Wheel redone

Jim had to take the wheel apart so he could put a new seal in the steering box, to stop a hydraulic leak. (I think that’s what he was doing).

This time he did it with a brown rope. I thought it would look more like wooden spokes.

This is actually 2 separate wheels. The inner one is the original. He wanted a larger diameter wheel and picked up a used one at Sailor’s Exchange in St Augustine, FL., last year. …..The larger one wouldn’t fit the hub without some modification and tools that we didn’t have aboard….so he figured out a way to lace them together. The hub of the larger wheel fit inside the hub of the smaller wheel.

When he took them apart he intended to do the modification needed….but when I put the single wheel in place….it looked “booorrrring”….(plain)…like a wheel on a sailboat.  I really like the double wheel and the rope.  It’s unique….no one has a wheel like ours.

3.18.10 last day on the river

We saw several Manatees in the river near Blue Springs but were unable to get any photos. We anchored near by hoping we would see some in the morning…but none appeared.

We did see a few more gators and spotted this Osprey as he landed in a tree with a fish.

Look at this face…. What a beautiful bird.

I forgot to mention one of the exciting things that happened yesterday.  We’re cruising along…eyes peeled for gators or other interesting critters….when all of a sudden a plane dropped out of the sky …and landed on the water right in front of us!!….I had just taken the battery out of the camera and had to scramble to get it in and grab a couple of photos.

We never heard it coming….it touched down….and then took off again.

It looks like one that cruises into the springs once in awhile. Perhaps he recognized us from there…and dropped in to say hello……. I don’t know…It was quite a site.

We had a good day for hauling out. Not too hot or cold. A bit gusty when Jim was loading the boat on the trailer but he was able to get it on without any trouble.

Two weeks just isn’t long enough. Can’t wait till we head out again. Maybe it will be a bit warmer and we won’t need the vinyl side curtains or the heater. It’s so much nicer on the water at night with just the screens to keep the bugs out and all the beautiful night sounds.

3.17.10 Leaving the Springs

We took Raisin to shore for a short walk, had our coffee while we waited for her to get a bit of exercise. Once back at the boat, Jim stowed the dingy on the rear deck, hauled the anchor and off we went.

There didn’t appear to be any wind at all but the lake was starting to build up a little, and a few drops of rain hit the windshield.

As we approached the gates at the S end, George pulled alongside. He was headed to town for supplies. He’s dressed for the weather.

Even though the day started out a bit dreary…it turned off nice and what a day we had for spotting gators. They were everywhere. Here are just a few.

We saw several sunning together. It’s getting to be that time of season.

We were surprised to see this Peacock along the shore.

There were a couple of rowing clubs on the river, training I believe.

And several single kayaks. These two made a pretty picture.

We are anchored just S of Blue Springs.  There is a pretty good sized gator cruising by the boat right now. Guard duty.

3.16.10 Silver Glen Springs

We are going to spend the day at the springs.

I spotted one of the Otters last evening, so at least one is still here.

The Osprey are nesting near the entrance to the anchorage.

We spent a few hours cruising in the dingy looking for fishing line and bobbers that have been left behind. Here is our take for the time we were here. I guess they are so cheap it’s easier to just cut them loose rather than try to retrieve them. It’s just a problem for the birds that get tangled in them.

The Cormorants have a nice feather pattern.

And a beautiful eye color.

Can you spot the Kingfisher? It’s the only photo I have ever been able to get of one. Cant get close to them.

How about this Anhinga? Looks like eye shadow.

This Osprey was watching the fish swim by but I didn’t see him try for any.

We enjoyed the day and all the wildlife. Another great day on the water.

3.15.10 Welaka, FL to Silver Glen Springs

A fairly large cruise ship anchored just N of us and spent the night. We’ve seen it cruise through this area before…but never stop. Perhaps it was too rough on Lake George?  They are headed that way in the picture…but came back just as it was getting dark and anchored a little farther away. Don’t know…and probably won’t find out why…but they left around 7 this morning.

Jim and I got an early start so we could be across Lake George before it got too bad. It was already getting lumpy but the wind was off our stern and made for a nice ride.

As we were going by Drayton Island we spotted a working boat with several Pelicans waiting to see what they can get. No matter what the weather…they are checking their traps.

