Christmas on the water 12.24.14

Jim was up early….had the generator started….batteries charging and coffee started.

We had dragged anchor and were in the weeds…motor started right up and backed us out with no problems.

These are the Blue Springs Tour boats.

Spotted this Bald Eagle just before getting to Hontoon Island.

Not many boats today….must be everyone is home for Christmas Eve.

These turkeys have found someone who likes to feed them. Saw another small flock a few miles up the river in another yard.

The sky has been gun metal grey all morning…the sun is finally starting to poke it’s way out of the clouds.

This brown pelican flew out to greet us…guess we look like a fishing boat.

A unique paint job…but its listing to port a bit. Hope it hasn’t been abandoned.

I love the way Pelicans glide along the water.

Through the gates at the S end of Lake George…a popular place for the birds.

Working our way to the entrance to Silver Glen Springs.

The sandy white beach is now below water…

Getting all the sun they can…

These birds and the turtles are in the run to the springs.

We were the only boat here….time to go for a swim…

Once I got back aboard and dried off I spotted these Bald Eagles in the tree near our boat.

Then it was Jim’s turn….took a bit of convincing but he was up to it…..

Once we were refreshed we took to dingy up into the part of the springs where we used to be able to anchor…but no more…we are still in the anchorage but not up where we can see the actual spring.

This is the view from the old part of the anchorage…you can just see our boat in the distance. No more anchoring this side of the white buoys and the main spring is off to the L out of the picture.

Just before dark a houseboat came in and a cruiser. After dark another houseboat joined us. Guess we aren’t the only ones who like Christmas on the Water.

Shortly after the boats arrived the skies let loose with a huge downpour….a few minutes later the bilge pumps came on…nice to know they work when they need to. Meander is an open bow boat and even with the bimini a hard deluge at an angle can put a lot of water in it. It didn’t rain long and we settled in with our wine and a book.

Another good day on the water.

Christmas on the water 12.23.14

Jim had a dentist appointment this morning. He had the truck hitched to the boat and while he was gone I finished loading it.

We were on the water by 3pm.

Launched at Lake Monroe Park. This time we brought our dingy with us. Once it was inflated and tied behind we headed down river. Only had to wait a few minutes for the railroad bridge to open and we were on our way.

Jim checked the chart and figured we had time to make it to the Blue Springs area for the night.

We normally anchor at G 109 but just did a cruise through….Jim spotted this gator.

The Anhinga was drying its wings ..

As we rounded the island we noticed they had replaced one of the wooden markers with this one.

Enjoying a nice supper…

Our first real test for idling down. So far the motor has run good but idling has been the problem once the motor gets warm. We are just a little S of Blue Springs and will anchor on this little river…it’s a Manatee Zone and boats must travel slow.

Just as we came to the anchor spot the motor quit….Jim did a little adjusting…we’ll see how it goes tomorrow.

After supper and a glass of wine on the rear deck we were treated with this beautiful sunset.

It is a beautiful night. Windows open…light  breeze coming through…perfect for sleeping…except I have trouble sleeping the first night on the water. At 10:30 I went back on the rear deck and listened to the night critters. Frogs that sound like squeaky balloons and Sand Hill Cranes warning something away. What a great first night on the water.

Pulling Out.. 12.3.14 (us) and 12.6.14 (them)

This is the ramp where we pulled “Meander” out early Wed  morning. Jim is backing the trailer in while Carl and I hold the boat in position.

We were tied up just to the left and only had to walk the boat around the corner. We could hear traffic on the bridge but it was not very loud so still good sleeping.

12.6.14

Since we were unable to finish the trip with the rest of the Classic Trailerable Houseboaters….we decided to stop and say goodbye at the launch ramp.

Bud and Michelle have friends on Lake Harris and everyone had been invited to tie up there so that’s where we met.

What a beautiful spot to spend the night.

Since all the trucks and trailers were at Lake Griffin State Park they drove over and picked up the vehicles and dropped them at the launch ramp on Lake Harris. Just a short boat ride from here.

Jim and Gaetan getting the Hobo ready.

Mokey is next….

Bud and his Avitoon waiting patiently….

Jim is going help with the lines so Bud can leave the dock….

Gaetan and Doug working with Mokee ….

View of the dock from the house….

I love all the Cyprus Knees….

They are walking Mokee around Big Duck and to open water….

Once all the boats were away from the dock we are heading to the launch ramp…unfortunately we were parked on the wet grass and one rear tire spun…had to get pulled backwards onto the pavement. Then we got to the ramp….Big Duck was already on the trailer.

The next one out was the Hobo….

I really like this little boat….it has a walk around but not so big it takes from the interior space….I believe Gaetan said it was 18’.

Now it’s time for Avitoon and Mokee…

Michelle is in the water directing Bud onto the trailer….

Now she gets to hook it up and winch it in….

I was beginning to think this was a state job…..1 worker and 3 bosses…..

Avitoon is out….now comes the fun part…getting everything ready for the road.

almost ready….walkways slid in….fenders stowed and awning coming down.

Mokee’s turn….it is a lot of work getting road ready….everything has to be put in its place and tied down so nothing goes bouncing around. It really didn’t take long because they have been doing this for so long that each person knows what to do and gets it done.

Jim and I are going to spend a few days with friends at Mill Dam RV park near Silver Springs ….we didn’t have the boat but everything holds true with camping…a place for everything and everything in it’s place…..or you end up with a mess.

Counting all our outing here in FL getting the car and trailer ready….and then the trip to VA,KY,MI,NY,VT and all places in between, we have towed this little Scamp about 7000 miles this year.

We only got to spend 2 days on the water with these boats …sure hope the motor problem on Meander is solved and we can make it to the next CTH meet.

The boats are also used as campers as they travel…..IL, PA, GA and Gaetan is going to spend a bit more time on Hobo in FL.

Safe travels everyone….we had a great time…and made new friends…cant wait for the next boat trip…..maybe Larry and Diane can join us with their Yukon Delta.