Saturday

Hontoon Island was very busy yesterday. As we approached, the ferry was loading up with people headed to the Island.

The docks weren’t quit full but there were several boats there. They have water and electric for a reasonable price…even better for FL seniors.

Our night at anchor was peaceful….and not too hot.

We were up early ….Jim and Larry got the dingys read so we could go scout out the island and a big boat anchored below us.

Is that an Albin Rendevous? Nope…just Slow Motion and A Dollar More.

A bit of FL color….

The plant is Water Lettuce…it can take over a pond and choke up the river. You can see the “tea” color of the water.

After our trip ashore for Raisin we loaded up and headed N. The wind is kicking up and we want to get across Lake George. It turned out to be a great trip….wind at our backs made for a nice ride with a push.

Just before we got to the lake we spotted this Bald Eagle.

We ended the day tied up to the Welaka City Dock and dinner at Shrimp R Us.   Always a treat.

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

We had a great Thanksgiving dinner with Tom and Cindy, our neighbors. Cindy put on a wonderful feast. Thank you so much, Cindy!!

We spent most of the day getting Slow Motion ready. Jim had already hooked up water to it and started the engine, so we knew we wouldn’t be dead in the water after launching. We try to start it every few months when not in use.

Jim’s brother, Carl, came down and spent Thanksgiving with us and followed us to Lake Monroe to help  with the launching.

We motored up to Butcher’s Bend at G109 and anchored…took a nap…and had turkey sandwiches for supper (compliments of Tom and Cindy)..then enjoyed the evening. What a beautiful day.

11.26.11

We expected to see several gators but only one stuck it’s head up as we were leaving. When there is a lot of activity on the water they stay hidden.

Talked to Larry and Diane of “A Dollar More”. They are heading S….we’ll head N and meet on the river somewhere.

The day started out a bit overcast.

At marker G77 we took a side creek. This is a favorite for kayaks and canoes since it’s of the main river. We are near Blue Springs and they have rentals.

We saw this little houseboat cruise past our anchorage last evening. They were all lit up with Christmas decorations. We like the looks of this small boat for river S of Lake George. There are so many places we just cant get into because it is so shallow, and we much prefer the wilder southern part of the river.

We almost missed this gator. I was so busy taking pictures …I never noticed the little gators with her.

I love the one sitting on her tail. I see at least 4 but Jim said he saw a bunch scramble into the water.

This duck(?) was swimming in the water. Not sure what it is…but the bill or beak looks more like a Night Heron’s.

Several boats out today…but these were the best looking.

This guy seemed to enjoy having it’s picture taken.

We decided this would definitely be a comfortable live aboard.

It wasn’t much later when “A Dollar More” showed up. After a little chat on the radio…we decided to head N, so they did a “U” turn.

Diane passed us some late lunch…the best BBQ ribs we’ve had.

We will anchor behind the island at G3…Lungun Island. It’s a popular spot for campers but no one was on the island when we got there.

Loading the boat 11.22.11

It has been a busy last few months. The work on the camper/hauler is almost finished.  The living quarters have been completed but for a little trim.  All the cabinets, the converter (dark thing between cupboards) as well as, the windows are all from the old camper.

The bed is folded up against the front wall…you can see the hinges.  It was very comfortable. We bought a memory foam mattress for a hide a bed. We were impressed with how well we slept.

The bathroom is from the old camper. Jim painted the tub and seat to match. I love the blue.

We do have to rough it abit.  The sink is fold down….must fill it then dump it in the tub. It lifts right out…..just a stainless dog bowl.  But it does work well.

We only spent 4 nights in it…but so far it will do the job.

The kitchen and all the windows are from the old camper. The fridge came with the car hauler.

So……now we are concentrating on cleaning and loading the boat. I have all the bedding aboard…food stuffs go in Thurs am.  Friday we will launch…hopeing that everyone will be out shopping….after all…it is Black Friday.

We’ll be heading N on the St Johns River, FL. Larry and Diane of “A Dollar More”  Albin 27, are already on the river. They trailered down from OK.  We would have met them sooner but went to a carshow/ swapmeet in Moultrie, GA in our new “camper/hauler”. Just had to road test it and try out everything we’d done to see what needed more work. Right now…it seems good the way it is.

But……..no matter how comfortable it is…..it is still land bound….I can’t wait to get aboard Slow Motion and start cruising. There’s a bunch of big gators just waiting to have their pictures taken.