SHIP'S LOG:
I didn't get out of Lake Worth today, rather today was spent correction a problem with my steering, or I should say, in my steering. As I mentioned yesterday, there was a "catch" every time I turned the wheel to starboard. I didn't know what it was, how serious or not, hell, I didn't even know how to get the compass off the binnacle so that I could look into the pedestal. And this was a serious matter, or could be, for I sure didn't want to loose my ability to steer the boat as I meandered up the ICW.
The first thing I did was plot and lay in a course for Jensen Beach on the off chance that unlike most boat projects, correcting this problem would be simple and swift. I also had to wait for had to wait for the EDSON people to get to work. They made the pedestal and I figured that they would know what the problem was and how to fix it. I spoke to a very nice guy named Ken who speculated on what it could be, all options sounded troublesome, complex and expensive, but insisted that before anything could be done, the compass had to be removed.And he hadn't the slightest idea on just how to do it. That meant calling RITCHIE NAVIGATION, the makers of the compass and of course, the tech support people, probably a person, was on another line and I had to leave a message and a request for a call back.
Surprisingly it came quickly and the answers sounded simple. Remove the two screws holding the lighting element and this will detach the stainless steel housing around the compass itself. Remove the four screws holding the compass to the teak spacing pad and then remove the four additional screws holding the spacing pad to the pedestal. Sounded simple, was difficult.
Getting the two screws holding the lighting element an d the stainless steel housing was simple. The four screws holding the compass itself to the teak spacing pad was difficult because no screw driver I had was short enough to fit the screws directly and they started to strip. Fearing they would and I would be stuck, I used a little Miracle Mystery Oil to sort of soften the wood around the screws. while waiting for this to happen, I remembered that I had a couple of "L" shaped screw drivers, that looked like to "L" 's, with a Phillips head on one end and a Flathead on the other.Using these and a lot of brute strength, I was able to remove the screws. I was now faced with the task of removing the four screws holding the teak pad in place.
Believe me when I tell you that no amount of effort on my part could budge even one of them a little. I used every trick, plan, stratagem I could think of and just about every tool I own and none of them moved at all. I decided to drill off the heads and leverage up the pad and replace the screws later. And this is what I did. Getting the remainder of the screws out revealed the fact that somebody had used LOCKTITE when putting the screws in the first time, never expecting that maintenance(periodic) and/or repairs might need to be performed some time in the future. But in nay event, the teak pad was off and the compass as well and I could behold the inside of the pedestal.
It was disappointing to say the least but gratifying as well as there was nothing that I could see of the chain and the gearing and the rest of the insides that indicated any "major" problem. I called Ken back and Edson and he told me what to look for and I looked and there was nothing to see . . . .except that the brakes on the wheel lock need to be replaced but I knew that. It is quite possible that it was merely a question of neglected routine, periodic maintenance that was the problem ( out of sight, out of mind) to which I plead guilty and for sure as heck whoever did this installation should do so as well.
Well, I lube the teeth, the gearing and the chain to a fare-thee-well and prayed that was the answer. Next I found four machine screws to replace those drilled out. I actually found in my "What Not" pasts locker, four screws that fit perfectly. I cleaned out the LOCKTITE and reset and screwed in the teak pad.The compass was screwed on and the housing and light and everything was back to where it was supposed to be, hopefully working better than before. It took me from 9am to 2:30pm to accomplish this rather simple project but more than enough time to rule out Jensen Beach today. So I'll got tomorrow. I'm flexible!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Lake Worth Once Again
SHIP'S LOG:
Well, I made it up to Fort Lauderdale safe and sound, and got me a spot in the Las Olas Municipal Marina. The town was celebrating Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's day, one early and one late, and the New River was completely filled. But Las Olas in right on the ICW and I got a deal so I couldn't really complain.
