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.

1.15.09 still in Palatka, FL

With our little heater running all night…it was only 44 deg inside the cockpit this morning. 38 outside. But the damp and chill was gone so we were very comfortable in the sleeper berth. I have an old thermos that doesnt keep the heat inside and that full of hot water when under the covers for the bird cage..keep Babe warm. Kinda like having her very own radiator. I usually have to reheat it once during the night…..since it is supposed to be even colder tonight we’ve decided to spend another night here.

We had a nice sunset. and even though the sunrise wasnt as spectacular as some we’ve had..it was more than welcome..especially the warmth it brought with it. We took a short hike into town for breakfast and to pick up milk, bread & ice. Can you imagine…needing ice??!!  Larry and Diane were out….and it didnt melt on the walk back.

This gentleman lives aboard a small sailboat with his 2 large dogs and a cat. He was on his way to shore with all 3 this when I took this. The cat followed him around like the dogs.

Jim and I carried 16 gallon of water for the boat. Should be good for a few more days. The sky is clouding over…looks like the end of the solar heat…getting chilly in here already and it’s not even 1pm yet. Bracing for another COLD night. There was frost on the dock when we got up.

1.14.09 Palatka, FL

It was in the low 40’s last night….inside and out. We shut the generator off after the movie and snuggled into our small sleeper berth… They are talking about a hard freeze..low 30’s and 20’s…planned to tie up to the city dock in Palatka and use the electricity tonight.. Dock workers said it is actually closed…they are repairing it…so we may get chased out. It is going to be nice when they get done.

Our 1000 watt honda will run just under 5 hours with the heater going. If we have to leave the dock we will try it with just the electric blankets plugged in to it….maybe it will run a few hours longer. If the inverter reads more than 12.6 the electric blankets shut down. They must have an internal protection or something. Work great if the batteries are below 12.6.

Here’s where Jim has to go when the generator needs refueling while underway.

It did help when the wind was at our backs.

1.13.09 Jacksonville, FL

Rained all day. Cold and damp. We had the generator running while cruising to keep the small heater going. With the heater and a fan acting as defrosters..we were able to keep up with the fogging on the windows. I think we drank more hot tea today..than for most of the trip. Of course, that didnt help with the steam problem…but sure did keep our insides warm.

Lots of big ships in Jacksonville. This one was being turned by a tugboat near the rear side of the ship. On the opposite side of the channel these small boats were racing. …gotta love sailing to be out in an open boat in the rain….but I remember Jim and I chopping ice on Grand Lake in Grove OK..so we could get our sailboat launched… Still lots of work being done on this bridge. They have a series of scaffolds and tarps…but these guys were working out in the wind. It looked like they were building the scaffolding.I saw them moving the long things around. It was pretty windy and cold. I dont think I’d want that job today. We are anchoring in Deep Creek on the St Johns River. Supposed to be very cold tonight.

1.12.09

We left Pine Island with the tide in our favor for a few hours. Then against us all the way to our anchorage behind Exchange Island in Jacksonville.

I thought this was a very unique boat.

1.11.09

Slept in till 8:00. Jim was up early and had coffee made when I finally got out of bed. Kinda nice ..sleeping in. After a trip to shore with Raisin…we picked up our gear and went in for showers. Didnt pull up the anchor until after 11:00…WOW..what a ride to the inlet. 8mph +…as soon as we made the turn up the ICW..we were averaging 2.8…had at least a 4 mph current. It was also pretty windy and we saw this kite surfer. he was flying!!! Went by us like we were standing still..he did some high flying too..but  couldn’t catch him in the air with the still camera. We fought the current until we got to Pine Island at marker G25. A few sprinkles now and then….and we will walk Raisin again around 8 pm. We’re cruising toward Jacksonville…then probably S on the St Johns River. We’ll take our time heading home.

1.10.09 St Augustine, FL

Hiked into Sailor’s Exchange..picked up fender holders. It gets the fenders off the rear walkway. Jim spent the afternoon setting them up….I’ll get some photos another time. Beautiful full moon tonite.

1.09.09 St Augustine, FL

Gators won last night. We had a great time. It was a good day all around. Time with our granddaughter , Shaina and our great grandson..Matthew. Tammy was able to make it home for the last half of the game. Kip made us a great dinner. I’ll be trying the seasoning he used on his chicken.

Thanks again..kids…for all the shuttling around for the past 2 days. We really enjoyed our time with you.

They live  near the ICW. After seeing us off at the dock..they went home … hiked out and waited for us to cruise by. We are anchored in St Augustine, FL. It’s COLD out.  And will be much colder after the sun goes down.  It was in the low 40’s last night.

1.08.09 Palm Coast, FL

The kids picked us up to do a grocery run. Should have enough supplies for a few weeks except for milk & bread.

Tonight is game night….FL and OK. Should be a good game. Tammy has to work but Kip is doing some bbq chicken for supper and Tammy should get home to see the end of the game.

GO GATORS.

1.07.09 leaving Ponce Inlet

Caught this picture of River Nomad just as the sun was going down, last night. It looks like a full moon but wasnt. We had a nice sunrise at the Inlet. Got an early start. Took Raisin to the sandbar for a hike and a couple of pictures. Saw a few more southbound travelers. We’ll be spending the night at the Palm Coast marina  and having dinner with family.

1.06.09

We awoke to a beautiful sunrise.  

We got an early start. I was able to capture a few Pink Ibis in flight. This is a mixed group Entrance to the Haulout Canal. Very popular fishing spot.We met several nice trawlers. Larry put out his Oklahoma flag…Ok and FL are playing each other on Thursday night. Should be a fun game. We are anchored in Ponce Inlet. We took Raisin to the beach….

It’s actually a sandbar in the middle of the inlet…the White Pelicans were kind enough to let us use it for a few minutes. Here it looks like they are discussing it. They are very pretty birds.