San~San Adventures

This is how we get rid of cardboard. Recently, we did a major provision and Gia had some fun with the empty boxes. She became, Saltine Girl, tah dah!

When we got on the boat, we pretty much figured we would not have much cold weather to deal with. O boy, How wrong we were! Here in Marathon we have seen temperatures into the lower 30’s. We tried baking bread and using the tea kettle more often to keep warm but it just wasn’t enough!

In the warmer weather San San is very warm inside. Our cabin is very uncomfortable to sleep in, but in the cold, she stays about 10 degrees warmer than the outside temp. Our friends let us borrow their small propane heater called a Mr. Heater. It helped us get through some of the more cold weather. It proved to us we needed to get one of our own.

In January we had a short trip up to Miami and were looking to purchase a  portable heater. Every store in South Florida was SOLD OUT! All the Floridians were just not happy with these frigid temps! We decided to purchase a heater from West Marine. It’s an Origo 5100 Alcohol heater,which uses denatured alcohol for fuel. Using alcohol is more cost effective and safer than propane.  This little baby cranks out a fair amount of warmth allowing for a cozy boat before getting out of bed in the wee hours of the morning. 

During these times we spent many a night, playing Yahtzee and Monopoly. On this particular night, we had spaghetti and homemade beer bread. Gia kicked our butts in Monopoly, she had Park Place and Boardwalk with Hotels!

Recap -

Gia’s 7^th Birthday Luau @ Sombrero Beach

Free Yoga classes led by Moi

Fishing w Capt Todd

Dolphin Research Center w Friends

Wing Night at Hurricane

In 2006, when Gia turned 4 years old, we had her party in Marathon. So this year we thought it would be nice to have it at the same table at the same location. We celebrated Gia’s birthday with friends from the Harbor at Sombrero Beach. Kaya, Christian & Tiffany, Miranda, Colleen and Cami dressed up like Hula Hawaiians. They ran around, ate hot dogs and hamburgers, played Volleyball and finished with the Pinata! It took a very long time to whack it open and enjoy the candy inside. We were under a Tornado warning, but the weather stayed good until the very end, and the kids picked up candy in the rain. Then we all rushed madly to the public restroom area to hid under the awning. We all laughed. Boy, this will be a memorable birthday, how many parties have been under public restroom awning?

I began attending a free beginner’s level yoga class held by Deb, a local cruiser. Yoga has become very popular in the cruising community, there is even a book called Yoga Onboard. This book is completely waterproof and spiral bound so that it can lay flat on the deck of the boat. She had a small following but it grew everyday as more cruisers came in. I loved the class but needed more of a challenge, I wanted to hold an Intermediate class. So it began last week, Mon Wed and Fri @ 10 am. I have about 5 regulars.

Captain Todd is the Assistant Manager of West Marine. We went out on his boat the other day. Gia was stoked, she caught the first two fish and said, ”See I told you I was good!” The next two hours we pulled fish off our lines non stop. Blue runners, Lady fish, yellow tail snapper and one big Gag grouper. What a blast!

Sandy Seagull got us into the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key, just quick drive up US1. Tiffany joined us as we stared in awe at the Dolphins while they jumped, flipped and swam their way into our hearts. I uploaded a few movie clips and tons of photos. We learned that dolphins love to people watch and do so by turning on their sides and looking up at you with one eye.

Every Thursday night we have been eating at the Hurricane for wing night. This restaurant has a family fun sports bar feel and a whole group of us walk a half a mile up the road to enjoy wings together. You choose between mild, medium or hot, also teriyaki, garlic or trashcan. Trashcan has become a favorite after Gia tried them first. If you decide you are brave enough to try this disgustingly named dish, pick your temperature, either hot, medium or mild and then they mix all the flavors together. All the kids and even some adults eat the trashcan flavor. I still can’t see past the name.

Merry Christmas Marathon! What a spectacular event. The Harbor master, Richard and his lovely wife Arla, put on a Christmas dinner. They made 140+lbs of turkey and a couple 60lb hams, along with potatoes and stuffing as well as pumpkin pies. They invited all the marina guests, which came out to be about 250 people, it was growing everyday as more and more cruisers filled up the mooring field. He asked that everyone bring a dish to pass, flatware and dishes, and refreshments of their choice. All the people in the harbor showed up to eat! They did not just bring rice or crackers, they too went all out with their Christmas concoctions; lemon chiffon pie, asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, deviled eggs, Christmas porridge all the way from Sweden, lasagna, dips and desserts a plenty.