Bob & Olga came by with my meds and my new oar so all was right with the world. They also reminded me that the clocks jumped ahead an hour Saturday night. It probably would have been better if they had not told me as it messed up my Sunday morning. Truth be told, the daylight hours were the same, perhaps a minute or two longer but for some reason, I got all discombobulated and really wasn't ready to go at 9am( formerly 8 am) and with a long trip and a whole lot of bridges, I decided to stay an extra day. It was a good thing too as the boat next to me pulled out and was replaced by "TRUSTY III" the boat from Canada which was at the dock at Pelican Harbor Marina. Its arrival caused me to apologize in my head for all the unkind thoughts I had about them also in my head. There medical coverage was forcing them to leave the boat in Fort Lauderdale and fly back to Montreal. They would be back in July to take the boat back to Canada. Let's hear it for socialized medicine.
This morning, despite my best efforts, I got away late again, 9:33am. It was going to be a long bloody day. Of all of the bridges, I only missed three which, with the wait time, cost me about an hour and a half and put me in Lake Worth at 7:15pm. At least it was still light. The thought of anchoring in the dark was scary enough but trying to get into a marina in the dark would have been worse.
When I pull into Lake Worth, I found that "The Screamer" was still here, anchored right in the middle of the anchorage. I was stuck with the urge to go and anchor right next to him but fought it off and anchored far, far away.
I ran into Jim Ray who was anchored next to me in Miami. He is making his way to Titusville. We will probably buddy up at least til Fort Pierce. He came into Lake Worth after I did and is anchored a bit away but I'll contact him in the morning.
I've got a catch in my steering. When I turn to starboard, there is a little knock/catch that shouldn't be there. I want to remove the compass to get at it but I don't know how to do it. There are no bolts or screws holding it to the top of the steering pedestal and even Gerry can't quite figure it out. I am going to have to call the EDSON people tomorrow to see if they can. I am going to have to remove the compass sometime to change the breaks on the steering lock, but like I said, right now I can figure out how to do it. I good night's sleep will make all things seem better in the morning.
Boat names for the day: Wet Drean; de "Bait" able; Knot Again; Two Wishin' Free; Notayot . . .Yet; Toes In The Water; Reel Estate; Reel Memories; Fishin' Magician.
Well, I made it up to Fort Lauderdale safe and sound, and got me a spot in the Las Olas Municipal Marina. The town was celebrating Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's day, one early and one late, and the New River was completely filled. But Las Olas in right on the ICW and I got a deal so I couldn't really complain.
Bob & Olga came by with my meds and my new oar so all was right with the world. They also reminded me that the clocks jumped ahead an hour Saturday night. It probably would have been better if they had not told me as it messed up my Sunday morning. Truth be told, the daylight hours were the same, perhaps a minute or two longer but for some reason, I got all discombobulated and really wasn't ready to go at 9am( formerly 8 am) and with a long trip and a whole lot of bridges, I decided to stay an extra day. It was a good thing too as the boat next to me pulled out and was replaced by "TRUSTY III" the boat from Canada which was at the dock at Pelican Harbor Marina. Its arrival caused me to apologize in my head for all the unkind thoughts I had about them also in my head. There medical coverage was forcing them to leave the boat in Fort Lauderdale and fly back to Montreal. They would be back in July to take the boat back to Canada. Let's hear it for socialized medicine.
This morning, despite my best efforts, I got away late again, 9:33am. It was going to be a long bloody day. Of all of the bridges, I only missed three which, with the wait time, cost me about an hour and a half and put me in Lake Worth at 7:15pm. At least it was still light. The thought of anchoring in the dark was scary enough but trying to get into a marina in the dark would have been worse.
When I pull into Lake Worth, I found that "The Screamer" was still here, anchored right in the middle of the anchorage. I was stuck with the urge to go and anchor right next to him but fought it off and anchored far, far away.
I ran into Jim Ray who was anchored next to me in Miami. He is making his way to Titusville. We will probably buddy up at least til Fort Pierce. He came into Lake Worth after I did and is anchored a bit away but I'll contact him in the morning.
I've got a catch in my steering. When I turn to starboard, there is a little knock/catch that shouldn't be there. I want to remove the compass to get at it but I don't know how to do it. There are no bolts or screws holding it to the top of the steering pedestal and even Gerry can't quite figure it out. I am going to have to call the EDSON people tomorrow to see if they can. I am going to have to remove the compass sometime to change the breaks on the steering lock, but like I said, right now I can figure out how to do it. I good night's sleep will make all things seem better in the morning.