Come along for a short ride with us…we’ll show you what it’s like going with the wind and waves…turning around and going against them. The lake isn’t too bad today so it’s a good time to show you.

We anchored at Silver Glen Springs…very few boats here besides us.

George came by in his kayak. It has flippers that are worked with pedals. They drop into that hole in front of him ..and lock in place.

During nice weather you will find him gliding around the springs in it.

This Cormorant doesn’t look very happy to have his picture taken. We were in the dingy and drifted right up to it.

This is the view down the run from our boat,  a little before sunset…..The Eagles, Ospreys, Cormorants and Anhingas are looking for their roosts or a snack before bedding down for the night.

It’s not too cold so we will not  need the heater tonight.

3.14.10 Murphy’s Creek to Welaka,FL

We took our time getting started today. Once the sun was up it was beautiful so we took the dingy and cruised some of the islands.

On our way to our anchorage last night we passed a beautiful boat at anchor….a Great Harbour N37. What a beauty!!!  We must have left the anchorage before they did because they passed us on the river.

We’d have to hit the big lottery to afford this one.

We had not seen many boats on the water, the wind was starting to pick up and the air was cool, and here we are…3 trawlers in the same area. We had been slowly catching up with this boat…they look like they have every thing they need….solar panels…wind generator..bikes…my kind of boat. I like the way the swim platform flips up to create less drag.

I would love to be set up for long term living and anchoring. No marinas except for fuel and a trip to the store.

We stopped at the Welaka City dock  (Bryant’s Wharf). They have a new sign now….so look for this.

Kate and Bruce were busy but Carole and Ed met us at Shrimp R Us for an early supper. They will be hauling their boat out at the end of the week and this will probably be our last dinner together. We will miss them but look forward to seeing them next year.

We are spending the night at the dock. It is very windy and cool.

3.13.10 Sister’s Island to Palatka, Fl

I slept so good last night I never heard the rain storm. Jim said it really came down hard. He had to bail out the dingy before we could do a morning cruise. There doesn’t appear to be any dry land that we can get to for a dog walk…but we are going to take a ride anyways.

We look kind of small from this distance.

Once the dingy was loaded on the swim platform…we headed on into Palatka. We decided to tie up to the city dock and fill the water tank and jugs. The wind was really kicking up and it was tricky getting it done.

From there we headed over to the floating dock at Corky Bell’s. Jim picked us up a couple order of hot wings and we sat aboard ..bouncing around…and enjoyed our lunch.

We haven't been down Dunn’s Creek in a few years so are going to check it out. We spotted this cute little gator sunning with a bunch of turtles.

We worked our way a little closer…Is he smiling at me?

I kept taking pictures of him so that I might get a good one….and boy was I surprised when I saw this one after downloading it to the computer. look closely…the one I was interested in is in the lower R corner…you can see one of the turtles on the same log.  Now…look at the log above him…2 more.  On a log in the upper L is the tail of a very large gator and above him another small one. 5 in all and the only one we had noticed was the “smiling” one in the lower R. I can’t believe we missed seeing them!!

A little ways up from this group, we spotted this one.

We couldn’t get over the depth on some of the corner’s of this twisting little creek. …50’ on one and most were at least 30’….and as soon as you round the “U” turn it would rise right back up to 17’ or 18’ and then be 10’or 11’  depending on the part of the creek you were in.  I know most of you are laughing…but down here that is deep.

We finished the day out on Murphy Creek and found a nice anchorage. The wind is really gusting but this is another creek with a lot of bends and there is always a spot to get out of the wind.

Both Dunn’s Creek and Murphy’s Creek should be on your list if you get down this way.

3.12.10 heading North for a bit

After a good night’s sleep we met Ed & Carole and Kate and Bruce at Shrimp R Us for breakfast, good company and conversation.  That took care of most of the morning and it looked to be a beautiful day.

We picked up a few supplies at the jiffy store and hiked back to the boat. We are going to head N.  I’ve always wanted to stop and spend some time at Seven Sister’s Islands.

We anchored for the rest of the day and enjoyed the sunshine. Not many boaters out today.

We enjoyed a glass of wine with a pretty sunset.

3.11.10 Silver Glen Springs to Welaka, Fl

I was up early and a trip ashore for Raisin was in order. We tried to sneak out so as not to wake Jim…not sure we were able to, he had coffee made by the time we got back.