Interesting turn of events regarding the weather here in Paradise. It was just before Thanksgiving although I can’t recall what day! I love that! Ha. Cruising does this to you. Like any other night I was sleeping soundly, only this night I was jostled awake by GR and we began the Mad Dash around the boat to shut the hatches and ports. Once that was over. I went back to Sleepsville. Around midnight in the stifling heat that comes with living on a boat with no generator and/or air to fire up, I went out to the Salon to lay. I noticed it was still raining only now it was a little more severe some lightening and strong winds. Nothing extraordinary so I continued to saw wood.

In the morning, we found the few leaks that we have been trying to fix wreaked havoc on our stuff. Books, magazines,clothes and bags were wet and not salvageable. It became a wake up call and we sorted though a lot more unnecessary things. A great kick in the ____, we needed! So began the pulling out mattresses and laying them on their sides to dry them out. We bagged some things and took them into shore to stick in the dryer, since the were just freshly laundered.

In the midst of our chores, I flipped on on our VHF radio. We hear “Good Morning Boot Key Harbor! And Welcome to the Cruisers’ Net. We meet here every morning to Welcome New Boaters, Say Goodbye to Those Leaving, Make Some Announcements, Answer Question/Solve Problems, A little Buy/Sell/Trade and a Bit of Trivia.” Only they started right away with, “ Does anyone need help in any way?” Boy, did they! I was shocked at the amount of damage suffered by our fellow boaters. While we slept soundly these folks were up all night chasing lost dinghies, rescuing a sailboat that broke free of its mooring, and dealing with winds clocked at up to 110mph.

We learned that a few small concentrated cells had passed through complete with a water spout. Also that we are in El Nino Season which means in laymen’s terms that the storms that blow over from the Gulf Region will be more intense.

We had a lot to be thankful for. The Net was a big help in helping people find things they’d lost in the winds like gas & diesel jugs, spinnaker poles, shoes, coolers and other personal items that weren’t tied down. What a beautiful reminder of the “team” atmosphere the cruising community is.

A FINE PLACE TO BE!

We aren’t waiting for weather but many are and this is the place many cruisers call home while they wait to cross the Gulf to the Bahamas. We love this are, the cruising community here is so large. The ammenties are great. Check out their live webcam.

http://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/index.aspx?NID=600

To be a cruiser you really have to love getting something for a good price. You have to be thrilled when you get a bargain on food or fuel or a propane tank or a steering vane or anchor chain!

This was a week for getting new gear!

Finally we purchased a Wind Vane, not just any Vane but a Monitor!! We’d be combing the Internet in search of a steering vane. If you have never used one you must, and if you have then you know the sweet feeling of having a chauffeur take over the steering on a long passage. You just set the sails and it takes care of the rest drawing no power from the batteries! Monitor is the brand and Scanmar International is the company. Very reputable company that has been around for many years. Here is a link and photo of what the transom (back) or our boat will look like once we install. We won the vane through Ebay! Oh, how I love winning things on Ebay! This is my second win.

Same Make with the Monitor

http://www.selfsteer.com/boats/view.php?boatTypeID=821

Here is also a little bit more about a Wind Vane vs an AutoPilot

http://www.selfsteer.com/windvaneVAutopilot/index.php

The win is so sweet because while we were in search we found an Aries that the guy said was a Brand New in the box Monitor, until we called and asked for the Serial #. Then he called back saying it was a slightly used Aries. Foiled!

Next we found a “Flemming”, not what we wanted but seemed like a good deal that would fit our boat. It turned out to be a homemade something or other so the search continued.

After it seemed like all hope was lost we looked on Ebay. Thanks, to a friend’s forwarding a link  to one for sale with litterally hours until the auction ended. I bid and met the reserve with 10 minutes left. The thrill of the auction wore off moments later when we realized we were going to have to pay for this in more ways than one!

Once we have the unit, mounts will need to be ordered directly from the manufacturer, then comes installation where I’m sure we will pay with blood, sweat and tears! But it will all be worth it when we can sail across Oceans hands free and I quickly forget about that and just rest in the excitement.

The Propane tank was a score from the West Marine sale, 90% off! A brand new tank with the new valve for $30. Yes just $30. And this morning we ran out of propane, is that timing or what!? So went to Big Pine Key to get it filled and it was only $15 for a 20lb. tank.

The Anchor chain is probably the most needed piece of equipment. The boat came with 150 feet of rusted 3/8 chain that was too big to fit in our gypsy, the manual windlass. This was a very time consumming and dangerous situation. When we were pulling the anchor up, we’d pull in 3′ and then 2′ would jump back out. Corey started to use his hand to keep the chain from jumping out. BAD! I just kept picturing the grotesque severance of his digits. It reminded me of when I worked at the Deli. I could always clean the slicer and take it apart but I could never watch anyone do it, for fear they would cut themselves. Funny thing. So besides the chain jumping out of the gyspsy, it would also pile up and we’d have to run down below into the V-Berth and pull the chain down so that more chain could fall into the locker. All together pulling up anchor became a dreaded task. Now we have eliminated the problem and we will be able to use some of the old chain for a stern anchor. We plan to have one for this boat as last trip we had trouble in those very rolly anchorages.