Boat names for the day: Wet Drean; de "Bait" able; Knot Again; Two Wishin' Free; Notayot . . .Yet; Toes In The Water; Reel Estate; Reel Memories; Fishin' Magician.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Northward, HO! ! ! ! !!
SHIP'S LOG:
We ll, I have started the trip northward. Made it all the way to Ft. Lauderdale, a good start of 21 miles with only 11 bridges to deal with. An easy day all told and an enjoyable one as well. I had to do a"pump & dump" so I pulled into Pelican Harbor Marina in North Miami to take care of all. It is a pretty small marina and sort of dumpy but it was on the way and I had used it on the way down so i knew where it was and how to get into it. I would have let it slide as the water around it was very shallow but the track I made in and out the first time was still in the GPS so it really presented no problems.
Truth be told, I was glad to leave Miami. I didn't much care for the attitude which everyone seemed to be sporting ( their personal feces were not oderific) and their boat handling "skills" left a lot to be desired (texting while driving a boat bin the rather slim channel of the ICW can cause one a lot of agnst!) But as I said it was a beautiful day and it was actually good to be "headed home."
Best boat names of the day were "It's Only Money" - but for that boat it was a lot of money!; "O'Fishal Business"; and "Tide The Knot".
Ft. Lauderdale chose this weekend to celebrate both Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's Day with a Parade and lots of partying. Getting around with Olga & Bob was a bit hectic but we had dinner and I hit the market again. My Meds and the new OAR had arrived so the worries I had on both scores were at an end. My major concern now is how to get ABISHAG out of the slip she is currently in as she backs not well at all. But I am sure that we will work it out.
I also loose an hour of time tonight and I am facing a long haul to Lake worth and a lot of bridges to deal with, 18 to be exact and it will be a long day. Depending on when I roust myself out of the sack tomorrow, I may only take a short drive up the road to the famous Lettuce Lake and anchor early and leave the real push for Monday. This will be the worst stretch for bridges and once it is behind me everything is golden.
It is a very strange feeling going back over the same "ground" since I know what is coming. I have promised myself that I will take more pictures on the way back than I did on the way down. So me of the sights are most remarkable especially the houses. There are some that you would just not believe. . . . . and lots of them are for sale if you are in the market.
After I touch base with the people in Ft. Pierce, Melbourne and St. Augustine, delays will be weather induced only. I can't risk getting chill or being cold. I have become too delicate after all these hot days down here. It is so hard this cruising life!
We ll, I have started the trip northward. Made it all the way to Ft. Lauderdale, a good start of 21 miles with only 11 bridges to deal with. An easy day all told and an enjoyable one as well. I had to do a"pump & dump" so I pulled into Pelican Harbor Marina in North Miami to take care of all. It is a pretty small marina and sort of dumpy but it was on the way and I had used it on the way down so i knew where it was and how to get into it. I would have let it slide as the water around it was very shallow but the track I made in and out the first time was still in the GPS so it really presented no problems.
Truth be told, I was glad to leave Miami. I didn't much care for the attitude which everyone seemed to be sporting ( their personal feces were not oderific) and their boat handling "skills" left a lot to be desired (texting while driving a boat bin the rather slim channel of the ICW can cause one a lot of agnst!) But as I said it was a beautiful day and it was actually good to be "headed home."
Best boat names of the day were "It's Only Money" - but for that boat it was a lot of money!; "O'Fishal Business"; and "Tide The Knot".
Ft. Lauderdale chose this weekend to celebrate both Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's Day with a Parade and lots of partying. Getting around with Olga & Bob was a bit hectic but we had dinner and I hit the market again. My Meds and the new OAR had arrived so the worries I had on both scores were at an end. My major concern now is how to get ABISHAG out of the slip she is currently in as she backs not well at all. But I am sure that we will work it out.
I also loose an hour of time tonight and I am facing a long haul to Lake worth and a lot of bridges to deal with, 18 to be exact and it will be a long day. Depending on when I roust myself out of the sack tomorrow, I may only take a short drive up the road to the famous Lettuce Lake and anchor early and leave the real push for Monday. This will be the worst stretch for bridges and once it is behind me everything is golden.
