you right into Stuart.  Cute town there was a farmers market Sunday morning which was nice to see fresh vegetables and fruit you do miss a few luxuries of life.
We are here a few days and then going to Lighthouse Point marina which is right before Ft.Lauderdale. My Aunt Jean and cousin Pam live there and we will have Thanksgiving with them.  It will be nice to be with family I am missing that too. Then on to Marathon.

Sunday we cleaned Miss Cameron, Dennis washed outside and I cleaned inside.  When you are cruising there is not much time to keep things neat.  We sat outside and watch this air show that was going over the marina in honor of Veteran day.  The marina had a potluck dinner it was fun to talk with their boater about their travels they call us newbies.

TGIF

We are anchoed in Faber cove out side of Ft. Pierce very nice alot of condos and boat docks around.  We are having Happy Hour right now it was a long day 69 miles.
We have cruised faster then we planned but thats OK. All still good we are looking for land for a few days. We will be in Stuart, Fl for several days and then to my aunt's for Thanksgiving in Lighthouse Point.
I hope all are doing good I finally saw TV last night what a treat.  Have a GREAT weekend thanks for checking on us.
LOL Miss Cameron

Living the Life after retirment

We anchored in Sheephead cut runs close to Chicken Island and goes out to Mosquito Lagoon(no mosquito's) what names. Passing through this narrow shallow canal with homes and boats the normal American ones. Small fishing boat just went by with a sign selling live bait a good American dream. Have seen people standing up in the water that tells you how shallow the water is in this area.
We have passed Cape Canaveral if you look through the binoculars you can see a launch site.We just saw our first manatee and another pretty cool. This is a big area for flocks of white pelicans this time of the year. Saw some pink birds flying by, we don't have them in Georgia. We are traveling pretty slow but see alot and helps on the fuel.
Coming across the Indian River a Goodyear blimp just when over us.  Pulling into CocoaVillage this afternoon docking early but going to start early.  Bed time comes early haven't seen televison in over week.  What is happening with Dancing with the stars?

One Week ago!

Who would have thought we would still be cruising the ICW. This is where we were docked last night. A private dock in a canal in Palm Coast.  Friends from our MTOA group have docks
behind their beautiful homes.  We were lucky enough to be ask if we would like to dock for the night no charge.  We untied Miss Cameron just like pros.
Passing Flager Beach and going under our first bridge opening.  There is a sailboat in front  the only reason it would open.  This is a big manatee area but haven't seen any as of yet.
Passing Daytona Beach alot of real nice homes and docks behind. Passed Ponce de Leon inlet historic area with a red lighthouse.
We are coming up to New Smyrna Beach going to anchor in this area tonight. We are anchored in this open area in front of some nice condos. 

Heading to Cocoa Fla area Larry said it will be a long day.

Happy Ending in St. Augustine :)

We are some what happy at Camachee Cove Harbor where Boat US towed us into last night. Very nice marina has most of everything many a mechanic that come at 8:00am to find out what went wrong.
For the better part it is not the batteries it is the fuses I am assuming that's better $$ wise. I truly don't what to see that.
We should be back on the water this AM.  Larry and Mary are going to wait for us they have been good friends.
The mechanic is going to show Dennis what batterys go to what and the fuses also hopefully this won't happen again? We are still here I am getting scared $$ wise.
Finally back on the water can't say enough about the people at Camachee marina all so helpful.
Going down the Matanzas River alot of very nice houses and boat docks. The other side of this area is North Atlantic Ocean i don't want to see that. Passing Ormand Beach haven't been there before but could be a nice place to stay.
Going slow watching for eagles there are alot in this area. We are going to Palm Coast area
friends of MTOA live there and have private dock behind there homes.  So that is where we will be docked tonight.

Dennis is doing a great job of driving and docking every where.  Still no one over board yet Oh, I did loss a bouey but it floated back it us.

Friends with Boat US!