There is a small stretch of beach for her to walk but much of the shore line along the run looks like this…I thought the new ferns were especially pretty. Last year there was a family of River Otters that hung out in this area. We have not seen them yet this year.

As soon as I got back to the boat, Jim told me he and Ed had listened to the weather report and we needed to haul anchor and get headed N. We wanted to be off Lake George before the storms hit and they were due in our area in a few hours.

We got under way, and the lake had already started kicking up a bit. Once we were into the deeper part of the lake (7-9’) we were able to head N and the wind and waves were at our backs or nearly so. It made for a nice comfortable ride, but every now and then a large swell would catch us on the rear quarter and try to turn us off sideways.

We had a small head start, but Carole and Ed caught us  about half-way to the N end.  Jim called them and asked them to give us a “slow pass” so as not to create a big wake. Actually, I wanted them on the down-wind side so I could get a short video with the window open and the rain wouldn’t be blowing in.

Here’s what the ride across the lake looked like.

Carole and Ed were headed to their slip and we were going to tie up at the Welaka city dock. As we approached the dock the wind let up and the skies opened up and dumped rain on us by the bucket load. Naturally I was on the deck with the dock lines and fenders out. Jim did a great job of backing into the slip. I would much rather have the downpour than gusting winds for docking. Much easier to change into dry clothes that repair dings etc.

Bruce and Kate offered to pick us up but we decided to stay with the boat. There had been a few tornado warnings in the area and severe thunderstorms. The boat rode well at the floating dock…no major leaks and all the snaps held during the wind gusts and the vinyl side curtains stayed in place. Lots of thunder and lightening.

The storm passed thru and we were able to go to Shrimp R Us for supper. Carole and Ed played taxi and we didn’t have to walk in the rain. Kate and Bruce met us there. We had a good meal with great company.

Another end to a great day on the water!

3.10.10 heading to Silver Glen Springs.

I was up early and had the coffee started….when I realized we had company.

a little dark thing flew across the cockpit a couple of times. I waited until it landed… A Bat!

I was pretty sure I knew what it was. We’ve had one in here before. The enclosure is pretty snug and I think perhaps it was attracted to the heat of the engine and came in through the vents. They will have screen on them for the next trip. The last bat surprised me and I had it caught up in a towel and put outside before I thought of the camera…not this time…important stuff first!  look at those cute little hind feet and I guess it is a finger on the fold of the wing. I’ll have to research it when I get a chance.

Jim got up …we opened the side curtain and I used the fly swatter to nudge it towards the opening. Jim held up a jacket so it would be funneled outside…it worked and it was on it’s way.

We saw our first Limpkin of the season.

This is truly a beautiful bird. This picture doesn’t do it justice. Here is one I took last year.

It is really very striking. Each white feather is like a little white tab.

Back out on the river, Ed and Carole pulled alongside.  Ed has a unique way of enjoying the view.

We took Blue Creek and it was like a super highway. We have never met more than one or two boats on this creek….today they were bumper to bumper…but it was still a nice ride.

The trip across Lake George was again smooth. We anchored for the night at Silver Glen Springs.

3.9.10 Lungun Island to Blues Springs & Hontoon IS.

Everyone was up fairly early and we had a good start for Blue Springs.

Jim spotted these Wild Turkeys. These 2 males showing off for the 3 females. As we cruised thru a more populated area we saw these Pelicans waiting by a fish cleaning station for the “left overs”.  

Once we reached Blue Springs, we anchored just off shore where all the pontoon boats beach and used the dingys to go ashore.

The Manatees were in….

There was even a good sized alligator sunning itself along with the Manatees..

We hiked the boardwalk to the spring boil. It’s a beautiful walk and follows the run so you can see the Manatees.

This Mother and her calf made a leisurely trip down the run. You can see a  set of prop scars on the mother.

On our way back to the boats, we rowed down the river to the spring entrance where the Manatees travel to get into the springs. Carole and Ed had one come right up to their dingy and look them over.

Unfortunately I was unable to get a photo of it.

We headed back N to Hontoon Island so we could take on some water. Our tank was getting low. Once filled we went around to the back side of Hontoon Island and followed the Hontoon Dead River ( G53). We found a nice spot to anchor and were invited over to Southern Cross for h’orderves and a glass of wine before supper.

What a nice way to end another beautiful day on the river.