It is a very strange feeling going back over the same "ground" since I know what is coming. I have promised myself that I will take more pictures on the way back than I did on the way down. So me of the sights are most remarkable especially the houses. There are some that you would just not believe. . . . . and lots of them are for sale if you are in the market.
After I touch base with the people in Ft. Pierce, Melbourne and St. Augustine, delays will be weather induced only. I can't risk getting chill or being cold. I have become too delicate after all these hot days down here. It is so hard this cruising life!
Friday, March 11, 2011
SO Long Miami!
SHIP'S LOG:
After "absolute assurances" from my prescription supplier that the ordered meds will be in Ft. Lauderdale tomorrow(Saturday), I will be bidding a fond "Adieu" to Miami, the 10 foot city, with its crappy cell phone coverage and even worse Internet access, and its rather very nice weather, and will be heading NORTH . . . . to Ft. Lauderdale, and beyond.
Just to keep me sane, I was heading out to the market for ice and things, using the trip to test out my new hone-brew shear pin, but the outboard refused to start! How typical.Following the wisdom of the local liveaboards - who helped me the last time - I trace the fuel line (90% of the time the problem is fuel) and found that no fuel was getting from the tank to the motor. Even pumping the little ball in the fuel line did not draw fuel into the fuel line as far as I could tell. An d"YES" there was fuel in the tank.There must be a leak somewhere but where exactly it is I wasn't able to discover. Supposedly the ethanol they put in gas in murder on hose, especially marine ones and perhaps the one the runs from the fitting on the top of the tank into the supply of fuel is "compromised" somehow. I am sure that I will find out eventually, probably by the time I get back to Connecticut!
I actually got an email ad from Isle of Hope Marina out side of Savannah where I stayed on the way down. They are offering a "deal"of I stop on the way through. I am not sure about "Marching Through Georgia" again. It might be worth the trip outside to avoid all the twists and turns but then again, what's the hurry.
I will have to get up early to lay out the course back to Ft. Lauderdale. I haven't had to do that in a while and it will be interesting to see how long it takes to get back into the "traveling routine."
It actually got sort of cold last night and this morning. I actually had to put o0n the sweatpants and a second shirt for morning coffee in the cockpit. It was, how shall I put it, distressing. It was probably a foretaste of what is to come on the trek north. I do hope you all will get to work on that weather situation up there.
After "absolute assurances" from my prescription supplier that the ordered meds will be in Ft. Lauderdale tomorrow(Saturday), I will be bidding a fond "Adieu" to Miami, the 10 foot city, with its crappy cell phone coverage and even worse Internet access, and its rather very nice weather, and will be heading NORTH . . . . to Ft. Lauderdale, and beyond.
Just to keep me sane, I was heading out to the market for ice and things, using the trip to test out my new hone-brew shear pin, but the outboard refused to start! How typical.Following the wisdom of the local liveaboards - who helped me the last time - I trace the fuel line (90% of the time the problem is fuel) and found that no fuel was getting from the tank to the motor. Even pumping the little ball in the fuel line did not draw fuel into the fuel line as far as I could tell. An d"YES" there was fuel in the tank.There must be a leak somewhere but where exactly it is I wasn't able to discover. Supposedly the ethanol they put in gas in murder on hose, especially marine ones and perhaps the one the runs from the fitting on the top of the tank into the supply of fuel is "compromised" somehow. I am sure that I will find out eventually, probably by the time I get back to Connecticut!
I actually got an email ad from Isle of Hope Marina out side of Savannah where I stayed on the way down. They are offering a "deal"of I stop on the way through. I am not sure about "Marching Through Georgia" again. It might be worth the trip outside to avoid all the twists and turns but then again, what's the hurry.
I will have to get up early to lay out the course back to Ft. Lauderdale. I haven't had to do that in a while and it will be interesting to see how long it takes to get back into the "traveling routine."
It actually got sort of cold last night and this morning. I actually had to put o0n the sweatpants and a second shirt for morning coffee in the cockpit. It was, how shall I put it, distressing. It was probably a foretaste of what is to come on the trek north. I do hope you all will get to work on that weather situation up there.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
If You're Not Going To Do It, Don't Do It Rightt!