190' of 5/16 3B anchor chain

Old Chain doesn't fit in Gypsy

New Chain fits in Gypsy

crazy crew

Well we have been everywhere, and now we are here. The Keys, paradise to most.

We enjoyed a cold front that left us somewhat stuck in MiaMarina for two days. We ventured around the city like we have before by the MetroRail. Only unlike almost 3 years ago, the fare was more and the system was different. Before we used to purchse a token for $1. Now we must purchase a card and the fare is $5 round trip, per person. Regardless, still the cheapest way to travel, and the most fun.

We discovered quite by accident Vizcaya, a National Historical Landmark.

Check the website @ www.VizcayaMuseumAndGardens.com

Very beautiful home and property, we saw a few brides roaming around the property as this ultimate wedding spot showed it’s true charm. With about 9 guest rooms Mr. Douglas, an International Harvester was never lonely. Each room had a theme that correlated with his favorite places to travel. An Italian room, an Asian room, a breakfast room with large windows that look out over the Intercoastal Waterway and his own private channel to and from the Ocean. With over 80 acres originally, he had a greenhouse, and quarters for all the staff that maintained the crops.

After we left we asked about the Miami Science Museum, as that was what we thought we were entering. “Oh, that is across the street!”, they say. So we saunter across the street and decide that we will visit this Museum the next day.

Our other travels included a must stop at the Pizza Hut, where we surprised to find it was Buffett on Sunday! Yay, our favorite!

We made a new stop at No Name Harbor, on Key Biscayne, a very quite, safe, little anchorage located inside the Bill Baggs State Park. For a mere $20 fee you may anchor here and enjoy free admission to the Lighthouse and other park amenities. They use the honor system so look for the envelopes. We walked around breifly until the sun went down. Our goal here was just to head out at first light and head to Marathon.

With excellent conditions, San San was cruising a cool 6 knots. One of the things we’ve learned along our travels is that she LOVES the weather. Which means she needs alot of wind to move. Otherwise, she is a slow boat to China! So anyhow, we were cruising along so nicely and the crew agreed to just take a few extra watches to make it into Marathon  by 1 am.

The next am we picked up a mooring ball and came in for the much needed showers and laundry. Much to our delight, tonight would be Tiki night a weekly event where the local cruisers gather around the picnic tables under the Tiki Hut to sing and strum on their instruments, have some cocktails and enjoy a bite.

With Key West on our minds and the Fastasy Fest guests arriving we needed to take advantage of the little bit of wind we had left. We set out on Friday morning and again we were able to sail a great day and arrived in Key West just in time for Sunset. Surrounded by sunset cruises we made our way into the anchorage. Although, we were beat we had to head into shore for a celebratory drink at Schooner Wharf.

The rest of the week we spent enjoying to festivities, Goombay festival. Mostly food and locals dressed up similar to Junkanoo in Bahamas. Mostly, the was the most NAKED Fantasy Fest has ever been. The theme was Vampires, Vixens and Villians. See our photos at our Picasa Web Album. Album Entitled October 2009

 http://picasaweb.google.com/home

My Dad rode his motorcycle from New Jersey and hung out with us for a few days in Key Weird. Nathan left and went home, and Roxanne and Kristin came to visit, Lori made a trip out to the boat and we had  great fun fun times!!

October 31st was Halloween and the parade, when we were here last time the parade was a few days before Halloween and we ended up spending Halloween in Marathon. GR, and Corey had work at West Marine on Monday morning so we needed to hightail it back up to Marathon. Saturday night at midnight, we pulled anchor and headed out into the night.

Sailed in the quiet and light of the moon, (full), and made it back at about 8am the next morning! Again just in time for showers and laundry and rest. This way the guys could get to work with clean clothes and a good nights rest.

So here we sit in Marathon City Marina on a mooring ball. For now…

Here in Melbourne, it’s hard to believe we are here! All our hard work has finally come to fruition! The air seems more fresh, and our sense are heightened throughout the day and evening.

We left Ponce Inlet Fl, later than expected but we still made our deadline. Basically, it was a rush job to the end. Parting with a whole houseful of belongings between 3 people is a lot and add moving what is unbearable to part with onto a VERY small boat! HA! Needless to say it was a bit hectic living aboard for the first few days.

I finally got most of the unnecessary things weeded out and have stowed quite a bit of things nicely. How many sharpies, coloring books and flip flops can we do without?!

We left Ponce and anchored in New Smyrna. We dinghyed to shore met new friends, played with everyone and learned slack lining. Check out this crazy awesome hour filling activity. Tie a webbing rope around two trees and balance, basically tightrope walk. This instantly became an incredible new favorite time killer.