We left Fernandina on the beginning of a the sun coming out. Passing Amelia Island  and turned very foggy.  Larry has just told us is one engine is having a problem so he will be going slower then usual. We haven't seen any wildlife, finally saw dolpins and a few birds.
We are passing Fort George  would be a nice area to stay for a few days. We just saw several eagles and this huge nest looks like two eagles in there.  We are Sister Creek going into the St. Johns River would also be a nice place to visit also. 
Oh, we are having to pull into Palm Cove Marina Larry's engine is getting worse.  Going to have a mechanic check it.  Seemed to be something minor.
Back on the water going by these HUGH homes with HUGH boats this is a very quite slow ride through Tolomato River.
We are going to anchor in Pine Island looks like a  popular area several boats are already anchored here.

Will for friends with Boat US  when we went to anchor and lights went out not sure right now what happened but we have NO power on anything.  Having to talking to Larry on our cell right now no one
here can figure it out.  OK find Boat US number they will be out in about 45 minutes to tow us to the closest marina St. Augustine.  I will hope for a happy ending.

Mud River and more Sounds

Pulling up anchor and heading to more Sounds which are where the rivers meet the ocean. I just found out. Heading to Fernandina marina to dock for the night.

We are heading for Mud River which again they say is a very narrow pass. We will follow as close to Larry as possible to not stir up mud again.

The morning has started out nice and sun is out? Going past St Simons,Brunswick,Jekyll Island and Cumberland River which takes us out to Cumberland Sound. Middle of St Simons Sound are several large sailboats they have the right of way. Very nice cruise through Jekyll Creek. Now for St. Andrews Sound closest to the ocean.  Larry just said tie everything down that you don't want on the floor.  Oh. yes everything was on the floor.

We were ROLLING and ROCKING waves 8-10 over the bow.  Where do I get off.

We finally pulled into Fernandina Marina for the night and maybe next day.  The weather has turned cold and more windy.  Good day for doing laundry and staying warm. 
PS- I saw several horses on Cumberland Island

Hells Gate and to many Sounds!

Docked at Isle of Hope Marina for the night. Would have like to tour the little town. We finally meet Larry and Mary face to face. We were all pretty tried and just ordered a pizza and talked about our trip on the ICW.
The day started out cool and windy and stayed that way all day.  We are hitting white caps and waves coming over the bow.  Water is chopper then I care for. Coming up is Hells Gate water is very
shallow in this area. Oh, yes this is Hells Gate and we are stiring up the mud but we got through.
Still windy and more waves this area is Bear River that should tell you something. Good thing I don't get sea sick this would have been the time.

We are crossing alot of Sounds not sure what they are but alot of the, Sapelo, St. Catherines big open water.
Anchoring tonight in New Tea Kettle Creek very open area and lots of wind and waves not our
favorite.

Bulls River

Departed Bristol Marina slip 19A 8:08am fueled up at Ashley Marina. We are meeting up with Zeshuck/
Mary and Larry members of MTOA.  They are going south ICW also. We are going to follow them pretty much all the way south they have cruised the ICW several times.
Our friends Bob and Joyce from Bristol Marina followed us out into the harbor taking pictures of Miss Cameron. We passed Sylvia and Harold's dock on Stono River they were out there waving us good bye.
friends from the Bristol also.
We saw lots of dolphins jumping like Sea World and the seagulls were following our wake also.

At 4:30pm we anchored for the first time in Bull River which is right before you get to Beaufort,SC.
We were deftly tried puppies and slept like babies.
All is good no one over board.

Miss Cameron

Anchors Up Going South

Our home port for the past five years has been Charleston, SC.  We have loved being here and have made so many great friends.  Our plans from the start when we purchased Miss Cameron(which is the name of our first granddaughter) was to start our journey traveling the east coast.  We had a few delays
but here we are November 2nd, 2011 pulling up anchor heading south on the ICW. Mile Marker 470.

We moved on board August 30th and have been working on all the things we didn't have time for. We have stocked up on extra parts, filters, supplies and secured all extras we could think of. To hopefully make sure we make it to our first destination. Port Royal SC., Mile Marker 540.

Our plan is to slowly make our way down the ICW south coast and be at Lighthouse Point, FL., for Thanksgiving which is where my Aunt Jean and cousin Pam live to have turkey dinner with them.
Our final destination will be Marathon Florida, in the Keys for the winter.

Keep our eye on our website and we will keep you posted on our journey.