2.09.09 St Johns River

We launched this morning at Lake Monroe Park. Lake Monroe was smooth as glass. We pulled into Sanford Boat Works to put on some fuel..prices kinda high…$3.09 for diesel. This little house is at the entrance of the Marina…it’s my ideal waterfront property. I love it!!! It would be nicer out on a lonely spot on the river.

From there we headed S. The river is pretty shallow in spots…we felt as though we skidded thru a couple of sandbars just before the entrance to Lake Jessup. Once around the bend the water got deeper. We may not be able to get to Mullet Lake. We ran across some sandbars with a Lingerawhile…and she only needed about 15” of water…

We are anchored on the river near shore..this was the only spot, a few months ago, that had dry land for the dog. Can you see the high water mark on the tree? It was that high for several months after Tropical Storm Fey.

We’ll be heading up to Silver Glen Springs in a day or two.

2.08.09 loading up…launching tomorrow

The weather has turned a bit warmer..here in FL. Hopefully, the nights with below freezing temperatures are done for the season.

Jim has made a few improvements to the back of the boat.  Moved the box to the port side..added a set of holders for the big fenders and made an anchor holder for the anchor Larry hooked onto in Titusville. It was a bit heavier then…Jim spent a lot of time getting the barnacles etc off. Now we have a good stern anchor.

Getting the big fenders off the narrow walkway on the back of the boat will make it much safer when strolling around out there setting fenders for docking. Jim also had to step over them when going back to launch the dingy or refuel the generator…Much neater now.

He also had to reset the dingy blocks. They had to be moved to the rear so the dingy would clear the fender holders.

Jim replaced the “V” that the bow of the boat rode on. It worked great for launching but once reloaded it was difficult winching the boat forward that last 5 or 6 inches so it rested against the bow roller.

My sister, JoAnne, had a bunch of trailer rollers and parts so he added these. We’ll see how well they work this next trip out.

1.20.09 heading home

We called Carl and made arrangements for him to meet Jim and Larry at the dock at Lake Monroe Park. Our trailers were at the house. We had planned to haul out on Thurs. but the weather was taking another turn towards COLDER and too much wind to have any fun dinking around Hontoon Island or the 3 mile trip to Blue Springs. 

It was good that we came home…it got really cold …might have split a pipe or lost the waterpump to a freeze. By using it off and on during the night we had no problem.  The thermometer in the boat read 25 this morning…very cold for central Florida.

River Nomad (Nimble Nomad) and Slow Motion (Albin 27) are sitting on their trailers ..in the yard..awaiting a few minor fixes…and then we’ll be off on another adventure.

1.19.09 Hontoon Island, FL

We awoke to a nice warm cockpit. It hadnt gotten as cold as we expected and the heater was a big help.

Decided to take the dingy and run up to Blue Springs to see the Manatees…and maybe spot a few gators on the way. I am always surprised to see turtles sunning near them. You can see the look of pure joy on this turtles face. We saw a couple of large gators. they didnt look too friendy so we didnt try for closer pictures…we are in an inflatable…one good bite and we’d be swimming with them.

We were glad we’d come to the springs. There were a lot of manatees there. How do these birds keep from flying into each other? and here is the elusive Limpkin.

1.18.09 Silver Glen Springs

We awoke to 33 deg temperatures and a heavy mist rising from the springs. I rowed Raisin ashore…the water felt like bathwater. Once back to the boat I gathered what I would need for a swim and shampoo. The water would be 72 degrees but the air wasnt above 40 so I wanted my towel and robe handy. Great morning for a swim…no one would join me. 

We wernt much warmer last night than out side the Springs so decided to head for Hontoon Island. The docks have electric and water hookups….and a very reasonable rate for Florida seniors…$6.75 a night (half price). Even the regular price is good. Nice walking trails..canoe rentals and a small museum with a “must” see video.

1.17.09 from Waleka to Silver Glen Springs, FL

We hiked to Shrimp R Us for breakfast and took our generator gas cans.The generator ran over 9 hours with just the electric blankets. Everyone was snug in the sleeper berth. The cockpit was 40 degs when we got up…33 outside. COLD…actually felt like winter with that nip in the air.

Once the sun came up we got up to 60 inside…right now it’s 70. We are starting to cross Lake George…should be in Silver Glen Springs in an hour or two. Dont know if we will have phone or internet once inside…sometimes yes…sometimes no…

We are hopeing the 72 degree water will make a difference tonight.  should be able to go swimming this afternoon.

Since I dont have any pictures from today I thought I’d post a few that Larry and Diane took of us during the trip.

1.16.09 from Palatka to Waleka City dock.

We had supper and a beautiful sunset in Palatka at the city dock. The electrical outlets for the heater were a big plus.

Even with the heater on all night it was only 51 inside the cockpit …outside it was 38. That was at 6 am. …no frost on the dock. Once the sun came up it warmed up considerably. When it’s over 60 in here we’re pretty comfortable.

We had a pleasant day on the water. The sky was clear and the sun warm. 

Once we were settled at the Waleka City dock we hiked into town. Larry and Diane made a stop at the Maritime Museum and we met them at the Shrimp “R” Us Restaurant. The shrimp special was delicious. I was trying to figure out how to get seconds but was just too stuffed. Very good meal at a reasonable price.

Looks like it will be a night for testing how long the generator will run with just the electric blankets plugged in. Sure hope Jim doesnt have to go out in the middle of the night to refuel it.

Heading to Silver Glen Springs in the morning.