Dropping The Hook In Hooker Bay!

SHIP'S LOG:

Well, I finally got out of Dodge(Fort Pierce). A quick trip across the Indian River for a "pump & Dump" at the Municipal Marina and then back on the ICW for the trip South some 20 miles.

The day was clear but the wind was basically on the nose at 20mph and steady. In the Shallow Indian River, it stirred up 3-4foot waves and I had a number of them crash over the bow. I hits those just right, being in the trough when then hit. But it was in the 70's and I didn't even wear a jacket.

I think that the month in Fort Pierce created a problem with the boat. I think that the prop is somewhat fouled with crustaceans for the speed was down. True, I was bashing into waves and true the wind was on the nose at 20mph but it still seemed as though the drive wasn't there. I am sure that the bottom is fouled too. Sitting for a month just encourages that sort of activity in a marine environment. The water never got seriously warm enough to make taking the plunge a serious consideration, but perhaps I should have done so before I mosey out. As soon as the water gets a little warmer, I will have to do some diving and scraping and cleaning. Nothing I like more!

It didn't take long to get back into the swing of traveling the ICW. I didn't go three miles before I came upon a fisherman afloat in the middle of the channel. Something just never change. I am about three miles as the dolphin swims from Chapman's and if the chance presents itself, I may drop in. Where I go from here is difficult to say but I think "south" will best describe it. The weather in the later part of the week is rather "iffy" and tending toward the cooler but I am less than 100 miles from Miami and you know that it just has to be warm down there.

After dinner with Ron & Roland tomorrow night, the clock is sort of running. I will be heading south with no real destination in mind. Where I get I get. But come the Ides of March, it is turn around time and I will begin the northward trek. That thankfully is over a month away and I have just got to get a real sun burn and a serious tan so that I can evoke jealousy and envy upon my return.