SHIP'S LOG:
The most eventual thing that happened today was the weather! MY friends at NOAA have been predicting for the last few days that there would be a 40% chance of rain on Thursday afternoon. Well, we certainly got RAIN!
I had just finished lunch and was getting ready to do a little more work on the dinghy, when this trawler comes by and the owner, Bob from Kentucky, wants to know if it's alright to anchorage. I told him that it was "free" and as he started to move off, he said "Look at that sky!" Well to the west, the horizon was black and I mead black. You have probably seen storm clouds like this when it has been a really hot and humid summer day. They were black and threatening. They were more than " a 40% chance of showers" in a big way.
I flipped on the weather radio and got the "spotter Activation squeal" from NOAA and the announcement of our impending doom. Well, not that bad, but " winds to 60 mils an hour, torrential rain, nickle size hail, and . . . . the most danger will be from the frequent and numerous lightening strikes." NOAA has such a way with words! "Perfect Peter", the computerized voice of NOAA said that the storm would last from 12:15 to 12:45 and they were right about that. In between, we got everything they predicted as well. Before the first real gust hit, the boats were oriented South West and the first real 50-60 mile an hour gust laid every boat over on its side. I went over almost 30degrees, pretty close to putting a rail in the water. I got into my rain gear, put on my PFD( Personal Flotation Device) and started the engine. I kept thinking about the White Squall/ Micro Burst up in Ft. Pierce. This was almost as bad, not as long, but the "nickle size hail" made it worse.
It rained so hard I could see 30 feet, not even Bob's trawler who was perhaps that far when he dropped the hook in a bit of a rush to get it down before the storm. Talking afterwards, he thought he dragged in the blow but it didn't look so and since the weather has "moderated," he'll stay where he is.
In the end, it was the most rain I have seen at one time since Ft. Pierce and it washed all the salt and dirt and other detritus from the boat. And then the sun came out! AHHHHHH!
Put another 2 layers/coats of liquid electrical tape on the dinghy leak. I think that it may be holding completely now. It will get another couple of layers tomorrow.
I got a call from Bob & Olga - the oar has arrived but the meds had not, so I called the prescription company to find out when they would arrive. I had ordered them on March 2nd and was told they would arrive at Olga's in seven(7) days. Long story short, they were going to arrive not today, not tomorrow but on Monday. I talked with the rep to see if anything could be done to see if they could speed up the process. They said to talk to UPS who was handling the shipping and they said that the request had to come from the shippee. So I went back to the prescription company and talked with three representatives, they like to call them "advocates" - I think they like the term because they sure don't know what it means - and found out that they felt there was nothing that they could do to get the meds to Connecticut any fast. CONNECTICUT??!?!? I explained to them that when I ordered the meds, I told the "advocate" who took the order that they were to be shipped to Ft. Lauderdale. I confirmed this later with another "advocate" who called to confirm the correctness of the order. Ft. Lauderdale, Florida not Connecticut. I got kicked up several more "advocate levels," all the while trying to explain that , "No, I wasn't planning to spend a month in Ft. Lauderdale, " " No I wouldn't be able to be in Connecticut to receive the shipment," " No, I couldn't guarantee that I could be at a particular place at a particular time because I was traveling by boat" they really didn't seem to grasp that, and on and on. The upshot is that they will "try" to overnight a new order to the Ft. Lauderdale address and I wonder how long I would have hung around waiting for the package they wasn't coming? Nothing like a Major "Whoopsie" after a storm to make your day!
The most eventual thing that happened today was the weather! MY friends at NOAA have been predicting for the last few days that there would be a 40% chance of rain on Thursday afternoon. Well, we certainly got RAIN!
I had just finished lunch and was getting ready to do a little more work on the dinghy, when this trawler comes by and the owner, Bob from Kentucky, wants to know if it's alright to anchorage. I told him that it was "free" and as he started to move off, he said "Look at that sky!" Well to the west, the horizon was black and I mead black. You have probably seen storm clouds like this when it has been a really hot and humid summer day. They were black and threatening. They were more than " a 40% chance of showers" in a big way.