As I float down river while Capt. Drives I am reminded of the reasons to be cranky about boating!

You can never just grab ‘n go! When asked to retrieve something you must first dig through cabinet under the couch sort through a few misc items, just long enough to forget what you were doing in there in the first place.

After making breakfast you wash all the bowls and silver ware and stow the pot only to undo and redo all over again just a few short hours later!

Remember that shirt you just love and had to bring with, yes well, It’s now become wrinkly smelly boat shirt. Must bring along plenty of smell goods (patchouli).

I think I was so discombobulated that I forgot to pack Tupperware and pot holders. Two things which I have have found myself saying, “ Hey Did I bring______?”

After A great night in New Smyrna we pulled anchor and headed South to Titusville. Made pretty decent time and arrived about 1:30pm. A great first day on the water, not too long, with enough daylight left to explore the town and an island!

The dinghy dock at Titusville Marina was free after a quick chat with the Office. Our plans were to walk to West Marine, and drop some garbage. (stuff I’d downsized from)

First we walked past a park, then arrived as West after about 1 mi. After thoroughly investigating the Nasa Space View Park, I heard some music and had to track where it was coming from. Found out we were smack in the middle of a Bike Week affair. On a very small scale compared to Daytona’s Famous Biketoberfest, or Bike Week, there were a few vendors and two stages for bands!

I found an awesome little antique shop, which reminded me of the women of my family. God Bless Them.

Stopped at the playground and made our way back to the boat at anchor. An Island across the channel looked intersting, so we conquered that Island by scavenging for firewood. Came back to make dinner on the boat. Managed to be completely exhausted and decided instead to watch the clouds from the cockpit. Fell asleep and enjoyed a peacful night.

Sunday October 12, made it to Mebourne.. Spent the day cruising in extreme heat, long sleeve white t-shirts and bathing suits are what is worn. Gia and Corey found another cool game to play. Jump in the kayak from the boat and ride the kayak. Pics will show.

Guys went to shore to make a fire, then came back and rigged the dink for sailing at 10 pm! Crazy boys!!

We can RIDE our Bikes to the BOAT!!!

GR left Green Cove Springs on one of the morning after Labor Day. The blue sky was as clear as could be and the orange glow of the sunrise warmed the night away. We had spent the weekend getting the boat ready for possible inspection by the USCG, provisioning for what was suppose to be a 3 day trip and making some adjustment electronically, GPS, etc. 

Gia and I drove the truck back home and waited. We only have one phone so I was told to expect a call from him by Wednesday morning from St. Augustine, where his was going to stop and do an oil change.

Wednesday morning came and went and I already knew what happened. If anyone knows GR, they know he doesn’t like to sit around. He likes to stay busy and that is just what he did. First, I forgot to pack his hat L . And we do not have a bimini, so the sun cooked him! When he got to his first stopping point it was only 1 in the afternoon, and the tide was ripping out of the Jacksonville Inlet and that was what he was really aiming for, was to catch the tide. So why stop?

Out the inlet he went and sailed all day until evening when he had to enter St. Augustine Inlet. The engine worked perfectly, San San carried our Captain all the way to Halifax Harbor Marina by 3pm the next day!

http://maps.google.com/maps/user?uid=115252381205402748166&hl=en&gl=us

View the Trip with this Google map.

Once he called and I knew he was safe, I laughed because I know him too well. I knew he would just hurry up and get home!

Anyway, I ran out the Inlet Harbor Restaurant and caught some shots of him sailing the boat down the ICW, as well as anchoring just off Down The Hatch. Now, San San has found a home in Inlet Cove Marina just outside of the Inlet Harbor Restaurant. We welcome visitors even though the boat is not really ready for company, she is really still under construction. With lots of work yet to do before we can move aboard.

Speaking of visitors, we’ve had several so far. Friends we met in Green Cove Springs, sailed their boat down on their way to Miami and made a stop with us for a few days. We went to West Marine together and hung out at the marina’s awesome Boat lounge complete with granite counter tops, flat screen TV and stainless grill. So of course we’ve had some cookouts. Captain Sandy Seagull happened to be in town the same time GR was bringing the boat down, which was great! We haven’t seen Sandy in a long time so she stayed with us too, and even help me Yank the Anch (anchor) up on board, when we moved San San from the anchorage to the slip. Thanks Sandy! I admire her so, she is one tough cookie!

Alrighty, now that we have had some celebration of our arrival at the home port it’s back to work. I have been working on stripping the teak, while GR works on the Electrical stuff, panels and gauges etc. Gia has been helping by scrubbing the dink clean, catching fish and just being her!

That is all for now, talk to you all soon and THANKS for the comments! LOVE THEM!