I flipped on the weather radio and got the "spotter Activation squeal" from NOAA and the announcement of our impending doom. Well, not that bad, but " winds to 60 mils an hour, torrential rain, nickle size hail, and . . . . the most danger will be from the frequent and numerous lightening strikes." NOAA has such a way with words! "Perfect Peter", the computerized voice of NOAA said that the storm would last from 12:15 to 12:45 and they were right about that. In between, we got everything they predicted as well. Before the first real gust hit, the boats were oriented South West and the first real 50-60 mile an hour gust laid every boat over on its side. I went over almost 30degrees, pretty close to putting a rail in the water. I got into my rain gear, put on my PFD( Personal Flotation Device) and started the engine. I kept thinking about the White Squall/ Micro Burst up in Ft. Pierce. This was almost as bad, not as long, but the "nickle size hail" made it worse.
It rained so hard I could see 30 feet, not even Bob's trawler who was perhaps that far when he dropped the hook in a bit of a rush to get it down before the storm. Talking afterwards, he thought he dragged in the blow but it didn't look so and since the weather has "moderated," he'll stay where he is.
In the end, it was the most rain I have seen at one time since Ft. Pierce and it washed all the salt and dirt and other detritus from the boat. And then the sun came out! AHHHHHH!
Put another 2 layers/coats of liquid electrical tape on the dinghy leak. I think that it may be holding completely now. It will get another couple of layers tomorrow.
I got a call from Bob & Olga - the oar has arrived but the meds had not, so I called the prescription company to find out when they would arrive. I had ordered them on March 2nd and was told they would arrive at Olga's in seven(7) days. Long story short, they were going to arrive not today, not tomorrow but on Monday. I talked with the rep to see if anything could be done to see if they could speed up the process. They said to talk to UPS who was handling the shipping and they said that the request had to come from the shippee. So I went back to the prescription company and talked with three representatives, they like to call them "advocates" - I think they like the term because they sure don't know what it means - and found out that they felt there was nothing that they could do to get the meds to Connecticut any fast. CONNECTICUT??!?!? I explained to them that when I ordered the meds, I told the "advocate" who took the order that they were to be shipped to Ft. Lauderdale. I confirmed this later with another "advocate" who called to confirm the correctness of the order. Ft. Lauderdale, Florida not Connecticut. I got kicked up several more "advocate levels," all the while trying to explain that , "No, I wasn't planning to spend a month in Ft. Lauderdale, " " No I wouldn't be able to be in Connecticut to receive the shipment," " No, I couldn't guarantee that I could be at a particular place at a particular time because I was traveling by boat" they really didn't seem to grasp that, and on and on. The upshot is that they will "try" to overnight a new order to the Ft. Lauderdale address and I wonder how long I would have hung around waiting for the package they wasn't coming? Nothing like a Major "Whoopsie" after a storm to make your day!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
HAppy Ash Wednesday
SHIP'S LOG:
As I mentioned before, Internet access down here in the Miami Anchorage leaves a lot to be desired. After trying for almost an hour last night to get a Blog out, I gave up in frustration and went to bed. Tonight, the Internet access seems a little bit more reliable . . . perhaps.
I made a shear pin out of a piece of stainless steel rod I found in my "What Not" locker. I have no idea where it was from or what it was for, but it fit(the right diameter and cut to length) and so the outboard is up and running again. More shear pins await me in Ft. Pierce and so if this one holds all should be well in that department in the future.
I have been trying to plug the slow leak in the front tube of the dinghy but nothing I try works completely. My latest effort involved using liquid electrical tape. It slows the leak down considerably but doesn't quite stop it all the way. As a result, I am trying to apply several coats/layers in the hope of stopping it completely. If not, Dave Dixon ie. "Dr. Fix-It" will have to make another "house call" once I get back up to Beaufort, SC.
As I mentioned before, Internet access down here in the Miami Anchorage leaves a lot to be desired. After trying for almost an hour last night to get a Blog out, I gave up in frustration and went to bed. Tonight, the Internet access seems a little bit more reliable . . . perhaps.
I made a shear pin out of a piece of stainless steel rod I found in my "What Not" locker. I have no idea where it was from or what it was for, but it fit(the right diameter and cut to length) and so the outboard is up and running again. More shear pins await me in Ft. Pierce and so if this one holds all should be well in that department in the future.
I have been trying to plug the slow leak in the front tube of the dinghy but nothing I try works completely. My latest effort involved using liquid electrical tape. It slows the leak down considerably but doesn't quite stop it all the way. As a result, I am trying to apply several coats/layers in the hope of stopping it completely. If not, Dave Dixon ie. "Dr. Fix-It" will have to make another "house call" once I get back up to Beaufort, SC.
Three of the boats anchored near me hauled up and headed out today. All three are headed north and I should be following in a few days, once all my packages arrive in Ft. Lauderdale. There will be several stops further on in Florida but after them, then next "appointment stop" is Beaufort,SC.
I am itchy to start the trip back. Once you set a goal and reach it there is sort of an empty feeling having accomplished what you set out to do and you get to wonder about what is next. For me the next is to get back home. My two basic goals were to see Jerry and get to a place where the "water doesn't freeze in the bilge" and I have accomplished both. Truth be told, had the winter been less severe in the North, I probably would have started back already. I am really only holding off until I get my mail and then I will be homeward bound. I am sure that somewhere on the trip home, when I get hit with a sudden unexpected gold snap, I will regret not staying longer, but what the heck, there is no place like home.
It will be a bit strange going over "familiar ground" and some of the places I am not all that eager to see again, like the three "Hell Gates" but there are some others that I really do want to stop and check out. I especially hope that the Dismal Swamp route will be navigable for ABISHAG as I don't know when or if I will have another chance to do it. For now, everything depends on UPS, FED-EX or whoever is delivering the packages. Thursday is suppose to crap out so the earliest departure will be Friday. Like I said, I am getting itchy.
I am itchy to start the trip back. Once you set a goal and reach it there is sort of an empty feeling having accomplished what you set out to do and you get to wonder about what is next. For me the next is to get back home. My two basic goals were to see Jerry and get to a place where the "water doesn't freeze in the bilge" and I have accomplished both. Truth be told, had the winter been less severe in the North, I probably would have started back already. I am really only holding off until I get my mail and then I will be homeward bound. I am sure that somewhere on the trip home, when I get hit with a sudden unexpected gold snap, I will regret not staying longer, but what the heck, there is no place like home.
It will be a bit strange going over "familiar ground" and some of the places I am not all that eager to see again, like the three "Hell Gates" but there are some others that I really do want to stop and check out. I especially hope that the Dismal Swamp route will be navigable for ABISHAG as I don't know when or if I will have another chance to do it. For now, everything depends on UPS, FED-EX or whoever is delivering the packages. Thursday is suppose to crap out so the earliest departure will be Friday. Like I said, I am getting itchy.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sometime This Week . . .
SHIP'S LOG:
Sometime this week I will be starting my homeward ramble. What will determine the "when" is when the two mail drop/package deliveries make it to Fort Lauderdale. These will include some medication and a brand new dinghy Oar. When I get the word from Bob & Olga that they have arrived, I will make the short trip up to Fort Lauderdale and make the pick up. I hope that this time I will got to Las Olas Marina which is right on the ICW. I am hoping that I will be able to pick up one of their $20/ night moorings. If not I will have to go back to the New River and tie up on the wall again. Las Olas would be better, better access to showers and laundry and a bit less expensive. After that stop the trip will really begin, but slowly.
I have to make one stop at Fort Pierce to pick up shear pins for the outboard. I finally got the size but not from any of the dealers here in Miami, but from the shop that handles the winterizing of the engine up in Mystic, CT. Dana Avery, a real regular guy, could not believe that none of the dealers would give me the specs for something so ordinary as a shear pin nor that the shops were out of them. He didn't hesitate and I had Skip Moss order them for me. Skip works atr the Ft. Pierce West Marine. He couldn't get stainless steel pins so I went with 10 brass ones. When I winterize the engine in the fall, I'll have Dana install a stainless one. Stopping in Ft. Pierce will be a last chance to see Gerry for probably quite a while and to see if Brad ever did get that radar cable run.
After that, I have to make a stop in Melbourne, sometime between March 20th - 30th. An old friend was discovered living in Melbourne and I will stop and she her and her husband mother. In addition, I want to stop and see Bob and his wife, Chris at the Cocoa Village Marina where I spent Christmas and where they were so helpful and generous. It is just norht of Melbourne. After that, I want to stop in St. Augustine to see another friend who is living there as opposed to the west coast. I thought they were around Tampa and was much disappointed to find out that I had missed them. There are also MArtha and Rich in Palm Coast who demand a visit and who am I to refuse.
Once Florida is done, there are no more "planned visits" until Beaufort, SC. I will stop and see Guy McSweeney and Dr. Fix-it. I finally discovered the slow leak in my dinghy and did my best to fix it, but it will need an expert's hand and that means a stop in Beaufort to see Dr. Fix-it.
The water police around here were especially active on Sunday, stopping anyone on a PWC who was even thinking about exceeding the speed limit in the manatee zones and flagging every powerboat except for the really big adn really expensive ones . . .that are usually the biggest noise and wake makers.I have yet to understand how they apply laws down here.
I would have thought that the Miami area, especially right here between Miami Beach and Miami would have no problems withe cell phones or internet coverage. WRONG!!!!!!! It is awful and not every dependable. Calls get dropped, are garble and sometimes go to the wrong number. The internet covere3age fades in and out. This is the third time I have tried to type and post this blog. This place has nothing to recommend it . . .except the weather.
Sometime this week I will be starting my homeward ramble. What will determine the "when" is when the two mail drop/package deliveries make it to Fort Lauderdale. These will include some medication and a brand new dinghy Oar. When I get the word from Bob & Olga that they have arrived, I will make the short trip up to Fort Lauderdale and make the pick up. I hope that this time I will got to Las Olas Marina which is right on the ICW. I am hoping that I will be able to pick up one of their $20/ night moorings. If not I will have to go back to the New River and tie up on the wall again. Las Olas would be better, better access to showers and laundry and a bit less expensive. After that stop the trip will really begin, but slowly.
I have to make one stop at Fort Pierce to pick up shear pins for the outboard. I finally got the size but not from any of the dealers here in Miami, but from the shop that handles the winterizing of the engine up in Mystic, CT. Dana Avery, a real regular guy, could not believe that none of the dealers would give me the specs for something so ordinary as a shear pin nor that the shops were out of them. He didn't hesitate and I had Skip Moss order them for me. Skip works atr the Ft. Pierce West Marine. He couldn't get stainless steel pins so I went with 10 brass ones. When I winterize the engine in the fall, I'll have Dana install a stainless one. Stopping in Ft. Pierce will be a last chance to see Gerry for probably quite a while and to see if Brad ever did get that radar cable run.
After that, I have to make a stop in Melbourne, sometime between March 20th - 30th. An old friend was discovered living in Melbourne and I will stop and she her and her husband mother. In addition, I want to stop and see Bob and his wife, Chris at the Cocoa Village Marina where I spent Christmas and where they were so helpful and generous. It is just norht of Melbourne. After that, I want to stop in St. Augustine to see another friend who is living there as opposed to the west coast. I thought they were around Tampa and was much disappointed to find out that I had missed them. There are also MArtha and Rich in Palm Coast who demand a visit and who am I to refuse.
Once Florida is done, there are no more "planned visits" until Beaufort, SC. I will stop and see Guy McSweeney and Dr. Fix-it. I finally discovered the slow leak in my dinghy and did my best to fix it, but it will need an expert's hand and that means a stop in Beaufort to see Dr. Fix-it.
The water police around here were especially active on Sunday, stopping anyone on a PWC who was even thinking about exceeding the speed limit in the manatee zones and flagging every powerboat except for the really big adn really expensive ones . . .that are usually the biggest noise and wake makers.I have yet to understand how they apply laws down here.
I would have thought that the Miami area, especially right here between Miami Beach and Miami would have no problems withe cell phones or internet coverage. WRONG!!!!!!! It is awful and not every dependable. Calls get dropped, are garble and sometimes go to the wrong number. The internet covere3age fades in and out. This is the third time I have tried to type and post this blog. This place has nothing to recommend it . . .except the weather.
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